A trip through the Karst
and the Grotta Gigante
1 day 
11,4 km 
moderate In the heart of the plateau to experience the Karst from top to bottom. A topsy-turvy experience among limitless views and the Grotta Gigante – record-breaking cave with a leap back in time to the fortified church of the Sanctuary in Monrupino.
The undiscovered Karst
Located where the world’s winds meet, the Karst has always been a borderland, a place of encounters between different civilizations. A whole world in its own right, where water and rock have sculpted astonishing caves, intermittent rivers, sinkholes and other karst phenomena. Not only has it seen some of the most incredible stories and events in human history, this plateau is also one of the richest natural habitats in Europe and is one of the most interesting regions in the world for biodiversity.
Route and details of the tour
Departure location
in the early morning in Piazza Oberdan, Trieste (exact time to be confirmed)
Return location
at about 17.30 in piazza Oberdan, Trieste
Day 1
Highlights of the day
Where the stones talk
We start this exciting mini-tour round the Karst world by visiting the Sanctuary of Monrupino. We are in the heart of the Karst plateau in an area that has been of significant, strategic relevance for thousands of years. The stones here have born witness to stories for more than three thousand years and have always been used for defence purposes to build castellieri (fortified villages) and fortresses. We will go up to the ridge where there has been a shrine for over a thousand years, around which, in the Middle Ages, a wall was built to defend it from the raids of the Turks who threatened the area at the time.
Karst horizons
After leaving the fortress, a pleasant stretch of woodland will lead us as far as the nearby Mount Lanaro, perhaps the most cherished mountain peak in the Karst. From the panoramic observation point on the mountain top it will be possible to enjoy the breathtaking panorama which encompasses the whole of the Karst plateau, presenting us with delightful views of the Adriatic and the mountains of the Slovenian hinterland. On a clear day, we will even be able to get a glimpse of places as far away as Venice, the Dolomites and the Alps.
A record-breaking cave worthy of Guinness
We will then head for the magnificent Grotta Gigante – Giant Cave, celebrated for being the show cave housing the largest chamber in the world. Accompanied by a qualified guide, we will follow a well-lit trail to a depth of 100 metres to discover the magical underground world of the Karst. Once back in the open air, our short trip across the Karst will come to an end. We will return to the city using the frequent means of public transport which connect the plateau with Trieste.
What we love about this tour
Being a stone’s throw from the Balkans
The spirituality and history of the Sanctuary
A glimpse of Slovenia’s highest peak
Feeling small in front of the Colonna Ruggero
Understanding how geodetic pendulums work
Price per person
95,00 €
Group size
2 - 12
Price includes
Transfer by local bus from and to Trieste; admission to the Grotta Gigante; local tour guide MaroWays.
Price excludes
Meals; medical insurance; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Information
Important information
Refreshments are not available along the way, so you are advised to bring a packed lunch. The only refreshment area is near the Grotta Gigante.
What to bring
Bring a sweater or sweatshirt even in summer (the temperature inside the cave is a constant 11°C all year round); a lightweight backpack with rain cover; closed-toed and comfortable walking shoes; water; sunscreen; appropriate clothing (sun hat, cagoule, waterproof jacket, etc.); camera.
Weather
Excursions take place outside. Itineraries may therefore be affected by inclement weather. We do our utmost to best interpret the weather forecast. If, due to particularly adverse conditions, it is understood that a tour cannot go ahead or if the weather conditions may pose a risk to your safety, we reserve the right to modify or cancel the travel contract based on the provisions laid out under the Terms & Conditions.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.
Other hiking trips
Other day experiences are:
→ Experience another side of Trieste
→ Lipica Walking Experience
If you are interested in guided trips to Slovenia, try looking:
→ Hiking in the Triglav National Park
→ All the colours of Slovenia: breath-taking nature and the magic of Ljubljana
→ Soaking up the flavours of the Karst plateau through slow food and slow travel
→ Hiking along the invisible border: the best of the classic Karst plateau
If you are interested in other self-guided trips, visit our dedicated page.
Booking
30% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure. In the case of a reservation being made within 30 days of the departure date, payment of the full amount is required. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation by the client, the following fees will be applied:
→ 59 to 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the cost of the trip to cover the management costs
→ 29 to 15 days prior to departure: 50 % of the cost of the trip
→ 14 to 7 days prior to departure: 75 % of the cost of the trip
→ less than 6 days prior to departure: 100% of the cost of the trip
PHOTO: Pikakonec; www.slovenia.info – Jaka Ivančič