Ljubljana provides an ideal base for heading out to explore Slovenia’s pretty towns and natural attractions. Whether you want to see the famous Lake Bled, take a trip to the coast, or stroll through the vineyards of Slovenia’s wine country, here are five excellent tours that showcase the country’s diverse beauty.
(Photo: Getyourguide.com)
Bordering Italy, Austria, Hungary, and Croatia and taking in both the Alps and the Adriatic coastline, Slovenia packs a diverse landscape into a small and beautiful space. With natural sights found across the country, not to mention historic castles and medieval villages on the way, there’s plenty to explore outside the capital of Ljubljana and all of it just a short and scenic drive away.
From Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj Day Trip
As one of the most famous sights in Slovenia, no trip to the country would be complete without a visit to Lake Bled. This full day tour will take you first to the picturesque lake where you can board a traditional ‘pletna’ boat to visit the central island and church, followed by a trip to the medieval Bled Castle, perched up high on cliff overlooking the valley. Next it’s on to Lake Bohinj, located just a short drive away in the Triglav National Park. Here you can visit the 700-year-old Church of St. John the Baptist and admire its Gothic frescoes, enjoy some local cuisine, and finish the day with a short 20-minute hike to Savica Waterfall to take in the sweeping views of the lake. From €69 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com
Skocjan Caves, Lipica & Piran: Karst & Coast Small-Group Day Trip from Ljubljana
If you’re craving some sea air, take a day trip from Ljubljana to visit Piran, the country’s most famous seaside town. On the way to the coast you’ll stop off at the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, before heading on to the village of Lipica, home to the oldest European stud farm and famous for being the origin of Slovenia’s Lipizzaner horses. Once you reach your final destination of Piran, you’ll have time to wander the town’s cobbled streets, enjoy some local seafood specialities in one of the town’s excellent restaurants, or even take a dip in the blue waters of the Adriatic Sea. From €69 per person.
Book at Viator.com
(Photo: Viator.com)
Postojna Cave & Predjama Castle from Ljubljana
For a different look at Slovenia’s natural beauty, head underground to Postojna Cave on this 6.5-hour tour which also includes a visit to the medieval Predjama Castle. After meeting in Ljubljana your guide will take you out to the depths of Postojna Cave to see its impressive stalagmites and find out the history and geology of this underground world. You’ll finish the day at Predjama Castle, a Renaissance castle which has been perched on a cliff surrounded by natural rock for more than 800 years. Here you can discover the stories of knight Erazem of Predjama, find out about the cave underground which leads to a maze of secret tunnels, and enjoy sweeping views of the valley below from the cliffside location. From €79 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com
From Ljubljana: Triglav National Park Tour
This full day tour takes in about one half of Triglav National Park, the only national park in Slovenia. After being conveniently picked up at your hotel in Ljubljana you’ll be driven out to one of Bled’s main attractions, Vintgar Gorge, located on the edge of the park. Once inside the park itself you can admire the beauty of the various lakes and waterfalls, including Lake Bohinj, Jasna Lake, Savica Waterfall, and Pericnik Waterfall, as well as the forests of the Pokljuka plateau, the Alpine Radovna Valley and the Zelenci nature reserve. If you’re feeling more daring, you can also take a cable car up to Mt. Vogel to take in the magnificent views of Triglav National Park. From €107.32 per person.
Book at Viator.com
(Photo: Viator.com)
From Ljubljana: Private Tour to Maribor, Ptuj & Vineyards
This full day tour with a private car and guide will give you the chance to experience Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor, located in the heart of the country’s most famous wine region. You’ll first stop off at Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town, before heading on to Maribor to discover its gothic cathedral, Franciscan Church, and wander around the pretty streets and main square. The day will finish with a stroll through the beautiful nearby vineyards, and of course, a glass of the region’s excellent wine. From €139 per person.
Book at Getyourguide.com