Grand Slovenia Journey: From Alpine Lakes to the Adriatic Coast

After breakfast, join your guide for a walking tour through the lively old town, crossing famous bridges and lively markets. Later, a peaceful boat ride on the Ljubljanica River reveals another side of the city’s charm. We’ll continue to Ljubljana Castle, where panoramic views stretch from the city rooftops to the Alps. In your free time, try some traditional Slovenian flavours. Ljubljana is a paradise for food lovers.

We leave the capital and travel through lesser-known Dolenjska, a green region of vineyards and rivers. In Novo Mesto, stroll the picturesque old town before visiting Otočec Castle, Slovenia’s only water castle. The road through Bizeljsko’s rolling vineyards and Kozjansko’s apple orchards is pure scenery. A highlight awaits in Olimje Monastery, where Europe’s third-oldest monastic pharmacy hides in a castle tower. Before reaching Podčetrtek, we stop at the restored Podsreda Castle.

Our day begins in Rogaška Slatina, renowned for its crystal-clear and mineral-rich springs. Legend says Pegasus struck the ground here, creating the Donat spring,  the world’s richest magnesium mineral water. After tasting the water, continue to Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, whose cobbled streets and medieval castle tell stories of Roman times. We end in Maribor, the country’s second-largest city, with free time to explore its cafés, riverfront and wine heritage.

Discover Maribor on a guided walk that reveals its cultural treasures and rich winemaking tradition. Then visit the mystical Žiče Charterhouse, the first Carthusian monastery in Central Europe outside France and Italy. Though partly ruined, it radiates a serene beauty. Continue to Celje Castle to hear the tragic love story of Friderik and Veronika, one of Slovenia’s most famous legends. In the evening, we reach the breathtaking Logar Valley amid the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Awake in one of Slovenia’s most beautiful valleys. Surrounded by alpine peaks, the Logar Valley is a paradise of meadows and forests. We visit the mighty Rinka Waterfall, the source of the Savinja River, and then follow a panoramic mountain road with numerous stops for views and stories. Return to the valley for a peaceful afternoon stroll before dinner and rest.

After breakfast, travel over the mountains to Jezersko, a serene valley framed by high peaks. Continue to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s most iconic scene. Explore medieval Bled Castle, perched above the turquoise lake, and glide across the water in a traditional pletna boat to the island’s wishing bell. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy lakeside walks or the famous kremšnita cream cake.

A short drive brings us to Lake Bohinj, a serene gem nestled within Triglav National Park. Take the cable car up Mount Vogel for magnificent alpine views. Later, you may choose an optional hike through the Mostnica Gorge or to Savica Waterfall, both stunning examples of Triglav’s natural beauty. Return to Bled for one last sunset over the Julian Alps.

Today’s scenic drive leads to Kranjska Gora and its crystal-clear Jasna Lake before climbing the spectacular Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain road. We’ll pause to see the “Pagan Girl” rock face and the Russian Chapel, a WWI memorial. Descend into the emerald Soča Valley, one of Europe’s most beautiful river valleys, and end the day in the alpine town of Bovec.

This morning we visit Kobarid, whose award-winning museum tells the dramatic story of the Isonzo Front in WWI. Afterwards, walk the Tolmin Gorges, the most enchanting entrance to Triglav National Park. In the afternoon, choose an optional wine tasting in Goriška Brda, Slovenia’s most celebrated wine region, or relax among its rolling vineyards.

We travel south to the romantic hilltop village of Štanjel, with its stone houses and the lovely Ferrari Garden. Continue to the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, home to one of the largest underground canyons in the world, a true natural wonder. By late afternoon, arrive on the Slovenian Coast and enjoy a relaxing evening by the Adriatic Sea.