There’s so much beauty to discover in Slovenia, which makes planning the perfect itinerary quite a challenge. This compact country is bursting with variety and is perfect for an adventurous trip filled with both nature and culture. In just a few hours, you can drive from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, passing towering mountain peaks, emerald-green rivers, ancient towns, and idyllic vineyards along the way. With this Slovenia itinerary, you won’t miss any highlights and you’ll experience the very best this country has to offer.

Transportation for this Slovenia itinerary

There are several ways to explore Slovenia. Driving from the Netherlands or Belgium takes about 12 hours via Germany and Austria to the capital city, Ljubljana. Another option is to fly into Ljubljana and rent a car there. This saves travel time while still giving you full flexibility. Traveling by car through Slovenia gives you the freedom to easily explore remote areas like mountain villages and national parks. Check out our tips for renting a car in Slovenia before you go.

If you prefer not to drive, you can take advantage of the country’s extensive bus network. The Nomago buses are especially convenient since they’re comfortable and reliable. Just keep in mind that some natural areas, mountain passes, or waterfalls can be difficult to reach without your own transportation. That’s why we recommend having (or renting) a car when traveling in Slovenia.

How much time do you need for this route?

If you want to follow this entire Slovenia itinerary, we recommend allowing about 14 to 16 days. You can easily shorten or extend the trip to fit your preferences. With 14 to 16 days, you’ll have enough time to experience both the highlights and the quieter regions. Slovenia is a compact country, so travel distances are short—leaving you with plenty of time for fun activities or moments of relaxation.

 

Ljubljana

Your journey begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s charming capital. Despite being a capital city, it feels cozy and easy to navigate. The car-free center along the Ljubljanica River is perfect for a relaxed stroll. Wander past colorful houses and cross the river via the famous Tromostovje Bridge. A true eye-catcher is Ljubljana Castle, perched high above the city. You can reach the castle by funicular or on foot, and once at the top, you’ll be rewarded with a panoramic view over the city and distant mountains. What makes Ljubljana extra special is its lively evening atmosphere—locals head out for their evening walk (the so-called večerni sprehod), and the riverside terraces quickly fill up. It’s the perfect start to your Slovenia adventure! Check out all our tips for Ljubljana.

Lake Bled

From Ljubljana, it’s less than an hour’s drive to Lake Bled—arguably Slovenia’s most beautiful destination! This fairytale lake is famous for its small church on an island and the medieval castle perched high on the cliff above the water.

There are plenty of fun things to do around the lake. You can walk all the way around it, or perhaps even better, take a traditional pletna boat out to the island. Ring the wishing bell inside the church—it’s said to bring good luck. For a fantastic viewpoint, head up to Bled Castle, where you’ll have sweeping views of the lake and the Julian Alps. If you’re in the mood for adventure, rent a kayak or a SUP board and explore the lake from the water. Check out all our tips for Lake Bled to see what else you can do here.

Travel time from Ljubljana to Bled: 1 hour

Lake Bohinj

About a 30-minute drive from Bled lies Lake Bohinj, located in Triglav National Park. While Bled can feel a bit touristy, Bohinj is much quieter and more authentic. The lake is surrounded by forests and high mountain walls, giving it an especially idyllic feel. You can swim here or rent a canoe to explore the area from the water. A short, popular hike takes you to the Savica Waterfall, one of Slovenia’s most famous waterfalls. You can also take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain, where you’ll find hiking trails with stunning panoramic views. Check out all our tips for Lake Bohinj if you’d like to add this beautiful spot to your Slovenia itinerary.

Travel time from Bled to Bohinj: 30 minutes

Climbing Mount Triglav

After Bled and Bohinj, it’s time for a real adventure: climbing Mount Triglav! At 2,864 meters (9,396 feet), this is the highest mountain in Slovenia and also the country’s national symbol. For most Slovenians, reaching the summit is considered a symbolic milestone that everyone should experience at least once. The most accessible route starts from Rudno Polje and takes two days. On the first day, you’ll hike up to the Dom Planika mountain hut, and on the second day, you’ll climb the via ferrata to the summit early in the morning. The final stretch is steep and technical, but the view from the top makes it all worthwhile—an unforgettable panorama of the Julian Alps. Before setting out, read our detailed article with tips for climbing Mount Triglav.

After your hike, spend another night in Bled before continuing on to the next stop of your trip.

Travel time from Bled to the trailhead and back: 1 hour total

Bovec via the Vršič Pass

Your next destination is Bovec, and the drive there is a highlight in itself. Don’t follow the fastest route on Google Maps—instead, take the Vršič Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia with 50 hairpin turns and countless viewpoints. Along the way, you can stop at the Peričnik Waterfall, where you can even walk behind the cascading water. This mountain village lies in the Soča Valley, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful regions. The river is famous for its striking emerald color and is perfect for water sports. Go rafting or kayaking through the rapids, or try canyoning if you’re craving an adrenaline rush. Prefer a slower pace? Enjoy a scenic walk along the river, such as to Velika Korita or the famous Soča Trail. Check out all our tips for Bovec to see everything this area has to offer.

Travel time from Bled to Bovec via the Vršič Pass: 2 hours

The route to the Brda region / Šmartno

The drive from Bovec to the Brda region is one of the most scenic road trips in Slovenia. You’ll wind through valleys and along the emerald-green Soča River, passing countless places worth stopping at. Take your time—the journey itself is an adventure filled with nature, history, and photo-worthy viewpoints. Follow this route with recommended stops on Google Maps to pass all our favorite highlights, ending in the village of Šmartno, your base for exploring the Brda wine region.

• Slap Virje – An idyllic waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, easily accessible and perfect for a quick stop.
• Soča River Viewpoint – One of the most beautiful views of the river, glowing emerald and framed by mountains.
• Napoleon’s Bridge – A historic bridge over the Soča offering spectacular views.
• Slap Kozjak – A fairytale-like waterfall hidden inside a cave-like gorge.
• Tolmin Gorge – A short but spectacular 2-kilometer (1.2-mile) trail along gorges, bridges, and crystal-blue water. Plan to spend about 30 to 40 minutes here.
• Kanal – A picturesque and charming village, especially from the Kanal Bridge viewpoint where you can look out over the river and old stone houses.

Travel time from Bovec to Šmartno: 1.5 hours—but plan for extra time to enjoy all the stops along the way

Brda region / Šmartno

After the action and natural beauty of Bovec, it’s time to relax in the Brda region, often called the “Tuscany of Slovenia.” Here you’ll find rolling hills covered in vineyards, colorful villages, and medieval streets. The charming village of Šmartno is the perfect base—fully restored yet still steeped in its medieval atmosphere. From here, you can explore the area’s many wineries, bike routes, and scenic viewpoints. It’s the ideal place to unwind, sip a glass of fine Slovenian wine, and soak up the countryside. Curious about the best spots and wineries? Check out our tips for the Brda region.

Škocjan Caves (stopover)

The Škocjan Caves in Slovenia feel like stepping into a hidden world. This vast cave system, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was carved out by the Reka River as it disappears deep underground, creating spectacular canyons and chambers. As you walk across the bridges, you can hear the roar of the underground river far below, surrounded by stalactites that hang like natural works of art. The contrast between the mysterious darkness and sudden beams of light streaming through openings makes the experience almost magical. It’s a place where the power of nature and the passage of time have created a breathtaking landscape.

Piran

End your journey on the Adriatic coast, in Piran. This atmospheric harbor town sits on a narrow peninsula and radiates a Mediterranean vibe. Venetian influences can be seen everywhere—in the colorful houses, churches, and the picturesque Tartini Square. Wander through the narrow streets, climb the old city walls for views over the red rooftops and the sea, or cool off at one of the small beaches along the promenade. For a touch of history, visit St. George’s Church or the Minorite Monastery. In the evening, the promenade is the perfect place to settle in for a dinner of fresh seafood. Order a glass of Slovenian wine and watch the sun sink into the sea—a perfect finale to your road trip. Check out our tips for Piran.

Back to Ljubljana via Predjama Castle

On your way back to Ljubljana, make one last stop at Predjama Castle—one of Slovenia’s most extraordinary castles. Built into the mouth of a towering cliff, it appears almost fused with the rock around it. Inside, you’ll find stories of knights, secret tunnels, and centuries-old legends, while outside, the view over the valley is breathtaking. It’s a final highlight that perfectly combines history and nature before ending your Slovenia journey in the capital.

Tip: If you haven’t had your fill of caves after visiting Škocjan, you can also visit the Postojna Caves on this day.

Example 15-day Slovenia road trip itinerary

Below is a sample 15-day itinerary for this Slovenia route. Of course, you can easily adjust it to suit your own preferences—shorten or extend as you wish. It’s good to know that travel distances in Slovenia are relatively short, which means that even on travel days, you’ll still have plenty of time to explore each destination.

Our favorite places to stay in Slovenia

During our travels, we not only look for the most beautiful places and activities but also the best places to stay. Slovenia offers accommodations of all kinds—from luxurious hotels in historic buildings to cozy guesthouses nestled in nature. Some have views of the mountains, others sit right on a peaceful lake or tucked among the vineyards. We’ve gathered all our recommendations in one convenient guide to our favorite places to stay in Slovenia. Wherever you choose to spend the night, staying at these spots guarantees a wonderful experience!