Slovenia is a small but incredibly diverse country, where you can experience everything from medieval towns to stunning alpine lakes. In one week, you can explore its charming cities, tackle some outdoor adventures, and savor the unique blend of Italian, Austrian, and Balkan cultures. This 7-day itinerary will give you a well-rounded taste of what Slovenia has to offer, while allowing plenty of flexibility to enjoy each stop at your own pace.
Day 1: Ljubljana
Start your trip in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. It’s a small, walkable city loaded with history and surrounded by greenery. Take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Ljubljanica River, where you’ll find cozy cafés and street musicians. Make sure to cross the famous Triple Bridge and explore the beautiful Prešeren Square.
To get a sense of the city’s history and architecture, head to Ljubljana Castle. You can hike up the hill or take the funicular. The castle offers panoramic views of the city and exhibitions that cover its history.
Spend the rest of the day exploring the Old Town, which is full of baroque and art nouveau buildings. Stop by the Central Market for fresh produce and local snacks. In the evening, grab dinner at one of the many restaurants around the river—try Slovenian dishes like jota (a hearty soup) or kranjska klobasa (a local sausage).
Day 2: Lake Bled
From Ljubljana, head to Lake Bled, just about an hour away by bus or car. This postcard-worthy lake is surrounded by mountains and forests, with a small island in the middle. Rent a boat to row out to Bled Island and be sure to ring the bell at the island’s church for good luck.
Next, hike or take a short drive up to Bled Castle. The views from here are unbeatable and give you a perfect vantage point of the lake and surrounding countryside. Inside the castle, you can explore a small museum and wine cellar.
No trip to Bled is complete without trying a slice of Bled Cream Cake (kremšnita). You can find it in most cafés around the lake. Spend the rest of your afternoon walking or biking around the lake—it’s a flat and easy 6-kilometer circuit.
Day 3: Vintgar Gorge and Radovljica
Take a short side trip from Bled to visit Vintgar Gorge, which is just 10 minutes away by car. A wooden walkway winds through the gorge, opening up to incredible views of turquoise waters and waterfalls. It’s an easy, scenic walk that should take about 1-2 hours in total.
Afterward, head to the nearby town of Radovljica. This small medieval village is about 15 minutes from Bled and is known for its beautifully preserved architecture. Walk through Linhart Square and visit the Beekeeping Museum, which highlights Slovenia’s long tradition of beekeeping!
Day 4: Bohinj and Savica Waterfall
Go a little further west today to explore Lake Bohinj, Slovenia’s largest glacial lake, located in the heart of Triglav National Park. It’s less touristy than Bled but equally stunning. You can take a boat across the lake, swim in the clear water, or simply relax along the shore.
If you’re looking for a bit more adventure, hike up to Savica Waterfall. This moderate 20-minute uphill walk will reward you with a view of one of Slovenia’s most beautiful waterfalls. For those who want to keep hiking, there are more trails leading into the nearby mountains for spectacular views.
Day 5: The Soča Valley
Next, head to the Soča Valley, known for its emerald-green river and adventure activities. Start in the town of Kobarid, where you can visit the Kobarid Museum, which focuses on World War I history in the region.
For a more active day, go kayaking or rafting on the Soča River, or try paragliding from the nearby hills. If you prefer hiking, the Soča Trail follows the river for stunning views. Don’t miss the short hike to the Kozjak Waterfall, which is hidden in a cave-like nook.
After a day of activity, relax with some local food. Try frika (Slovenian potato and cheese pancake) or the local trout from the river.
Day 6: Piran and the Slovenian Coast
It’s time to visit Slovenia’s small but beautiful coastline. Piran is the gem of the coast, a beautiful Venetian-style town on the Adriatic Sea. Walk through Tartini Square and the narrow streets of this seaside town, taking in the old architecture and sea views.
Climb the walls of Piran for panoramic views of the town and the surrounding coastline. Later, spend some time at one of the beaches or at Fiesa Lake if you want some peace and quiet.
For dinner, seafood is a must here! Try local specialties like black risotto (made with cuttlefish ink) or grilled fish. There are plenty of seaside restaurants offering fresh catches.
Day 7: Škocjan Caves and Lipica
For the final day, head inland again to explore the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The underground caves are vast, with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and a river running through them. The guided tour takes about two hours, and you’ll be amazed by the sheer scale of the caves.
On the way back to Ljubljana, make a stop at Lipica, which is home to a world-famous Lipizzaner horse stud farm. You can take a tour to see these elegant horses and learn about their history—if you’re lucky, you might catch a show!
Afterward, head back to Ljubljana for one last evening. Take it easy, perhaps with a casual dinner at a traditional gostilna (inn) and enjoy your final night in Slovenia.
Additional Tips
Slovenia is compact, so bus and train connections between cities are reliable and convenient. Renting a car gives you more flexibility, especially for visiting places like Lake Bohinj and the Soča Valley.
The landscapes vary a lot, so make sure to pack appropriate clothing. Even in summer, mountain areas can be cool, so a light jacket is recommended.
If you have extra days, you might want to consider adding a day trip to Postojna Cave or Lake Jasna near Kranjska Gora for more outdoor exploration.
Slovenia offers a great mix of everything—historic towns, stunning lakes, outdoor adventures, and coastal charm. This itinerary covers the most popular stops, but don’t hesitate to go off the beaten path to find your own slice of Slovenian magic.
Leave a reply