13 Days in Slovenia - 4 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: From the Alps to the Adriatic - Lake Bled, Soča Valley, and Istria 

This 13-day itinerary is perfect for first-time visitors to Slovenia who want to enjoy everything the country has to offer and finish up with a few days across the border in Istria. Explore the Soča Valley and the Julian Alps, taste local vintages in the Goriška Brda wine hills, try a salt treatment at a spa in the coastal city of Piran, and finish up with a visit to Rovinj, in Croatian Istria. 

Start your trip in Lake Bled. Spend a day exploring the area and visit nearby Lake Bohinj, then drive across Vršič Pass into the Soča Valley, where you can see WWI forts, river gorges, and the emerald waters of the Soča River.

Next, spend a day hiking, biking, rafting, or canyoning in the area, before driving south through Kobarid—immortalized in Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms—and into the peaceful rolling hills of Goriška Brda, Slovenia's wine country. Visit some local wineries before heading to the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, continue on to Piran, a small town on the Adriatic coast known for its Venetian-style architecture and fresh seafood. 

Explore Piran, enjoy the nearby pebbly beaches, and get a salt treatment at one of the local spas before crossing the border into Croatia to visit central Istria. here you'll see Grožnjan, a medieval hilltop town known for its artists, and meet a local truffle hunter to learn the tricks of the trade.

Then, continue on to Rovinj to spend a few days enjoying the Adriatic Sea, or continue exploring inland Istria. Finally, return to Ljubljana and spend the last couple of days of your trip learning more about this charming city. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Slovenia Alpine Adventure - Triglav, Lake Bled, and the Soča Valley 

This 13-day Slovenian alpine adventure is perfect for hiking enthusiasts who want to trek through some of Slovenia's most beautiful mountain scenery. Spend five days hiking through the Julian Alps, visit the Soča Valley, and relax in the Goriška Brda wine region before finishing up with a day of sightseeing in Ljubljana. 

Once you land in Ljubljana, transfer to Lake Bled to start your adventure. Spend a couple of days exploring the area, including Vintgar Gorge and Bled Castle. Then, begin your multi-day hike in Triglav National Park. You'll walk through spruce forests on the Pokljuka Plateau, then into the limestone mountains of the central Julian Alps, and descend into the Seven Lakes Valley before finishing on the shores of Lake Bohinj. 

After several days of intense hiking, you'll want to spend a day relaxing in Lake Bohinj. You can swim in the lake, go canoeing, or even paraglide nearby. If you're ready for more exercise, you can also go hiking or biking on some of the numerous trails around the valley. 

Next, drive to the Soča Valley, where you can go rafting down the colorful waters of the Soča River or hike and bike along its banks. Then, leave the alps behind and continue on to Goriška Brda, the "Slovenian Tuscany." Sample some wines at nearby vineyards and spend the rest of the day relaxing. 

Then, visit the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, on your way back to Ljubljana. Spend a final day enjoying Slovenia's capital before your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Mountain Biking and Hiking in Slovenia: From the Alps to the Adriatic Coast

This mountain biking and hiking itinerary is designed for active travelers who want a vacation filled with fresh air and exercise, including a two-day point-to-point hiking adventure and lots of challenging mountain bike trails with gorgeous views. Explore the most beautiful spots in Slovenia, from the Karavanke Alps to the Soča Valley to the Adriatic Coast.

Spend the first couple days of your trip in Ljubljana, and get to know the capital before embarking on the hiking and mountain biking part of your trip. In Ljubljana, you can stroll along the river, visit Metelkova Mesto or explore the city on a walking tour.

Then, transfer to Lake Bled for some hiking and biking to lovely forests, gorges, and old villages, before visiting Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park. After you've explored the area, a transfer will take you to Kranjska Gora for a day of mountain biking in the Karavanke Alps. 

Spend the next few days hiking through the Julian Alps, up the famous Vršič Pass, and into the Soča Valley. There, you can go rafting or kayaking on the Soča River, bike ride through the valley, or go canyoning. Next, transfer to Mt. Stol—the westernmost mountain in the Julian Alps—for a morning of mountain biking, before a driver picks you up and takes you on to Goriška Brda. 

In Goriška Brda you can relax or opt for more hiking and biking in the area. Whatever you choose, make sure to visit the medieval village of Šmartno and the beautiful scenery of Dobrovo. Then, visit the Škocjan Caves on your way to Piran, where you can swim, bike along the coast, or sit back and enjoy the easygoing lifestyle of the Mediterranean and celebrate the end of your trip. Learn more

Itinerary #4: From Slovenia to Dubrovnik: Lake Bled, the Soča Valley, and Hvar

This complete 13-day itinerary is the perfect way to discover Slovenia and the Croatian coast at a relaxed pace. Start off with a few days in Slovenia to visit Lake Bled, the Soča Valley, and Ljubljana, then fly to Split to explore the island of Hvar and the walled city of Dubrovnik, the "Pearl of the Adriatic." 

Start your trip off in Lake Bled. You can explore the area by bike, visit Vintgar Gorge, hike around nearby Lake Bohinj, and try a traditional Bled cream cake. Then, continue on to the Julian Alps to explore the Soča Valley, where you can do several short hikes and grab lunch in a cozy mountain hut. 

Then, stop at the Lipica Stud Farm to see the famous Lipizzaner horses and visit the vast underground caverns of the Škocjan Caves on your way to Ljubljana. If you feel like making a detour, you can also cross the border with Italy to visit Trieste and Stanjel. Spend a day touring Ljubljana before driving to Zagreb to catch your flight to Split, the largest city in Dalmatia. 

From Split, a catamaran will take you to the island of Hvar, one of the most popular islands off the Dalmatian coast. From there spend a few days enjoying the island: explore the town, hike up to the hill fortress, and have a swim in the Adriatic sea, or rent a scooter and drive along the coastline through olive groves, lavender fields, and vineyards. 

Then, take a ferry from Hvar to Dubrovnik, the final stop on your tour. Dubrovnik is often referred to as the "Pearl of the Adriatic," and is known for its fortified city walls, beautiful location along the coast, and unspoiled nearby beaches. Tour the city, sail to the nearby Elafiti Islands, and visit a couple of museums before catching your flight home. Learn more

More Great 13-Day Slovenia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Slovenia trip? Check out these other 13-day Slovenia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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