Stunning Slovenia: 7 Day Travel Itinerary

theleavers
Jul 14, 2025
7 min read

Updated: Nov 4, 2025

Slovenia is located in Central Europe and is probably one of Europe's most under-rated destinations. However, it is quickly becoming more popular and for good reason! This beautiful country is packed with jaw-dropping mountains, green pastures and offers great hiking and outdoor activities but is also safe, clean, affordable and easy to get around. It is often said that Slovenia is just like Switzerland but without the price tag.

Slovenia is not a big country, compared to other European countries, so it is recommended to hire a car in order to see as much as possible and to explore the countryside. Below is our itinerary and tips as a family travelling with young children, with recommendations based on our visits to Slovenia in 2019 and 2025.

Pro tips:

Slovenia's currency is the Euro and credit card is widely accepted
In peak summer months make sure you pre-book accommodation. We found that Lake Bled and Ljubljana are very popular so you may need to book accommodation in advance
The weather can be cool, particularly in the mountains, so be prepared and wear layers
Wear comfortable shoes for hiking - we love and always wear Columbia hiking shoes. My husband has extra wide feet and loves his Newton Ridge. I love the Crestwood Waterproof Hiking Shoe
Best time to visit is end of April to end of June - the weather is not too hot or cold, and the flowers are out in bloom. But obviously if you are after skiing and snow then the winter months in Slovenia are great
Recommend hiring a car (we used Avantcar) to have the freedom to visit all that Slovenia has to offer. There are public transport options, but you will need a car to visit more non-touristy and remote, scenic destinations. Also, with a car you could also easily drive into neighboring Italy or Austria or Croatia (which is what we have done)
If you do drive, you will need to pre-purchase an e-vignette. The e-vignette is linked to the vehicle registration plate number so you will have to purchase after hiring your vehicle
English is widely spoken but it is always a good idea to learn a few phrases in Slovenian

Good day - Dober dan

Goodbye - Nasvidenje

Please - Prosim

Thank you - Hvala

Yes - Da

No - Ne

Day 1 - Ljubljana

Ljubljana is the capital of Slovenia and is a city of dragons, bridges, and a river that snakes through pastel-colored buildings. Ljubljana has a relaxed, welcoming vibe and the old part of the city is pedestrianized which adds to the relaxed atmosphere and charm. On warmer days, you can enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of outside seating at most riverside restaurants and cafes.

Where to stay: City Hotel Ljubljana

You can easily visit Ljubljana in 1 or 2 days. Here are the main things to do in Ljubljana:

Stroll Old Town & Prešeren Square - Wander the cobbled lanes, cross the elegant Triple Bridge, and soak up the vibrant atmosphere in Prešeren Square—Ljubljana’s social heart
Explore Central Market (Plečnik’s Market) - Browse fresh produce, cheeses, flowers, and crafts in this UNESCO‑listed riverside market designed by Plečnik
Dragon Bridge & Robba Fountain - Admire the iconic copper dragon statues on Dragon Bridge—the city symbol—and the baroque Robba Fountain by Town Hall
Climb (or Funicular) to Ljubljana Castle - Enjoy sweeping views over the city from this medieval fortress. You can hike up or take the funicular for a quick—and scenic—ride. Book your tickets here.
River Cruise or Riverside Lounge - Take a relaxing boat ride along the Ljubljanica River, or continue leisurely walking along its scenic banks

Day 2 - Lake Bled (40 min drive)

Pick up a car in Ljubljana - we used Avantcar.

Lake Bled is one of Europe's most enchanting destinations—ideal for a full‑day adventure or a tranquil weekend. It is one of our favourite destinations in all of Europe! You can easily spend two days exploring this beautiful part of Slovenia.

Where to stay: Carman House. We stayed here in 2025 as the rooms overlook Lake Bled. Downstairs is a fantastic restaurant as well. Our room also had a sauna connected to our bathroom! Here is a link to our Instagram Post of our stay.

Morning:

Rent a bike and ride around the Lake

One of the first things I would recommend when visiting Lake Bled is to hire a bike and enjoy the leisurely ride around the Lake. You will need to be comfortable with bike riding and there are some narrow paths to manage but the ride is so beautiful. The ride will take 1 - 2 hours depending on how long and often you stop. Here is a link to our Instagram post of our bike ride.

Afternoon:

Explore Bled Castle -Perched atop a clifftop, Slovenia’s oldest castle (dating back to 1011) offers breathtaking lake views. Inside, there's a wine cellar, printing press, museum exhibits and a restaurant with panoramic views.
Enjoy Bled Cream Cake - for the most authentic experience, I recommend purchasing it at Kavarna Park, part of the Park Hotel where it was made.

For dinner, highly recommend eating in the restaurant that is below Carman House. The food and service were fantastic!

Day 3 - Lake Bled and Water Rafting

Morning:

In the summer months, water rafting is very popular. Enjoy a scenic rafting trip in pristine nature on the beautiful Sava Dolinka River.

Alternatively,

For postcard-perfect panoramas, hike to Mala Osojnica or Ojstrica. These trails are 30–60 minutes long round-trip and reward you with classic shots of the lake, island, and castle framed by the Alps. This is a difficult hike so be prepared and take water and recommend starting early in the morning.

Afternoon:

Hire a rowboat (direct from the accommodation at Carman House) or hop on a traditional pletna boat to the island. Wander the 99 steps up to the Church of the Assumption and ring the legendary bell for good luck.

Day 4 - Lake Bled and Vintgar Gorge

Morning:

Just 4 km from Bled, this stunning gorge features a boardwalk along the speckled Radovna River, leading to Šum waterfall. You will need to pre-purchase your tickets and reserve a timeslot before arriving.
For 1.6 km, boardwalks crisscross their way along the Radovna River, creating an enchanting landscape that is photogenic and fun to explore.
On a visit to the gorge, you will first walk through Vintgar Gorge and then return to the parking lot via one of two different trails. We took the 'family friendly' option which was a hike through a rainforest.
For full details on how to get here, the trail and booking tickets click here
Helmets are mandatory and you will be provided with one when you enter.

Day 5 - Kranska Gora, Lake Jasna and Vršič Pass

Morning

Drive to Kranska Gora and if you are there in springtime, marvel at the beautiful fields with wild flowers growing. Kranjska Gora, nestled in the Julian Alps near the Italian and Austrian borders, offers year‑round outdoor adventures, charming vistas, and alpine serenity.

Not far from Kranska Gora is Lake Jasna, which is another one of Slovenia’s very pretty lakes. Stop here for a swim (if warm enough) of a quick lunch stop with a view! Don’t miss the statue of Zlatorog, the golden-horned Ibex.

Afternoon:

The Vršič Pass is a paved road that was constructed by Russian POW’s during World War I. At 1611 meters, this is the highest mountain pass in the eastern Julian Alps. There are 50 hairpin turns along the road, 24 on the Kranjska Gora side and 26 on the Trenta side.

On the drive, make the quick stop at the Russian Chapel (on the Kranjska Gora side of the pass).

From the top of the Vršič Pass, drive down the Trenta side towards the town of Bovec. It doesn’t take long until the road runs alongside the Soca River. Before you get to Bovec, there are two fantastic places to stop and enjoy a view of this dazzling river - Kamp Korita and Kamp Jelinc.

If you have time, you may want to consider white water rafting on the beautiful Soca River.

Where to stay: Bovec Hotel Mangart

Day 6 - Postojna

From Bovec, continue your drive south on route 203 until you get to Kobarid.

In Kobarid it’s worth a quick detour to see Napoleon’s Bridge. From the bridge you have an awesome view of the Soca River.

Driving on to Postojna, which is famed for its extraordinary cave system and medieval cave castle. Predjama Castle is dramatically embedded in a limestone cliff—home to the legend of Erasmus the robber knight. For those more adventurous, you can visit the caves under the Castle during months of May to September.

Where to stay: Hotel Center or Postojna Cave Hotel Jama

Day 7 -Piran (1 hr)

Morning

Piran is a small, colorful coastal town that sits right on the Adriatic Sea. This beautiful, sleepy, seaside town feels like you are in Italy.

Piran is an easy visit as you stroll the city streets, stop for coffee and gelato, and walk along the medieval walls for views of the city. The main square is a popular place to visit and when we were here the local markets were on.

Lunch: Highly recommend stopping by Jadro for lunch. This restaurant is on the waterfront and is at the end of all the restaurants. It wasn't as busy as the other waterfront restaurants but the food was good and very reasonably priced!