A Week in Slovenia
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This Slovenia travel itinerary will take you through a 7-day journey across Slovenia, one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The route focuses on two beautiful lakes: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj. We’ll also see part of the Juliana Trail as well as the capital city of Ljubljana. The itinerary balances city exploration with hikes in Slovenia’s stunning natural landscapes.
Day 1: Explore Ljubljana
Your trip begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, known for its vibrant riverfront, green spaces, and historical landmarks.
- Morning: Start your day at Cafétino for coffee, followed by a traditional Slovenia pastry from Butik lePotica. Stroll along the river and across the Dragon Bridge. Make your way to the iconic Triple Bridge, a unique architectural feature of the city.
- Midday: Visit Ljubljana Castle. Either hike up (15 minutes) or take the funicular for panoramic views of the city. Explore the castle grounds and exhibitions.
- Lunch: Try handmade pasta at Raw Pasta for a cozy Italian-Slovenian lunch.
- Afternoon: Wander through Tivoli Park or visit the Museum of Modern Art for a dose of Slovenian contemporary art.
- Evening: End your day at Kletvica Natural Wine Bar, or dine riverside at one of Ljubljana’s many restaurants. Stay at the charming April1550 Boutique Hotel.
Day 2: Lake Bled
- Morning: Take a one-hour bus ride from Ljubljana to Lake Bled, Slovenia’s postcard-perfect alpine lake.
- Lunch: Head back to town for a leisurely lunch.
- Afternoon: Walk the 6km trail around Lake Bled for breathtaking views. If you’re feeling energetic, hike up to Mala Osojnica for a panoramic view of the lake.
- Evening: Dine at a restaurant in the town of Bled, and relax with the serene lake as your backdrop. Stay at Penzion Kaps for a great night’s sleep.
Day 3: Lake Bled
- Morning: Row or take a pletna boat to Bled Island. Visit the Church of the Assumption and enjoy a coffee at the island café.
- Lunch: Try the famous Bled cream cake (kremšnita) at a lakeside café.
- Afternoon: Indulge in a relaxing retreat at Wellness Essence Spa, where you can unwind in the sauna with mountain views and melt away stress with a soothing Thai massage.
- Evening: Cap off the day with a delicious, wood-fired pizza at Pizzeria Rustika, a local favorite for its cozy ambiance. End the night with a glass of local Slovenian wine at Vinoteka Zdravljica, a charming wine bar.
Day 4: Lake Bohinj
Enjoy a day in nature at Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake.
- Morning: Take the short 40-minute bus from Lake Bled to Lake Bohinj, and enjoy the fresh Alpine air.
- Lunch: Grab a sandwich from Divja Jaga for a lakeside picnic.
- Afternoon: Enjoy time in nature walking around Lake Bohinj or take a swim in its crystal-clear waters.
- Evening: Check into Hotel Majer’ca, a beautiful boutique hotel by Lake Bohinj with excellent views and a Michelin-awarded restaurant.
Day 5: Hike to Bohinjska Bistrica
Join Stage 7 of the Juliana Trail from Lake Bohinj to Bohinjska Bistrica, a 12km hike through scenic alpine pastures.
- Morning: Start your hike from Bohinj, passing through picturesque green meadows dotted with traditional alpine houses.
- Midday: Arrive at Bohinjska Bistrica, a small, charming town surrounded by mountains.
- Lunch: Relax at a local café and try traditional Slovenian dishes, such as apple walnut strudel.
- Evening: Stay overnight in Bohinjska Bistrica at Sunrose 7, a relaxing boutique hotel.
Day 6: Return to Lake Bled
Catch a bus back to Lake Bled for your final full day in Slovenia.
- Morning: Have a leisurely breakfast before returning to Lake Bled on the scenic 30-minute bus ride.
- Afternoon:Â Spend your afternoon visiting any spots you missed such as Bled Castle or visiting the Vintgar Gorge.
- Evening: Enjoy a final dinner with a view of Lake Bled.
Day 7: Return Home or Optional Trip to Piran
If you have time, consider an optional visit to Piran, a beautiful Venetian town on Slovenia’s Adriatic coast, before heading home.
- Morning: Take a bus or car to Piran (about 2 hours from Ljubljana). Explore its narrow streets, historical architecture and beautiful views of the Adriatic Sea.
- Lunch: Enjoy a lunch of fresh homemade pasta at Rostelin. The best pasta we’ve ever eaten!
- Afternoon: Take a Vespa tour of the Istria region with Rolling Istra, exploring small stone villages, rolling green hills and spectacular coastal views. A dinner stop is included at a local Istrian restaurant.
This 7-day itinerary covers Slovenia’s charming city life, alpine lakes, and stunning hiking trails. A holiday to Slovenia is the perfect mix of history, culture, adventure and relaxation.