9 days in Slovenia | the Alps, the coast, Postojna and the wine regions

Day 1: Departure for Bohinj or Ljubljana

Your journey begins in Bohinj; how you get there is up to you. You can take the car and drive yourself, or you can fly to Ljubljana. If you choose the latter option, you’ll first need to pick up your hire car before the adventure can begin. If you opt for the first option, we’d be happy to help you plan the best route. Will you drive straight through to Slovenia or make a stopover in Italy? The choice is yours! You’ll spend your first two nights in Bohinj at one of our Caractère hotels. Today you’ll also get your first taste of the famous Slovenian lakes. The lakes of Bled and Bohinj are considered the most beautiful lakes in Slovenia and are a must-see during your trip.

Day 2: The lakes of Bled and Bohinj

Today, the adventure can really begin with an exploration of the most beautiful corner of Slovenia: visit the lakes of Bled and Bohinj, at the foot of the Triglav, the Alpine peak where three countries meet. Here you’ll undoubtedly find plenty of photogenic spots. In this sparsely populated area, which used to be part of Austria, nature is pure, unspoilt and pristine. The stunning, photogenic little white Church of the Assumption, right in the middle of Lake Bled, is a real eye-catcher. When the bell rings here, you can make a wish! From certain vantage points, such as the top of the Vogel cable car and hotels on Lake Bled, you have a magnificent view. The nearby crystal-clear mountain lake of the idyllic and peaceful Bohinj perhaps even surpasses its neighbour in beauty; it is the place for nature lovers and hikers.

Day 3: Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley

Via the impressive Vršič Pass, you’ll reach one of Slovenia’s most beautiful valleys and discover the clearest river in the Alps, the Soča. This river is flanked by the Soča Trail, a major hiking route that winds its way along the stunning Soča River and offers adventurous activities such as rafting and ziplining in the surrounding region. You can visit the Triglav National Park Museum and, a little further on, the alpine botanical garden. But the most memorable stop is in Kobarid. It was here, during the First World War, that some of the most horrific and bloody battles were fought between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian army, with fortunes fluctuating. The human devastation resulting from the ‘greatest mountain battle of all time’ is comparable to that of the Somme or Yser fronts. Continue your journey via Tolmin and the picturesque Most na Soči, then travel through the famous Primorska wine-growing region to Dobrovo. To explore the region to the full, spend two nights in one of our Caractère hotels in the area.

Day 4: The Lipica Stud Farm and the Slovenian coast

On your rural tour of the Slovenian countryside, you’ll visit the stud farm where the famous Lipizzaner horses are bred. You can also catch a performance by the classical riding school. Enjoy a well-deserved break at one of the many terraces and then head on to one of the pretty coastal towns such as Piran, Portorož or Izola.

Day 5: The Postojna and/or Škocjan Caves

The adventure continues through the 20-kilometre-long Postojna Caves. Visitors take a lovely walk through vast cave chambers, adding to the unique experience of exploring the cave complex. For those who can’t get enough of this beautiful natural phenomenon, there are also the less crowded and wilder Škocjanske Jama caves. An electric train takes you to explore the hidden underground network of subterranean lakes and jagged rock formations. Continue your journey to Ljubljana, where you will stay for two nights.

Day 6: Ljubljana

On day 6, you can relax with a visit to the beautiful university city of Ljubljana. Over the years, this city has grown into one of the most pleasant capitals in Europe, boasting a lively atmosphere. The old town around the Old Market Square and Prešeren Square forms a mix of beautiful Baroque and Art Deco buildings linked by characteristic bridges. A must-see is the medieval castle, from where you can enjoy stunning views over the city.

Day 7: Maribor, starting point of the Eastern Wine Route

Take the A-road towards the second university town on this trip, Maribor, and then continue on to Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town. A recommended detour here takes you to the heart of the Podravje and Posavje wine-growing regions, travelling from Maribor via Radenci, Ljutomer, Jeruzalem and Ormož to Ptuj. In this region, you will once again stay for two nights in one of our Caractère hotels. The region also offers a variety of small-scale accommodation, particularly in villages such as Kobarid and Bovec, where travellers can enjoy an authentic and personal experience.

Day 8: Land of thermal spas and castles

Take the A-road to the second university town on this trip, Maribor, and then continue on to Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town. A recommended detour here takes you to the heart of the Podravje and Posavje wine-growing regions, travelling from Maribor via Radenci, Ljutomer, Jeruzalem and Ormož to Ptuj. In this region, you will once again stay for two nights in one of our Caractère hotels. The region also offers a variety of small-scale accommodation, particularly in villages such as Kobarid and Bovec, where travellers can enjoy an authentic and personal experience.

Day 9: Return 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. For travellers heading to Slovenia, it’s handy to arrange practical details such as car hire, vaccinations and travel insurance in advance. Don’t feel like heading home just yet? Caractère will be happy to arrange for you to stay a few more nights.

Frequently asked questions about this tour of Slovenia

What is the best time of year for a tour of Slovenia?

April to October for pleasant weather and ideal conditions for enjoying nature.

What about toll vignettes and currency in Slovenia?

A digital vignette is mandatory for motorways and you can pay with euros everywhere.

Why is Slovenia worth visiting as a holiday destination?

Because of its unique mix of Alpine peaks, turquoise rivers, historic towns and a Mediterranean coastline.