Highlights
- Learn to make potica, Slovenia's most famous pastry
- See the rapids and pools of the Vintgar Gorge up close
- Watch the sunrise over Lake Bled from a hot air balloon
- Take an underground train through Postojna Cave
Brief Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | Arrival in Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 2 | Ljubljana and Potica Class | Ljubljana |
| Day 3 | Day Trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle | Lake Bled |
| Day 4 | Hot Air Balloon Adventure and Vintgar Gorge | Lake Bled |
| Day 5 | Depart Ljubljana |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Ljubljana
Welcome to Slovenia! Your adventure begins with a private transfer from the airport to your hotel. There, you'll check-in before setting off to explore the city center.
Stroll the frozen cobbled streets along the Ljubljanica River, and taste local dishes like kranjska klobasa (a type of sausage) or prekmurje layered cake at one of the city's many restaurants.
You'll also have the opportunity to take a walking tour with a local guide and learn more about Ljubljana's many sights, including the city's bridges, the Ljubljana Castle on the hill overlooking the city, and Tivoli Park.
Day 2: Ljubljana and Potica Class
After breakfast, spend your morning exploring the city.
In the afternoon, learn how to bake like a true Slovenian by joining a potica-making class. Potica, a nut-filled pastry made with paper-thin dough, is probably Slovenia's most famous pastry. People joke that in order to be a true Slovenian, you have to climb Mount Triglav and make potica at least once in your life. Thanks to this class, you'll be halfway there.
Potica is always made with a special potičnik mold and usually has walnuts and spices. After the class, you can join an optional food tour of the city to learn even more about Slovenian cuisine.
Chat with a local specialist who can help organize your trip.
Day 3: Day Trip to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle
Today, you'll drive to Postojna to visit the Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.
At 15 miles (24 km) long, Postojna Cave is the largest show cave in Europe. You'll be able to ride an underground train through the tunnels and see the cave's fascinating subterranean landscape.
Next, you'll head to Predjama Castle, which was built into the rockface of a sheer cliff. Predjama is the largest cave castle in the world, and inside you will see how many of the walls were hewed straight out of the rock.
Your ticket includes entrance to both attractions.
After your tour, continue on to Bled, where you'll be spending the night. Check into your hotel and settle in to rest, or head out and explore the town.
Day 4: Hot Air Balloon Adventure and Vintgar Gorge
Today, you'll get up bright and early to catch the sunrise from a hot air balloon. You'll drift peacefully over Bled and the surrounding countryside, and get stunning views of the Julian and Karavanke Alps. You'll fly by Lake Bled and the surrounding valley, before flying over Bled Castle, several small villages, and the oldest golf course in Slovenia during this one-hour flight.
Afterward, you'll help deflate the balloon—it's bigger than you think! You'll share a glass a celebratory glass of champagne, a tradition that dates back to ballooning's beginnings. Finally, you'll receive the honorary title of Baroness or Baron of Bled to commemorate your flight.
From there you'll go to a lakefront rooftop terrace to enjoy a Bled cream slice—a local specialty—and sip your tea while looking out over the lake. Once you've rested a bit, you'll continue on to nearby Vintgar Gorge, where you'll be able to walk along the wooden boardwalk that passes through the gorge to see the pools, rapids, and waterfall up close. The entire tour lasts around four and a half hours.
Day 5: Depart Ljubljana
It's time to say goodbye to Slovenia! Enjoy one last breakfast at your hotel, and make sure to visit any corners of Ljubljana you may have missed. When it's time to leave, a driver will take you to the airport for your return flight home.
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