Slovenia Ultimate Family Outdoor Adventure - 7 Days

Highlights

• See how many dragons you can spot as you follow a guide around Ljubljana
• Take a traditional boat across Lake Bled to reach its picturesque island
• Gear up for a day of ziplining and whitewater rafting in the Soca Valley
• Stop at a local honey farm to learn the secrets of beekeeping 

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana, Afternoon Walking Tour

Welcome to Slovenia! You've landed in the charming capital, Ljubljana. Meet your driver for the transfer to your hotel, and take some time to refresh and recharge. When the kids are ready to stretch their legs, set out to discover one of Europe's greenest cities. Take in the classic European castle, parks, and churches as you make your way along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, where your guide will be waiting to lead you on a journey through Ljubljana's history, architecture, and cultural heritage.

Start in the Old Town, where you'll find the Ljubljana Cathedral, the Town Square, and the Triple Bridge. Pass through the central market and walk along the river toward Ljubljana Castle. The castle is protected by a dragon on top of the spire, and sharp-eyed kids will enjoy spotting other statues and imagery of this protector of the city throughout the tour. After, relax with a drink by the river, then find a local restaurant to taste Slovenian dishes, such as štruklji dumplings, or kranjska sausage with sauerkraut. 

Day 2: Transfer to Bled, Discover Bled Town & Traditional Boat Ride

This morning, a private transfer will take you on the 45-minute drive to Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's main attractions. Located in the Julian Alps, the lake's eponymous town is jaw-droppingly beautiful, complete with a fairy-tale castle on the top of the hill. Check into your hotel, then meet a private guide for a special walking tour of the town. Hear about its legends, discover hidden corners, and learn about Slovenian cuisine. Then, you'll board a pletna, a traditional wooden boat, and cross to Bled Island, where you'll visit the church in the middle of the island and hear the story about the wishing bell on its tower.

After the tour, you'll return to town, where you can let the kids burn some energy with a walk along the lake. Take a break and try the traditional cream cake called kremzšnta while soaking up tranquil views. Later, head up to the oldest castle in Slovenia, where you can enjoy a memorable family dinner with sweeping views over the lake. You'll want to head back to the hotel for an early night afterward, and set your alarms for tomorrow's early-morning wakeup call. 

Day 3: Bled Hot-Air Balloon Flight, Explore the Vintgar Gorge

Rousing the kids before the crack of dawn might be a challenge, but it'll be well worth it when they see what's in store—a dawn hot-air balloon ride. Meet your pilot and climb into the basket ahead of an epic flight over Lake Bled and the surrounding rural terrain, soaking in every moment as the sun crests the Julian Alps and Karavanks. This landscape looks like something out of a children's storybook. You'll drift peacefully overhead while taking in the scene below of quaint villages, rolling hills, Slovenia's oldest golf course, and the bluish-green Lake Bled and its namesake island and cliff-clinging castle.

After the flight, help your pilot deflate the balloon, then head to a rooftop terrace for coffee, hot chocolate, and cake with a panoramic view over Lake Bled. With the rest of the day ahead of you, you could make a special trip to Vintgar Gorge. Just a 10-minute taxi ride away, this is one of Slovenia's greatest natural gems and a must-visit when in Bled. Created by the Radovna River carving through the hills, you can traverse the gorge's series of pools, rapids, and waterfalls via a winding wooden boardwalk. Return to Bled later in the evening and choose a cozy spot for dinner.

Day 4: Transfer to Bovec via Vršič Pass Scenic Drive

Pack some snacks and activities for the little ones this morning—you'll be taking the scenic route as you cross Slovenia's highest pass, the Vršič Pass (5,285 ft/ 1,611 m) in the central Julian Alps. A driver will collect you for the two-hour private transfer to Bovec. This winding, narrow road is considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in Europe, and along the drive, you'll 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 family-friendly hiking trails with beautiful sights and amazing waterfalls, such as the Virje and Boka cascades. If the kids find their otherwordly surroundings look familiar, it's no coincidence—the Soča Valley was a filming location for "The Chronicles of Narnia" films!

Day 5: Soča Valley Zipline, River Rafting & Tandem Paragliding

Eat a big breakfast, as you'll need the energy for today's action-packed schedule of adventure activities. First off, ziplining over the Soča Valley! Experience a rush of adrenaline while flying through the air some 655 feet (200 m) above the valley floor. This thrilling activity sees you descend from the highest peaks over the valley, giving you a bird's-eye perspective of the Julian Alps. Despite the high-octane thrills, it's safe and family-friendly for kids over 47 inches (120 cm) tall. 

After seeing the turquoise waters from above, get up close with a river rafting experience. Grab a paddle and admire the beauty of the crystal-clear Soča River as the whole family works together to navigate rapids and soak in the epic scenery. Daredevil teens might want to add one more adventure to the itinerary—a tandem paragliding flight over the Soča Valley. This adrenaline-filled experience sees you leap from a mountain and fly over the valley and peaks, enjoying the dizzying view from up high. After, retreat to your accommodation in Bovec and relax—you've earned it.

Day 6: Transfer to Ljubljana via Honey & Beekeeper Tour

You'll have time to fit in a family hike or some sightseeing in Bovec this morning before your driver picks you up for the two-hour transfer back to Ljubljana. As you near the capital, stop for a sweet finale to your trip: a visit to a local honey farm. Curious kids will love meeting the local beekeeper and discovering fascinating facts about bees and honey production as they see the bee panels, hear about the bee life cycle, and watch how honey is extracted. Afterward, taste different types of honey and products made with the golden nectar before continuing to Ljubljana.

Drop your bags at your hotel, then spend the afternoon however you please. If the weather is fine, you might want to head straight to Tivoli Park, the city's 250-acre (101 ha) green space filled with lawns, gardens, and ponds, as well as the Ljubljana Zoo. For something indoors, visit the Natural History Museum to see the giant mammoth skeleton, or stop by the interactive House of Experiments, where kids learn scientific principles through a series of fun, hands-on workstations. 

Day 7: Depart Ljubljana

Make the most of your final morning in Ljubljana, enjoying breakfast at a riverside café or taking a stroll around the Old Town. When the time comes, your driver will collect you for the 30-minute private transfer to Ljubljana Airport. Safe travels!

A note on diacritical and retroflex markings: In order to support the best technical experience and search functions, diacritical markings have been omitted from this article.