Final Up to date on October 3, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Planning the last word Slovenia highway journey? Right here’s my really useful 10-day Slovenia itinerary that packs in outdoorsy actions, winery visits, and historic sights.
Slovenia will not be the largest vacationer vacation spot in Europe, however that’s truly why we find it irresistible. It’s a compact nation in comparison with different widespread locations like Spain, Italy, and Germany; but it surely actually does have all of it: from the towering peaks of the Julian Alps and the underground magic of Postojna and Škocjan caves, to the glowing emerald-green lakes and the sun-kissed shoreline alongside the Adriatic Sea.
The nation is considered one of Europe’s greatest saved secrets and techniques for out of doors lovers (like us!). Outside actions abound, primarily biking, snowboarding and mountaineering within the mountains. Raging rivers provide possibilities to go white water rafting and canyoning, whereas nationwide parks present a few of the greatest caving and paragliding on this planet.
That can assist you plan an epic Slovenia highway journey, I’ve put collectively this 10-day Slovenia itinerary that packs in the very best of the nation in a short while.
Slovenia Street Journey Itinerary
How one can Get to Slovenia
Ljubljana Worldwide Airport (LJU) is the principle gateway. You will discover flights from New York to Ljubljana (11 hours) for round $600 roundtrip or flights from Los Angeles to Ljubljana (18 hours) for $800 return. Layovers are normally in Germany, France, or Switzerland.
For these in Europe, there are low-cost flights from main cities like London to Ljubljana (4 hours) for $150 roundtrip. I flew to Ljubljana from Geneva and had a layover in Paris. It was an excellent straightforward journey, and the Ljubljana airport is very easy to get round. Seek for Flights to Ljubljana.
Vacationer Visa for Slovenia
Residents of the European Union, US, UK, Australia, and Canada don’t want a visa to enter Slovenia and might keep for as much as 90 days. Verify right here to see when you require a vacationer visa for Slovenia. As Slovenia kinds a part of the Schengen passport-free zone, you’ll be allowed to maneuver freely contained in the territory so long as you could have the Schengen visa.
Be sure to verify that your passport has a minimal validity of 6 months earlier than touring to Slovenia. For those who don’t, expedite your passport software with passport companies right here.
Present Slovenia Journey Restrictions
All land and air borders to Slovenia at the moment are open. There are NO necessities to enter Slovenia. No COVID exams or proof of vaccine are required for all nationalities. Verify the Go to Slovenia web site for up-to-date information.
That mentioned, it’s essential to have journey insurance coverage for journey, no matter how lengthy you’re touring. Security Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Check with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
How one can Get Round Slovenia
By Automotive Rental
One of the simplest ways to get round Slovenia is by automotive rent. The nation’s roads are well-maintained and the indicators are straightforward to learn. Slovenia is a fairly small nation too, and driving provides you essentially the most flexibility when touring between cities or areas.
We rented a automotive from Ljubljana Airport and located it very handy and inexpensive. Ljubljana is within the heart of the nation, and you may attain most main cities inside 2 hours by driving from Ljubljana.
An financial system rental automotive in Slovenia averages simply $200 for a complete week, which is lower than $25 a day. We at all times use DiscoverCars.com as they’ve constantly given us the very best costs and customer support.
By Practice
For those who don’t need to drive, you possibly can simply journey by Slovenia by prepare. The nation’s trains join all main cities and are typically snug. The trains provide reductions for college students, senior residents, and even vacationers, too.
The nation’s nationwide prepare firm is known as Slovenske Zeleznice. Trains between main cities are normally frequent, even hourly generally. For instance, you possibly can take the prepare from Ljubljana to Maribor a number of instances all through the day for as little as €5.
10-Day Slovenia Itinerary
With 10 days in Slovenia, you’ll barely scratch the floor of this lush inexperienced nation. However you’ll nonetheless be capable to expertise the very best of Slovenia, from the beautiful Lake Bled space to the historic cities in japanese Slovenia.
Abstract of this Slovenia Street Journey
- Day 1: Ljubljana
- Day 2: Postojna Cave and Predjama Fortress
- Day 3: Lake Bled
- Day 4: Kranjska Gora
- Day 5: Maribor
- Day 6: Day Journey to Ptuj
- Days 7 & 8: Piran and the Coastal Cities
- Day 9: Again to Ljubljana
- Day 10: Fly residence!
Slovenia Itinerary Day 1: Begin in Ljubljana
To your first time in Slovenia, it’s greatest to start out in Ljubljana, the capital of the nation. The Ljubljana airport isn’t very huge in comparison with Europe’s main airports, so navigating it’s fairly simple. I like to recommend renting a automotive on the airport to make issues simpler.
Discover Ljubljana’s Outdated City
Ljubljana metropolis heart is fairly quaint in comparison with different main cities, however there’s nonetheless loads to see. Comply with the Ljubljanica River to Prešeren Sq. and stroll on the Triple Bridges that date again to the 1800s. I like to recommend heading to the Central Market and grabbing some contemporary, native meals like pogača (focaccia-like bread baked within the ashes) or štruklji (Slovenian cheese dumplings).
Not removed from the market is the well-known Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most), an iconic landmark of town. Proceed on to the Mestni trg sq. and the City Corridor, the place the well-known Fountain of the Three Carniolan Rivers stands. It’s simply the primary day of your Slovenia highway journey, so take it gradual!
The place to Keep in Ljubljana
Price range: Hostel Celica Artwork
Experiencing staying in jail for the night time at this distinctive design hostel. The rooms and dormitories on this hostel have been individually designed by totally different native and worldwide artists and replicate the historical past of this former jail. We stayed right here and located it a implausible expertise! Verify the charges right here.
Mid Vary: Courtyard Underneath The Fortress
Located simply 800 m from Ljubljana Fortress, this stunning 1-bedroom house has a fantastic location, in addition to an out of doors terrace and trendy furnishings. Excellent for a younger couple or household with toddler. Verify the charges right here.
Luxurious: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Resort
Perched over the Ljubljanica River, this historic resort is lauded as the very best resort in Ljubljana. Rooms have beautiful views of the river, in addition to vaulted ceilings and tastefully designed decor. Verify the charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 2: Postojna Cave and Predjama Fortress
Head into the Postojna Cave
It’s time to hit the highway! On the second day of your Slovenia highway journey, you’ll simply be driving 45 minutes to the spectacular Postojna Cave. While you arrive, a vacationer prepare will take you deeper contained in the cave. The 24,120 m (79,130 ft) lengthy karst cave system is the second-longest cave system within the nation. Admire the stalactites and stalagmites, and stroll alongside large formations that resemble folded curtains. Entrance to the cave is 23,90 €. E-book tickets on-line to keep away from ready.
Marvel the Predjama Fortress
When you’re achieved within the cave, Predjama Fortress is just a brief drive away. The impregnable medieval marvel has been perched in the midst of a 123-metre-high cliff for greater than 800 years. I positively recommend going contained in the fortress to find out about its historical past (it was constructed within the thirteenth century!). It’s open day-after-day from 10am to 5pm, and entrance prices 11,90 €. E-book your tickets right here.
The fortress and cave are fairly remoted, so I don’t advocate staying in a resort right here. After you’ve completed your day of sightseeing, I like to recommend driving simply 1 hour to Bled.
The place To Keep in Bled
Price range: Rudi Hiti’s Visitor Home
You should definitely e-book properly upfront although – it’s widespread! The visitor home has free bikes you should use to experience across the city, and it additionally has non-public parking. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Apartma Neža
That is one other widespread possibility within the space due to its wonderful views and free parking. The situation can also be excellent – it’s lower than quarter-hour strolling to Grajska seashore. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Adora Resort
The Adora Resort is a lakeside villa that provides nature trails and spectacular views of the lake and Triglav Mountain. It additionally has onsite parking and it solely takes a couple of minutes to stroll to the seashore. Verify charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 3: Discover Lake Bled
Lake Bled is a nature lover’s dream and a spotlight of this Slovenia highway journey. Essentially the most well-known attraction in Bled is after all the lake. It’s situated in the Julian Alps and the panorama is completely awe-inspiring! You can too journey to Bled Island by boat and see the Assumption of Maria Church in the midst of the lake.
Whilst you’re on the lake, I positively advocate visiting Bled Fortress. The medieval fortress constructed on a precipice above town of Bled in Slovenia, overlooking Lake Bled. In keeping with written sources, it’s the oldest fortress in Slovenia. It’s fairly a hike, however completely value it. You’ll get the very best views of the lake and mountains and you may eat on the onsite restaurant.
E-book Thrilling Outdoorsy Actions
At Lake Bled, there are a lot of enjoyable outdoorsy actions to do, reminiscent of canyoning and paragliding. We booked this paragliding expertise and it was positively the very best expertise we had in Slovenia. Gliding over the water, with the wind in my face, was so serene and touching.
Canyoning in Bled, however, was thrilling at instances and downright scary generally! We had a loopy time rock-climbing, leaping off cliff faces, and rappelling off waterfalls within the Bohinj Valley. We additionally went whitewater rafting in Bled and had a blast.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 4: Day Journey to Kranjska Gora
After a day exploring Bled, department out somewhat additional into the Julian Alps to Kranjska Gora, the following cease on this Slovenia highway journey. It’s a couple of 45 minute drive from Bled and is the right day journey from town.
Kranjska Gora is a ski resort city within the winter but it surely’s value visiting anytime of the yr. In summer time, you possibly can discover the Pišnica waterfall and go to the close by Zelenci Nature Reserve. The reserve is legendary for its emerald inexperienced lake; head as much as the highest of the commentary tower for the very best views of the Ponce mountain vary.
For those who’re considering of spending the night time right here, we advocate staying on the Resort Špik Alpine Wellness Resort. For those who come within the winter, the Sankališče is close by too, which is the very best place for sledding.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 5: Maribor
Begin day 5 of this Slovenia itinerary shiny and early with a drive to japanese Slovenia. Your vacation spot is Maribor and Slovenia’s wine area, each of that are a 2-hour drive from Bled. The town is stuffed with historical past, meals, and naturally, loads of good wine.
One of the best place to start out exploring town is in Maribor’s central sq., Glavni Trg. It’s residence to the Plague Column, which the Maribor residents erected within the seventeenth century to honor victims of the plague. You can too go to the city corridor, which was constructed within the 1500s and has been transformed over time to replicate totally different durations of structure.
One factor you completely should do whereas in Maribor is take a bike tour to the vineyards. That is by far the easiest way to see all of Maribor and find out about its historical past. The world’s oldest vine, Žametovka, can also be in Maribor, and it was planted through the Ottoman Invasion within the Center Ages.
The place To Keep in Maribor
Price range: Anna Home
Anna Home is an easy visitor home simply steps from the Maribor Fortress and room charges are extremely inexpensive. All rooms function picket flooring, a desk and carpeted flooring. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Apartma MB-Heart
With a primary location within the heart, Apartma MB-Heart is an efficient mid-range possibility for households and {couples} seeking to stroll all over the place. The 1-bedroom house has an geared up kitchen and a washer. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Resort Metropolis Maribor
Resort Metropolis Maribor is the most suitable choice for well-heeled vacationers on the lookout for one thing trendy and cozy. The resort enjoys a riverfront location, and onsite restaurant serves conventional regional delicacies on the rooftop terrace. Verify charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 6: Day Journey to Ptuj
The subsequent day, take a day journey to Ptuj, simply half-hour from Maribor. Ptuj is the oldest metropolis in Slovenia and dates again to the Stone Age. Because you’ll be driving, it’s additionally greatest to park on the other facet of the river and stroll into town.
The Ptuj Fortress was constructed within the twelfth century and is certainly value a go to as a result of it overlooks the whole city. It’s additionally residence to the Ptuj Ormož Regional Museum, which is a well-liked vacationer attraction in Slovenia. For arts lovers, I positively advocate testing the musical devices assortment, the carnival costume exhibit, and the Gothic work all through the fortress.
One other must-see spot is the Mithra shrines in Spodnja Hajdina. Get tickets for the shrine on the vacationer workplace in Ptuj. The shrines date again to the 2nd and third centuries, and you may nonetheless see the altars and cult imagery for the god Mithras.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 7-8: Piran and the Coastal Cities
For the final leg of this Slovenia highway journey, we’re heading to the coast! It’s a fairly simple drive, however I recommend leaving Maribor early to ensure you have loads of time to discover. I might recommend staying in a resort close to the seashore for these two nights too.
The city sq. is the central level in Piran, and most websites are inside strolling distance of the sq.. First, climb up the steps to the bell tower to get views of Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia on the similar time. The medieval partitions of Piran are additionally value exploring to get a glimpse of town’s previous.
The Church of St. George is a brief hike from the middle and provides you extra views of the ocean and Plaža pod Obzidjem seashore. You can too discover the Piran Salt Pans, which date again to 804.
The place To Keep in Piran
Price range: Hostel Adriatic Piran
For those who’re on the lookout for an inexpensive possibility, I like to recommend staying on the Hostel Adriatic Piran as a result of it’s near the seashore and metropolis heart. Tartini Sq. is simply steps away, whereas the seashore is a 5-minute stroll away. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Piranika
A great mid-range resort is Piranika, which additionally has a fantastic location simply 600m from the seashore. A few of the spacious, shiny rooms provide sea view, whereas others reveal views of town. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Casa Al Porto Antico
Casa Al Porto Antico is a compact, however tastefully designed and embellished house situated proper smack within the outdated city of Piran. It makes a superb base for individuals who need to soak all of it in and stroll all over the place. Verify charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 9: Again to Ljubljana
We advocate heading again to Ljubljana a day earlier than your flight. This manner you possibly can relax and revel in your final full day in Slovenia with out dashing round. Ljubljana is about 90 minutes from Piran.
In case you didn’t see it initially of your journey, I recommend mountaineering as much as the Ljubljana Fortress. There’s additionally a prepare that may take you up the hill when you don’t really feel like strolling. The primary courtyard of the fortress is free to enter and has a pair eating places, a nightclub, and a few galleries.
Throughout the night time, you also needs to positively cease by Metelkova Mesto to admire its avenue artwork. It’s an artist enclave that has reside music, DJs, and concert events. Even non-artsy sorts (like me) will respect it. It’s the easiest way to finish your highway journey in Slovenia!
Slovenia Itinerary Day 10: Fly residence!
Try of your resort within the morning and drive again to the airport. You should definitely enable sufficient time to drop off your automotive and get by safety. The traces on the airport are usually longer through the summers.
Slovenia Journey Information
Finest Time to Journey Slovenia
One of the best time to journey to Slovenia is usually Might to June and September to October. Throughout these seasonal transition instances, you’ll get to see lush greenery all over the place whereas nonetheless having fun with the heat.
Might to June is a tremendous time and ideal for mountaineering and biking. The spring colours actually come alive in April, as the remainder of the timber begin to blossom, from cherry timber to apple orchards. The summer time season, June to August, is the preferred time for vacationers to go to.
Slovenia can also be a great winter vacation spot for skiers too although. There are a bunch of various ski resorts within the mountains. It’s a superb vacation spot year-round!
Web and Information in Slovenia
For this Slovenia highway journey, I positively recommend getting an eSIM or a neighborhood SIM card if you arrive. Though the roads are fairly clearly marked, I at all times advocate utilizing GPS whilst you drive.
Airalo is the largest eSIM retailer on the web, and you could find eSIMs from anyplace on this planet. Simply obtain the Airalo app earlier than touring and buy an eSIM for Slovenia, activate it, and also you’ll have information the minute you land. At present, you will get a 3GB eSIM for US$10 that’s legitimate for 30 days.
Alternatively, you possibly can wait until you get to Ljubljana to purchase a bodily SIM card. The primary telecom firms are A1, Telekom, and Telemach, they usually all provide pay as you go SIM playing cards. A1 is your best choice as a result of you will get 15GB for $15. It’s additionally straightforward to high up your card in case you want extra information.
How A lot Does this Slovenia Itinerary Price?
Slovenia is extra inexpensive than Western European nations, like France and Germany. Vacationers ought to price range round $125 to $150 per day, together with resort and journey bills.
Lodges normally value between $30 per night time for a hostel to over $300 per night time for a luxurious resort. Meals in eating places can vary anyplace from round $8 for a fundamental meal to $20-$25 for a full meal with drinks.
Public transportation is reasonable and lodges are cheap in Slovenia. The nation can also be comparatively small, so touring by automotive isn’t very costly by way of gasoline.
Get pleasure from Your Final Slovenia Street Journey!
I’ve tried to indicate you the very best components of the nation on this 10-day Slovenia highway journey. You’ll see all the key cities, discover the Julian Alps and vineyards, and cease to absorb Slovenia’s shoreline. I deliberate this Slovenia itinerary based mostly on journey instances between cities and what every area has to supply.
10 days in Slovenia are the right period of time to get a style of what the nation has to supply. I hope this highway journey in Slovenia will make it easier to take pleasure in your go to and profit from your time. When you see what this small nation has, I’m positive you’ll be again for extra!
Listed below are extra articles from Europe for individuals who are planning to journey across the area:
Disclaimer: This publish incorporates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee if you e-book something by my hyperlinks, at NO additional value to you. I solely advocate firms I’ve personally used and loved.
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