‘A truly magical trip in the most beautiful country with a guide that guides so effortlessly it just feels like you're on holiday with friends. I will definitely be back. If you're considering it, get your place booked now.’ Kathy, Wild Swim Slovenia 2024

Wild Swim Slovenia

Wine Country

New for 2025! Explore Slovenia’s peaceful wine region, where the Soča river emerges and the Vipava river winds its way through the historic vineyards of this karst landscape. We will hike, cycle and travel by train, to explore the waterways that gives life from the limestone, and of course have the chance to enjoy tasting the wine that makes this region so special.

Seeking out cold water springs, slow stretches of river and following an underground journey through a dramatic gorge, each day will be full of exploration, laughter and plenty of opportunities to swim.

Dates

  • April 4th - 11th 2025

    Spring arrives a little earlier down in the Vipava valley, and our April tour makes the most of the fresh green leaves in the vineyards, quiet trails and of course unforgettable swim spots.

  • November 7th -14th

    Early November is time to celebrate grapes turning into young wine! The Vipava valley is alive with celebration and we’ll be sure to join in the fun and soak in the atmosphere on our daily dips and adventures.

Join us!

You can book directly for our April and November adventures with the button below. I do hope you’ll join us! Simply scroll on the embedded calendar to find the trip’s start date.

  • Inspire me!

    Each day we will enjoy peaceful walks or E-bike rides, featuring natural pools, rivers or waterfalls for dipping. Every detail is chosen with sustainability, connection and wellbeing in mind. Our breakfasts, lunches and dinners will be locally sourced and made with care, whether we are visiting a farm, enjoying a picnic, or sharing each others’ company in a family run restaurant, alongside opportunities to visit local producers for tasting experiences, all found along the banks of the river.

  • Who's coming?

    Everyone who loves the water! This trip is focused on enjoying Slovenia’s incredible water from wherever you are at, whether thats simply supporting a friend, partner or family member, dipping a toe, or full immersion, everyone is welcome. This is not a distance swimming holiday, and many of our spots are small, natural pools, some are deep, but most have areas where you can remain in-depth should you wish. Some of our trips are for women-only, check the dates to find out which.

  • Leading Together

    We believe in the power of walking and dipping and the positive impacts time spent in nature can have for ourselves, each other and our understanding of the natural world. We protect what we love! We are also committed to giving something back and for all of our Wild Swim Slovenia trips we collaborate with Mental Health Swims, donating 20% of our profits from every trip to help them continue their important work.

Itinerary

We believe in the power of letting go, embracing the unknown and leaving space for awe. Each day we will embark on a beautifully crafted experience, which will involve a mix of hiking, gravel Ebike rides, tasting local food, and of course opportunities to swim and dip. We always include 1-2 incredible spots for immersing yourself in Slovenia’s beautiful waters, often coinciding with a picnic lunch, and we take our time to relax and enjoy the places we are in. We are always flexible and Mikaela’s expertise and local knowledge enables her to pick the best locations every day to suit the weather and conditions. Awe often comes from allowing yourself to be surprised, and this year we are letting go of our day-by-day itineraries on our website in place of a little mystery!

Highlights

  • From crystal blue springs hidden in the forest, to the slow meandering journey of the Vipava river this trip is full of surprises. We will also have the opportunity to explore one very special river that emerges from a canyon deep underground, bursting briefly into the dramatic Karst valley before disappearing again just a few kilometres away, and there may be the opportunity to visit Slovenia’s small stretch of coast on the adriatic sea.

  • Throughout the trip we will enjoy hikes that take us through shady lowland forests, with secret pools and gorges, to soaring plateaus with dramatic ridgelines and views towards the adriatic sea across the mediterranean vineyards of the Vipava Valley.

  • Partnering with a local expert, we will take a tour travelling up, down and around through beautifully rolling terrain, with a stop to swim in the meandering Vipava river and finishing at a vineyard to enjoy a tasting experience.

  • Culture is at the heart of this trip, as we travel through ancient vineyards on foot, in the water, by bicycle and by train and stay with families who have been tending the land for generations. Each evening, we will have the opportunity to enjoy wine made by our hosts, and learn about the characteristic Slovene varieties that are crafted here.

    On our final evening, we will enjoy a special home-cooked meal, paired with local wine, looking back across the valley to celebrate our journey.

  • “I keep replaying some of our amazing adventures in my head to keep me going. They’ll be living rent free in my head for a very long time.”

    Helen - Sept 24

  • "The Wild Swimming Slovenia trip far exceeded my expectations! It was a magical week swimming in gorges, lakes and hidden rivers - in whatever the weather!"

    Hannah - Sept 2024

  • "Had the most incredible week of wild swimming, hiking and cycling in Slovenia guided by Mikaela, who is knowledgeable, patient and thoughtful in the way she puts together the itinerary and guides the trip."

    Katie - Sept 2024

  • "The warmth and inclusiveness of our group which ranged from 30 to 70 was also inspiring and Mikaela gelled the group together so that we felt like we'd known each other forever."

    Kathy - Sept 24

  • "I cannot recommend this holiday and company enough. I return home feeling younger, totally inspired- with new friends and memories to last a lifetime."

    Jane - Sept 2024

  • " Mikaela transferred her enthusiasm, confidence and encouragement to the group giving us confidence to experience our best, regardless of age, ability and weather conditions!"

    Susan - Sept 2024

Accommodation

  • Cebron Family Estate

    Preserje

  • Ronar Resort

    Plavje

  • Glamping Zarja

    Podkraj

All of our accommodation is carefully selected by Mikaela to combine comfort, culture and delicious home-cooked food.

We often stay at a mix of working farms, small guesthouses and Alpine Cottages, giving you a real taste of Slovene culture and hospitality. The options above may be subject to change but the quality and character will always remain the same.

What's included?

  • Inclusions

    - All of your accommodation (with shared rooms) for the duration of the tour.

    - All of your meals

    - Private transport throughout the trip

    - EBike rental and guided ride

    - Fully guided experience with Mikaela

    - Pre-trip Whatsapp support

    - Local produce tasting opportunities

    - A series of professional photographs

  • Exclusions

    - Flights: We will always send out recommendations once we meet our minimum numbers. For this trip we will be arranging pick-up/drop-off at Trieste airport.

    - Individual Insurance (We will require copies of this)

    - Additional drinks and snacks

    - Single room supplement available (£250pp). When we stay in apartments you will enjoy a separate bedroom, but may need to share a bathroom. At Glamping Zarja you may be sharing a cabin but will be split by a Mezzanine floor.