9 days in Western Slovenia | Slovenia tours

Route

This journey takes you through western Slovenia, from Lakes Bled and Bohinj to Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley, before continuing to wine regions, the coast and Ljubljana.

Pace

Days blend nature and culture with time for gastronomy and relaxation, featuring easy distances and a smooth, enjoyable rhythm.

Highlights

Crystal-clear Lake Bled, Triglav National Park, the Soča Valley, the Brda wine region, the Lipica stud farm, Piran and a stylish finale in Ljubljana.

Accommodation

You stay in carefully selected Caractère hotels, well located to explore nature, towns and wine regions in comfort.

Profile

Perfect for travellers who enjoy natural beauty, fine wines and gastronomy, and want to experience Slovenia’s gentle, Mediterranean side alongside culture and tranquillity.

Day 1: Departure for Bled or Ljubljana

Your trip begins in Bled; how you get there is up to you. You can drive to Bled, or you can fly to Ljubljana. If you choose the latter option, you’ll first need to collect your hire car before the adventure can begin. You’ll spend your first two nights in the Slovenian Alps at a Caractère hotel. We’d be happy to help you plan the best route!

Day 2: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj

On day 2, you’ll discover the famous Lake Bled, with its imposing castle and its little island featuring the Baroque Church of the Assumption. Thanks to the mild climate and the hot springs, the water here is already around 23°C in June and you can swim in the lake until early October. The 4-kilometre-long, crystal-clear Lake Bohinj is the perfect spot for nature lovers and hikers, unspoilt and surrounded by steep mountains over 2,000 metres high.

Day 3: Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley

Next, travel through the impressive Triglav National Park, via the Vršič Pass and the charming village of Bovec, to one of the most beautiful valleys in the Alps, the Soča Valley. A visit to the Kobarid Museum provides a good insight into the ‘greatest mountain battle of all time’ on the Isonzo Front, described by Ernest Hemingway in ‘A Farewell to Arms’. To explore this beautiful region to the full, you will stay for four nights in one of our hotels.

Day 4: The Tuscany of Slovenia

The Brda region is one of Slovenia’s most unspoilt wine-growing areas and is renowned for the ‘good life’, not only for its cherries and gastronomy, but above all for its excellent wines. This is why the region is also known as the Tuscany of Slovenia. For those interested in history, you can visit the strategic sites from the First World War. Also worth a visit are the pretty towns on the other side of the border with Italy, such as Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Day 5: Lipica and Trieste

Continue your journey with a visit to the stud farm of the famous Lipizzaner horses, a beautiful and powerful breed. Afterwards, explore the fascinating port city of Trieste, the birthplace of Illy coffee and a shopping paradise for former Yugoslavs, with its ‘Piazza dell’Unità’ – one of Italy’s largest squares by the sea – and the higher-lying ‘Piazza del Cattedrale’. Be sure to take a break in one of the many historic coffee houses where you can enjoy a delicious cup of coffee.

Day 6: Beautiful Piran and its salt pans

Portorož is a popular seaside resort, but it is the charming town of Piran that will particularly captivate you. Next, visit the salt pans of Secovlje, where the ‘fleur de sel’ enjoys a world-renowned reputation.

Day 7: The Postojna Caves

The adventure continues through the 20-kilometre-long Postojna Caves. You can explore part of them by train. For those who can’t get enough of this beautiful natural phenomenon, there are also the less-visited and wilder Škocjan Caves. Continue your journey to Ljubljana, where you will stay for two nights.

Day 8: Beautiful Ljubljana

Round off your trip with a relaxing day in beautiful Ljubljana and explore this university city with its numerous bars and top-class restaurants. Don’t forget to pay a visit to the lovely shopping centre.

Day 9: Back home

Unfortunately, your trip has come to an end and, after returning your hire car if applicable, you’ll fly or drive home with a suitcase full of wonderful memories. Don’t feel like heading home just yet? Caractère will be happy to arrange for you to stay a few more nights.