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See the Highlights of Slovenia with this self-drive tour.

 

Explore some of the best destinations in Slovenia with this 7-day self-drive highlights of Slovenia itinerary. Enjoy charming Ljubljana, fairy tale Bled, the Julian Alps, castles and caves. Continue through the hit the brakes scenery of the Soca valley. Then marvel at beautiful Lipizzaner horses and enjoy the splendour of the Adriatic coast. 

Begin in the capital city of Ljubljana before picking up the car and driving to Slovenia’s most well-known sight, Lake Bled. Visit the less known but equally as beautiful Lake Bohinj before driving through the Julian Alps down to the out of this world Soca Valley. Experience the landscape, while you sit in your car on the motorail. Continue your discoveries as you explore the underground world of the Postjama caves. Before chilling at the Adriatic coast. Head back to Ljubljana and stop off to visit Lipica, home of the famous Lipizzaner horses before making your way back to the city for one last night of Slovenia. 

The wonder of Slovenia is it offers so much but all within a short driving distance. This itinerary is just a small example of what you can experience. Everything can be personalised to your needs, whether you have more or less time, a specific place in mind or just want to be surprised. Give our Slovenia specialist a call or email at sarah@fleewinter.com and let her customised your perfect Slovenian experience. 

 

Your Itinerary

Highlights of Slovenia. Ljubljana

Day 1 - Explore Ljubljana

Welcome to Slovenia and Europes greenest capital Ljubljana! Discover this charming city as you wander from your perfectly located central hotel. Join a walking tour or explore by yourself Ljubljana castle, outdoor markets and stunning architecture. You’ll notice the legacy of modern architect Jože Plečnik around the city at worthwhile stops such as the National Library, Central Market, Triple Bridge, and Plečnik’s own home turned museum, all under the watchful eyes of the city’s many signature dragons. 

Slovenia Lake Bled

Day 2 - Ljubljana to Bled

After breakfast in the capital, visit any sites you missed then you’ll pick your rental car and drive to the magical lake Bled. Visit the fairytale island at the lake’s centre, climb up the church’s 99 steps, where legend has it the ringing of the bell can grant your wishes. View the picture-postcard lake from the medieval castle and tour its smithy, wine cellar, and printing press before enjoying a traditional meal in the restaurant. For the more active you can choose between a plethora of shorter hikes through gorges or to scenic viewpoints. The craggy walkways and waterfalls of the popular Vintgar Gorge are just 2.5 miles from town. Don’t forget to have a slice of the famous Bled cake.

Driving time: 45 min / 1 hour

Day 3 - Bohinj Lake, Julian Alps and the Soca Valley

Begin with visiting the lesser-known but equally as beautiful Lake Bohinj,  before driving high up into the Julian Alps, through the jaw-dropping Vrisic Pass. Admire the nearby limestone walls as you make your way up the winding road with potential detours to several view-filled walks of varying lengths. 

Stop off for lunch in the charming town of Bovec, afterwards follow the emerald Soca river, crisscrossing over bridges as you drive through the valley. Visit the Tolmin Gorge for a magical walk through rocks. Take a break from driving by loading your car on the motorail. Sit back, relax and enjoy the countryside flying by for the forty-minute journey from the comfort of the car. The train delivers you back to Bohinj where you can have dinner in the town or head back to your hotel in Lake Bled.

 

Make sure to factor in extra time to for all the photo stops you’ll have to take. 

Driving time 5 hours – spread over the day.

During winter the Vrisic Pass is closed. An alternative route will be provided.

Highlights of Slovenia. Postojna Caves

Day 4 - The Adriatic Coast via the Underworld

After breakfast, you’ll check out of your hotel and get back on the road. Today you’ll make your way down to Slovenias tiny but charming Adriatic coast. But first stop off at Postojna, to visit Postojna Cave, one of the most-visited attractions in Slovenia.  A 90-minute guided tour takes visitors through caverns, halls, and passages. Before you leave the area, check out Predjama Castle. The famous medieval castle built into a rock. 

Afterwards, take a short drive to Koper or Izola on the coast to sample some traditional Istrian fare for lunch. Then leisurely make your way down to Portoroz, where you will spend the next two nights.  Dubbed the “Austrian Riviera”, Portoroz was the place to see and be seen for royals, aristocrats, politicians, artists and actors in the early 20th century. It now offers itself as a charming resort town, where you can relax on the beach and enjoy some Slovenian Wine as you watch an unforgettable sunset.

Driving time – 2.5 hours

Day 5 - Explore the town of Piran

No need for the car today. Only 3 km away, Piran is the perfect place to spend the day. offers an intoxicating mix of Venetian vibes and Slovenian flair. This incredibly walkable city makes for a relaxing day. Stroll around the main plaza, Tartini Square, where you’ll find souvenirs, entertainment, and prime people watching. Bask in the Mediterranean sun as you swim by the promenade. Walk along the coastal path to the Strunjan Nature Park, or climb up to the city walls for mesmerizing sea views. Wander the charming alleyways and dine al fresco by the waterfront. 

Day 6 - White horses and back to Ljubljana

Enjoy your last morning at the seaside before travelling back to Ljubljana. On the way visit Lipica, one of the oldest stud farms in Europe. Since the 16th century, this farm has been breeding the beautiful Lipizzaner horses. On the farm tour, you will get familiar with the history of the breed, visit the horse’s stables, and depending on the day you may be able to watch a display by the Classical riding school.

Back in Ljubljana, Enjoy your last night strolling around the old town. Enjoy a drink in one of the many bars and cafes along the river while you take in the romantic atmosphere. 

Driving time 2 hours.

Day 7 - Farewell Slovenia

It’s time to say farewell to Slovenia! Enjoy your last moments in this beautiful country before heading to the airport. 

 

Details -

This programme costs from £750 per person based on two adults sharing in four star hotels.

The price does not include international flights or transfers. Flights from London to Ljubljana tend to cost between £100 – £300 return – do ask us for advice. Alternatively we can book the flights for you but a booking fee may apply.

What's included?

Included:
  • Prices start from £750 per person.
  • 6 nights accommodation and breakfast.
  • 5 days car rental.
  • airport transfers.
  • Entrance to Postojna Cave and Lipica Stud Farm.
  • All trips are ATOL protected or ABTA bonded to ensure you are fully covered
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Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the most visited attractions in Slovenia. The beautiful views of the lake and the small island it surrounds brings thousands of visitors every year. The best way to reach the island is taking a pletna, a traditional gondola in the Bled area. Once on the island, visitors must walk up ninety-nine steps to reach the island’s church. It is considered good luck to ring the church’s bell when visiting the island.
Ljubljana
Slovenia's capital city is as romantic and charming as they come—and clean, having been named the “Green Capital of Europe 2016” by the European Commission. Stroll through the pedestrian-only Old Town, sip coffee by the leafy banks of the Ljubljanica River, or take in the baroque architecture and hilltop sixteenth-century Ljubljana Castle.
Maribor
Slovenia's second-largest city is provincial and charming, with a medieval Old Town, pedestrian-only central streets, and a skyline defined by orange roofs and rolling hills. The town is also the site of a glorious landmark: "the oldest vine in the world." Stara Trta (literally "Old Vine") is more than 400 years old, and is a symbol of the rich wine culture in Maribor.
Piran
Situated on a picturesque peninsula on the Adriatic coastline, Piran is one of Slovenia's most beautiful cities. Its pedestrian-only Old Town is reminiscent of Venice in miniature, with Gothic architecture, alfresco wine bars, narrow alleyways, and glowing sunsets.
Lipica Stud Farm
Lipica Stud Farm has been breeding Lipizzaner horses since the sixteenth century. Once used by royals for their private stables, the farm is now open to visitors and allows them to admire this beautiful breed of horse. When visiting the Lipica Stud Farm, guests can stroll through the barns and join one of the farm’s guided tours. Three times a week the Classical Riding School performs, and guests can see the Lipizzaner horses in action.
Triglav National Park
The Triglav National Park, named after the country’s tallest mountain, is the only National Park in Slovenia. With beautiful views of the mountains, hills, lakes, rivers, and pastures, this park is a nature lover’s paradise. Aside from hiking, Triglav National Park offers great activities such as kayaking, rafting, skydiving, and parasailing.
Ljubljana Airport
Slovenia main airport, Jože Pučnik Airport, is located just outside its capital city and is well served by international airlines.

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Trieste Airport
A small regional airport, Trieste in Italy is located about an hour away from Slovenia’s seaside resort town of Portoroz. Ryanair flies to and from Trieste multiple times a week from Stansted Airport.

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Sečovlje Salina Nature Park
The Salt pans in the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park are one of the few places in the world where sea salt is still produced by using a centuries-old method. When walking on the park trails, visitors can observe salt being harvested manually by local workers.
Planica Nordic Centre,
Planica is home to the biggest ski jumping hill in the world. For over twenty years it has hosted one of the most important ski jumping competitions in the world. In 2015 Planica received a much-needed update, and the new Planica Nordic Center was built. Aside from the ski jumps the center also features an athletics stadium, a zipline, a wind tunnel, cycling and walking paths, and a visitor’s center. Planica zipline has the steepest descent in the world, which creates the sensations that ski jumping champions feel when flying through the air.

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