5 Days in Slovenia - 6 Unique Itinerary Ideas

Itinerary #1: Slovenian Alps to the Adriatic - Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Bovec, & Piran

This five-day itinerary gives you a chance to see Slovenia's diverse landscapes in a short amount of time, from the Alps to the Adriatic Coast, with stops on the scenic shores of Lake Bled, the rocky passes of the Julian Alps, and the rolling hills of Goriška Brda wine region. 

Spend your first day in Slovenia enjoying Ljubljana, the country's vibrant capital. Stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River and admire modern architect Jože Plečnik's work around the city. Then, head to the countryside and spend a day at Lake Bled, one of Slovenia's most picturesque destinations. You can ride a boat to the island in the center of the lake, go on a short hike to get spectacular views of your surroundings, climb up to the castle, or head to nearby Vintgar Gorge.

On day three, head to Bovec through Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest pass that winds through the Julian Alps. You'll have the chance to make several scenic detours as you make your way through these massive limestone mountains. Stop for lunch at a traditional alpine hut before making your way to Soča Valley where you'll be able to explore WWI forts and river gorges, before heading to the town of Bovec to spend the night. 

In the morning, drive along the Soča River towards Goriška Brda, Slovenia's wine country, before continuing on to Piran, on the Adriatic Coast. With lots of lovely family vineyards, cypress trees, and quaint churches, the area has earned its nickname of "Slovenian Tuscany." Climb the village tower to enjoy the view, bike through the hillside, or visit a couple of winemakers to make the most of your day in Piran. On day five, drive from Piran back to Ljubljana and say good-bye to Slovenia—at least for now. Learn more

Itinerary #2: Explore the Magic of Slovenia - Ljubljana and Lake Bled  

This five-day road trip gives you a taste of Slovenia's magical countryside and culture. Start with a day in Ljubljana and a potica-making class. Then, visit the famous Postojna Cave, followed by a hot air balloon ride over Lake Bled and a final afternoon spent exploring the wooden pathways above the gorgeous Vintgar Gorge. 

Start your Slovenian adventure in Ljubljana. Stroll along the Ljubljanica River and visit some of the capital's many restaurants and cafes before heading to your hotel to relax for the evening. On day two, spend the morning exploring the city and visit Ljubljana Castle or Tivoli Park. In the afternoon, take part in a real cultural experience with a potica-making class. Potica—a nut-filled pastry with paper-thin dough—is one of Slovenia's signature dishes. After class, join an optional food tour to learn more about Slovenia's culinary scene. 

On day three, drive to Postojna to visit Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle. You'll get to ride the electric train that winds through Postojna, Europe's largest show cave, and learn more about the history of Predjama Castle, which was built right into the cliff. Finally, you'll finish your day at Lake Bled and spend the night there. 

In the morning, set out bright and early for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and catch the sunrise over the lake from a hot air balloon. Share a celebratory glass of champagne before accepting your honorary title of Baroness or Baron of Bled to commemorate your flight. In the afternoon, savor a slice of Bled cream cake before setting off to nearby Vintgar Gorge and walk on the wooden boardwalks through the gorge. Finally, head back to Ljubljana on your last day in Slovenia to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #3: Slovenia's Great Outdoors - Ljubljana, Lake Bled & Bovec 

Perfect for hikers who want to experience Slovenia's great outdoors, this itinerary starts with a day exploring Ljubljana, Slovenia's vibrant capital, before transferring to Lake Bled for a day of hiking around nearby Lake Bohinj. Then, head up the Vršič Pass to the Soča Valley, and spend a final night exploring Bovec. 

Start with a day exploring the streets of Ljubljana before transferring to Lake Bled and its postcard-perfect landscapes. From there, you can set off on a short hike, ride a boat to the island in the center of the lake, or take a tour of the castle to visit its smithy, wine cellar, and printing press. Or, go on a cycling tour of the area's back roads to see the surrounding countryside, and finish up with a tasty Bled cream cake on the lakeshore. 

On day three, set out for a full day of hiking around Lake Bohinj,  Lake Bled's less-famous but equally picturesque neighbor. Trek through dramatic gorges and smooth green pastures. Don't forget to pay a visit to the statue of Zlatorog, a mythic stag that lives in the mountains, before you leave.

Next, you'll get a guided tour of Vršič Pass and Soča Valley through the Julian Alps. visit the area's WWI forts and stunning river gorges, then head to the small mountain town of Bovec and grab a drink at one of the local microbreweries before heading to your hotel for the night. Finally, spend your last day in Slovenia exploring the Soča Valley before you return to Ljubljana for your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #4: Hut-to-Hut Hiking in the Slovenian Alps - Ljubljana, Lake Bled & the Triglav Lakes Valley

This self-guided experience of the Slovenian Alps is designed with adventurous and independent travelers in mind. Start off in Ljubljana, hike the Central Alps, trek through the Triglav Lakes Valley, explore Lake Bled, and more on this itinerary that takes you through mountains and pastures with stays at small, charming hiking huts. 

Start your hiking trip with a relaxing day in Ljubljana, where you can visit Ljubljana Castle, take a walk along the riverfront to visit the many cute stores and cafés found there, and see the work of modern architect Jože Plečnik that's dotted around the city, like the National Library, Central Market and Triple Bridge. Early the next morning, head to the Central Julian Alps for a day of hiking in Triglav National Park, through dense spruce forests, and over Bohinj Valley. At the end of the day, your luggage will be waiting for you at your hotel in Bled, where you can spend your evening resting after a long day. 

On day three, hike through Triglav Lakes Valley and up Mt. Triglav’s "southern neighbor." If you're looking for a challenge, you'll also have the chance to hike to the top of Mt. Triglav with a  professional IFMGA-licensed mountain guide. Finally, spend your last day hiking through the green pastures and peaceful scenery around Lake Bohinj. Stop for a swim in the lake's crystalline waters before heading to your accommodation in  Bohinj. Finally, spend your last morning in Slovenia visiting Lake Bled and the nearby Vintgar Gorge before returning to Ljubljana to catch your flight home. Learn more

Itinerary #5: Winter Wonderland in Slovenia - Ljubljana & Kranjska Gora

This five-day winter itinerary is a perfect way to experience Slovenia's beautiful snowy peaks and crystal lakes. Start with a day exploring the capital, then head to Kranjska Gora to spend two days skiing the slopes, climbing frozen waterfalls, and sipping mulled wine at the Alpine Village market. Afterward, spend a day at Lake Bled and take a boat ride to the Church of Assumption, perched on the island in the middle of the lake. 

Begin with a day exploring Ljubljana's frozen cobbled streets. Sip hot tea at one of the capital's many cafes, visit the shops along the Ljubljanica River, and tour Ljubljana Castle. Then, travel to Kranjska Gora to spend the next couple of days on the slopes. Climb the frozen waterfall in Gozd Martuljek, sled down the slopes in the evening, and visit the Alpine Village for some mulled wine, hot tea, and lots of local delicacies. For beginners, ski lessons with experienced instructors are available. If you're more advanced, cross-country skiing is also an option. 

Once you've spent a few days on the slopes, head to Lake Bled to spend a day exploring its wintery surroundings. Climb up to Bled Castle to enjoy the view and take a tour, or ride a boat to the island at the center of the lake to visit the Church of Assumption. In the evening, either check into your hotel on Lake Bled or return to Ljubljana to spend the night there before catching your flight home in the morning. Learn more

Itinerary #6: Ljubljana to Zagreb - Lake Bled, Opatija & Plitvice 

This five-day road trip through Slovenia and Croatia is perfect for people who want to see more of both countries in a short time. Start off in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, then drive down toward the Croatian coast, with stops on the way at Lake Bled, Postojna Cave, Opatija, and the beautiful Plitvice Lakes National Park, before finally finishing your town in Zagreb. 

Start your road trip with a day in Ljubljana, where you can pick up your rental car and spend a day enjoying the city's many restaurants and cute shops along the Ljubljanica River and visit the city's castle, churches, and parks. Early the next morning, head to Lake Bled to spend a day exploring the area. Climb up to Bled Castle to take a tour and enjoy the view, or head to popular nearby Vintgar Gorge. Another option is to ride a boat to the island at the center of the lake and climb the church's 99 steps. Afterward, return to Ljubljana and relax for the evening. 

The following day, start your drive towards Opatija. Stop at Postojna and visit the famous Postojna Cave, which is the largest show cave in Europe. Ride a miniature electric train through the tunnels and visit Brilliant—a five-meter-high stalagmite—and see the oldest underground post office. After your tour, continue your journey to Opatija, the "Croatian Nice," a spa town that's been welcoming wellness-seekers since Roman times. 

In the morning, drive to Plitvice Lakes National Park, a gorgeous national park and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend the day exploring the park's many lakes, waterfalls, and moss-covered forests, and take a boat tour to experience the park from a different perspective. Finally, continue on to Zagreb to spend your last in Croatia in the capital. In the morning, return your rental car and head to the airport for your flight home. Learn more

More Great 5-Day Slovenia Itineraries

Looking for more inspiration for your Slovenia trip? Check out these other 5-day Slovenia itineraries, ranging from active, to cultural, to luxury, or family-friendly trips.

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