Food & Nature in Slovenia - 8 Days

Day 4: Drive to Bovec via the Scenic Vršič Pass 

Get ready to take the scenic route on today's two-hour drive, crossing Slovenia's highest pass, the Vršič Pass (5,285 ft/ 1,611 m) in the central Julian Alps. This winding, narrow road is often considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Europe, and along the drive, you can stop at Lake Jasna near Kranjska Gora (the Russian Chapel) or for lunch at one of the local mountain huts. 

Once you reach the small mountain town of Bovec, located in the Soča Valley, check into your hotel and get ready to explore the pristine nature of the Julian Alps. Bovec is a true paradise for adventure travelers who enjoy outdoor activities, and this afternoon is yours to take your pick. You could go kayaking along the Soča River or set off on one of many hiking trails that lead to waterfalls like the Virje and Boka cascades. The Soča Valley was also one of the major fronts in World War I, so history buffs will find plenty of historic sites and museums to visit.

Day 5: Drive to Goriška Brda, Wine Tasting in "Slovenian Tuscany"

Wake to Alpine views and fresh mountain air in Bovec. You have time for a leisurely breakfast and a short hike this morning before it's time to continue your road trip. Today's leg takes you just 1.5 hours south, following the Soča River for a while as you wind your way out of the dramatic karst cliffsides and into the gentler, rolling scenery of Goriška Brda. Known as "Slovenian Tuscany" for its familiar landscapes of rolling vineyards, terraced olive groves, and hilltop towns, this remote wine region sits on the Italian border, nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic and blessed with the perfect climate for winemaking. 

Pull into the main hilltop town of Šmartno, where medieval buildings cluster around a Baroque church, then set off on a wine-focused activity for the afternoon. You'll find over 80 wineries within the small region, producing everything from the local rebula whites to cabernets and merlots—visit a few of the best on a guided tasting tour, or hop on a bike to pedal between tiny villages and family-owned vineyards with a local guide. When you've worked up an appetite, sit down to a farm-to-table dinner before settling in at your local accommodations for a quiet night in the countryside. 

Day 5: Drive to Piran, Afternoon Food & Culture Tour

Continue your journey today, driving 1.5 hours south toward Slovenian Istria and the coast. The fastest route takes you into Italy for the majority of the drive, skirting Trieste before crossing back into Slovenia to reach Piran. This small Adriatic resort town sits on a spectacular natural peninsula, protected by the remains of seventh-century CE Byzantine walls. The town flourished under a long period of Venetian rule, and you'll still see plenty of influences in its Italianate piazzas and red tile roofs. When you arrive, drop off your bags and get your bearings with a stroll along the seafront, lined with bustling cafés and bars.

This afternoon, a local guide will introduce you to Piran's gastronomy, which combines Adriatic, Alpine, and Balkan influences to delicious effect. As you explore grand Venetian squares and turn down narrow, medieval streets, stop to sip local wine, taste some of Istria's finest truffles, and sample a series of regional olive oils. Continue to several of the town's best restaurants to sample dishes made with freshly caught seafood and grass-fed meats. Wrap things up with homemade ice cream before parting ways with your guide and heading to one of the town's waterfront bars for a signature elderflower spritz.

Day 7: Explore Piran's Coast by Bike, Drive to Ljubljana via Škocjan Caves

There's still plenty to discover in Piran this morning, and you'll do it on two wheels. After breakfast, a local guide will meet you with bikes, and you'll set off on a scenic ride. Pedal along the ancient city walls, follow local cycling trails, and pass through small villages as you chart the region's dramatic history through the ages. One of the highlights is visiting the 700-year-old salt panels, famous for producing world-class fleur de sel (flower of salt). You'll end with a special snack at a panoramic lookout point before cycling back to Piran.

After a leisurely lunch overlooking the Adriatic, it's time to pack your bags and get on the road back toward Ljubljana. It's just a 1.5-hour drive, but you can break up the journey with a stop at the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves. This UNESCO-listed cave network and dramatic underground river canyon are spectacular examples of the region's famous karst landscape. You'll arrive in the Slovenian capital later in the afternoon, and have plenty of time to drop off your rental car and relax at your hotel before heading out to dinner.

Day 8: Depart Ljubljana

Do as the locals do this morning and order a potica cake and coffee at the Petkovšek embankment, Ljubljana's most popular riverside promenade. When the time comes, you'll transfer to the airport to catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

More Great Slovenia Itineraries

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