8-Day Slovenian Adventure Followed by 6 Days Exploring Italy: A Seamless Central European Journey

Day 1: Ljubljana Culture

Ljubljana, Slovenia on June 2, 2025

8:30am

Breakfast at Le Petit Café

Start your day with a delightful breakfast featuring fresh pastries and rich Slovenian coffee in this charming café by the Ljubljanica River.
EUR15, 1h0m

10:00am

Ljubljana Castle Visit

Explore this medieval castle that offers panoramic views of the city; learn about Ljubljana's history and enjoy the exhibitions. The castle is open from 10am to 9pm.
EUR13, 2h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Druga Violina

Enjoy authentic Slovenian cuisine made using traditional recipes in a cozy setting near the old town.
EUR20, 1h0m

2:00pm

Tivoli Park Walk

Relax in Ljubljana’s largest park with scenic walking trails, fountains, and outdoor art.
Free, 1h30m

4:00pm

Visit Central Market

Discover fresh local produce and handmade crafts; perfect for souvenirs and to experience local life.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Julija Restaurant

Dine at this bistro known for modern takes on Slovenian dishes with fresh ingredients in a relaxed environment.
EUR30, 1h30m

Day 2: Lake Bled

Bled, Slovenia on June 3, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel Vila Bled

Enjoy a lakeside breakfast with a view of Lake Bled, serving fresh and local produce.
EUR18, 1h0m

9:00am

Row to Bled Island

Take a traditional Pletna boat ride to the island and ring the wishing bell in the Church of the Assumption. Boats operate from 9am to 6pm.
EUR15, 2h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Vila Ajda

Enjoy local specialties like Bled cream cake and fresh fish dishes with lake views.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:00pm

Bled Castle Visit

Explore Slovenia’s oldest castle with museum exhibits and impressive views over the lake; open 9am to 7pm.
EUR13, 1h30m

4:00pm

Walk Around Lake Bled

Enjoy a serene 6 km trail surrounding the lake, perfect for relaxing and capturing stunning photos.
Free, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Restaurant 1906 Bled

Try modern Slovenian cuisine with ingredients sourced from local farms in a refined ambience.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 3: Triglav National Park

Triglav National Park, Slovenia on June 4, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast at Hotel

Prepare with a hearty breakfast before your day in the mountains.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00am

Hiking Vintgar Gorge

Walk through the stunning Vintgar Gorge wooden pathways with turquoise water and waterfalls; open from dawn till dusk.
EUR10, 2h0m

11:00am

Drive to Lake Bohinj

Short scenic drive to Lake Bohinj, the largest glacial lake in Slovenia.
EUR0, 30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Restaurant at Hotel Jezero

Enjoy traditional Alpine dishes beside Lake Bohinj, specializing in fresh trout and local produce.
EUR25, 1h0m

1:30pm

Explore Lake Bohinj

Rent a kayak or boat and enjoy the pristine lake surrounded by mountains; rental open 9am-6pm.
EUR20, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit Savica Waterfall

Short hike to one of Slovenia’s iconic waterfalls; trail open until 7pm in summer.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Gostilna Pri Martinu

Dine on homemade Slovene specialties in a cozy mountain inn close to the park.
EUR28, 1h30m

Day 4: Soča Valley Adventure

Soča Valley, Slovenia on June 5, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Enjoy a nutritious breakfast before exploring the valley known for emerald rivers.
EUR15, 1h0m

8:00am

White-water Rafting on the Soča River

Experience thrilling rapids with a guided rafting tour of the emerald Soča River; tours start at 8am and last about 3 hours.
EUR50, 3h0m

12:00pm

Lunch at Hiša Franko

Savor a gourmet meal at Slovenia’s renowned Michelin-star restaurant focusing on local ingredients; reservation needed.
EUR70, 1h30m

2:00pm

Visit Kobarid Museum

Learn about WWI history and the local heritage in this informative open daily from 9am to 5pm museum.
EUR5, 1h0m

4:00pm

Walk the Kozjak Waterfall Trail

Short and scenic hike to a stunning waterfall; trail open until dusk.
Free, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at a Local Gostilna

Enjoy rustic Slovenian dishes such as žlikrofi dumplings in a local tavern in Kobarid.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 5: Slovenian Coast

Piran, Slovenia on June 6, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Kobarid

Begin your day early with a leisurely breakfast before the coastal journey.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive from Soča Valley to Piran

Scenic 2.5-hour drive along Slovenia’s beautiful coast to the historic town of Piran.
EUR0, 2h30m

12:00pm

Lunch at Fritolin Pri Cantini

Savor fresh seafood and traditional Istrian cuisine in this well-regarded seaside eatery.
EUR30, 1h0m

1:30pm

Piran Old Town Walking Tour

Explore this charming Venetian town with winding streets, Tartini Square, and views of the Adriatic Sea; open all day.
Free, 2h0m

4:00pm

Visit St. George's Parish Church

Climb to this beautiful hilltop church for panoramic coastal views and admire its Baroque interiors; open till 6pm.
EUR3, 1h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Pavel

Indulge in Mediterranean dishes with locally sourced fish and produce, right by the sea.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 6: Ljubljana to Trieste

Trieste, Italy on June 7, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast and Check-out in Piran

Enjoy breakfast in Piran before driving to Italy.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Drive to Trieste

Short 1-hour drive crossing the border into Italy’s northeastern port city.
EUR0, 1h0m

10:00am

Coffee and Pastry at Caffè San Marco

Experience a historic literary café with excellent coffee and fresh pastries.
EUR10, 1h0m

11:30am

Visit Piazza Unità d'Italia

Explore Europe’s largest sea-facing square, surrounded by beautiful architecture; open all day.
Free, 1h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Antica Trattoria Suban

Relish traditional Triestine and Slovenian influenced dishes in this historic family-run restaurant.
EUR30, 1h0m

2:30pm

Castello di Miramare Visit

Tour the 19th-century Miramare Castle and its gardens; open from 9am to 7pm.
EUR12, 2h0m

6:00pm

Relax at Barcola Seafront

Take a leisurely stroll or swim along the scenic waterfront promenade.
Free, 1h0m

7:30pm

Dinner at Trattoria Nerodiseppia

Enjoy fresh seafood and modern Italian dishes in a cozy atmosphere.
EUR35, 1h30m

Day 7: Venice UNESCO

Venice, Italy on June 8, 2025

7:30am

Breakfast at Hotel in Trieste

Eat a light breakfast before heading out to Venice.
EUR15, 1h0m

9:00am

Train to Venice

Take the direct 2-hour train to Venice, arriving centrally.
EUR30, 2h0m

11:30am

St. Mark's Basilica Visit

Marvel at the opulent basilica with its Byzantine mosaics; opens 9:30am to 5:15pm.
Free (entry to museum EUR5), 1h0m

12:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria Alla Madonna

Taste classic Venetian seafood dishes near the Rialto Bridge.
EUR40, 1h0m

2:00pm

Rialto Bridge and Market

Explore the historic market and iconic bridge for shopping and photographs.
Free, 1h0m

3:30pm

Gondola Ride

Enjoy a scenic 30-minute gondola ride through Venice’s canals; available 9am to 8pm.
EUR80 per gondola, 0h30m

5:00pm

Doge’s Palace Tour

Visit the former seat of Venetian power, with impressive art and architecture; open till 7pm.
EUR25, 1h30m

7:00pm

Dinner at Osteria alle Testiere

Reserve early for exquisite Venetian seafood in an intimate setting.
EUR50, 1h30m

Day 8: Florence Art

Florence, Italy on June 9, 2025

7:00am

Early Breakfast in Venice

Fuel up early for a day of art and history in Florence.
EUR12, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Florence

Travel by fast train taking about 2 hours to Florence.
EUR40, 2h0m

10:30am

Uffizi Gallery

View world-famous Renaissance artworks including Botticelli’s Birth of Venus; open 8:15am to 6:50pm.
EUR30, 2h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Trattoria Mario

Experience authentic Florentine cuisine with casual vibes near the central market.
EUR25, 1h0m

2:30pm

Duomo and Baptistery Visit

Climb Brunelleschi’s dome or explore the Baptistery’s mosaics; open 10am to 5pm.
EUR18, 1h30m

4:30pm

Walk Across Ponte Vecchio

Discover Florence's famous medieval bridge with jewelers and panoramic views of the Arno River.
Free, 0h30m

6:00pm

Dinner at Enoteca Pinchiorri

Celebrate an upscale dinner with a Michelin 3-star restaurant featuring Italian gourmet dishes; reservation required.
EUR100, 2h0m

Day 9: Rome History

Rome, Italy on June 10, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Florence

Have a quick but nutritious breakfast before the train to Rome.
EUR12, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Rome

Fast train to Rome taking approximately 1.5 hours.
EUR45, 1h30m

10:00am

Colosseum and Roman Forum Tour

Explore the ancient amphitheater and surrounding ruins with expert guide; open 8:30am to 7pm in June.
EUR25, 3h0m

1:30pm

Lunch at Trattoria da Enzo

Enjoy traditional Roman dishes such as carbonara in the Trastevere neighborhood.
EUR30, 1h0m

3:00pm

Visit Vatican Museums and Sistine Chapel

Marvel at one of the world’s greatest art collections and Michelangelo’s masterpiece; open 9am to 6pm.
EUR30, 3h0m

7:00pm

Dinner at Roscioli

Experience Roman cuisine paired with excellent wines in a lively atmosphere near Campo de’ Fiori.
EUR40, 1h30m

Day 10: Naples & Pompeii

Naples, Italy on June 11, 2025

7:00am

Breakfast at Hotel in Rome

Prepare with a filling breakfast before traveling to Naples.
EUR12, 1h0m

8:00am

Train to Naples

Take the high-speed train from Rome to Naples in approximately 1 hour 10 minutes.
EUR40, 1h10m

9:30am

Visit Pompeii Archaeological Park

Tour the ancient city destroyed by Mt. Vesuvius; open 9am to 7:30pm in June.
EUR18, 3h0m

1:00pm

Lunch at Osteria Da Carmela

Taste authentic Neapolitan cuisine specializing in pizza and seafood near Pompeii.
EUR25, 1h0m

3:00pm

Explore Naples City Center

Visit the historic city center including Spaccanapoli street and Naples Cathedral; walking tours available.
Free, 2h0m

6:00pm

Dinner at Pizzeria Sorbillo

Enjoy the world-famous Neapolitan pizza in a lively and authentic atmosphere.
EUR20, 1h30m

Day 11: Naples Departure

Naples, Italy on June 12, 2025

8:00am

Breakfast at Hotel

Last Italian breakfast enjoying local pastries and espresso.
EUR12, 1h0m

9:30am

Leisurely Morning or Optional Visit to Castel dell'Ovo

Visit the oldest castle in Naples with beautiful views of the gulf; open 9am to 7pm.
Free, 1h0m

11:00am

Departure Preparations

Head to Naples airport or train station to continue your journey or return home.
Varies, Variable