Soča Valley day trip from Ljubljana: Vršič Pass and emerald river

Fifty hairpin bends and an emerald river in one day

A small-group day tour from Ljubljana climbs the Vršič Pass (Slovenia's highest mountain road with fifty numbered hairpin bends built by WWI prisoners of war), then drops into the Soča Valley. After a morning stop at Lake Jasna and the drive through Triglav National Park, the group splits in Bovec to choose between an easy walk to the turquoise Kozjak Waterfall and a museum visit, or three hours of rafting on the emerald Soča with a professional crew. Everyone regroups for the return to Ljubljana.

Step-by-step itinerary

Soča Valley and Triglav National Park tour

• Stop at Lake Jasna for photos
• Drive over Vršič Pass with photo stops
• Lunch in Bovec town
• Choose Kozjak Waterfalls & Kobarid walk or Soča rafting
• Regroup in Bovec for return drive

What’s included

• Licensed local English-speaking guide-driver.
• guaranteed departure with 2 or more guests booked, no cancellations or rebookings.
• comfortable air-conditioned minivan for up to 8 people.
• central Ljubljana pickup and drop-off.
• guided walk to Kozjak Waterfall and time in Kobarid (waterfalls option only).
• rafting setup with professional crew and full equipment (rafting option only).

Times

Next departure: 2 May 2027

2 departing soon ›

Before you book

Group Up to 8

Live guide English

Meeting point and pickup No hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Book up to 3h before

Ages Adult (13 and older) · Child (under 13)

Cancellation and refunds Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund. It may be canceled if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Good to know

Moderate physical effort Infant seats available

Operated by Gray Line Slovenia I Slovenia Explorer

Prices and times updated 2 days ago

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Traveler reviews

5.00 ★★★★★ Exceptional 9 verified traveler reviews

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The experience

Ten hours round-trip from Ljubljana, the tour starts early and climbs steadily. Lake Jasna sits just above Kranjska Gora (two small lakes of clear green water with the Julian Alps behind them), and gives you a first look at the terrain before the road gets serious. The Vršič Pass itself is the spine of the day: at 1,611 metres, it is Slovenia's highest mountain road, and the fifty numbered hairpin bends are the reason. The road was built by prisoners of war during WWI and cuts through Triglav National Park, past the wooden Russian Chapel, before dropping into the Trenta valley where the Soča begins. Photo stops happen on the way down.

In Bovec, lunch is on your own and then the group splits by the option you chose at booking. The Kozjak Waterfall walk is easy (a short hike to a turquoise pool hidden in a rock chamber) followed by time in Kobarid, where the museum tells the story of the WWI Soča Front. Admissions to both are optional and paid locally. The Soča rafting option runs three hours on the river with a professional crew and full equipment. Beginners and children are welcome, and the fee is paid separately after booking. Either way, everyone regroups in Bovec for the drive back to Ljubljana, arriving in the evening.

The group stays small (up to 8 people in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, not a big coach), and the same local team has run this tour since 2011 as an official Gray Line Slovenia licensee. The guide is a licensed local who speaks English and drives. The tour departs with 2 or more guests booked, guaranteed. If you end up as the only traveler on a date, the operator offers an alternative departure or a full refund.

Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (under 13).

What is the Vršič Pass and why is it part of this tour?

The Vršič Pass is Slovenia's highest mountain road at 1,611 metres, crossing through Triglav National Park with fifty numbered hairpin bends. It was built by prisoners of war during WWI and is the main route into the Soča Valley. The pass itself is the dramatic centerpiece of the drive and includes photo stops on the way down.

Can I choose what to do in the afternoon, or is the itinerary fixed?

You choose one of two options at booking: an easy walk to the Kozjak Waterfall (a turquoise pool in a rock chamber), and time in Kobarid with its WWI museum, or three hours of rafting on the emerald Soča with a professional crew. Both groups depart together from Bovec and return together to Ljubljana.

What is included in the price and what costs extra?

The guide, transport in the minivan, and the Kozjak Waterfall walk or rafting setup are included. Admissions to the Kobarid museum are optional and paid locally. If you choose the rafting option, the rafting fee is paid separately. The operator contacts you with details after booking. Lunch in Bovec is on your own.

How small is the group, and what kind of vehicle is used?

The group is up to 8 people in a comfortable air-conditioned minivan, not a big coach. The same guide-driver leads the tour, so there is no separate driver and guide.

What should I bring if I choose the rafting option?

Bring swimwear, a towel and a change of clothes. The professional crew provides full equipment, and beginners and children are welcome on the water.