A Local’s 10-Day Slovenia Itinerary - Countrywide Road Trip
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Slovenia is one of the smallest European countries but due to its incredible diversity travellers sometimes struggle to choose what part of the country to visit. This 10-day itinerary suggestion highlights some of the spots that are well worth visiting.
Following my itinerary suggestion, you can visit a really big part of the country in a relatively small amount of time without rushing but spending quality time in each of the destinations.
This itinerary includes the best mountain sites in Triglav National Park, a visit to the coast, a few stops in the incredible Karst Region, a visit to the magical Postojna Cave, 2 days in the natural environment of the Eastern part of Slovenia and a whole day in the capital city of Ljubljana.
There are so many incredible places to visit in Slovenia that one cannot experience all in only a limited amount of time, but I believe I captured a good mix of cultural and natural attractions in this 10-day Slovenia itinerary.
The itinerary is suitable for travellers with their own transportation, as the public transport in Slovenia is not good enough that one would be able to visit all of those destinations in only 10 days.
Table of Contents
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Let’s plan your itinerary!
Hey there, I’m Primož, a local guide and travel consultant here in Slovenia. I’ve tried to share my best advice in this itinerary, but there’s a lot to see in my country and no one itinerary will be perfect for every type of traveler.
So if you could use some personalized help figuring out your plan, schedule a Slovenia travel consultation with me!
These are one-hour Zoom calls where we can chat about the trip you’re planning and I’ll share my tips and advice, answer your travel questions, and help you perfect your itinerary.
Things to consider when planning a Slovenia itinerary
Below I’ve provided some quick answers to what I imagine are the main questions you have in these early stages of planning your trip. For more in-depth information on all of these topics as well as lots more important info on Slovenia, have a look at my Slovenia travel guide.
How long to spend
Slovenia is small and you can actually see quite a lot of it even with limited time.
That said, for me the ideal amount of time for a first visit is 10 days. However, you can still have a good trip with fewer days.
5 days would give you time to see Piran and a little of Istria, Ljubljana, Lake Bled, and some nice countryside as you drive between these places. That’s not much, but it’s a nice introduction.
With a week, you can cover most of the country’s highlights, although you won’t have any time to get off the beaten path. You’d be able to visit Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Piran, and also some wonderful places in the Triglav mountains like Bohinj and Kranska Gora. You could even squeeze in a visit to the Soča River Valley, Predjama Castle, and a cave or two. A week makes for a good trip.
10 days, however, is the sweet spot for me. While a week lets you hit the highlights, 10 days, lets you do all that and also get off the beaten path and deeper into nature. Those 3 extra days mean you can meander through Istria’s stone villages, explore caves, hike into the mountains, go rafting, taste wine, go bike riding, or just road trip through little-explored scenery.
When to visit
The best time of year to visit Slovenia is unequivocally the late spring (the second half of April, May, and early June). I think May is probably the best month.
In late spring, you have warm weather and sunny days. The forests and mountains have thawed and everything is green and colorful. Flowers bloom in the valleys and rivers rush with glacial snow melt. Mountain passes and trails are mostly dry enough to hike and bike and everything throughout the country is open and gearing up for the tourist season. But because this is still shoulder season, you’ll get good prices on hotels, car rentals, and tours/activities and the summer crowds are nowhere to be found.
High season is really just the summer - mid-June through the first half of September - and while the weather is good in this period, everything is crowded and overly busy. If you don’t mind crowds, it’s ok, but it’s not when I’d come.
The fall brings pretty colors, beautiful light, the wine harvest, and lots of seasonal festivities, but it can be rainy and foggy. Since you should spend a lot of time outdoors in nature during a visit to Slovenia, bad weather can really affect the quality of your trip. That said, mid-September to early October is generally a very pleasant time to visit (but again, it can be wet). Later in October and November you should expect a lot of rain.
Winter can be a fun time to visit if you like skiing and winter sports. Medieval mountain villages can be particularly pretty and atmospheric under a coating of snow and cities are very festive around Christmas and New Years. However, the coast will be practically empty, some places will be unreachable, and you won’t be able to appreciate my country’s nature in its entirety. Winter might be nice for a repeat visit, but not a first one.
Where to go on a first trip
I think any first trip to Slovenia should cover the following places:
Piran and the Istrian coastline (with more time I think the Istrian countryside and its stone villages are extremely rewarding)
Ljubljana, our capital city, for a taste of modern, cosmopolitan Slovenia
Lake Bled and the Julian Alps for some lakeside relaxation and stunning mountain scenery
The Triglav Mountains (Bohinj and Kranska Gora are the best known towns here, but there is lots more to see and do)
Soča River Valley for adrenaline sports
Primorska wine region for wine lovers
This leaves out so many wonderful places, but these pretty well cover my “must visits”. For more ideas on where to go, check out my guide to 18 beautiful places in Slovenia.
How to get around
For this itinerary you’ll absolutely need to have a rental car. While you could in theory do most of it with public transport, you’d need more than 10 days to make it work.
Renting a car
International car rental companies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise, etc. all operate in Slovenia and you also have plenty of local rental agencies too. You can find rental offices in all major cities, many larger towns, and some tourist hotspots.
To check prices and book, I recommend using DiscoverCars, a car rental website that includes offerings from all the major international rental companies as well as lots of smaller local agencies, which often have much better pricing. You can often find great deals.
I use it myself and have always had good experiences.
Public transport
It is not even worth trying to complete this itinerary in just 10 days with public transport. You can’t do it. If you have two weeks, maybe you could manage it. But even so, you’d miss out on a lot and wouldn’t be able to get out into the stunning countryside.
The train in Slovenia really only functions for a few main routes, so generally isn’t very useful for travelers. Instead, you’ll have to rely on buses.
If you do decide to try your itinerary with public transportation, know that Slovenia has different bus companies that operate in different regions, so looking them all up can take some time.
To facilitate looking at routes, I generally recommend using an aggregator website like BusBud. It shows routes from many different companies, but it still doesn’t show all of them. You’ll have to do some research and manual searching no matter what.
Itinerary overview
Day 1 - Lake Bled
You will start your journey in Bled, the famous tourist spot in Slovenia, where you will visit the famous island on the lake, Bled Vintgar Gorge and indulge in the local cuisine on Bled Castle.
Day 2 - Bohinj
Continue your trip to Bohinj, Bled’s quieter neighbour and explore the beautiful nature around the lake. Savica Waterfall is one of the most spectacular attractions in Slovenia!
Day 3 - Kranjska Gora and Bovec
After Bohinj, travel to Kranjska Gora, a favourite holiday destination of the Slovenians, be amazed by the Zelenci Spring Lake and continue your travel over the highest mountain pass in the country to Bovec on the other side of the Triglav National Park.
Day 4 - White water rafting in the Soča River Valley
Make your next day full of adventures! White water rafting in Soča River Valley is one of the things you must try when in Slovenia! There are also numerous other adrenaline activities waiting for you in this picturesque river valley.
Day 5 - Scenic drive through the Karst region
On day 5 it is time to leave the mountains and drive over Karst region all the way to the Slovenian Coast. On your way stop at Kobarid historical sites, walk the pathway around the Tolmin Gorge and try the famous Soča trout before continuing to the Karst region where you will have an amazing opportunity to visit the village of Štanjel and taste some of the famous local wines.
Day 6 - Piran and Istria
Spend your next day on the sunny Adriatic coast. Visit the most beautiful Slovenian town, Piran and explore the Istria Wine Region in the afternoon.
Day 7 - Postojna cave and Predjama Castle
From the coast, drive back to the mainland on your next day, first stopping at Lipica Stud Farm in the morning and visiting the magical world of Postojna Cave in the afternoon. Pay a visit to Predjama Cave Castle before heading to Ljubljana.
Day 8 - Ljubljana
Spend your 8th day exploring the capital city of Slovenia. Visit the famous tourist sites in the old historical part of Ljubljana and explore the alternative site of the city in the afternoon.
Day 9 - Logarska Valley
From Ljubljana, head to the Eastern part of Slovenia on your next day. Visit Logarska Valley and be amazed by the natural beauty of this area. Ride the Solčava Panoramic Road and try some local delicacies.
Day 10 - hiking in Valika Planina
Then, on your final day in Slovenia, do some hiking in the Velika Planina Plateau. Admire the Herdsmen’s huts spread all around the plateau and see how local cheese is made.
Day 1 – Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge
On your first day in Slovenia, prepare to explore Bled Lake, the most popular tourist attraction in the country. Today, you’ll have time to walk along the lake, go for a ride on a traditional Pletna boat to the famous island, head out to Vintgar Gorge, and indulge in Bled Cake and other local specialties.
Morning - Pletna boat ride, Island in the Lake, Lake Bled Loop
Start your first morning in Slovenia with the most popular destination in the country – Lake Bled. Your first activity on arrival to the lake should be going out for a traditional Pletna boat ride to the “Island in the Lake”.
Once you get down toward the lake’s shore, you’ll see lots of these boats anchored/docked in designated spots. You can walk over to any one of them and simply ask for a ride - they’ll know where you’re going.
On the island, check out the Church of the Mother of God (yes, this is the church from the million photos you’ve probably seen), and ring its famous bell, which is said to make your wishes come true. There’s not much else to see or do on the island, but give yourself some time to just stroll about, admiring the scenery.
When you’re ready to leave, head back over to the boats and catch a ride back to the town. All in all, expect to spend about 90 minutes between the boat rides and island visit.
Once back on shore, it’s time for the Lake Bled Loop, which is the most popular walking path in the area. Over 6 kilometers, it encircles the entire lake and provides incredible views of the lake, surrounding mountains, and Bled Castle the entire time. The path is often quite busy, but that’s to be expected in such a touristic hotspot.
There are facilities all along the walk, and you can stop just about anywhere for a picnic or grab a coffee at the cafes near the Velika Zaka Beach area.
If you want to extend the walk, you can take a well-marked side trail at the northern edge of the lake, which will bring you up to the castle.
Afternoon - Vintgar Gorge
Once you’ve made it around the lake, have lunch at one of the lakeside restaurants. I Oštarija Peglez'n is a local favorite and I recommend it. You must order the famous Bled Cake for dessert!
After lunch hop in the car and go for a short drive (about 15 minutes) to Vintgar Gorge. The gorge’s dramatic scenery can be explored via a 1.6 km loop trail which is clearly marked (everyone follows the same trail). The walk is super leisurely and appropriate for anyone.
The walking path through Vintgar Gorge
Evening - scenic dinner with a view
Head back to Bled and whenever it’s time for dinner, go for a special meal at one of the highest-rated restaurants in Slovenia: Bled Castle Restaurant. With fabulous views over the lake and mountains rising behind it, and in the hands of the renowned Chef Luka Jezeršek, this will be an evening that you’ll never forget. Note that reservations are required.
Overnight in Bled
Day 2 – Bohinj Lake
Today will be spent enjoying another gorgeous Slovenian lake, Bohinj, and its surroundings. Bohinj is a much quieter destination than Bled, but with its pristine natural beauty, it is well worth visiting. You can take a scenic boat ride, hike to the famous Savica Waterfall, and catch panoramic views from the Vogel Cable Car.
Morning - boat ride on Lake Bohinj and hike to Savica Waterfall
Set out from Bled in the morning and make a 20-minute drive to Lake Bohinj, which is a spectacular lake nestled in the mountains. Park somewhere in the lakeside town of Ribičev laz, from where you can catch a scenic boat ride across the lake to Bohinj Camp on the western side. The boat leaves regularly from the pier just opposite Pod Skalco restaurant and takes about 25 minutes to cross the lake.
Disembark at Bohinj Camp, and prepare to head to Savica Waterfall (Slap Savica), which is a famous waterfall in Slovenia that cascades for 78 meters in into a gorge below.
Savica Waterfall
From Bohinj Camp, its about 5 kilometers to the trailhead for the falls, and you’ll be walking along a paved road for most of the way. Once you reach the entrance to the falls, it will take another 20 minutes to get to the viewing area.
If you don’t want to make the whole walk, there is a touristic bus that runs along this route in the high season (summer), or you can try to hitchhike if you’re comfortable with that (there are tons of other tourists who might be driving right up to the parking area adjacent to the falls).
Afternoon - views and hiking on Vogel mountain
There’s a pretty good restaurant at the fall's’ parking area, so depending on what time it is when you return from the falls, you might want to stop there for lunch. Alternatively, there are plenty of restaurants to choose from in the town of Ukanc, which you will go through on your way back from the falls.
Wherever you choose to have lunch, your next stop is the Vogel Ski Center, which is a short walk from the center of Ukanc. There, you can catch a cable car up to the top of Vogel Mountain, where you will have spectacular summit views. Go for a wander and enjoy the mountain scenery. Whenever you’re ready to leave, head back down via the same cable car.
Views from the Vogel Cable Car. Photo: Žiga assumed, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Afterwards, you have a number of options for getting back to Ribičev laz and your car:
you can return via the same panoramic boat ride from this morning
catch a bus from Bohinj Camp/the town of Ukanc
walk along the 5 km Bohinj Lake Trail (Stara Fužina), which will take a bit over an hour and runs all along the lake’s northern edge.
Note: Bohinj is also an amazing place for swimming during the summer, so be sure to bring your bathing suit in case you want to take a quick dip.
Evening - dinner in Bohinj
For a nice dinner in a lovely mountain setting, I recommend Restaurant Majerca or Restaurant Triglav Bohinj, both of which are quite close to Ribičev laz.
Bohinj doesn’t have an active nightlife, but if you want to stay in town for a drink, Paviljon Bar in Ribičev laz is your best choice.
Afterwards, hop back in the car and return to Bled, or you can stay in Bohinj if you prefer.
Overnight in Bled or Bohinj
Day 3 – Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass and Bovec
Prepare for spectacular mountain scenery as you embark on a road trip to the mountain town of Bovec. Along the drive, you’ll pass through Kranjska Gora, Jasna Lake, and Zelenci Spring, before reaching the Vršič Pass. Enjoy stunning mountain vistas at the pass, and then continue on to lovely and serene Bovec.
Kranjska Gora. Photo: User:Cfp, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning - Kranjska Gora and the Zelenci Natural Reserve
The first stop on your journey today is the alpine resort town of Kranjska Gora, which is about 35 minutes from Bled (or an hour from Bohinj). There’s not much to see or do in town, but it’s situated in a spectacular natural setting surrounded by mountain peaks, and right nearby is the pretty Lake Jasna.
Stop at the lake and stretch your legs while making a quick 15-minute walk around it.
Continue on for another 10 minutes to Zelenci Natural Reserve, where a short path will lead you through the Drni marsh to the emerald green Zelenci Spring Lake. Again, the walk here won’t take very long, but the setting you’ll find yourself in is truly unbelievable. There are few places in the world where you can enjoy such awe inspiring scenery so easily. You most definitely do not have to “earn” the view here!
Zelenci Spring Lake. Photo: Mihael Grmek, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Afternoon - scenic drive through the Vršič Pass
If you’re hungry, grab lunch at Zelenci restaurant, which is a decent restaurant and is located conveniently adjacent to the Zelenci Nature Reserve’s parking area.
After lunch, head back to Kranjska Gora and as you reach the town, turn right to continue on the road to the Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in the country at 1,611m (5,285 ft). It takes around 30 min to get there from Kranjska Gora and the drive is scenic almost beyond belief. So sit back, drive slowly, and marvel at the panoramic views.
The Vrsič Pass. Photo: Sl-Ziga, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Once you reach the pass, you have another hour on the road ahead of you until you reach the town of Bovec, a favorite mountain destination for adventurers.
Just before getting to town, make a stop at the small Soča Gorge, from where you can take a hike over to the Great Soča Gorge. The water here is strikingly blue, and at the lower portion you can even go for a swim!
One other interesting stop (it’s actually a slight detour) is Kluže Fortress, which was built in the Austro-Hungarian times to prevent Turkish invasions.
The Soča River near Bovec. Photo: Tiia Monto, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Evening - a quiet night in Bovec
When you’re ready for dinner, I’d suggest Gostilna Pod Lipco restaurant, which is always a great choice. The days in the mountains start early and end early, but if you want to extend your evening, Thirsty River Brewing bar is an excellent place to try some locally brewed craft beer.
There are tons of accommodation options in Bovec, with everything from BnBs, camping, glamping, boutiques, etc., but Hotel Magart is one of the more famous accommodations.
Overnight in Bovec
Day 4 – Bovec & Soča River Valley
Get ready for a day of adventure and adrenaline-filled activities. Try whitewater rafting in the morning, then choose between ziplining, canyoning, paragliding, hiking, or any number of other thrill-inducing pursuits for the afternoon. Bovec is all about the outdoors and extreme sports, so embrace it and have some fun.
Morning - whitewater rafting
Start your morning in Bovec early and head on a whitewater rafting adventure on the crystal-clear Soča River. The rafting experience usually lasts about 3 hours and costs around 50 EUR per person. You can find tour operators all around Bovec or by looking online, but just make sure to book a beginners-appropriate experience if you’ve never rafted before.
After rafting, you can grab lunch in Bovec - Gostišče Sovdat is a good choice -, or pack a picnic lunch and find a nice spot to enjoy a meal by the river.
Afternoon - outdoor activities in/around Bovec
Once you’ve refueled, it’s time for more adventure. Are you brave enough for the longest zipline in Europe? Or did you enjoy the river so much that you want to get back out on it? There are too many adventures to choose from, but the most popular activities in the area are: Sušec Stream Canyoning, Kayaking on the Soča River, Canyon Učja Zipline Park, and tandem paragliding over the valley.
You will have a blast no matter what you choose to do, so just go with your gut and enjoy it. Aktivni Planet and Bovec Rafting Team are two of the more popular local companies who offer a variety of these tours and experiences.
Alternatively, if extreme sports aren’t your thing, here are a couple of hiking trails to check out:
Soca River Trail: technically, this is a 15 mile trail that runs between Bovec and Trenta, but you can hike along it for however long you’d like. It’s got great scenery and runs along the river for much of the way
Bovec Historical Trail: this is an 8-mile loop trail that passes by bucolic farms, through forests, and along the river, with lovely landscapes and scenery throughout. Portions of it can be quite steep and fairly difficult though, so you’ll want to be at least relatively fit for this.
Boka Waterfall: around 3-3.5 miles, this loop trail takes you out to the 108 meter tall and 18 meter wide Boka Waterfall. It’s quite steep at the start, so be prepared for a challenge initially.
Evening - dinner and a quiet night in Bovec
After a day of outdoor pursuits, enjoy dinner and a drink (or two) at Svinjak Bar & Grill. You might also consider Yurty Bar, which is right near the river.
Connect with Primož for help perfecting your itinerary, answers to all your travel questions, and fabulous local tips for a better visit!
Day 5 – Soča River Valley, Kras Region, Lipica, and Piran
It’s time to leave the mountains behind and replace them with Slovenia’s small but beautiful coastline. From Bovec, you’ll pass by Kobarid, see the Tolmin Gorge, and discover the charming village of Štanjel, all on your way to the shining Adriatic Sea.
Morning - drive through the Soca River Valley
From Bovec, it takes about 2.5 hours to reach the Slovenian coast, but you will barely notice the time, as this drive through the Soča River Valley is probably the most scenic one in the entire country. For the first half of the journey you’ll be riding along the Soča River, so know that you will be constantly tempted to pull the car over to marvel at the views. Be prepared to make lots of stops.
Piran, our most beautiful coastal city, is your final destination today, but you’ve got quite a few places to visit before you get there. Below is my recommended plan:
About a half hour into the drive, make a short stop in the town of Kobarid to look at Napoleon’s Bridge, which spans a chasm over the Soča River, and then walk to the St. Anthony Church & the Italian Ossuary, which were built in memory of fallen Italian soldiers.
Napoleon’s Bridge in Kobarid
Next, In Tolmin, walk the 2 kilometer pathway that takes you through the breathtaking Tolmin Gorge. Right at the entrance to the gorge, there’s a simple local restaurant called Okrepčevalnica Tolminska korita, which is the perfect place to try the famous Soča trout.
Afternoon - road tripping south through the Karst region
Continue your journey south for another 25 minutes and stop in the charming riverside town of Kanal ob Soči. Perched on the river’s edge, this lovely medieval town is the perfect place for a wander and some great photos. A little further on, you’ll reach the city of Nova Gorica, which is right on the border with Italy and is probably best known for its casinos.
Kanal ob Soči
As you reach this part of the country, you’ll have begun to enter the Karst region, so pay attention to how the scenery changes. Drive slowly and admire the traditional stone villages and countless vineyards around you.
Make another stop in Štanjel, which is one of the most unique villages in the area. Štanjel is an ancient city, and it was heavily fortified during the 15th century to guard against the Turkish invasions. The town’s fortifications and castles are super impressive, its buildings are a great representation of Karst architecture, and being on a hill, it also has great views over the surrounding area.
Walk around the village and sample some local wine at Bistro Grad Štanjel.
Continue descending through the Vipava Valley until you reach the pretty town of Solkan, and then continue on to Piran and the Adriatic Sea.
Evening - explore Piran
If you choose to stay in Piran, you’ll need to leave your car in one of the municipal parking garages outside of town and then take a free shuttle into the center.
There are almost too many great restaurants in Piran, so my recommendation would be to just choose a seafood joint by the sea at Prešernovo nabrežje.
After dinner, talk a walk along the waterfront to Punta Lighthouse and then to Tartini Square. Admire the lovely buildings around you, enjoy the atmosphere, and then head for a drink at Cafinho Piran, which is a local favorite.
Overnight in Piran
Day 6 – Piran & Istrian Wine Region
It’s time to relax on the Slovenian coast. Enjoy a leisurely morning exploring Piran, then head off into the Istrian Wine region in the afternoon for some winery visits and tastings.
Morning - Explore Piran
Begin your day by almost aimlessly wandering about Piran, soaking in the sights and the lovely seaside ambiance. Piran is not especially big, but it’s a lovely city, so you should plan to just meander through the narrow streets with no real goal in mind. People watch, window shop, pick up some snacks, and simply enjoy yourself.
At some point, make sure to stop at the tucked away but quite grand 1st of May Square and also pay a visit to San Giorgio Church, which sits just above Tartini Square.
Tartini Square in Piran
Take a seat in the square and people watch for a bit before continuing to the city walls and climbing atop them. Walk along the walls and enjoy the most spectacular seaside views.
When it’s time for lunch, I recommend Fritolin Pri Cantini, which is back in the 1st of May Square. They serve up excellent traditional Istrian cuisine.
Afternoon - wine tastings in the Istrian Wine Region
After lunch, it’s time to explore the Istrian Wine Region, so grab your car and hit the road. There are tons of wine cellars and wineries that offer tours and tasting, and Brič Estate, with its truly idyllic location, is one of the famous famous. If you choose to visit, I’d recommend taking a guided tour of their wine cellar which also includes a tasting.
For other wineries, many of them require reservations, so be sure to call ahead.
Next, visit the village of Marezige, whose claim to fame is having the first “wine fountain” in Slovenia (look it up). Here, you’ll have a chance to try excellent wines from many local wineries. And since the town is seated high up on a hill overlooking the sea, the views are wonderful, especially at sunset.
The Marezige “Wine Fountain”. Photo: Shabicht, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped from original
Evening - explore Koper, Izola, or Portorož
Just across the street from the Wine Fountain in Marezige is a great restaurant, Gostilna Karjola, which serves up delicious and traditional Istrian delicacies. So head here for an earlier dinner, and then make your way to one of the nearby coastal cities for the rest of the night.
Koper or Izola are both great choices if you want to explore a charming, atmospheric town, or you can head to Portorož, which is a bit more sophisticated, with lots of nightlife.
Overnight in Piran or any of the other coastal towns
Day 7 – Lipica Stud Farm, Postojna Cave, & Predjama Castle
Leave the coast behind and head first to the renowned Lipica Stud farm. Then, continue on to Postojna and visit the world-famous cave, which is a one-of-a-kind place and a must-visit attraction while travelling in Slovenia! Round out the day with a trip to the spectacular Predjama cave castle before making your way to the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana.
Postojna Cave. Photo: Luka Peternel, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Morning - Lipica Stud Farm
Enjoy a leisurely morning along the coast, either visiting any of the towns that you haven’t yet been to, or simply soaking in the atmosphere wherever you are. There’s no need to rush onward this morning, and the Slovenian coast really is a lovely place that’s worth savoring.
Whenever you’re ready to move on, hop in the car for the quick 30-minute drive to Lipica, the biggest Lipizzan stud farm in the world. There are supposed to be more than 300 white Lipizzan horses there! First bred under the Habsburg Empire in the 1600’s, these European riding horses are said to be among the finest in the world.
Lipizzan horses at the stud farm. Photo: Gorupka from Slovenia, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Expect to spend about an hour here, visiting the Stud Farm and then walking the short circular path that takes you to a few museums and exhibits, all dedicated to horses. If you’re lucky and happen to be there on a day when an event is taking place, you can even observe the horses in a competition or show.
From Lipica, it’s another 30 minutes to the Postojna Cave, which is your next destination.
Afternoon - Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
After arriving at Postojna, get your entrance tickets right away (there’s a ticket office that you can’t miss), and then head for a nice lunch at Magdalena Food & Fun restaurant, which is right at the entrance to the cave. The food is good, the ambience is relaxing, and you won’t need to drive around looking for somewhere to eat.
When it’s time to enter the cave, get ready for an extraordinary experience! Visits last around 90 minutes and begin with an electric train ride that runs through the cave for 3.5 kilometers, passing through spectacular scenery the entire time. After that, you’ll walk for about 1.5 kilometers on a nicely paved, mostly flat path, again, in an incredible setting. Make sure you bring warm clothes, as the temperature in the cave is a constant 10 degrees Celsius all throughout the year.
After visiting Postojna Cave, head to the nearby Predjama Castle, which is literally built in the mouth of a cave. First built in the 1200’s, the castle has been rebuilt and destroyed multiple times over the centuries, and the current structure was built in 1570. This picturesque and world-famous cave castle has a great museum inside, which is well worth visiting!
There is also nice coffee spot opposite the castle where you can sip coffee with a panoramic view.
When you finish your visit, continue along the the highway to Ljubljana, which is just a half hour away.
Evening - back in Ljubljana
When staying in Ljubljana, it’s best to base yourself in the old city center, which is lovely and atmospheric, and is filled with accommodation options In the last few years, there has been a growing number of Airbnb options in the city and you can find amazing deals right next to the major tourist attractions.
If you prefer to stay in the hotel I recommend Hotel Slon, which has the best possible location in my opinion.
Regardless of where you choose to stay, once you’ve settled into your accommodation in Ljubljana, head to the Old Town, and plan to have dinner at one of the restaurants in Cankarjevo nabrežje, a central area that runs right along the River Ljubljanica.
There are tons of great restaurants and lots of bars/lounges where you can grab a drink and while away the evenings. The area is always busy at night and is quite fun.
Day 8 – Ljubljana
Dedicate the entire day to exploring the charming city of Ljubljana. Visit the popular tourist sites in the morning and then head to Metelkova to explore an alternative side of Ljubljana in the afternoon. In the evening, make your way to Ljubljana Castle for an unforgettable meal in one of the most famous restaurants in Slovenia.
Morning - explore the Old Town
Spend the morning exploring the old city centre of Ljubljana, which is compact and can easily be visited entirely on foot. Visit the City Market first thing in the morning, followed by Prešeren Square, Tripple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Kongress Square, City Square, and Ljubljana Cathedral.
There’s no particular order in which you need to see the sights, so you should plan to just meander about, enjoying the lovely area and stopping in anywhere that appeals to you. If you want a deeper understanding of the buildings around you, the city, and its history, a guided walking tour is also a great choice (you can find free ones online as with every other major European city, or book a private guide)
For lunch, I recommend staying in the city center, and one of my favorite places to go is Druga Violina restaurant (Second Violin), which serves really tasty traditional Slovenian dishes, and provides employment to people with special needs and part of a special employment program in the city. It’s a great meal and a good cause!
Afternoon - discover alternative Ljubljana at Metelkova
After lunch, it’s time to explore more alternative parts of the city. For this, there’s no better place to start than Metelkova Art Center, an autonomous social and cultural centre which was formerly the site of the military headquarters of the Yugoslav National Army.
Photo: Zairon, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Metelkova developed from a former army barracks to became one of the best-known attractions in Ljubljana. There are often different kinds of artistic events, exhibitions, and presentations going on. And if you really like the alternative scene, you should visit Metelkova at night as well, when there are other events, concerts, and nightlife.
Evening - Ljubljana Castle and Castle Hill
In the evening, take a funicular ride up to Ljubljana Castle. Visit the castle, enjoy the view, and have a short walk around Castle Hill. At dinner time, prepare to dine in one of the best restaurants in Slovenia, Strelec Restaurant, located right on Castle Hill. They are super popular, so be sure to book ahead!
Afterwards, if you want to experience Ljubljana’s nightlife, I’d suggest Parlament pub, Pritličje, or Circus Club.
Overnight in Ljubljana
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Day 9 – Logar Valley
Venture into Eastern Slovenia today and visit the Logar Valley, which is probably one of the most gorgeous glacial valleys in Europe! Walk the 7-kilometer long themed trail through Logar Valley Nature Park or do some more serious hiking to one of the peaks above the valley. After an active day, have a sunset dinner while observing the mountains around you.
Morning - hiking in the Logar Valley
Get an early start today, as the drive from Ljubljana to the Logar Valley will take around an hour and a half.
Once you reach the valley, start things off by walking the 7-kilometer themed trail that runs through Logar Valley Nature Park. It’s a really beautiful ethnographic path, and the walk ends at the fascinating Rinka Waterfall. Expect for it to take around 2.5 to 3 hours.
Afterwards, if you’d like to do some more serious hiking, there are great trails all around you - the Logarska Valley is located in the heart of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps after all! For a moderately challenging hike, I would suggest the trek to Kamniško sedlo (Kamnik saddle). For something a bit easier, the hike to Frischaufov dom na Okrešlju mountain hut is a great choice.
Whenever you’re done hiking, you’ll surely have worked up an appetite, so plan to stop in either Penzion kmečka hiša Ojstrica or Planšarija Logarski Kot for a tasty meal of traditional foods like mushroom soup or local cheese dumplings.
Afternoon - Solčava Panoramic Road
After lunch, hop back int the car and head out for a scenic drive along the Solčava Panoramic Road. This is a 21 kilometer route from where you’ll be awestruck by the nonstop magical views of high-altitude farms and Alpine scenery.
There are 12 formal stops along the road, many of which are tourism-friendly farms that serve locally produced food. My favourite viewpoints along the road are Strevc Tourist Farm and Klemenšek Tourist Farm.
A stretch of the Solčava Panoramic Road
Evening - dinner in a gorgeous mountain setting
After your drive, have a sunset dinner at Penzion kmečka hiša Ojstrica. Located in a perfect mountain setting in the middle of nowhere, they serve incredible local cuisine and their menu changes daily.
If you want to stay overnight in the area, you can find accommodation in one of the traditional pensions that dot the Logarska Valley (I recommend stunning Penzion kmečka hiša Ojstrica - the rooms are nice, in addition to the great food).
Alternatively, you can easily head back to Ljubljana and stay there for another night. Up to you.
Overnight in Ljubljana or the Logarska Valley
Day 10 - Velika Planina
On your final day in Slovenia, plan to hike up to Velika Planina (Big Pasture Plateau), which is the largest shepherd’s settlement in Europe. Wander around this magical plateau, enjoy the natural scenery, and admire the herdsmen’s huts spread all around the plateau. You can also observe the traditional cheese production process and sample some local cheese.
Morning & Afternoon - hiking to and exploring Velika Planina
From Ljubljana, it will take you about an hour and a half to reach the Velika Planina area (or, if you stayed overnight in Logarska, the drive will be a bit quicker - about an hour), so plan to start your day relatively early.
Once there, you’ll have several hiking trails to choose from, all of which lead up to the plateau. Personally, I recommend the trail that starts from the village of Stahovica, near Kamnik. The total round-trip distance of the hike is around 20 kilometers and the total elevation gain is 1,300 meters. The hike is pretty easy and the forest scenery that you’ll pass through is tranquil and serene. Expect for it to take about 3.5 hours each way.
Alternatively, if you would rather not hike, Velika Planina can also be reached by cable car. You’ll find the station in Kamniška Bistrica.
The Mary of the Snow Chapel
However you arrive to the plateau, once there, walk around the green pastures where the herdsmen’s huts are scattered (there are many well-marked trails all about). Some of the best sites to check out are the Mary of the Snow Chapel, Vetrnica Cave, Luknja (hole), Dovja Griča Cave, and the Preskar Museum.
There are signs for the trails that will take you to each of the mentioned attractions and it is almost impossible to get lost once up on the plateau (there is no forest up there and you can see clearly all around you).
There are plenty of other local attractions on Velika Planina, but the main reason to visit really is to see the picturesque herders’ dwellings scattered along the spectacular landscape of the plateau.
Whenever you’re hungry, grab lunch at Restaurant Zeleni Rob. There, treat yourself to a traditional Sheppard’s lunch of sour milk and žganci (buckwheat mush - look it up!). Some other traditional foods to try in Velika Planina are jota (bean and sauerkraut hotpot) and rolled dumplings with cottage cheese, known as štruklji.
Evening - Ljubljana riverboat ride
The trip to Velika Planina will take up most of your day, so you very likely won’t be leaving the area until early evening. If you are planning to stay in Ljubljana again, enjoy your last evening in the city.
A riverboat cruise in Ljubljana
You could wrap up your trip by taking an evening boat ride on the Ljubljanica River, and then grabbing a beer and a meal at the famous Ljubljana Brewery Union Pub. The pub has a great atmosphere and it’s the perfect place to say goodbye to Slovenia.
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