FREE Slovenia - 3 day itinerary
DAY 1: Lake Bled
Spend your day at magical Lake Bled, at the edge of Triglav National Park.
Bled is an image of paradise. This tourist gem of global dimensions on the edge of the Triglav National Park was nominated one of the seven new wonders of the world. It is distinguished by a mild, healing climate and thermal springs of lake water.
MORNING:
Start your first morning in Slovenia with the most popular destination in the country – Bled Lake. Take a traditional local pletna boat ride to the island on the lake. Upon your first arrival at the lake shore, you will immediately spot pletna boats parked on the designated spots.
You can just walk to one of them and ask for a ride. On the island stands the Church of the Mother of God. Visit the church and ring the famous bell which is said to make your wishes come true. Take time to walk around the island before getting back to the shore with a pletna boat. The whole trip usually lasts about 90 min.
After the trip to the island have a casual 6km walk around the lake. You can stop at any part of the lake and sit down for a short picnic or have a short break in one of the coffee places around the Velika Zaka Beach area.
AFTERNOON:
Have lunch at one of the local restaurants next to the lake. I recommend locals favourite Grajska Plaža Restaurant. You must order the famous Bled Cake for dessert!
After lunch make a short ride to Bled Vintgar Gorge and have a walk on the circular 1.6 km long Vintgar Gorge trail. Everyone follows the same trail through the gorge in the same direction. The walk is very leisurely and appropriate for anyone.
EVENING:
Enjoy your dinner at one of the highest-rated restaurants in Slovenia - Bled Castle Restaurant. In the hands of the famous Chef Luka Jezeršek and with fabulous views of the lake and the mountains above it, this restaurant will not disappoint you. Note that reservations are required in this restaurant.
After dinner don't miss the Slovenian wine tasting at Hotel Triglav Bled's wine cellar, which is one of the experiences you must have while visiting Slovenia!
This evening wine tasting and pairing session allows you to taste five glasses of wine accompanied by local snacks as you are guided by a sommelier through the whole process. Hear stories about the wine varietals and gain wine knowledge you’ll walk away with.
After you spent an unforgettable day at Bled you can drive for 1 hour and overnight in Ljubljana, or spend the night at Bled.
Here are my top recommended hotels in Bled:
DAY 2: Ljubljana
Explore the dragon city of Ljubljana on your 2nd day in Slovenia.
Ljubljana is the green capital of a green country. The area on either side of the river with its picturesque bridges and the central market owes its distinctive appearance to the great architect Jože Plečnik. The city of thousands of events is surrounded by parks and areas of protected nature.
MORNING:
Explore the old city centre of Ljubljana. Visit the City Market first in the morning and then continue to explore Prešeren Square, Tripple Bridge, Dragon Bridge, Kongress Square, City Square, City Market and Ljubljana Cathedral.
It is also a great idea to take a guided tour of Ljubljana.
Here are the guided tours I recommend:
Eat your lunch somewhere in the old centre. I like to recommend the restaurant Druga Violina (Second Violin), where you can find really tasty traditional Slovenian dishes being served mostly by people with special needs, as a part of a special employment program.
AFTERNOON:
Spend your afternoon exploring the more alternative parts of the city. Visit Metelkova, an autonomous social and cultural centre which was formerly, the site of the military headquarters of the Yugoslav National Army.
Metelkova developed from a squat in a former army barracks and became one of the best-known attractions of Ljubljana. There are often different kinds of artistic events, exhibitions and presentations to be explored.
If you like the alternative scene you should visit Metelkova at night! If you are just curious about the place and would like to check it out, the afternoon is a good time.
EVENING:
In the evening take a funicular ride to the Ljubljana Castle. Visit the castle, enjoy the view and have a short walk around Castle Hill. Eat your dinner tonight in one of the best restaurants in Slovenia, Strelec Restaurant, located on Castle Hill. Book ahead!
If you want to experience the nightlife in Ljubljana try to visit Parlament pub, Pritličje or Circus Club.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
Here are my top recommended hotels in Ljubljana:
DAY 3: Postojna Cave & Piran
On your 3rd day in Slovenia dig deep under the Karst surface while exploring the breathtaking Postojna Cave and visit the coastal jewel of Piran.
Postojna Cave is the most captivating cave in the world and the largest show cave in Europe! While touring the 24-kilometre-long cave system, you will get to feel the magic of the underground world and experience a one-of-a-kind ride on Postojna Cave's underground train.
MORNING:
Leave Ljubljana in the morning. It is about a 40-minute drive to Postojna Cave. After arriving at Postojna Cave, first, make sure you buy your tickets at the ticketing office.
A visit to the Postojna Cave lasts around 90 minutes. First, you will ride an electric cave train for 3.5 kilometres, after that, you walk for about 1.5 kilometers on nicely paved, mostly flat terrain. Make sure you bring enough clothes, as the temperature in the cave is constant at 10 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
After Postojna Cave, head to the nearby Predjama Castle.
The World's Largest Cave Castle. The Predjama Castle is another must-see Postojna Cave Park attraction – a veritable medieval miracle, perched in the middle of a rocky cliff for 800 years.
This picturesque and world-famous cave castle has a great museum inside, well worth visiting! There is a nice coffee place opposite the castle where you can sip coffee with a panoramic view of the castle.
There is a great local restaurant Gostilna Požar located right below the castle where you can eat a tasty meal while enjoying the romantic view of the Predjama Castle.
AFTERNOON:
After lunch drive to the coastal town of Piran, which will take you about 1 hour with a car.
The old port town of Piran with remnants of a medieval wall is protected as a cultural and historical monument. Narrow streets with closely constructed houses descending from the hill and its church to the central square on the coast only emphasise its Mediterranean character.
The most beautiful town on the Slovenian coast grew with the help of salt from the Piran Salt Pants.
Recommended walking tour in Piran:
Eat dinner in Piran. I recommend Fritolin Pri Cantini on the square of 1st May, where you can experience traditional Mediterranean cuisine.
You could easily drive about 1 h and 30 min and spend the night in Ljubljana or overnight in Piran.
Here are my top recommended hotels in Piran:
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