If you don’t know where you’re going, this fly & drive holiday will take you there. Exploring Slovenia, Europe’s most fascinatingly diverse country, can very easily be done by car. Especially if you know exactly how to reach your destination and what to do when you get there. Thanks to Slovenia’s small size and exceptional connectivity, you can visit the places you want when you want without worrying about planning every aspect of your journey.
With our list of Slovenia’s main landmarks and attractions, your holiday will be packed with possibilities. You are in full control of your itinerary. You decide which cultural highlights and outdoor activities of a particular area appeal to you most, and simply see them and do them. Enjoy the surprisingly short travel distances on this beautiful country’s well-maintained roads and soak up the countryside as you dash from one awesome destination to another.
Staying in comfortable, clean and conveniently located accommodations, you will get to experience each destination to the max. Truth-be-told, there are too many optional extras to choose from, but don’t worry, you can always extend your holiday for a day or two and check them off your list. It is a self-guided trip after all.
Your adventure will begin in our picture-perfect capital Ljubljana. After obligatory sightseeing, tasting of local cuisine and perhaps some outdoor recreation, you will head north to the Alpine region, where panoramic views and later the sparkling Lake Bled and its surroundings await. This region is home to the incredibly captivating Triglav National Park, where you’ll be staying near Lake Bohinj, Kranjska Gora and the Soča Valley area. Hiking, cycling, rafting, ziplining, rock climbing, canyoning and many other activities are up for grabs in this gorgeous wilderness.
Next, you’ll be driving across some more scenic landscapes as you make your way to the enchanting Karst, and on towards Slovenia's coastal area. Suddenly, the Mediterranean climate welcomes you to visit the seaside towns of Piran and Portorož, with a number of fantastic stops located. Then it’s back to Ljubljana through yet another stretch of the Karst, where pitstops like the Postojna Cave and the medieval phenomenon of Predjama Castle will take your breath away.
A detailed description of this exciting fly & drive holiday can be found in the itinerary below.
You will pick up your car in Ljubljana and get briefed on your itinerary. Wandering around Ljubljana will keep you highly entertained as well as give you a chance to acclimatize to the magical ambience of the place.
Your first taste of the Slovenian Alps will come in the form of one of the most scenic valleys in the country, Logar Valley. Spend the day amidst towering mountains with great possibilities for hiking, waterfalls and remarkable views. Enjoy scenic rides on panoramic roads with plenty of stops at mountain passes. You will continue to Jezersko, a charming Alpine corner tucked away on the other side of the Kamnik-Savinja range. Untouched by civilisation, its tranquillity and rustic atmosphere will impress you no-end.
Slovenia’s most prized attraction, Lake Bled, will give you plenty to write home about. There are tons of things to do and see in and around the town of Bled. Breath-taking viewpoints, scenic hiking trails, traditional sightseeing of historical places like the Bled Castle… You decide how active or leisurely your stay in Bled will be.
A short drive from Bled in its magnificent counterpart – Lake Bohinj. Perched in the heart of the Julian Alps in the world-renowned Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj and its surroundings are a nature enthusiast’s refuge beyond description. The area offers countless options of spending time in the wild outdoors; be it hiking, cycling or gravity-defying mountain climbing. Additional thrills can be had in the nearby canyons and rivers, or you can opt for some tranquil relaxation at the lakeshore. Spectacular views are guaranteed either way.
In the very tip of north-western Slovenia lies a small Alpine sports hub of Kranjska Gora. It’s an absolute favourite among local and foreign visitors who come to enjoy this mountainous wonderland and the numerous activities it offers. Wonderful hiking and cycling trails are the stunning Lake Jasna, which you can see at the beginning of your drive up to Vršič Pass. Following this windy road, you arrive at another Alpine marvel: the Soča Valley
Waking up, you may think you’re in heaven. Close enough, you’re in the Soča Valley, the adrenaline capital of Slovenia called Bovec, to be precise. You can choose to spend the day hiking in this jaw-dropping environment, chase waterfalls or get your adrenaline fix by indulging in rafting, canyoning or ziplining activities. Remember, there are only right choices in this pristine place!
Further down the Soča River, you will enter the historic gem of Kobarid. Famous for its role in WWI, Kobarid invites you to visit its award-winning museum. Or you can decide to tick the nature trail and snap a photo of Kozjak Waterfall instead, or even try climbing some of the epic mountains in the local area to discover which famous WWI battles took place there. The next town on your itinerary is Tolmin with its marvellous gorges, before heading to Slovenia’s unforgettable Karst region.
The Karst is among Slovenia’s most interesting landscapes. It’s where the topographical phenomenon karst originates from. The Karst’s plethora of underground caves, you should visit at least one on your holiday in Slovenia. Spending the day at the Lipica Stud Farm, the cradle of the famous Lipizzaner horses, and stopping off in the village of Hrastovlje to see the world-famous dance-macabre frescoes, are definitely Karst attractions you wouldn’t want to miss out on. In the evening, your lungs will breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air, as the final leg of your road trip begins.
Besides the Venetian-style jewel of Piran, the Slovenian coast is dotted with lovely towns, such as Koper, Izola and Portorož. The so-called Slovenian Riviera is a popular summer destination with that special seaside vibe and easy-going atmosphere. Here you can simply relax or hop on a bicycle to explore the hilly surroundings full of vineyards and olive groves, enjoy some gourmet treats, or learn first-hand about the fascinating history of salt making.
The final day of your fly & drive holiday should be spent in true Slovenian touristic fashion: In the most beautiful caves on the planet. The UNESCO heritage site of Škocjan Caves, or one of the lesser known but more adventurous caving options that the Slovenian Karst has to offer, will round up your trip perfectly. Then it’s back to Ljubljana, back to reality, and back to pondering what kind of Slovenian holiday you would like to go on next!
Why not spend a few more days in Slovenia? Extend your holidays with a pre- or post-holiday extension. Accommodation, sightseeing and activities can be arranged. Add as many extra days to your holiday as you wish.
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