9 Days Self Drive – Focus on Slovenia

Day 1: Arrive Ljubljana
Upon arrival to Ljubljana airport or Ljubljana train station, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Ljubljana (B)

Day 2: Ljubljana
Start your day with exploring the capital of Slovenia. Visit the most significant sights of the old city centre: the picturesque Central open-air Market and the Three Bridges, both designed by famous architect Joze Plecnik, Baroque Town Hall and Robba’s Fountain. Overnight in Ljubljana (B)

Day 3: Ljubljana – Postojna cave (53km, approx. 1h drive) – Piran (74km, approx. 1h drive )
Pick up your car this morning and depart to Piran. The day is reserved for the Karst region. Head out through the scenic countryside. Your first stop is at the Postojna Cave, one of the largest in Europe. Tour this unique subterranean world by miniature electric train, then continue to visit Predjama Castle. This powerful medieval stronghold is perched in the middle of a cliff! Finally, drive to Piran on the Slovenian coast. Overnight in Piran (B)

Day 4: Piran (Portoroz)
Enjoy your day in the Piran and Portoroz area. Piran, a small medieval town poking out into the Adriatic Sea is rich in architectural heritage. Walk the narrow cobblestone streets and make your way to St George’s Church where the views are stunning. For the afternoon take the short drive to neighbouring Portoroz, a popular tourist resort to see the Secovlje Salt –pans where they still produce salt the same way they have been doing for hundreds of years. Return to Piran for your overnight stay. (B)

Day 5: Piran – Novo Mesto (190 km, 2h drive)
Today depart from the coast and head inland towards Novo Mesto located along the Krka River. Visit Main Square, the chapter Church of St Nicholas or take your car into the hilly landscape of the Krka Valley to see the most beautiful river of Slovenia with picturesque rapids and dams. For a touch of luxury book yourself into one of many Wellness Spas for a treatment using the healing mineral waters of Slovenia. (B)

Day 6: Novo Mesto – Ptuj (195 km, approx. 2h drive) – Maribor (30km, approx. 20 mins drive)
Leaving Novo Mesto today head north to visit the oldest town as well as the second largest city in Slovenia. Set your GPS for Ptuj, the oldest town and visit its amazing Castle which dates back to 70AD. After your time here continue on to Maribor, the capital of the Stajerska Region. Visit the promemade along the River Drava called Lent or have a wine tasting at the site of the oldest grapevine in the world. Overnight in Maribor. (B)

Day 7: Maribor – Bled (180 km, approx. 2h drive)
At your leisure today drive in an easterly direction towards Lake Bled, truly the icon of Slovenia. On your way perhaps have a stop at the historic town of Skofja Loka, one of the best preserved medieval towns of Slovenia. In the afternoon arrive at your final destination of Bled which was “discovered” by travelers in the middle of the 19th century. Since then, a small town of hotels, villas, and restaurants has developed around the lake, turning Bled into a lively resort. Explore the charming town and the lakeshore, visit the imposing Bled Castle perched on a cliff high above the lake or take a pletna boat ride to the Church on the Island. Overnight in Bled. (B)

Day 8: Bled
Spend the day at your leisure in Bled or perhaps take a drive to Lake Bohinj another Alpine Jewel which is the largest glacial lake in Slovenia just 26 km (30 min drive) from Bled. Nestled in the Julian Alps see the Church of St John the Baptist which is full of exquisite frescoes. On the way home stop at Vintgar Gorge and take a walk through the gorge. Overnight in Bled. (B)

Day 9: Depart Bled
After breakfast drop off the car at Ljubljana airport or Ljubljana downtown. (B)

INCLUDED FEATURES
– Arrival transfer from Ljubljana airport or train station to hotel
– Rent a car 6 days, CDMR car group, Opel Astra/Citroen 1.6 (manual) or similar
– Unlimited mileage, Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), Theft Protection (TP), airport surcharge and Value Added Tax (VAT)
– Accommodation in selected hotels on BB basis and all taxes.