From the dramatic Julian Alps to glassy lakes and streams to charming coastal towns to lush forests to unique caves – teeny-weeny Slovenia has it all! Indeed, an essential bucket list addition. An outdoor lover’s haven, Slovenia is best explored by car. Our 7 Days in Slovenia Itinerary will help you explore the best of the country on a Slovenia road trip.
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7-Day Slovenia Road Trip Itinerary: An Introduction
Our Slovenia itinerary perfectly fits families and couples who love road-tripping. Having said that, you need to rent a car in order to explore Slovenia. We love Discover Cars when it comes to renting a car anywhere in the world. Read our guide to renting a car in Europe before you rent a car in Slovenia.
PS: You can easily combine a trip to Slovenia with Croatia, Austria, and Italy.
One Week in Slovenia Itinerary: Brief Slovenia One Week Itinerary
| Day | Highlights | Overnight |
| Day 1 | Fly into Ljubljana | Explore Ljubljana | Ljubljana |
| Day 2 | Ljubljana to Lake Bled | Stop by at Kranj | Explore Lake Bled | Lake Bled |
| Day 3 | Vintgar Gorge and Lake Bohinj | Lake Bled |
| Day 4 | Soča Valley Road Trip | Lake Bled |
| Day 5 | Predjama Castle, Postojna, and Škocjan Caves | Head to Piran | Piran |
| Day 6 | Explore Piran | Piran to Ljubljana (option 1) | Piran or Ljubljana |
| Day 7 | Piran to Ljubljana (option 2) | Cover the Ljubljana sights missed on day 1 | Depart Ljubljana |
Read More: Tips for Planning a Perfect Road Trip
Detailed 7 Days in Slovenia Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Ljubljana | Explore Ljubljana
Your Slovenian adventure begins in Ljubljana, the capital and the largest city of Slovenia. Just so you know, Slovenia’s largest city is one of the smallest European capitals.
Drop your luggage at your hotel and head out to discover the wonders of Ljubljana. Choose to stay in the center of the city so it’s easy to explore the major attractions on foot.
We stayed at Antiq Palace. It’s a charming little luxury hotel tucked in a quiet spot in the heart of the city and is rated highly for its location and services.
Strolling the charming streets of Ljubljana is the best way to take in the vibe of the city. Stop by Prešeren Square, Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butcher’s Bridge, Dragon Bridge, and Stari Trg.
Have coffee and cake at Lolita – Cankarjevo Nabrezje.
Now take a funicular or urban electric train to Ljubljana Castle or you can also walk up the hill. Whatever way you choose to reach the castle, you are sure to be rewarded with stunning views.
Spend an hour or so exploring the castle grounds before you head to Restavracija Strelec for lunch.
For late afternoon, stroll through or relax at beautiful Tivoli Park. You can choose to visit one of the many amazing museums in Ljubljana. We recommend the House of Experiments if you’re traveling with kids.
And, yes climb the famous skyscraper, Neboticnik for the best views over Ljubljana.
End your day with dinner and drinks at Monstera Bistro.
PS: If you missed a few places on your Ljubljana itinerary, you can cover those on your last day as you’re returning to the capital for your flight back home.
Where to stay in Ljubljana?
Luxury accommodation: Grand Hotel Union | Antiq Palace
Mid-Range accommodation: Adora Hotel
Budget accommodation: City Hotel Ljubljana
Read Next: Best Things to do in Ljubljana
Day 2: Visit Bled | Explore Kranj on the way
A tiny island right in the heart of a bluish-blue lake – that’s Bled, Slovenia’s poster child! Today, you’re going to drive to Bled. The drive is short (45 minutes) and beautiful.
We stopped by Kranj, one of the most unexplored places in Europe. Kranj is small yet mighty. You can explore the town in less than 2 hours.
Read More: A Complete Guide to Kranj, Slovenia
PS: You can also choose Skofja Loka, Kamnik, or Radovlijica over Kranj. Or you can explore all of them if you’ve time.
Once in Bled, walk around the lake, visit Bled Castle and Bled Island, take a tour of the lake by a pletna or rowboat, rent a kayak, or go stand-up paddleboarding or swim in the lake, hike Mala Osojnica for the best views of the lake, or sample the famous Kremsnita (Bled Cream Cake.)
The best places to try Bled Cream Cake are Park Hotel and Cafe Belvedere.
Where to stay in Bled?
Luxury accommodation: Vila Bled
Mid-Range accommodation: Old Bled House
Budget accommodation: STATUS Apartments
Must Read: Best Things to do in Bled, Slovenia
Day 3: Vintgar Gorge | Lake Bohinj
One of the best natural attractions in Slovenia and the first mountain gorge in Slovenia that’s opened to the public, Vintgar Gorge is a 1.6 km canyon crafted by the Radovna River in the Triglav National Park.
Vintgar Gorge is one of the easiest hikes in Triglav National Park. A beautiful trail involves walking over the wooden walkways and bridges called Žumer Galleries along and across the glassy Radovna River. Šum waterfall at the end of the trail is a sight to behold. It takes a little less than an hour to walk the entire length of the gorge.
PS: Plan to arrive as soon as the site opens to avoid the tourist crowds. Plus, you’ll have enough time to explore Lake Bohinj, your next stop.
Enjoy the hearty lunch at Gostilna Vintgar before you head for Lake Bohinj.
Essential Reading: An Ultimate Guide to Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia
Just about 30 minutes away from Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj is another beautiful Slovenian lake located in the Bohinj Valley.
While you are here, explore a little charming town on the bank of Lake Bohinj, Ribcev Laz, hike Mostnica Gorge, take an Instagram-worthy pic at Voglom pier, ride the Vogel Cable Car, visit St. John Baptist Church, hike the Savica waterfall, indulge in water sports at Lake Bohinj, and walk along lake Bohinj.
For dinner, we recommend Foksner or Pizzeria Pr’Košnik or Restaurant Triglav Bohinj.
Day 4: Soča Valley Road Trip
A road trip through Soča Valley is the stuff dreams are made of. It’s one of the most beautiful road trips in Europe.
Whooshing around the 50 hairpin bends, up and over the Vršič Pass, along the ever-changing Soca river, climbing 5,285 feet in 193 km (120 miles) – It’s utterly thrilling and beautiful. Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora, Bovec, Kobarid, and Tolmin Gorge are some of the lovely stopovers along the way.
Stop for lunch at Kuhnjca lokalnih dobrot in Bovec or Hisa Franko in Kobarid.
You can even drive up to Slovenia’s highest mountain road, Mangart Saddle, or the Mangart Pass. It serves as a starting point for hiking Mount Mangart.
Soča Valley is a famous adventure sports destination and thus, you can indulge in so many adventurous activities like biking, hiking, zip-lining, paragliding, white water rafting, kayaking, bungy jumping, fishing…you name it!
Day 5: Predjama Castle, Postojna, and Škocjan Caves
The world’s largest cave castle, Predjama Castle is a little over an hour’s drive from Bled. You’ll drive past Ljubljana.
Postojna Cave, well-known as the Queen of Caves, is an unusual karst cave. A 90-minute historic train journey takes you to the 24-kilometer-long underground network of galleries, chambers, and corridors. The cave, at 10 °C temperature is wet and chilly all through the year so, make sure to dress appropriately.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Škocjan Cave is about half an hour away from Postojna. It’s a unique cave system carved out by the Reka River. A 2-hour guided tour (Through the Underground Canyon) takes you through the cave.
The second tour that follows the 2 km long path of the Reka River called Following the Reka River Underground is available from April to October.
Once you’re done with the day’s exploration, head to Piran for a night’s stay. Piran is about a 40-minute drive from Škocjan.
Where to stay in Piran?
Luxury accommodation: Hotel Piran | Casa Al Porto Antico
Mid-Range accommodation: MEMENTO B&B Piran
Budget accommodation: Apartments Vela
Day 6: Bled to Piran | Explore Piran
A tiny beautiful town, best known for its pier and Venetian Gothic architecture, along the Adriatic coast that sits at the tip of a tapered peninsula, Piran is pure love. No wonder it’s counted among some of the most beautiful places in Slovenia.
Walk the Old Town walls, stroll the charming winding alleyways, climb the Bell Tower to drink in the gorgeous views, and enjoy the breathtaking sunset over the ocean.
PS: If time and energy permit, you can cram a Nature Park Strunjan (12 minutes drive from Piran) or/and a port city of Koper (24 minutes drive from Piran) into your Slovenia travel itinerary.
You can choose to spend the night in Piran or plan to head back to Ljubljana the same day. It all depends on your flight schedule. Ljubljana is 122 km (1 hour 30 minutes drive) from Piran.
Day 7: Head Back to Ljubljana | Fly Back Home
An easy and short drive from Piran will take you to Ljubljana. The day is at leisure. You can explore the sights you missed on the first day in Ljubljana, can indulge in last-minute shopping, or can relax as you wait for a flight back home.
Make sure to return your rental car on time to avoid last-minute hassles.
That’s it! Hope our 1 week in Slovenia road trip itinerary helps you craft yours in a jiffy. If you’ve any queries about this 7 day Slovenia itinerary, comment below and we’ll be happy to answer 🙂
Recommended Reading:
Renting a Car in Europe
Schengen Visa for Europe
How to Plan a Trip to Europe
7 Magical Places to Visit in Slovenia
A First Timer’s Guide to Ljubljana, Slovenia
Best Things to do in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Vintgar Gorge, Slovenia
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Kranj, Slovenia
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