Explore one of the smallest and most charming capitals in Europe, Ljubljana. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River, marvel at the colorful buildings and bridges, ascend to the hilltop castle to enjoy the panoramic view of the city, and discover the vibrant local gastronomy in the central market or riverside restaurants. Don’t miss the iconic Triple Bridges and the Art Nouveau masterpieces of Jože Plečnik. Spend the night in one of the cozy hotels in the old town.
Travel to the fairy-tale town of Bled, nestled in the Julian Alps and famous for its glacial lake, island with a church, and medieval castle perched atop a cliff. Take a gondola ride to the island, ring the wishing bell, and try the traditional cream cake. Hike or bike around the lake, swim, kayak or paddle-board on the crystal-clear waters. Admire the stunning vistas of the Triglav National Park and the Karavanke range from various viewpoints. Spend the night in a cozy cottage or hotel in the area.
Discover the emerald beauty of Soča River, one of the cleanest and most picturesque rivers in Europe, cutting through the majestic Julian Alps. Visit the towns of Bovec, Kobarid or Tolmin, famous for their outdoor activities (such as rafting, canyoning, ziplining) and WWI history. Explore the Tolmin Gorges, Napoleon Bridge, and the Kozjak Waterfall. Hike the stunning trails of the Triglav National Park, such as the Soča Trail, the Seven Lakes Valley or Mount Krn. Spend the night in a nearby family-run guesthouse or glampsite.
Relax on the sunny beaches of the Adriatic Sea, in the charming coastal towns of Piran and Portorož. Stroll along the narrow streets of Piran's old town, admire the Venetian architecture and the views from the bell tower, and indulge in the fresh seafood and local wine at the seaside restaurants. Visit the nearby salt pans, where sea salt has been traditionally harvested for centuries. Refresh yourself in the thermal spas of Portorož, where you can also enjoy the wellness facilities and the casino. Departure from Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport at 4pm.
For this itinerary, we suggest renting a car (around €35-50/day) to have more flexibility and reach remote areas. Alternatively, you can use public buses or trains, which are frequent and reliable, but might be slower and less convenient. Parking might be difficult in the city centres or tourist hotspots, and tolls might apply on some highways. Make sure to have a valid driving license and an international insurance coverage. The estimated total cost of transportation for this itinerary is €120.
If you have more time, you can extend your stay in Ljubljana and visit other nearby attractions, such as Postojna Cave, Predjama Castle, or Škocjan Caves. You can also add a day trip to the wine regions of Goriška Brda or Vipava Valley, or to the alpine resorts of Kranjska Gora or Vogel. If you have less time, you can skip one of the destinations or shorten your stay in Ljubljana. Make sure to check the weather forecast before planning activities and to book in advance accommodation and popular tours.
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) is the main international airport in Slovenia, located 22.5 km (30 min) from Ljubljana city centre. It has direct flights to numerous European destinations, including London, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Brussels, and Zurich. The airport is served by several airlines, such as Adria Airways, easyJet, Wizz Air, and Lufthansa. Other nearby airports are Trieste International Airport (TRS) in Italy (70 km from Ljubljana) and Zagreb International Airport (ZAG) in Croatia (140 km from Ljubljana).