Slovenia activity vacation for families with teenagers. Helping Dreamers Do

From

£795

8 Days excluding flights

More info:Price includes: 3 star hotel, breakfast included, all equipment and activities, airport return transfers, tour leader. Age matching for families is always considered. 10 x activities. And much more!

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“Take teens on an eight day small group activity break in the mountains, rivers and lakes surrounding Slovenia's student populated capital city, Ljubljana ”

Highlights

Please feel free to contact the Help Desk team if you need any advice on your vacation plans. We're always happy to help!

Toll free 1-866-821-6866 rosy@responsiblevacation.com

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Date

Price per adult

Basis

Status

29 Jul 2017

£ 795

excluding flights

Full

05 Aug 2017

£ 795

excluding flights

Full

12 Aug 2017

£ 795

excluding flights

5 spaces left

Click here to enquire about or book the 12 Aug 2017 departure

Vouchers

Accepted

Vacation type

Small group vacations

Small group travel is not large group travel scaled down. It is modelled on independent travel – but with the advantage of a group leader to take care of the itinerary, accommodation and tickets, and dealing with the language. It’s easy to tick off the big sights independently – but finding those one-off experiences, local festivals, traveling markets and secret viewpoints is almost impossible for someone without the insider knowledge gained from years in the field. If you’re heading off on a gap year your, perhaps – but for those with a two-week vacation, a small group tour will save valuable planning time.

The leaders are not guides – they’re not there to shepherd you around. Instead, they’ll let you know which local restaurant serves great value food – without running the risk of travelers’ tummy. They’ll allow you to avoid hour-long queues at train stations and attractions.

We like to think of small group travel as the Goldilocks option. It is independent travel without the fuss, worry and bunk beds – and organised travel without the coaches. And it’s cheaper than a tailor made tour. It’s sits somewhere in the middle – and we think it’s just about right.

What are the main benefits?

Big experiences
Have big, life-enriching experiences that would be impossible to organise without lots of time and insider knowledge.

Simplicity
Make the most of your vacation time by letting someone else do the hard work and boring logistics!

Peace of mind
Small group tours take care of the security aspects – and provide a safety net should anything unexpected happen.

Who is it ideal for?

Travelers who are short of time
If you don’t have three months to spend exploring, small groups trips let you cover more ground in less time. Your days are not spent queuing for tickets or finding hotels – so you can squeeze more into your vacation.

Solo travelers who’d like company
Likeminded travel companions plus peace of mind for those traveling alone. Single supplements are usually available – providing privacy if you want it.

Less confident travelers
Stray from the tourist trail without worrying about getting lost, and meet local people without dealing with the language barrier.

Mythbuster

“I won’t get any privacy!”
Couples and friends have private rooms, and you can choose to eat alone or not. Single supplements give solo travelers their own room.

“There won’t be any free time”
Free mornings or afternoons let you explore on your own, or just relax.

“The accommodation will be basic”
Trips are as high or low end as you like. Though off the beaten track destinations won’t have luxury hotels, this is all part of the adventure.

“I won’t like the other travelers!”
Tour operators try to create groups with a similar demographic – age, families, activity levels... Chances are, you’ll even make new friends.

“Will we be following an umbrella?”
No.

Meet a group leader

As well as taking care of all the day-to-day practicalities, your group leader is the one who will turn your trip into an adventure. Leaders are extraordinary characters – the kind of person who has spent 14 Christmas days on the slopes of Mount Everest, runs marathons wearing tiger suits to raise funds for their conservation and thinks nothing of leading an overland trip in Sudan or Afghanistan. Fearless and inspiring, group leaders are as important as the destination itself.

Meet a local guide

No matter how experienced your group leader, they can never make up for the knowledge gained from a lifetime in the destination. That’s why many of our trips work with local guides around the world – who invite you into their homeland with pleasure. As well as doing crazy things like climbing Kilimanjaro 100 times, they also donate their time to local projects supported by travelers – such as rebuilding Sri Lankan villages following the 2004 tsunami.

Responsible tourism

Responsible tourism: Slovenia activity vacation for families with teenagers

Environment

Slovenia is not on the traveler's top list of places to visit yet and we would like to keep it that way because in such a fragile and clean environment regulated tourism has already been proven as the best solution.

Ljubljana itself lies next to many National Parks and by taking people there on a mountain trip we educate them about the unique fauna and flora and how tourism can impact the local ecology. If not managed carefully tourism has the capacity to disrespect the landscape through building roads, the parking of vehicles on the pastures and fields, using motorbikes and quad bikes on mountain tracks and collecting endangered mountain flora.

Community

Using a local agency we work with local guides and qualified sports enthusiasts who are all well trained and friendly and helpful. Our philosophy has always been that, next to the destination, a genuine human touch is the thing that makes a fantastic vacation. It has been proven to be so.

In this area the landscape and people have been seriously affected by both World Wars. In WW1 one of the bloodiest and biggest battles in the high Alps took place along the river. To make people aware of this fact, we present to clients all the important 'must see' places in the area.

We encourage customers to try local food like ‘Frika’ and local dances and it's very easy to soak in the local atmosphere, since almost everyone speaks English, many Italian and if you are brave enough, you can try Slovenian. Bless you for that as it's certainly not easy!

On this vacation, only local accommodation providers are used who employ local staff in all areas. The fact that the hotel is the only one in town helps sustain tourism in just the right quantity which reflects quality as well. Recycling is essential wherever possible, too.

9 Reviews of Slovenia activity vacation for families with teenagers

3.5 out of 5 stars

SHOW

Reviewed on 14 Aug 2011 by Peter Suddaby

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

There were many, but the canyoning day was so different that it takes 1st place.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If you are not quite sure about doing the activities, don't worry just go for it as the guides will ensure that you stay safe.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes! The adventure company and the hotel employed local people and we responsible tourists in the Soca Valley area can help boost the local economy.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Although we had poor weather for the first two days the guides rearranged our activities to ensure that we were still able to complete the planned itinerary, so you always felt that your vacation mattered to them. It was a great experience in a safe, organised environment...top class!

Reviewed on 01 Sep 2010 by Anne Lindsey

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Facing my fear of being submerged in the kayak training! Only achieved because of my faith and trust in our guide Peter. I then did not capsize on any of the rapids but enjoyed the thrill of the challenge.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Take plenty of swimwear! The weather was not particularly good and there wasn't anywhere to dry the wet swimsuits.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

The guides were clear about the importance of the environment and how they were careful to take care of the river stocks and state of the river. We too respected the surroundings. We ate in the hotel for most lunches as well and spent freely on extra drinks so hopefully adding to their income.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Our vacation had a good mix of action and relaxation. We were very impressed by the many kindnesses, thoughtfulness and fun offered by the Maya team and the hotel staff. Slovenia is very beautiful and the guides gave us insights into the history and culture of their country.

Reviewed on 30 Aug 2010 by Lizzie Munsey

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Canyoning - descent on ropes down a 27m waterfall!

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Book enough activities into your free afternoons - we weren't quite prepared for the amount of free time we had.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, definitely.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Brilliant, but would have loved a more mixed group (as a couple we were with 4 single men) - but that's always the problem with booking onto a group vacation!

Reviewed on 27 Aug 2010 by Tim Patten

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

The enthusiasm with which the staff of the hotel Lucija and tour company looked after us.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Be prepared for weather which can be very hot or very wet.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, everybody who looked after us was Slovenian, most from the Tolmin area.
Other than the inevitable motorised transport, none of the activities seemed to have significant environmental impact.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Excellent.

Reviewed on 13 Jul 2010 by Sophie benaissa

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

On our last evening, we sat with our very’ filled digital cameras and talked through the whole experience. The opinions were quite varied and surprising. Somebody commented on the food being their highlight! Whilst I agree, the food in the hotel was exceptionally good, I would have to say the outdoor activities spring to my mind first ha ha. Possibly the best of the best was kayaking!?! A close second would be the mini rafts and 3rd would be the canyoning splash and slide experience.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Ask lots of questions before you book! Make sure this vacation is suitable for you. There’s nothing worse than moaning guests. Luckily, I found only pleasant people on this trip but I’ve haven’t been so lucky on other tours. Read the itinerary, understand your requirements, ask ask and ask again.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

I don’t think mini buses are particularly environmentally friendly, but compared to self drive vacations, you are reducing the number of cars on the road. Tolmin as a town seemed very clean and quiet, so the incoming tourism is certainly not wrecking the locals way of life. The local staff were a happy bunch, so I can only presume they are happy and benefit from our bookings.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Just the ticket. A short flight from England is a good start for me (I’m not a keen flier) and the tour was run exactly how advertised by the company I booked with. The only surprises were positive one’s and I extend my hand in thanks to all that made it possible.

Reviewed on 25 Jun 2010 by Troy Morgan

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

It’s fair to say, the whole vacation was memorable. Of course there we some choice moments throughout the week. Although not in the itinerary, on the first evening our guides took us all to the nearby playing fields, where we enjoyed games. A cracking ice breaker, helping all the guests to get to know each other. A lot of laughter was shared and straight away I knew this had been the right decision. On the adventure side of things, the biking was very enjoyable. We jumped and played in the river to cool off along the way and saw a few smaller villages and stopped off at the Tolminka caves. Not a lot of people know about the Julian Alps, but they are stunning. We all enjoyed the canoe rafts, learning to tackle the white waters and the guides made time for games. We really appreciated this. There didn’t seem an urgency with the guides, they obviously enjoyed the client interaction.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

There are opportunities to book other activities in advance, I wish I had done this, as availability was booked when there. I guess a reason to come back.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Well our guide was from Tolmin, so its certainly helping him. I can’t see how the activities have a negative impact on the environment, as groups are controlled and well organized

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Just being close to the Soca river is a spiritual awakening. Tolmin is laid back and relaxed and extremely picturesque. My overall experience was very positive. Everything was centred around guests relaxing and having fun. This to me stands out in my memory and I would like to thank them for that. The staff worked very hard and I very nice people. And very happy. It’s a positive place to have a vacation, and most of all, a lot of fun!

Reviewed on 01 Jul 2009 by Jennifer Grainger

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

We loved the white water rafting, the views are craggy and hilly with the amazing opaque turquoise Soca river. Our guide was full of local history, we felt in safe hands and he helped to pull the group together. Summer is a good time to go to Tolmin for all day entertainment as there are music festivals a walk from the hotel. We wont forget the knees up we had at the local festival to the marvellous Slovenian Brass band, there was lots of dancing fuelled by very reasonably priced Pivo's.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If you're also going on the walk/trek up Mount Krn it is steep and you will need proper walking boots and poles. You can buy these things there but Tolmin is a small place so if you've got them take them. Unfortunately my body fell apart on the trek, if yours also decides to betray you in front of your new friends then ask the office to book a massage at Modrina in Kobarid. It's only one man but he was the local football team's physiotherapist. It costs approx 40 Euros for a cab there and back, which the operator can also arrange and 40 Euros for a one hour massage. One more tip, buy the coffee from the bar in Hotel Krn at Breakfast because the stuff they serve for breakfast tastes like a coffee/bovril hybrid. Yuck.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

We ate in local restaurants and bars and the tour company is local, our guide was mindful to remind us not to leave anything behind and I have to say that you really see it, I didn’t see any rubbish at all in the mountains, which was amazing! There are no MacDonalds in Tolmin but there is illy coffee!

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

If you are anything like me then you may return from your vacation with about 400 pictures, within which you feature in 3 of them (If you're no peach then that's not a bad thing, but if like me you're foxy peach then what a shame). ...so it was great that we could buy a CD at the end of al the activities containing a good wealth of good snaps of us doing our activities and mucking about... and judging by those we had a very good time indeed.

Reviewed on 01 Jul 2009 by Lisa Rose

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Kayaking day was brilliant, great fun, excitement and good company.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

Some of the activities may require more fitness than is stated, also, need more kit than is stated. Suggest you may want to try to use self catering accommodation as the hotel is really noisy.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

All of the people employed were local. Some transport used but was necessary. Not sure about the accommodation’s environmental code but would doubt if it is top in their mind.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Great activities, cool and fun people.

Reviewed on 27 Oct 2009 by Karen Simpson

1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your vacation?

Cayoning.

2. What tips would you give other travelers booking this vacation?

If you are a single person like me check the rest of the group isn't all families.

3. Did you feel that your vacation benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes, but the hotel needed to have more staff especially who could speak English.

4. Finally, how would you rate your vacation overall?

Pretty region but could have included more nightlife and better food.

Read the operator's response here:

Thank you for taking the time to give us your feedback. We welcome both active families and adventurous adults, to enjoy the many thrilling activities which Tolmin has to offer. Age mapping guests & groups together is something we are highly successful at achieving (and very conscious of). However, we regret during the time that you stayed as a ‘Solo-Traveler’ looking to be paired with like minded adult groups, was not possible on your very specific departure dates. In light of this feedback, we have introduced in 2010 specific ‘solo’ departure dates for adults. This will & has already benefited active families and adults, to choose the best dates to join our amazing adventures.