Last Updated on October 3, 2022 by Nellie Huang
Planning the final word Slovenia highway journey? Here’s my beneficial 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 really why we like it. It’s a compact nation in comparison with different standard 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 certainly one of Europe’s finest saved secrets and techniques for out of doors lovers (like us!). Outdoor actions abound, primarily biking, snowboarding and climbing within the mountains. Raging rivers supply possibilities to go white water rafting and canyoning, whereas nationwide parks present among the finest caving and paragliding on this planet.
To 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 Road Trip Itinerary
How to Get to Slovenia
Ljubljana International Airport (LJU) is the principle gateway. You can 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. Search for Flights to Ljubljana.
Tourist Visa for Slovenia
Citizens of the European Union, US, UK, Australia, and Canada don’t want a visa to enter Slovenia and may keep for as much as 90 days. Check right here to see for those who require a vacationer visa for Slovenia. As Slovenia types a part of the Schengen passport-free zone, you’ll be allowed to maneuver freely contained in the territory so long as you’ve the Schengen visa.
Make certain to verify that your passport has a minimal validity of 6 months earlier than touring to Slovenia. If you don’t, expedite your passport utility with passport companies right here.
Current Slovenia Travel Restrictions
All land and air borders to Slovenia at the moment are open. There are NO necessities to enter Slovenia. No COVID assessments or proof of vaccine are required for all nationalities. Check the Visit Slovenia web site for up-to-date information.
That stated, it’s necessary to have journey insurance coverage for journey, no matter how lengthy you might be touring. Safety Wing is the preferred journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I exploit their Nomad Insurance plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Refer to my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
How to Get Around Slovenia
By Car Rental
The finest approach 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 middle of the nation, and you may attain most main cities inside 2 hours by driving from Ljubljana.
An economic system rental automotive in Slovenia averages simply $200 for an entire week, which is lower than $25 a day. We all the time use UncoverCars.com as they’ve persistently given us the very best costs and customer support.
By Train
If you don’t wish to drive, you possibly can simply journey by Slovenia by practice. The nation’s trains join all main cities and are typically snug. The trains supply reductions for college kids, senior residents, and even vacationers, too.
The nation’s nationwide practice firm is named Slovenske Zeleznice. Trains between main cities are normally frequent, even hourly typically. For instance, you possibly can take the practice 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. But you’ll nonetheless have the ability to expertise the very best of Slovenia, from the beautiful Lake Bled space to the historic cities in jap Slovenia.
Summary of this Slovenia Road Trip
- Day 1: Ljubljana
- Day 2: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
- Day 3: Lake Bled
- Day 4: Kranjska Gora
- Day 5: Maribor
- Day 6: Day Trip to Ptuj
- Days 7 & 8: Piran and the Coastal Towns
- Day 9: Back to Ljubljana
- Day 10: Fly residence!
Slovenia Itinerary Day 1: Start in Ljubljana
For your first time in Slovenia, it’s finest to begin in Ljubljana, the capital of the nation. The Ljubljana airport isn’t very massive 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.
Explore Ljubljana’s Old Town
Ljubljana metropolis middle is fairly quaint in comparison with different main cities, however there’s nonetheless loads to see. Follow the Ljubljanica River to Prešeren Square 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. Continue on to the Mestni trg sq. and the Town Hall, 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 sluggish!
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
Budget: Hostel Celica Art
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 incredible expertise! Check the charges right here.
Mid Range: Courtyard Under The Castle
Situated simply 800 m from Ljubljana Castle, this stunning 1-bedroom residence has an excellent location, in addition to an out of doors terrace and fashionable furnishings. Perfect for a younger couple or household with toddler. Check the charges right here.
Luxury: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel
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. Check the charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 2: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
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. When you arrive, a vacationer practice 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 big formations that resemble folded curtains. Entrance to the cave is 23,90 €. Book tickets on-line to keep away from ready.
Marvel the Predjama Castle
Once you’re finished within the cave, Predjama Castle is simply 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 undoubtedly counsel going contained in the fortress to find out about its historical past (it was constructed within the thirteenth century!). It’s open each day from 10am to 5pm, and entrance prices 11,90 €. Book your tickets right here.
The fortress and cave are fairly remoted, so I don’t suggest staying in a resort right here. After you’ve completed your day of sightseeing, I like to recommend driving simply 1 hour to Bled.
Where To Stay in Bled
Budget: Rudi Hiti’s Guest House
Be certain to ebook nicely upfront although – it’s standard! The visitor home has free bikes you need to use to trip across the city, and it additionally has personal parking. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: Apartma Neža
This is one other standard possibility within the space due to its superb views and free parking. The location can also be excellent – it’s lower than quarter-hour strolling to Grajska seaside. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Adora Hotel
The Adora Hotel 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 seaside. Check charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 3: Explore Lake Bled
Lake Bled is a nature lover’s dream and a spotlight of this Slovenia highway journey. The most well-known attraction in Bled is in fact the lake. It’s situated in the Julian Alps and the panorama is totally awe-inspiring! You can even journey to Bled Island by boat and see the Assumption of Maria Church in the midst of the lake.
While you’re on the lake, I undoubtedly suggest visiting Bled Castle. The medieval fortress constructed on a precipice above town of Bled in Slovenia, overlooking Lake Bled. According to written sources, it’s the oldest fortress in Slovenia. It’s fairly a hike, however completely price it. You’ll get the very best views of the lake and mountains and you may eat on the onsite restaurant.
Book Exciting Outdoorsy Activities
At Lake Bled, there are lots of enjoyable outdoorsy actions to do, equivalent to canyoning and paragliding. We booked this paragliding expertise and it was undoubtedly 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 typically! 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 Trip to Kranjska Gora
After a day exploring Bled, department out a bit additional into the Julian Alps to Kranjska Gora, the subsequent 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 price visiting anytime of the 12 months. In summer season, 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.
If you’re pondering of spending the night time right here, we suggest staying on the Hotel Špik Alpine Wellness Resort. If you come within the winter, the Sankališče is close by too, which is the very best place for sledding.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 5: Maribor
Start day 5 of this Slovenia itinerary vibrant and early with a drive to jap Slovenia. Your vacation spot is Maribor and Slovenia’s wine area, each of that are a 2-hour drive from Bled. The metropolis is stuffed with historical past, meals, and naturally, loads of good wine.
The finest place to begin 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 even go to the city corridor, which was constructed within the 1500s and has been reworked over time to replicate totally different intervals of structure.
One factor you completely should do whereas in Maribor is take a bike tour to the vineyards. This 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 Middle Ages.
Where To Stay in Maribor
Budget: Anna House
Anna House is a straightforward visitor home simply steps from the Maribor Castle and room charges are extremely inexpensive. All rooms function wood flooring, a desk and carpeted flooring. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: Apartma MB-Center
With a main location within the middle, Apartma MB-Center is an effective mid-range possibility for households and {couples} seeking to stroll in all places. The 1-bedroom residence has an outfitted kitchen and a washer. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Hotel City Maribor
Hotel City Maribor is the best choice for well-heeled vacationers on the lookout for one thing fashionable and cozy. The resort enjoys a riverfront location, and onsite restaurant serves conventional regional delicacies on the rooftop terrace. Check charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 6: Day Trip 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. Since you’ll be driving, it’s additionally finest to park on the alternative facet of the river and stroll into town.
The Ptuj Castle was constructed within the twelfth century and is unquestionably price 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 undoubtedly suggest testing the musical devices assortment, the carnival costume exhibit, and the Gothic work all through the fortress.
Another 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 Towns
For the final leg of this Slovenia highway journey, we’re heading to the coast! It’s a fairly simple drive, however I counsel leaving Maribor early to be sure you have loads of time to discover. I’d counsel staying in a resort close to the seaside 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 identical time. The medieval partitions of Piran are additionally price 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 seaside. You can even discover the Piran Salt Pans, which date again to 804.
Where To Stay in Piran
Budget: Hostel Adriatic Piran
If you’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 seaside and metropolis middle. Tartini Square is simply steps away, whereas the seaside is a 5-minute stroll away. Check charges right here.
Mid Range: Piranika
A very good mid-range resort is Piranika, which additionally has an excellent location simply 600m from the seaside. Some of the spacious, vibrant rooms supply sea view, whereas others reveal views of town. Check charges right here.
Luxury: Casa Al Porto Antico
Casa Al Porto Antico is a compact, however tastefully designed and adorned residence situated proper smack within the outdated city of Piran. It makes a wonderful base for individuals who wish to soak all of it in and stroll in all places. Check charges right here.
Slovenia Itinerary Day 9: Back to Ljubljana
We suggest heading again to Ljubljana a day earlier than your flight. This manner you possibly can sit back and luxuriate in your final full day in Slovenia with out speeding round. Ljubljana is about 90 minutes from Piran.
In case you didn’t see it in the beginning of your journey, I counsel climbing as much as the Ljubljana Castle. There’s additionally a practice that may take you up the hill for those who don’t really feel like strolling. The major courtyard of the fortress is free to enter and has a pair eating places, a nightclub, and a few galleries.
During the night time, you must also undoubtedly cease by Metelkova Mesto to admire its road 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!
Check out of your resort within the morning and drive again to the airport. Be certain to permit sufficient time to drop off your automotive and get by safety. The traces on the airport are usually longer through the summers.
Slovenia Travel Guide
Best Time to Travel Slovenia
The finest time to journey to Slovenia is mostly May to June and September to October. During these seasonal transition instances, you’ll get to see lush greenery in all places whereas nonetheless having fun with the heat.
May to June is a tremendous time and ideal for climbing 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 season season, June to August, is the preferred time for vacationers to go to.
Slovenia can also be winter vacation spot for skiers too although. There are a bunch of various ski resorts within the mountains. It’s a wonderful vacation spot year-round!
Internet and Data in Slovenia
For this Slovenia highway journey, I undoubtedly counsel getting an eSIM or an area SIM card once you arrive. Even although the roads are fairly clearly marked, I all the time suggest utilizing GPS when you drive.
Airalo is the largest eSIM retailer on the web, and yow will discover eSIMs from wherever on this planet. Just 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. Currently, you may 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 major telecom firms are A1, Telekom, and Telemach, and so they all supply pay as you go SIM playing cards. A1 is the best choice as a result of you may get 15GB for $15. It’s additionally straightforward to high up your card in case you want extra information.
How Much Does this Slovenia Itinerary Cost?
Slovenia is extra inexpensive than Western European international locations, like France and Germany. Travelers ought to price range round $125 to $150 per day, together with resort and journey bills.
Hotels 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 wherever from round $8 for a fundamental meal to $20-$25 for a full meal with drinks.
Public transportation is affordable and accommodations are cheap in Slovenia. The nation can also be comparatively small, so touring by automotive isn’t very costly by way of gasoline.
Enjoy Your Ultimate Slovenia Road Trip!
I’ve tried to point out you the very best elements 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 soak up Slovenia’s shoreline. I deliberate this Slovenia itinerary primarily based 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 assist you take pleasure in your go to and take advantage of your time. Once you see what this small nation has, I’m certain you’ll be again for extra!
Here are extra articles from Europe for individuals who are planning to journey across the area:
Disclaimer: This publish accommodates affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee once you ebook something by my hyperlinks, at NO additional value to you. I solely suggest firms I’ve personally used and loved.
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