The Best of Slovenia. Castles Lakes and Coastlines.

We start our trip in Ljubljana, the green, compact, and vibrant capital city of Slovenia, famous for its open- air riverside cafes, unique bridges, and distinct architecture. It is a city that feels like a living fairytale, where the warmth of a small Alpine village meets the creative energy of a modern European capital.

After our arrival at the airport we will take our private transfer to the 4* Hotel Ljubljana where we will be spending 3 nights. 

Please note

Throughout the tour we will be staying in twin rooms but there is an option to have a room to yourself for the trip. If you wish to have a room to yourself for the 10 nights there are 2 options. You can see what spaces are available by going to book on the website directly. Some of the rooms that we have booked at this hotel are classed as having no window,  if you choose to take one of these rooms for the three nights here the supplement for the entire trip will be £510. If you would prefer to have a room with large windows the supplement will be £640 The supplement will be payable at the same time as the balance.

The 4*  Hotel Ljubljana in Ljubljana is centrally located with Ljubljana Castle an 8-minute walk away, and Cobblers’ Bridge just a few steps from the property.

There is a sun terrace, garden, restaurant, bar, and free WiFi. Additional amenities include a lounge, lift, 24-hour front desk and concierge service. 

The restaurant serves French, Greek, Italian, Mediterranean, and local cuisines with vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free options. 

Breakfast includes local specialities, warm dishes, fresh pastries, and more.

integrated into The Hotel Ljubljana, is “The Restaurant” It is highly regarded for its upscale, contemporary twist on traditional Slovenian and Mediterranean cuisine and is mentioned in the Michelin Guide.

Today we embark on a tranquil cruise along the Ljubljanica River aboard the saloon boat Zala and experience breathtaking views of Ljubljana’s picturesque old town from the water

Afterwards we will take a walking tour of the city highlights, the Baroque old town and the Art-Nouveau new town, passing by iconic landmarks like the Town Hall, Dragon Bridge and the Farmers Market.  

In the early evening we can visit the castle high on the hill above the city for stunning sunset views. 

Dinner locally

Today we have a free day in Ljubljana to explore locally.  

Visit the house of illusions or explore the national gallery or the museum of modern art. 

Walk through the cities largest green space, Tivoli Park, people watch in the square  and watch the world go by

There are lots of different options and we normally split into smaller groups on a free day to ensure that everyone gets to see and do whatever they choose.  Nobody gets left on their own… unless they choose to be…. 

Dinner locally

After a leisurely breakfast and check out we will take our private transfer to Bled (around 1 hour drive), a breathtaking, fairytale destination where the emerald waters of a glacial lake perfectly reflect a cliffside medieval castle and a charming island church against the backdrop of the snow-capped Alps. It effortlessly combines serene natural beauty with romantic history, making it an unforgettable escape that feels entirely disconnected from the modern world.

The “Old Parish House” is rated as a  superb place to stay and we will be spending our next 3 nights here, it is just  100 metres from Bled Lake and right next to the Church of Saint Martin. Bled Castle is 300 metres  away and there are local restaurants and bars just a stones throw away too. 

The most perfect place to be…  surrounded by nature. 

There is an on-site bar, and free wifi.

Rooms are fitted with a flat-screen TV and have private bathrooms.

There is a gift shop at the parish and bike hire is available if you fancy a ride around the lake.

After checking in we have the afternoon free to explore. We can take a walk to Bled castle, entrance is optional as the views really are the main attraction. 

Perhaps take a walk around the lake (all the way around is approximately 2 hours) , stroll in to Bled town or soak up the scenery and stunning surroundings,  or maybe a short hike to Ojstrica or Mala Osojnica, for postcard-perfect views of the lake.

After breakfast for those that would like to, we will take the free shuttle from Bled and head to Vintgar Gorge. 

The trail through the 1,600-meter-long gorge leads over wooden bridges and paths past crystal-clear pools, roaring waterfalls, and unique rock formations shaped by the Radovna River over thousands of years. 

The visit follows a one-way circular route: after the Gorge Trail (approximately 45 minutes of walking), you continue along the thematic return route, the King of Triglav Trail (4.1 km), which brings you back to the VINTGAR Visitor Centre. The entire route measures 5.7 km and requires at least 2.5 to 3 hours.

Wearing a safety helmet is mandatory. The entrance fee is not included and is around 15 Euros ( We weren’t sure it would be everyone’s cup of tea, you may prefer a more leisurely morning lakeside) Or time to chill in a local cafe and indulge in some of the local delicacies, such as the popular Bled Cream Cake (kremšnita )

This afternoon we will take a  Pletna boat to Bled Island. A Pletna is a traditional, canopy-covered wooden boat unique to Lake Bled, used for centuries to ferry visitors to the central island.

Dinner locally

Today we are off to enjoy a full day guided tour. 

This morning we will visit Lake Bohinj, a  wild, pristine natural sanctuary where the rugged soul of Triglav National Park remains untouched. Often called the peaceful alternative to Lake Bled, it is Slovenia’s largest natural lake, offering a quiet escape enveloped by sheer, vertical mountain walls and dense green forests.

We have free time to enjoy the  Mount Vogel cable car (should we choose to) and enjoy the mountain scenery). The approximate cost is 33 Euros return or 29 Euros for seniors

The  breathtaking aerial tramway lifts you from the shores of Lake Bohinj up into the high-alpine heart of Triglav National Park in just over four minutes, opening up panoramic views across the entire lake and valley below

After some time to enjoy lunch in Bohinj we continue to Radovljica,  an enchanting, sun-drenched medieval town nicknamed “Honestly Sweet” due to its centuries-old traditions of chocolate-making and beekeeping. Located just 7 kilometres away by road from Lake Bled, it provides a quieter, authentic look at Slovenian heritage away from the main resort crowds

Transport is provided throughout the day. Lunch and the cable car are at an additional cost. 

Return to the hotel around 17.00

Dinner locally

Morning departure from our hotel in Bled

Visit to Postojna Cave, a world famous natural wonder. with magnificent stalactite sculptures and a diverse fauna. Here we will  embark on an unforgettable ride on the underground train and experience a mighty underground paradise , shaped by tiny drops over millions of years 

We will then take the short drive to Predjama Castle where we will have time to explore. Predjama Castle is situated in the middle of a towering cliff, a mere 9 km from Postojna Cave. 

Picturesque, magnificent, defiant, mysterious and impregnable, it has been dominating the surrounding area, perched high up in the 123-metre high cliff, for more than 800 years. 

It is listed among the Guinness World Records as the largest cave castle in the world.

Continue to our hotel in Piran, arriving in the late afternoon

Piran is Slovenia’s most beautiful coastal town, sitting on a narrow peninsula that juts into the Adriatic Sea. It looks and feels like a miniature version of Venice, featuring centuries of Italian history, colorful historic buildings, and completely car-free marble streets.

The entire town is protected as a cultural monument, offering a relaxed Mediterranean vibe that contrasts with Slovenia’s  alpine regions.

We will check in to the  Barbara Piran Beach Hotel where we will be spending 3 nights.

Featuring a private rocky  beach, Barbara Piran Beach Hotel is located in the most beautiful, greenest and quietest part of the Slovenian coast, directly on the seaside.

It is situated on the bay between the old town of Piran and Strunjan, a few minutes  taxi ride from Portoroz, which boasts casinos, restaurants and a marina. 

The restaurant is open all day and serves a wide range of excellent dishes. 

All transport and cave train experience and castle tickets are included.There will be a lunch stop during the day and lunch is at our own expense.  

Dinner locally. 

A free day to do as we please with lots of great options available such as Explore the gorgeous town of Piran, visit the Secovlje Salt Pans, Visit Koper, stroll along the Portoroz Promenade or enjoy a wine tasting experience

This evening we will take a guided walking tour through the narrow streets of the city of Piran back to the medieval times and get an insight into how people lived here centuries ago. 

During the tour you will see Venetian architecture and walk in a 700-year-old Minorite Monastery. A great panoramic view will open on the top of the hill where the church of St. George stands tall above the town. From this point we will be able to see Slovenia, Croatia and Italy at the same time. 

In the end of the tour we will stop for snacks and refreshments with local food and wines This region is widely known for truffles, olive oil and its amazing wines like Malvazija (white) and Refošk (red), but you will be the judge which suits you better….

Dinner locally

This morning we step aboard the iconic wooden ship Svetko, the oldest wooden bracera sailing under the Slovenian flag since 1986 for a sightseeing cruise along Slovenia’s stunning coastline.

We will depart from Portorož and sail past the historic town of Piran, the protected Strunjan Nature Reserve, and Bele Skale beach.

Upon arrival at Izola we have 2 hours of free time to soak up the Mediterranean atmosphere, explore the old town, or swim at the local beach.

After a leisurely morning and  check out, we take our private transfer back to  Ljubljana for one last evening in the capital.

This morning we will take our private transfer to the airport for our flight home.