Honeymoon adventure in Slovenia & Istria: Ljubljana, the Soča Valley, and Rovinj - 12 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, Transfer to your Hotel

Welcome to Slovenia!

Upon arrival at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Ljubljana (30 minutes away).

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia, and with a population of around 300,000, it's also the country's largest city. Ljubljana is so old that it even predates the Romans, but its city center was shaped much later, during the Middle Ages. The area is a pedestrian zone and is very easy to walk around. You can explore the narrow streets or stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River.

At the top of the hill above the city, Ljubljana Castle is another great place for a short walk with a beautiful view. Have a drink along the riverbanks or take the funicular up to the castle. Then, have dinner in one of the city's many restaurants, which are run by young talented chefs. 

If you arrive early, you can also join a biking tour and explore Ljubljana on two wheels or have a food expert take you around the best local bars, bistros, and cafes to discover the local food scene. 

Day 2: Full Day in Ljubljana

Take a full day to explore Slovenia's charming capital. You can walk around on your own, visit the castle and Tivoli Park, or choose a guided tour to explore the city on foot or by bike. Another option is to book a tour with a food expert, who can introduce you to the city's culinary scene.

Here are some suggestions:

• Stroll along the bank of the Ljubljanica River on your own or with a local guide.
• Check out Metelkova Mesto, the capital of alternative culture. Every year Metelkova Mesto hosts more than 1,500 alternative events and is considered to be one of the most successful urban squats in Europe.
• On the way to Metelkova, stop by the Ethnographical Museum and learn about Slovenian culture.
• Book a bike trip around Ljubljana to see some interesting parts of the city that you would otherwise miss. 
• Meet a food expert and try local specialties.
• Rent a canoe or a stand-up paddleboard and paddle on the Ljubljanica River. You can also paddle upstream, as the river is very slow.
• Have a walk in Tivoli Park, Ljubljana's largest green space, and a great place to get away from the busy streets. If you have the energy, you can walk all the way to Roznik Hill.

Day 3: Lake Bled

After breakfast in the capital, head to Lake Bled.

Located in the foothills of the Julian Alps, this postcard-perfect lake and its island are one of Slovenia's main attractions. Climb up to the castle and tour its smithy, wine cellar, and printing press before enjoying a traditional meal in the castle restaurant. 

Here are some other suggestions:

• Choose from a plethora of shorter hikes through gorges (like nearby Vintgar Gorge) or to scenic viewpoints. 
• Rent a bike and explore roads that will take you through scenic Slovenian countryside.  
• Rent a stand-up paddleboard or a rowboat and sail to the island, or simply board one of the traditional Pletna boats and let the oarsman take you.
• Visit a local beekeeper and learn about beekeeping tradition.
• Go fly fishing.
• Go summer tobogganing.
• Drive to nearby Radovljica, which has one of the best-preserved town squares in Slovenia. 

Day 4: Hiking in the Julian Alps

After a short transfer and a stop to visit a nearby waterfall, you'll start your three-day, point-to-point adventure.

Start your hike in Kranjska Gora and head into the central Julian Alps. You'll be surrounded by towering mountains as you walk along peaceful trails towards a private room in a cozy mountain hut, where you'll spend the night. Enjoy a traditional alpine dinner before settling in for the night. 

Hike: 8 miles (13 km) / elevation +2,950 ft (900 m), -985 ft (300m) / 4-5 hours / luggage transfer included

Day 5: Hiking Across Vršič Pass to the Soča Valley

Today you'll walk along the Russian Road—which was built by Russian prisoners of war—through Vršič Pass. The views you'll see today are absolutely stunning, and it's hard to imagine that the road was originally used to access a battlefield during WWI. 

Pretty soon you'll begin your descent into the Soča Valley, which is known for its colorful rivers and lush green forests. 

Hike: 7 miles (11 km) / elevation +985 ft (300 m), -2,950 ft (900 m) / 5 hours / luggage transfer included

Day 6: Hiking & Biking in the Soča Valley

Hike along the Soča River until lunchtime, and stop for a picnic. Afterward, trade your hiking shoes for wheels and hop on a bike to discover hidden spots along the route, like hanging bridges and shallow pools. 

The bike route includes some asphalt and some gravel parts. If you would prefer not to bike, you can trade that part of your day for some river snorkeling before taking a transfer, which will take you to your hotel in Bovec. 

Hike and bike: 16 miles (26 km) / +1,150 ft (350 m), -2,460 ft (750 m) / 5-7 hours / luggage transfer included

Day 7: Paragliding and Rafting

Bovec is Slovenia's outdoor sports capital, and it's a great place for all kind of adrenaline-fueled activities. In the morning, head to the nearby border with Italy to go paragliding. You'll glide back down to the Soča Valley and see the stunning alpine landscape from a completely different perspective. If you want an even bigger adrenaline rush, you can also try ziplining or canyoning nearby. 

Day 8: From the Mountains to the Wine Hills

In the morning, we'll bring a rental car to your hotel in Bovec, and you can set off on the second part of your honeymoon, which is more relaxing. Drive south and leave the mountains behind you as you enter "Slovenian Tuscany," the Goriška Brda wine region. This area is only one hour away from the mountains but looks completely different: you'll see rolling hills covered in vineyards, small hilltop villages, lots of orchards, and of course an amazing food and wine scene. 

Drive around the hills, visit a few vineyards to sample some food and wine, or leave the car behind and go on a hike or bike ride around the area. There are several options in the area to choose from. 

Day 9: The Škocjan Caves and Istria

Get back into your rental car and continue south to visit the UNESCO-protected Škocjan Caves, and take a two-hour tour through the vast underground canyon, which humans have been visiting for millennia. 

Then, cross the border into Croatia, where you'll find charming hilltop villages, olive trees, and truffles. Stop for a truffle hunting demonstration with a local truffle hunter, taste some typical local dishes, and explore medieval villages. In the evening, continue on to Rovinj and get settled at one of the city's elegant hotels. 

Day 10: Enjoy Rovinj

After all that exercise, you've earned a day off. Spend the day exploring Rovinj or relaxing at your hotel. 

Day 11: Kayak, Sail, Swim, and Visit Pula

Today you have a few different activities to choose from: you can rent kayaks to explore the coastline, visit Pula's well-preserved Roman amphitheater, or even go sailing with a local guide. 

Day 12: Departure

Say goodbye to Rovinj, then cross the border into Slovenia and drive back to Ljubljana. Drop off your rental car and board your flight home. See you soon!