Slovenia at its best

Did you know that Slovenia is the only country in the world whose national anthem is an ode to wine? Not a coincidence, as 40,000 winemakers produce 125 million bottles every year in 3 very different regions. Needless to say, that wine cannot be left out of this experience tour.

But you will also be immersed in the country's pristine natural beauty (as much as 36% of Slovenia is protected area). From Slovenia's most famous lake and the clearest river in the Alps to spectacular caves and charming coastal towns. Keep your camera ready!

Along the way, you will discover, among other things, the stud farm where the famous Lipizzaner horses are bred and one of the liveliest, most pleasant capital cities in Europe. As cherry on top, enjoy a wonderful day of relaxation in one of the 16 recognised spas that southeastern Slovenia boasts.

Day 1: Departure to Bohinj or Ljubljana

Your trip starts in Bled; how you get there is up to you. You can take the car and drive to Bohinj, or take the plane to Ljubljana. Do you choose the latter option? Then pick up your rental car before the adventure can begin. Do you prefer the first option? We will gladly work out the best route for you. Drive straight to Slovenia or make a stopover in Italy? It's up to you! You will stay your first two nights in Bohinj in one of our Caractère hotels. Today you'll also have your first introduction to Slovenia's most famous lakes.

Day 2: The lakes of Bled and Bohinj

Today your adventure can truly kick off with an exploration of Slovenia's most beautiful corner, visit the lakes of Bled and Bohinj, at the foot of the Triglav three-country alpine peak. Here you will undoubtedly find plenty of picture-perfect spots. In this relatively sparsely populated area formerly part of Austria, nature is pure, unspoilt and pristine. The beautiful, picture-perfect white Assumption Church in the middle of Lake Bled beats all viewing records. When the bell rings here, you get to make a wish! The nearby crystal-clear mountain lake of idyllic and tranquil Bohinj may even surpass its neighbour in beauty, the place to be for nature lovers and hikers.

Day 3: The Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley

Through the impressive Vršič Pass, you will enter one of Slovenia's most beautiful valleys and discover the Alps' clearest river, the Soča. You can visit the Triglav National Park Museum and, a little further on, the botanical alpine garden. But most captivating is a stop in Kobarid. This is where some of the most terrible and bloody battles were fought between the Kingdom of Italy and the Austro-Hungarian army during WWI with varying odds. The human havoc caused by the 'greatest mountain battle of all time' is comparable to the Somme or Iron Front. Continue your journey via Tolmin and the picturesque Most na Soči, then travel through the famous wine-growing region of Primorska to Dobrovo. To fully explore the region, spend two nights at one of our nearby Caractère hotels.

Day 4: The Lipica stud farm and the Slovenian coast

On your rural tour of Slovenia's inland, you will visit the stud farm, where the famous Lipizzaner horses are bred. You can also attend a performance by the classical riding school. Enjoy a well-deserved break at one of the many pavement cafes and then move on to one of the pretty coastal towns such as Piran, Portoroz or Izola.

Day 5: The caves of Postojna and/or Škocjanske

Your adventure continues through the 20-kilometre-long caves of Postojnska. For those who can't get enough of this beautiful natural phenomenon, there are also the less crowded and more rugged caves of Škocjanske Jama. By electric train, you can explore the underground hidden succession 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, unwind with a visit to the beautiful university city, Ljubljana. Over the years, this city has become one of Europe's most pleasant capitals with a lively atmosphere. The Old Town around the Old Market and Prešeren Square forms a mix of beautiful Baroque and Art Deco buildings linked by characteristic bridges.

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

Following the A-road, set course for the second university town of this trip, Maribor, then continue on to Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town. We recommend to make a small detour to the mecca of wine-growing regions Podravje and Posavje, and this from Maribor through Radenci, Ljutomer, Jerusalem and Ormož to Ptuj. In this region you will again stay two nights in one of our Caractère hotels.

Day 8: Land of spas and castles

To conclude this experience trip, you can continue to enjoy Slovenia's south-eastern region or spend a lovely day relaxing in one of the 16 recognised and professional spas this corner of Slovenia has to offer. This will allow you to return home completely relaxed.

Day 9: Going home

Your trip is unfortunately over and after you return your rental car, if applicable, you fly or drive back home with a suitcase full of wonderful memories. Don't feel like returning home yet? Caractère is happy to arrange a few more nights for you to stay.