Get ready to dive into the underrated adventure capital of Europe with this week-long Slovenia itinerary.
With its captivating blend of natural beauty, rich history, and thrilling adventures, it’s no wonder we love Slovenia so much. From the fairytale landscapes of Lake Bled to the adrenaline-pumping activities in Bovec, this small Balkan country offers a myriad of fun.
We think seven days is the perfect amount of time for travellers to see Slovenia’s top destinations. This also gives you time to head off-the-beaten track for a couple of lowkey excursions, too.
Explore this Itinerary
The Ultimate Slovenia Itinerary
Day 1: Spend a Day in the Capital, Ljubljana
There’s nowhere better to kick off your Slovenia itinerary than in Ljubljana, right? We recommend waking up early and taking the funicular to Ljubljana Castle for incredible sweeping views of the capital before hitting up the Central Market for a bite to eat.
In the afternoon, there’s time for a quick stroll through Tivoli Park before boating along the river. As night falls, the Dragon Bridge and Triple Bridges are illuminated, while the Town Square is a buzzy place to hang out before dinner.
Day 2: Explore Caves and Castles
Slovenia is a haven of natural (and not so natural) wonders, so your second day is all about exploring these. There are two main day trips you can take from Ljubljana and, while this itinerary allows for one, you totally should add another day to your itinerary if possible.
First up, a visit to the Škocjan UNESCO Caves and Piran sees you explore impressive stalagmites and stalactites, the small-but-mighty Socerb Castle, and the stunning coastal town of Piran. Or, opt for a visit to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle to see one of Slovenia’s most incredible historic sites, where a beautiful castle is carved deep into the landscape.
Day 3: Take in the Beauty of Lake Bled
Head to the breathtaking Lake Bled early to beat the crowds and enjoy the serene morning ambiance of this stunning location. There’s plenty to do here, from hiking to the Mala Osojnica lookout (our favourite) to kayaking on the tranquil water.
No visit to Lake Bled is complete without indulging in a slice of the famous Bled cream cake, kremšnita. Once you’ve worked up an appetite, treat yourself to this toothsome dessert at one of the many lakeside cafes.
Day 4: Head into the Mountains and Explore Lake Bohinj
Next, it’s time to immerse yourself further into the natural beauty of Slovenia’s alpine region by exploring Lake Bohinj and its stunning surroundings. Begin your day in Triglav National Park at the serene Lake Bohinj, the largest lake in Slovenia. It’s an ideal spot for a peaceful morning stroll along the shore.
Throughout the rest of the day, head on a short hike to Savica Waterfall, one of the most picturesque waterfalls in Slovenia, and Mostnica Gorge for incredible views. After exploring the gorge, make your way to the Vogel Cable Car. The ride up provides spectacular panoramic views of Lake Bohinj and the surrounding Julian Alps.
Day 5: Kayak or Raft on the Emerald Waters of Sava River
Embark on an exhilarating water adventure on Day 5 with a kayaking or white water rafting tour on the Sava River. Starting from the charming town of Bled, you can choose between two thrilling options (or extend your stay and try both!)
If water sports aren’t your thing, we advise you to spend the day exploring the mesmerising Vintgar Gorge instead. This natural wonder, located just a short drive from Bled, features a series of wooden walkways that meander through the gorge, offering breathtaking views of the cascading river and lush greenery.
In the evening, make your way to Bovec, a picturesque town nestled in the Soča Valley. Known as Slovenia’s adventure capital, Bovec is the perfect base for more thrilling activities in the days to come.
Read Next: The Ultimate Guide to Adventurous Things to do in Slovenia
Day 6-7: Head on an Adventure Near Bovec
The final two days of this Slovenia itinerary are spent in Bovec, where plenty of adventure activities await. You can choose between ziplining, more extreme white water rafting, canyoning, and climbing the Mangart via ferrata.
If this all sounds a bit too extreme, you can visit the sleepy town of Kobarid and hike along the Kobarid Historic Trail to Kozjak Waterfall. Whatever you decide, make sure you spend a day exploring the Vršič Pass and Soca Valley. Admire the amazing beauty of Triglav National Park along the Vršič Pass, making sure to stop at Lake Jasna (this is where renting a car becomes really handy.)
Hiking the Soča Trail is another highlight of this region. This trail follows the emerald-green Soča River through sprawling landscapes and picturesque villages towards its source. You can expect incredible views of the Julian Alps while you follow the trail.
At the end of Day 7, head back to Ljubljana. Make sure to plan your return trip carefully, as it can take 4/5 hours by public transport.
Slovenia Itinerary Map
How to Get around Slovenia
Travelling around Slovenia is simple as cities and towns are well connected by both public transport and major roads. For the most flexibility, we recommend renting a car as the roads are in great condition. That said, parking can be expensive (and somewhat difficult) in the most popular tourist places, especially in peak season.
If you would prefer to take public transport, it is possible to travel between the likes of Ljubljana, Bled, and Bohinjska Bistrica by train. However, buses are cheaper and easier. During the summer months there are buses to all the major places mentioned in this itinerary.
Tip: Buses are infrequent in Triglav National Park during the off-season. Make sure you plan your journey in advance to check what’s available before booking your trip.
Read Next: Our Guide to Triglav National Park
Where to Stay in Slovenia
There are so many brilliant places to stay in Slovenia, but we recommend Ljubljana, Bovec, Bled, Kranjska Gora, and Bohinjska Bistrica. You’ll find a variety of hotels, hostels, Airbnbs, and campsites all over the country.
Slovenia Trip Costs
Transportation
Slovenia is a relatively inexpensive place to travel around, especially if you’re using public transport. For example, travelling between Ljubljana and Lake Bled costs around £13/$15 by train.
For this itinerary, renting a car can be more budget-friendly. It costs approximately £24/$30 per day, though this depends on your chosen vehicle.
Accommodation
Considering how inexpensive the rest of the country is, Slovenia’s accommodation options can be on the pricier side. Hotel room rates in Bled and Bovec cost around £120/$150 per night, while a bed in a hostel costs approximately £17/$21 per person per night.
Food
For travellers from the UK or USA, food in Slovenia is cheap. We recommend you budget for £25/$30 per person per day. If you’re staying in Bovec, Bled, or Ljubljana, you can grab food from a supermarket to save some cash. Remember to stock up before heading into Triglav National Park.
Entrance Tickets
The vast majority of places in this itinerary are free to visit, though you’ll need to bring some extra cash for day trips and activities (and don’t forget to tip your guides!) While entering the likes of Lake Bled and Triglav National Park is free, there are some small costs to access the gorges and waterfalls – these fees range anywhere from €3-10.
Mobile Data
Looking for WiFi in Slovenia? We love using Airalo’s e-sims as they are easy to install on your phone and work out very cost effective. You can choose between a Slovenia-only, Europe, or Global e-sim and top up as you go.
When is the Best Time to Visit Slovenia?
If you’re planning to tackle this full itinerary and intend to rely on public transport, summer is your go-to season. Buses operate more frequently, making it easier to hop from one stunning location to another. Just keep in mind that summer also means busier tourist spots.
However, if you’re renting a car, you have a bit more flexibility. You can explore gems like Triglav National Park even at the edges of the summer season when the crowds thin out. Just remember to check for any potential road and site closures, which can be common outside the peak summer months.
Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital, is a delight in any season. We visited during autumn, and the city was postcard-worthy with its vibrant fall colours. If you’re pressed for time and only planning to explore Ljubljana, you can visit at any time of the year.
