12 Days in Slovenia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: The Delights of Slovenia and Istria - Bled, Bovec, Istria, & Ljubljana

This 12-day self-driving itinerary is the perfect introduction to the delights of Slovenia and Istria, from the colorful waters of the Soča River to Rovinj, on the shores of the Adriatic Sea. Explore Lake Bled, sip wine in Goriška Brda, and discover the charming villages of Istria in this self-driving tour perfect for independent travelers looking for the freedom to head off the beaten path. 

Start your adventure on the shores of Lake Bled, and spend the first few days of your vacation exploring the area. Hike on the walkways in Vintgar Gorge, visit nearby Lake Bohinj and climb up to Bled Castle for a tour. 

Then, head over Vršič Pass and into the Soča Valley to reach the small town of Bovec. Bovec is known for the many adventure sports options nearby, including rafting, kayaking, ziplining, canyoning, and biking. Pick your favorites and enjoy a day outdoors, then drive to Goriška Brda—Slovenia's wine region—for a change of pace. 

Goriška Brda is filled with vineyards and orchards. You can hop on a bike to visit the area, visit the medieval village of Šmartno, tour a winery, and try lots of local culinary specialties. Then, stop by the Škocjan Caves, which have one of the world's largest underground caverns, before crossing the border into Croatia and continuing on to Rovinj. 

Spend a day exploring Istria, including Grožnjan, a medieval hilltop village; Pula's ancient Roman amphitheater; and the murals on Poreč’s Euphrasius Basilica. Next, drive back to Slovenia to enjoy your last few days in Ljubljana, the capital. Take a stroll along the Ljubljanica River, walk to Tivoli Park, and check out Metelkova Mesto, the capital of alternative culture. You can also take a bike tour or have a local food expert introduce you to the city's culinary scene. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Hiking from the Alps to the Adriatic - Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, Goriška Brda & Piran

This 12-day hiking itinerary is perfect for outdoor aficionados who want to see a little bit of everything Slovenia has to offer. Trek over the Vršič Pass into the Julian Alps, walk along the ridge between Slovenia and Austria, stroll through the streets of Piran, and take in all of Slovenia's beautiful outdoor scenery on the way. 

Start your adventure in Ljubljana, where you can visit the castle, tour the Ethnographical Museum, or stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River. Next, visit Lake Bled and spend a day exploring the surroundings, including Vintgar Gorge, Radovljica, Lake Bohinj, and the island at the center of Lake Bled. 

 Next, set off on a three-day point-to-point hike through the Julian Alps. Walk along the ridge that separates Austria and Slovenia, then cross the famous Vršič Pass—Slovenia' highest mountain pass—before beginning your descent into the Soča Valley. 

On day eight, hike along the Soča River through the valley until you reach Bovec, a small town known as Slovenia's outdoor sports capital. There you can relax and enjoy a drink at one of the town's microbreweries, before continuing on to the Goriška Brda wine region the following morning. 

Spend some time exploring Goriška Brda: tour a few vineyards, go on a cycling tour of the area, and sample some of the local culinary specialties. The following morning, stop at the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Slovenia's Karst region. After touring the caves, continue on to Piran in the afternoon.

Piran is known for its spas and fresh seafood. Spend your last day in Slovenia relaxing, or head to one of the nearby pebbly beaches. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Honeymoon Adventure in Slovenia & Istria: Ljubljana, the Soča Valley, and Rovinj

This romantic 12-day itinerary is perfect for couples who want an active honeymoon mixed with a few days of relaxing on the coast. Start with a few days enjoying Ljubljana before embarking on a three-day hike through the Julian Alps that ends with biking, rafting, and paragliding in the Soča Valley. Then, finish your trip in Rovinj and spend a couple of days enjoying the romance of the Istrian Peninsula.

Start your honeymoon in Ljubljana, and spend a couple of days exploring the city. Some of the more romantic options include strolling through Tivoli Park, going on a food tour with a local culinary expert, and grabbing a drink on the banks of the Ljubljanica River. 

Next, head to Lake Bled, a beautiful lake in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Visit the island at the lake's center or go hiking around the area and enjoy a royal dinner at the castle restaurant. The following morning, start your three-day, point-to-point hike through the Julian Alps, across Vršič Pass and into the Soča Valley. Finish your hike in Bovec, Slovenia's adventure sports capital. 

Spend a day enjoying the outdoor sports around Bovec and go rafting, paragliding, or canyoning in the area. Then, continue on to Goriška Brda, Slovenia's wine country, and visit a few winemakers for a wine tasting tour. 

For the last leg of your honeymoon, cross the border into Croatia to explore Istria. Start with Rovinj, a charming fishing port on the west coast of the Istrian Peninsula, then spend a day kayaking along the coast or swimming in the Adriatic Sea. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hiking & Fly-Fishing in Slovenia - Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the Soča Valley, Goriška Brda & Piran 

This 12-day itinerary is perfect for active travelers who want to experience some of the best hiking and fly-fishing in Slovenia. Fish for marble trout in the Soča River, hike through the Julian Alps, visit Lake Bled, and sip wine in Goriška Brda, the "Slovenian Tuscany." 

Begin your vacation in Ljubljana, and spend a couple of days exploring the capital. Then, pick up your rental car and drive to Velika Planina, a meadow in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps north of Ljubljana. Hike over the plateau and visit traditional shepherds' huts before continuing on to Lake Bled. 

Lake Bled is a fairytale destination in the foothills of the Julian Alps. Some options in the area include hiking, visiting the island at the center of the lake, fly-fishing, and a visit to nearby Lake Bohinj. Then, continue across the stunning Vršič Pass into the Julian Alps until you get to Bovec, a small town in the Soča Valley. 

Bovec is a great base for all kinds of outdoor sports available in the area. Start with a full-day of fly-fishing with a local guide, choose from several hikes, and go rafting or canyoning nearby. Then, move from the mountains to the wine country of Goriška Brda, where you can tour wineries and visit vineyards. 

Finally, drive from Goriška Brda to the Škocjan Caves, in Slovenia's Karst region. Tour the caves, then continue on to Piran, a charming town on the Adriatic Coast. Enjoy Piran's fresh seafood and pebbly beaches before heading back to the capital for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 12-Day Slovenia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Slovenia trip? Check out these other 12-day Slovenia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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