Our top Slovenia itineraries: exploring Europe’s best-kept secret

Tucked between Italy, Austria, Croatia and Hungary is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets: Slovenia. This is a country where emerald rivers gently wind through alpine valleys, medieval towns emanate historic charm, and the outdoors beckons to be explored. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls in Triglav National Park, sipping wine in sleepy hilltop villages, or absorbing the bohemian vibe of Ljubljana’s streets, Slovenia brings the perfect mix of relaxing and thrilling all at once. With this article, get to know this underrated nation as we dive into a top Slovenia itinerary by theme, covering everything from the enchanting highlights to the lesser-known nooks.

Getting to know Slovenia: a brief overview

Undoubtedly one of Europe’s hidden wonders, Slovenia is a nation you’ll fall in love with. Here are a few things to consider before planning your trip…

Why choose Slovenia for your next European adventure?

Slovenia is simply wonderful, but still goes under the radar when it comes to European getaways. This small nation offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, from alpine lakes and lush forests to dramatic caves; to diverse cultural hotspots like seaside towns, medieval villages, and laid-back capital Ljubljana. It’s packed with variety – and with fewer crowds, a great food scene and warm local hospitality, it makes for an ideal vacation.

Planning your dream trip to Slovenia

A wonderfully compact country, Slovenia only takes around three to four hours to drive end-to-end. For this reason, it’s doable to build a fantastic Slovenia itinerary that covers the highlights in only one trip – but for the best experience, ask one of our local travel experts based in Slovenia to pepper your time with local, authentic experiences based on your interests.

The best time to visit Slovenia

This country is an all-rounder as you can find enjoyable experiences in Slovenia throughout the year, but the shoulder season during May-June or mid-September is particularly lovely. These periods offer mild weather and stunning landscapes (either flower-covered fields or fall colors), all while avoiding the peak summer crowds.

Winter (November-February) offers its own special charm for those into snow activities or cozying up at Christmas markets, though temperatures can dip to around 28 to 41 degrees Fahrenheit (-2 to 5 Celsius). The summer months (July and August) bring the warmest weather and plenty of sunshine, and an expected influx of tourist activity. Prices also tend to be higher.

Getting around: transportation options

The main gateway is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), located just a short 25-minute drive from the capital city. From there, the train system offers easy access to most major destinations within the country, though buses are generally a better choice for reaching the more remote and picturesque lakes and regions. Renting a car is the best option for freedom and flexibility, allowing you to discover hidden gems like the Soča Valley or the country’s scenic wine regions at your own pace.

Slovenia itinerary inspiration: choose your adventure

To explore Slovenia as a first-timer, you might only need a week – but longer if you want to indulge in slow exploration. Here are our favorite Slovenia itinerary ideas, from local food and wine adventures to multi-destination journeys…

An adventure tour of culinary experiences

The ultimate foodie adventure in Slovenia, this nine-day trip takes you through the country’s enchanting highlights – capital Ljubljana, Lake Bled, the rugged peaks of Triglav National Park, and more – punctuated with local culinary experiences you’ll never forget.

Take part in a private guided walk of wonderful Ljubljana with a half-day gourmet tasting tour, go rafting on the Soča River, join in with Slovenian music and dancing after a day at Lake Bled, and immerse yourself in Slovenia’s Istria to taste locally-made wine and olive oil. For food-loving adventurers, this tour offers the best of both worlds.

A showcase of Slovenia’s natural beauty

As a compact nation of alpine lakes, lush forests, meadows and snow-topped mountains, nature-lovers won’t be left wanting in Slovenia. This nine-day tour of Slovenia’s natural wonders is as diverse and exciting as the landscapes, and is a multi-sensory experience that covers nature, history, and delectable food and wine.

Start in the laid-back capital of Ljubljana, and continue on peaceful strolls into green valleys and lakefronts in Bohinj and Lake Bled, one of the most beautiful places in Slovenia, where you’ll try local Bled cream cakes! You’ll explore the alpine wonderland of Planica, where you can taste locally-made honey, watch ski-jumping and ski-flying, and have a schnapps lunch.

The rest of the tour takes you through the picturesque Soca Valley, and the incredible Škocjan Caves before finishing up at the glorious Adriatic coastline for beach time and sea breeze.

A wine tasting tour in the ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’

One for the winos! On this five-day tour of wine regions in Slovenia and Croatia, you’ll visit the most famous Collio Goriziano vineyards, the so-called ‘Tuscany of Slovenia’ due to its rolling hills bursting with grapes and its close proximity to Italy. Try delectable local wines while staying at family-run accommodations among hilltop villages, orchards and cypress trees. Enjoy Michelin-starred fare cooked by on-site chefs, enjoy wine tasting sessions with sommeliers, and sample small plates of locally-sourced produce and preserves.

The final days of the tour are in Istria on an estate surrounded by vineyards, near Brijuni National Park. Here you can indulge in spa treatments and a Finnish sauna, before joining a private food tour, tailor-made to your tastes.

A magical tour of Slovenia and Croatia

If your taste for adventure craves a multi-destination trip, Slovenia and Croatia make the perfect trip pairing. On this two-week tour, you’ll cover some of the best sights of this sparkling destination-duo along with a few lesser-known stops thrown in. Start in capital Ljubljana then move on to the shining star of Slovenia, stunning Lake Bled, before heading to Bohinj, its forest-covered cousin. The next day is spent in Postojna Cave, the most extensive cave system in Europe.

On day four it’s on to Croatia, where you’ll explore Zagreb and Zadar, Plitvice Lakes National Park, historic Split, and the sublime islands of Hvar and Korčula. This particular tour spends more time in Croatia than Slovenia, but chat with one of our local travel experts to customize if you’d prefer more time in Slovenia.

Slovenia and the magic of the Balkans

This epic 19-day tour combines Slovenia with Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, for an incredible multi-destination trip that showcases some of the best of Mediterranean Eastern Europe. Starting with some of Slovenia’s most brilliant sites – including Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Bohinj, Postojna and Predjama Castle – you’ll head over the border into Zagreb, Croatia. The Croatia portion is beautifully extensive, covering the wine cellars of Samobor, Plitvice Lakes National Park, the stunning historic cities of Zadar, Split and Dubrovnik, and gorgeous Hvar island and Korčula island.

End your tour by crossing the border into Mostar, the sunniest city in Bosnia and Herzegovina. Take guided walks with a local storyteller, attend mass in Međugorje Sanctuary, and get to know Sarajevo, the ‘City of Heart and Friendship’. If you’ve got three weeks and a curiosity to unpack these fascinating nations, this tri-destination tour simply can’t be beaten.

Top tips for planning your Slovenia itinerary

Before you head off, here are some final tips for traveling to this glorious gem of Europe…

Must-try Slovenian cuisine

Though not internationally known, Slovenia’s cuisine is a sumptuous blend of Alpine heartiness, Mediterranean zest and Balkan spice. Regional dishes include žganci in the mountains, brodet seafood stew by the coast, and kranjska klobasa sausage inland. Don’t overlook Slovenia’s delicious wine scene, and be sure to try medica, a local honey brandy. With traditional culinary techniques, deep flavors and a lot of heart, Slovenian food is as rich and wholesome as its landscapes.

Essential packing tips for Slovenia

• The diverse terrain for Slovenia’s activities means you’ll want sturdy walking shoes for hikes, layers for mountain weather, and something light and breathable for warm coastal days.
• A rain jacket is handy year-round, as showers can appear unexpectedly, as is common in Europe.
• Don’t forget swimwear for lake swimming and spa breaks!
• Be sure to pack the right travel adapter (the standard European Type C and F plugs).
• Slovenia’s currency is the euro (€). If visiting remote areas, bring cash – some places still don’t accept cards.

Cultural etiquette and travel tips

• Slovenians are warm but more reserved than Mediterranean cultures, so greet with a warm handshake and use polite titles, unless you know them well.
• Natural beauty abounds, and so unsurprisingly, respect for nature runs deep in Slovenia – so treat walking trails with respect.
• Tipping is appreciated but not expected; rounding up the bill or leaving 5-10% is fine.
• Most people speak English, especially the younger generation and in city centers – but learning a few Slovenian phrases will be appreciated.

Make it happen

To start building your tour of Slovenia, get in touch with our local travel experts. They’re based on the ground within the destination, ready to create your perfect Slovenia itinerary for a memorable vacation.