Round trip Slovenia 1 week | Travel tailored Slovenia

Route

This journey takes you across Slovenia, from the Alps and crystal-clear lakes in the north to vineyards, caves and spa towns in the east and south.

Pace

Days combine nature, culture and relaxation, with manageable distances and plenty of time to discover each region at ease.

Highlights

Lakes Bled and Bohinj, Triglav National Park and the Soča Valley, caves and coastal towns, Ljubljana and the wine regions create a remarkably varied itinerary.

Accommodation

You stay in carefully selected Caractère hotels, spread across the country and always in tune with their surroundings.

Profile

Perfect for travellers who want to explore a compact destination in depth and enjoy a balance of nature, culture and gentle relaxation.

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.

Best time to travel to Slovenia

The best time to explore Slovenia is from April to October. Weather conditions are pleasant and ideal for hiking, cycling and outdoor activities. Spring and autumn are quieter than summer, with mild temperatures and clear views.

Road vignettes and currency in Slovenia

A road vignette is required to use Slovenian motorways. It can be purchased online or at the border and costs €30 for one month. The official currency in Slovenia is the euro.

Why Slovenia is worth visiting

Slovenia brings together lakes, mountains, caves, wine regions and a compact coastline, combined with rich heritage and lively cities. From the Julian Alps and Triglav National Park to charming Ljubljana, it offers a well-balanced mix of nature, culture and relaxation.