Welcome to the itinerary of what is going to be your best trip ever! This Slovenia itinerary has been well awaited by so many of my Instagram followers and for very good reason! How much ever I will write, it isn’t going to be enough – it is truly a hidden gem nestled in the heart of Europe. From its captivating capital city to its breathtaking natural landscapes, this enchanting country is a haven for travelers seeking an immersive and diverse experience. Here’s a 5-day Slovenia itinerary that will take you through charming towns, picturesque lakes, majestic mountains, and historic castles. Discover the rich culture, warm hospitality, and natural wonders that await you in this captivating land. And might I add and dare say, one that might be as comparable (or even better) than Switzerland but much more affordable. So, pack your bags and let’s begin our journey through the beauty of Slovenia.
How to get to Slovenia
My family and I landed in Vienna and opted to drive to Slovenia which took us approximately 3.5-4 hours to reach. There wasn’t a direct flight through Emirates but if you are getting there from UAE, your best bet to get a direct flight from Dubai is to take FlyDubai which has a non-stop flight to Ljubljana (Capital city of Slovenia) with flying time rounding up to 6 hours.
Renting a Car in Slovenia
Renting a car in Slovenia is a convenient and popular option for exploring the country at your own pace. With a well-maintained road network and stunning landscapes, having a car provides the freedom to visit both popular tourist destinations and off-the-beaten-path gems. While driving, keep in mind that Slovenia follows right-hand traffic and be prepared for toll roads in some areas. The toll is called vignette, you can top it up at any petrol station or supermarket or even buy it online here.
I used economybookings to book a sedan which easily allowed me compare prices between all rentals. We got ourselves a volkswagon Golf – spacious for three of us and boy was it a smooth drive! Renting a car in Slovenia is cheaper than in any other European country. You will on average pay 20 euros a day (without the fuel prices) if you drop off the car in Slovenia itself. Since we dropped off the car in another country, we paid approximately 91 euros per day including the extra charges of the dual-country car drop-off option and the summer peak pricing.
Accommodation in Slovenia
Luxury Accommodation:
- InterContinental Ljubljana: A 5-star hotel located in the heart of the city, offering luxurious rooms and suites with modern amenities. It boasts stunning views of the city and Ljubljana Castle, and it is within walking distance to major attractions.
- Grand Hotel Union Business: Another 5-star hotel, situated near the Triple Bridge and Preseren Square. This elegant hotel features spacious rooms, a rooftop wellness center, and a fine dining restaurant.
- Hotel Cubo: A boutique 4-star hotel renowned for its contemporary design and personalized service. It is close to the old town and provides a stylish and comfortable stay.
Boutique Accommodation:
- Vander Urbani Resort: A chic boutique hotel with a rooftop pool and bar, offering unique rooms with trendy designs. It’s situated in the old town, close to many landmarks.
- Ahotel Hotel Ljubljana: A modern boutique hotel with an artistic ambiance, located near the city center and offering comfortable rooms with artistic touches.
- G Design Hotel: This stylish boutique hotel features creatively designed rooms and is within walking distance to the central attractions and the lively riverside area.
Budget Accommodation:
- Hostel Celica: A former prison transformed into a vibrant hostel with a creative and artistic vibe. It offers budget-friendly dormitory and private rooms, and it’s located just a short walk from the city center.
- Hostel Tresor: A unique hostel set in a former bank vault, providing dormitory and private rooms with a central location, ideal for budget travelers looking for a memorable stay.
- AdHoc Hostel: A cozy and budget-friendly hostel near the train station, offering simple yet comfortable accommodations for backpackers and travelers on a budget.
Day 1: Exploring Ljubljana (The Enchanting Capital)
Upon arrival in Ljubljana, you’ll find yourself in a city full of charm and character. Begin your adventure by immersing yourself in the historic Old Town, where cobbled streets lead you to stunning examples of Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture. The Triple Bridge, an iconic symbol of the city, awaits your exploration, along with the vibrant Preseren Square at its center. For panoramic views, venture up to Ljubljana Castle, perched atop a hill, offering glimpses of the Julian Alps in the distance. After a day of sightseeing, unwind at a local restaurant by the Ljubljanica River, savoring traditional Slovenian dishes.
Places to eat in Ljubljana City
- POP’s Pizza: Enjoy delicious pizza at POP’s, a popular spot in the city, right next to the square
- Slovenska Hiša: Experience local Slovenian flavors in a traditional setting.
- Falafel: Grab a tasty falafel wrap for a quick and satisfying meal.
- TaBar: Indulge in international tapas and small bites for a diverse taste.
- Loving Hut: Explore vegan options at Loving Hut for a plant-based meal.
- Hood Burger: Dive into gourmet burgers with creative toppings and flavors.
- Julija & Romeo: Experience modern Slovenian cuisine in a charming atmosphere.
- Gujžina: Delight in traditional Slovenian dishes with a contemporary twist.
- Shambala: Relish in Asian fusion dishes with vegetarian and vegan choices.
- Eksperiment Bar: Discover innovative cocktails paired with unique bar bites.
Day 2: Lake Bled – An Alpine Summer Dream!
Head to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most enchanting destinations. Take a leisurely walk around the pristine lake, marvel at the emerald-green water, and snap photos of the picturesque Bled Island with its church. Hike up to Bled Castle for breathtaking views of the surrounding Julian Alps. Indulge in a traditional cream cake, known as “kremšnita,” at one of the local cafes. For a more active experience, rent a boat and row to the island or hike to nearby Vintgar Gorge to admire its stunning waterfalls and turquoise river.
Car parking in Lake Bled
There are several parking lots and areas designated for tourists in and around Lake Bled, offering both free and paid parking options. In the town center, you’ll find paid parking lots where you can leave your car for a few hours while exploring the lake and its surroundings. Expect to pay anywhere between 2-4 Euros per hour.
Day 3: Vintgar Gorge – Nature’s Serene Wonder
While Vintgar Gorge is near Lake Bled, it might be a little heavy to cover both of these attractions in a day so keep this for the next day.
Explore the enchanting wooden walkways that wind along the Radovna River, offering spectacular views of the gorge’s vertical walls and emerald waters. Marvel at the picturesque waterfalls and tranquil pools as you immerse yourself in the serene atmosphere of this breathtaking ravine.
This trail was the most wonderful part of my trip. When coming back, there are two trails – a shorter and longer one. The shorter one takes approximately 45 minutes which got a bit too much so we hired a shuttle for 8 Euros, which you can opt for on your way outside.
Day 4 – Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle (Nature and History)
Embark on a day trip to explore the natural wonders of Postojna Cave and the fascinating Predjama Castle. Begin with a visit to Postojna Cave, a vast underground network of tunnels adorned with mesmerizing stalactite formations. Take a guided tour and hop on a unique underground train ride. Afterward, head to Predjama Castle, a medieval fortress built into a cliff. Learn about its intriguing history and explore the hidden passages. The castle offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.
Day 5 – Slovenian Coast – Piran and Portoroz (A Seaside Escape)
Prepare to be enchanted by Slovenia’s coastal beauty as you head towards Piran, a captivating seaside town. Lose yourself in the labyrinth of narrow streets and admire the Venetian Gothic architecture that adorns the town. For panoramic views, climb the bell tower and take in the mesmerizing vistas of the town and the Adriatic Sea. A relaxing stroll along the scenic promenade and some time on the stunning beaches will provide you with tranquility and serenity. If you desire a spa experience, consider visiting Portoroz, a nearby resort town known for its wellness centers. As the day draws to a close, indulge in delicious seafood at a coastal restaurant.
Words to know before you travel
Hello – Zdravo (ZDRAH-voh)
Goodbye – Nasvidenje (NAHS-vee-deh-nyeh)
Thank you – Hvala (HVAA-lah)
Yes – Da (dah)
No – Ne (neh)
Excuse me / I’m sorry – Oprostite (oh-PROHS-tee-teh)
English – Angleško (ahn-GLESH-koh)
Help – Pomoč (POH-mohch)
Where is…? – Kje je…? (k-yeh yeh…?)
How much is this? – Koliko stane to? (koh-LEE-koh STAH-neh toh?)
Water – Voda (VOH-dah)
Food – Hrana (HRAH-nah)
Coffee – Kava (KAH-vah)
Beer – Pivo (PEE-voh)
Wine – Vino (VEE-noh)
Bathroom / Toilet – Stranišče (STRAH-nee-sheh)
Hotel – Hotel (hoh-TEHL)
Train – Vlak (vlahk)
Bus – Avtobus (AHV-toh-boos)
Airport – Letališče (leh-tah-LEE-shcheh)
Museum – Muzej (MOO-yez)
Church – Cerkev (TSEHR-kehv)
Beach – Plaža (PLAH-zhah)
