Hike between memories and smoke bushes

On demand

HIKING
LOCAL CUISINE
CYCLING
UNSPOILED NATURE
TRADITION
IN-DEPTH EXPERIENCES

In the month of October a miracle appears on the Kras. This is the moment when the previously bright green leaves of the smoke bushes turn yellow-red. At the same period everything else, not only smoke bushes, glows red. The leaves of recently harvested grapes turn to colorful red-brown shades, the karst wine “teran” glows dark, almost black, as well as red ham “prosciutto” and other delicious meats. October is the month of fruit harvest and nature decorates festively accordingly. Snow-white to greyish shades of dry walls and stone houses create a picturesque contrast. The views are simply mesmerizing, especially beautiful when they disappear far ahead towards the shallow lagoons around Grado (Gradež), the luxurious mountain ranges of the Dolomites and the Julian Alps, or into the luxurious red-brown colored hilly countryside. Simply a WONDERFUL opportunity for an inspiring fall walk!

In addition to the picturesque villages, we will admire the legacy left by the soldiers from the First World War. Of particular interest will be the huge cavern, carved into the living rock as an underground hall with a series of window openings along the entire side, as well as the fortress above Gorica. Stories from the First World War will follow us through the Monument to the Defenders of Slovenian Land on Cerje, and at a small museum in Opatje Selo, as well. All together will be accompanied by excerpts from traditional life in the Kras: well “štirne”, stone portals *kolone”, ponds “kali” and the making of whips in Opatje Selo..

This time we will gather at Cerje, next to the Monument to the Defenders of the Slovenian Land, where we will end the trip, too.
Duration of the trip:3:45 hours of walking, up to 6 hours with stops
Estimated mileage:12,4 km
Estimated total ascent:218 m
Necessary equipment:hiking shoes, battery flashlight, hiking poles
Countries:Slovenia, Italiy
Begin/End:Cerje, parking lot
Price 35 EUR

Highlights:

  • Stone karst villages Opatje selo, Lokvica and Nova vas
  • Traditional well Vrh drage
  • House of Opajjska tradition and World War I museum
  • Caverns and fortified defensive trenches from the First World War

Price includes:

  • entrance fees
  • traditional snack
  • management and organization of the trip

.Overall Tour Level::

Tour description:

The starting point of the hike is on the panoramic hill of Cerje, next to the Monument to the defenders of the Slovenian land. The path will first lead us through the village of Lokvica. Along the way, we will stop at the traditional karst well “štirna” and later on at the traditional pond, called “kal”, where cattle were once watered. Our first stop will be in Opatje selo, where we will visit an exhibition about the tradition of whipping in the “House of Opajska tradition”.

We will continue along the card track to Nova vas and further along the paths to the Italian border. Not far away it is an interesting cavern from World War I that surprises both with its size and with its elaborate interior, the size of a small hall with a series of openings on the side.

Directly next to the border line, the route will lead us to the north, in the direction of the Italian part of Gorica. Above the town is another fortified outpost, behind the walls of which the town of Gorica was controlled during the First World War. From here to the starting point on Cerje, there will only be a short section of the path, along which we will be accompanied by thick curtains of smoke bushes, alternating with picturesque rock massifs.

.Overall Tour Level::

Irena Hlede is an architect by her profession, but she has worked in the fields of graphic design, journalism and sustainable mobility as well. It was engaged in many sports activities, from sailing to skiing or badminton, but the common thread throughout remains cycling. She regularly participates in the non-governmental organization Slovenska kolesarska mreža (Slovenian Cyclists network) as well as with the European Cycling Federation ECF, lectures on cycling and remains loyal to long-distance cycling. In this field, she completed several trainings – among others for the Assessor under the scheme “Cycle Friendly Employer”, Development of Mobility Plans and for the EuroVelo Route Inspector. She obtained the title and knowledge of a tourist guide at the national level, too, and is the founder and owner of the travel agency GremoZeleno – GoGreenWay. In addition to the in the university obtained areas of architecture and art, she is also keenly interested in ethnology, geography and history with an emphasis on everything related to the local tradition, especially some less known areas, such as the indigenous religion and the people who followed it. She also researches many “borderline” skills, such as dowsing or geomancy. It is a convinced environmentalist and an opponent of violence and wars in general.

She speaks English and French and, of course, Croatian and Serbian.

Mostly flat terrain, only shorter lower hills are possible.
Slightly hilly terrain, ascents and descents are shorter and technically and undemanding for those who are not fit enough.
Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can also be longer and steeper-
Hilly terrain, ascents and descents can be very long and technically demanding.
Mountainous terrain, very demanding ascents and descents on single tracks, tows or otherwise demanding trails that require a high level of fitness and technical skills.
 EASY: Relaxed and gentle hikes for hikers of average fitness and generally good health. They lead along maintained paths and are marked with boards or markings. The terrain is mildly undulating, without challenging ascents and descents. No prior hiking experience is required, so they are suitable for beginners as well. Daily walking is limited to 3-5 hours or a maximum of 12 kilometers.
MEDIUM EASY: In principle, undemanding hikes, but in some places they can also include a longer hike on medium-demanding hills with steeper ascents or descents. In general, the hiking trails are well maintained, but shorter sections with a rougher surface in places and steeper or exposed trail sequences are possible. Daily walking is limited to 4-6 hours or a maximum of 15 kilometers.
MEDIUM DEMANDING: Suitable for more experienced hikers with generally good fitness. The moderately demanding hiking level includes longer hiking trails and steeper ascents and descents. Longer sections of ascents or descents or several short steep ascents or descents are also possible on the route. The terrain can be mixed, including rocky areas and mixed surfaces. Daily walking is limited to 5-7 hours or a maximum of 20 kilometers.
DEMANDING: Suitable for active, physically fit hikers who want challenging hiking experiences. They also cover longer steep climbs or descents and high-altitude (climbing) areas of the ground, which can also be rough or slippery in places. The hikes are mostly moderately demanding, but some are also longer and more demanding. From time to time, it is also possible to hike from the hut to the hut, when you have to carry your own luggage / backpack. Daily walking is limited to 6-9 hours or a maximum of 30 kilometers.
VERY DEMANDING: Suitable for very experienced and physically fit hikers. Navigation experience required. Steep ascents and descents over rough and mixed surfaces in high mountain areas are covered, as well as on exposed paths, fixed turnouts and slippery surfaces. It can be expedition-style and require demanding daily walks, in areas where you walk from hut to hut and carry your own luggage / backpack. The daily volume of walking is on average 8-10 hours, or more than 30 kilometers.

DATE

On demand


PRICE 

(at least 6 people)

Hike from Sesljan (Sistiana) to Križ (Santa Croce)

Trip price - arrival by car:
(at least 6 applicants)

35,00 

Read More


Deadline for applicationsa::

At least a week before the scheduled date of the trip

Are you a larger closed group or a group of friends?

Call or email us for an individual quote for a custom travel option.

Mobile: + 386 (0)40 26 44 33
E-mail:  info@gogreenway.eu