7 Day Slovenia Itinerary
Slovenia is a remarkable country, boasting beautiful alpine lakes, luscious valleys and an extensive underground cave network to rival anything in Europe.
With the country having so much to offer, creating the perfect Slovenia travel itinerary can be challenging, so we thought we’d do the hard work for you.
While you could happily explore the country for months, we feel 7 days is an ideal time to spend in Slovenia.
You can see most of the main highlights on a 7-day Slovenia Itinerary.
In the guide, we outline precisely what you should see in Slovenia, how to see it and in what order to plan your trip. If you’re searching for a brilliant Slovenia itinerary, then you’ve come to the right place.
So, let’s dive into: 7-Day Slovenia Itinerary
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7 Day Slovenia Itinerary at a Glance
Day 1: Ljubljana
Day 2: Bled (Beautiful Alpine Lake)
Day 3: Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj
Day 4: Soča Valley
Day 5: Vipava Valley
Day 6: Skocjan Caves and Predjama Castle
Day 7: Piran
Best time to visit Slovenia
Slovenia is a relatively small, mountainous country, and so the majority of the country is covered in snow throughout the winter - particularly in the Julian Alps in Northern Slovenia. For this reason, many choose to avoid Slovenia between December - March.
Slovenia is rapidly rising in popularity, and so, in the height of the summer, crowds can become rather unbearable. The popular tourist spots of Lake Bled and Tolmin Gorge can become quite overwhelming. So, we also advise against travelling to Slovenia between mid-May - August.
We feel the best time of year to visit Slovenia is April and September. Most hiking trails and tourist hotspots are open in these months; the weather isn’t too hot or cold, and the crowds are manageable.
For reference, we visited Slovenia at the beginning of April and again in late May, and we found April to be much more enjoyable. The climate in May made hiking tough going and we were competing with tour groups at the major tourist sites come late May.
A hearty bowl of Jota - a dish you have to try during your 7 day Slovenia itinerary
Best ways to get around Slovenia
Slovenia is a modestly sized country with the majority of the places of this Slovenia itinerary towards the centre and West of the country. For that reason, we would always recommend hiring a car or vehicle to explore Slovenia.
Most of the highlights of this Slovenia Itinerary are within an hour’s drive of one another, making it simple to get between each place without having to travel too far.
Hire a car in Slovenia
Driving in Slovenia is comparable to most European countries, with well-maintained highways and drivers who follow the rules of the road (for the most part, anyway).
It is fairly straightforward to hire a car in Slovenia, particularly in Ljubljana. Rates are relatively affordable for a week-long rental agreement, making it a cheap and easy way to get around Slovenia.
For a 7-day Slovenia itinerary, you will want to have your own vehicle to maximise the amount you can see within the country. Relying on public transport for an entire week will limit your options.
Note: in order to drive on toll-roads in Slovenia, you will have to purchase a vignette. It can be bought in most petrol stations, but often your rental car company will be able to organise this for you.
Soča Valley - one of the most beautiful regions in Slovenia
Go on organised group tours around Slovenia
If you’re a traveller who prefers to sit back and hand over the responsibility and organisation to a trusted guide, then perhaps a group tour around Slovenia would be a better option for you.
Even if you are somebody who wants to explore Slovenia independently, day tours can often be a brilliant way to save money on seeing multiple sites at once and really get to know the places you are visiting.
We often join guided tours of cities or major tourist attractions when we travel because we find it’s the easiest way to learn as much as possible about the place we are visiting.
With that being said, here is a rundown of some of the best organised tours and day trips in Slovenia that we would recommend:
Best experience in Ljubljana for couples - Wine Tasting Experience
Our favourite day-trip to Bled - Lake Bled and Bled Castle from Ljubljana
Cheapest walking tour of Ljubljana - 2.5 hour guided walking tour
Best value-for-money tour - Bled, Postojna and Predjama from Ljubljana
Drive a Camper Van/Motorhome through Slovenia
Honestly, this is by far and away the best way to explore Slovenia. We spent around 2 weeks, over 2 separate trips, driving around Slovenia in our converted camper and it was magnificent.
From driving through the snowy Julian Alps in April to navigating the twisty, winding roads in Triglav National Park in late May, Slovenia was easily one of the best countries to drive through on our European road trip adventure.
There are a number of different companies offering Motorhome rentals in Slovenia, but here are just a few examples for you: Auto Europe; Motorhome Republic; Camperbug
If you are fortunate enough to own a camper van, then we would highly recommend driving it to Slovenia and using it to explore the country. You see so much more when you’re able to drive at your own pace and not rely on tour groups or public transport.
Remember: hiring/renting a camper van can seem very expensive at face-value but in the long-run you are able to save money on accommodation and limit your food spending as you can simply cook in the van.
7 Day Slovenia Itinerary
Now that you know the best ways to get around Slovenia, we can begin our detailed 7-day Slovenia travel itinerary.
For many, the first port of call in Slovenia will be the capital city of Ljubljana. The city’s airport has extensive air connections throughout Europe and the Middle East, so for the purpose of this Slovenia travel itinerary, we are going to assume you will be starting and ending your trip in Ljubljana.
Of course, if you happen to be flying directly into Bled or even driving into the country, then you can pick up the 7-day Slovenia itinerary from any of the destinations and continue - for all intents and purposes, our suggested Slovenia travel itinerary is a ‘loop’, and the beginning and end are flexible.
Day 1: Ljubljana
As we suggested, our Slovenia Itinerary begins in the bustling capital of Ljubljana.
Ljubljana is regularly regarded as one of Europe's most liveable cities, let alone Slovenia, so it is no surprise that you will find plenty of things to do in Ljubljana.
You could happily spend an entire week in the city, and you’d barely scratch the surface, but for the purpose of this itinerary, you will only have 1 full day to look around.
Ljubljana Castle towering over Ljubljana old town
Best Things to do in Ljubljana
Ljubljana is a modern, vibrant city with plenty to keep you occupied - in fact, you are going to struggle to see all of the main highlights in one day.
The expansive Tivoli Park offers luscious green space to explore while Ljubljana Castle is a brilliant introduction to the city’s fascinating history. Ljubljana’s old town, nestled on the banks of Ljubljanica river is the best place to go for a wide variety of outdoor cafes, tree-lined plazas and foodie excursions.
Round-off your stay in the capital with a trip to one of the many world-renowned museums in Ljubljana. The museum of modern art, housing 20th century Slovenian sculptures and paintings, and the National museum of Slovenia, housing many historic exhibitions, are two of the must-see highlights.
Want to get the most out of your visit to Ljubljana? This 2.5 hour guided sightseeing tour introduces you to all the main highlights.
Where to stay in Ljubljana?
Best option for budget-travellers: AdHoc Hostel
Best accommodation for couples: Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel
Day 2: Bled (Beautiful Alpine Lake)
Day 2 of the 7-day Slovenia travel itinerary takes us to one of the most picturesque places in Europe, let alone Slovenia.
In truth, picture-perfect doesn’t really begin to do Lake Bled justice; it is truly one of the most beautiful places we’ve ever visited, and there is little wonder that it appears on every list of the best places to visit in the Western Balkans.
While Bled itself is a charming town in its own right, the real highlight of any visit is the magnificent alpine Lake Bled. It's sure to be one of the most memorable places from your trip to Slovenia.
Lake Bled - an iconic European destination
Best Things to Do in Bled
Lying in the very centre of Lake Bled is the beautiful Bled Island and taking a boat trip to the island is certainly one of the best things to do in Bled.
There are a number of different tour boats dotted along the shores of the lake that can offer routine guided trips to the island for as little as €10 per person. Alternatively, you could hire a kayak or stand-up paddleboard if you prefer a more adventurous approach.
The Lake itself isn’t all that big, so following the 6km walking trail around the lake is the perfect introduction to Bled and a great way to get your bearings. Along the walk, you can take a quick diversion and head towards Bled Castle, one of the highlights of any trip to Bled.
Want to know the best way to explore Bled from Ljubljana?
Click here to discover the best day trip to Lake Bled and Bled Castle
Where to stay in Bled?
Best option for budget-travellers: Bled Hostel
Best accommodation for couples: Hotel Park Bled - Sava Resorts
Day 3: Triglav National Park and Lake Bohinj
Day 3 of the week-long Slovenia itinerary sees us take the short 40-minute drive from Lake Bled to the heart of Triglav National Park.
Triglav is one of the largest national preserves in Europe and is home to truly breathtaking scenery.
Tolmin Gorge - one of the highlights of Triglav National Park
Best Things to do in Triglav National Park
One of the highlights of any Slovenia itinerary is a visit to Tolmin Gorge - the breathtaking focal point of the whole national park and easily one of the most beautiful places to visit in Slovenia.
Approximately 200m in length and 60m deep, Tolmin Gorge creates the impression that the cavern walls are in danger of caving towards you. It really is a sight to behold and will certainly be one of the highlights of your adventure in Slovenia.
Lake Bohinj, only 20km from Tolmin Gorge, isn’t as well-known as Lake Bled, but what it lacks in infamy, it certainly makes up for in beauty. Bohinj is less crowded, and the crystal-clear water creates the perfect backdrop for cycling and leisurely strolls in the Slovenian countryside.
Where to stay in Triglav National Park?
Best option for budget travellers: Hostel Pod Voglom
Best hotel for a luxury getaway: Bohinj Eco Hotel
Day 4: Soča Valley
The Soča Valley Region, close to the Italian border, was undoubtedly our favourite place in Slovenia and we could easily create an entire week-long itinerary dedicated to this region alone.
As it happens, in this broader 7-Day Slovenia itinerary, we have chosen to spend just one day in the area, but what a day it promises to be.
The Soča Valley is bursting with glacier-fed rivers, searing mountain peaks and countless outdoor activity opportunities - from kayaking to paragliding, hiking to mountain biking, the Soča Valley really is a haven for adventure enthusiasts and adrenaline junkies.
The best view in the Soča Valley - along the Kozjak Waterfall Hike
Best Things to do in Soča Valley
As you have probably gathered, the major draw of visiting the Soča Valley is exploring some of the finest landscapes in the Western Balkans.
One of the best examples of this is the Kozjak Waterfall Hike, found just outside of the adventure capital of Kobarid. The hiking trail flanks the beautiful Soča River before weaving its way through the luscious Kobarid Forest and eventually arriving at the stunning Kozjak Waterfall.
The small town of Bovec is the best place to head if you want to experience some of those world-famous adrenaline-infused activities - the dizzying Bovec zipline (the biggest zipline park in Europe)proving very popular in recent years.
Day 5: Vipava Valley
Stretching southeast along the Italian border, the Vipava Valley is one of Slovenia’s hidden treasures, so we chose to take you here on the 5th day of our Slovenia travel itinerary.
The region has long been synonymous with producing wine, and the sprawling labyrinth of vineyards spread across the valley is evidence of that. Perhaps less well-known, however, is the area’s stunning hiking trails and dramatic karst landscapes.
Otlica Window - Karst Region - Vipava Valley
Best Things to do in Vipava Valley
The highlight of our trip to the Vipava Valley was the Otlica Natural Window hike beginning in Ajdovščina.
The Otlica Window is a natural phenomenon found in the mountains high above Vipava Valley. Formed out of the Karst rock that is so ubiquitous throughout the Karst region, the Natural Window is a rock formation that creates the illusion of being a window looking out over the valley below.
While the hike could be considered moderate-challenging for less experienced hikers, it is still certainly worth the endeavour. The hike joins up with part of the world-famous Slovenia Mountain Trail - itself the oldest connecting hiking trail in the world.
Where to stay in Vipava Valley?
Best option for budget-travellers: Youth Hostel Adjovscina
Best accommodation for couples: Kendov Dvorec
Day 6: Skocjan Caves and Predjama Castle
Day 6 of our 7-day Slovenia Itinerary is guarenteed to be one of the most memorable for you because you will be visiting 2 incredibly fascinating and unique sights in Slovenia.
The Skocjan Caves network is one of the most impressive in Europe and is home to a mind-boggling 150m deep, underground canyon.
Predjama is home to one of Europe’s most dramatic castles, built on the side of a cliff above a large cave entrance.
Both places can easily be explored in one action-packed day in central Slovenia.
Predjama Castle - nestled above Postojna Cave
Best Things to do in Skocjan and Predjama
While Slovenia is home to an impressive number of caves, none of them are able to compete with the wonder of Skocjan. While the initial warren of smaller chambers and collection of stalagmites and stalactites deserves recognition, it isn’t until you enter the main, 150m deep gorge that you begin to understand what sets Skocjan apart from the rest.
With a surging river running through the heart of the canyon, the caves at Skocjan are arguably Slovenia’s most impressive natural phenomenon and deserve an entire morning to explore.
In the afternoon, you can visit the charming Predjama Castle. Originally built as an impregnable fortification halfway up a 123m high cliff, Predjama Castle is a very unique place to visit in Slovenia and actually sits above Postojna Cave - another noteworthy cave network to visit on your Slovenia trip.
Entrance to Predjama Castle begins from €13.80 (~$16) in low season / €14.90 (~$17), but it could be argued that the major attraction of Predjama is marvelling at the fascinating exterior architecture of the castle.
Where to stay near Skocjan and Predjama?
Best option for budget travellers: Proteus Hostel
Best accommodation for couples: Postojna Cave Hotel
Day 7: Piran
The final day of the 7-day Slovenia itinerary can be spent in two ways - you can head back towards the capital city and see more of the highlights of Ljubljana, like the amazing food and wine tour, or you could choose to do what we did and make the slightly longer drive out to Piran.
While Slovenia is more famous for its caves, lakes and mountains, it is also home to a beautiful stretch of unspoiled coastline that can rival anything found along the Mediterranean or the Adriatic.
The undisputed highlight of this stunning slice of coastline is the quaint Venetian town of Piran, a walled-city brimming with cafes, bars and restaurants that boast the best seafood in Slovenia.
The beautiful Piran Skyline
Best Things to do in Piran
As cliche as it sounds, one of the best things to do in Piran is to amble around the old town, exploring every inch of this wonderfully preserved Venetian town.
The main square (Tartinijev Trg) is the central hub for all activity in Piran. You will often find energetic local school children skillfully kicking a football between the tourists and ice-cream stands that frequent the square.
As we already mentioned, Piran is the best place in Slovenia to sample some seafood and you will be spoiled for choice when it comes to restaurants with seafront views. Whichever restaurant you choose, though, we’d recommend trying the fritto misto (mixed fried seafood); it’s delicious!
Where to stay in Piran?
Best option for budget travellers: Adriatic Piran
Best accommodation for couples: Memento B&B
There we have it, folks, our full 7-day Slovenia travel itinerary. As you may have already gathered by now, Slovenia is an incredible country and we absolutely loved getting to explore this place while we were adventuring in our van.
We hope this week-long Slovenia guide inspires you to visit Slovenia as soon as possible - you will not regret it!
