Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Slovenia's southeast is defined by its unique limestone formations that make up the
unique region known as the
Karst,
a term that has been exported around the world
to describe similar “Karstic” phenomena. Squeezed between Italy's Trieste and the bor-
der with Croatia is Slovenia's tiny slither of
Istrian coastline,
with fishing ports of dis-
tinctly Venetian influence. Finally, more mountains, wine lands, and remnants of a
Roman and medieval past are found in the less-traveled east.
SUGGESTED ITINERARY: SLOVENIA IN 8 DAYS
While you could rush around Slovenia and cover it quite extensively in just a few days,
I recommend you take things easy and soak up this tiny country's myriad pleasures.
Relax in and around its many pleasure spots and enjoy the possibility of adventures
both hard and soft. Bear in mind that there are tolls on all highways; these are clearly
marked and you can pay with a credit card.
Day
1
Arrive & Head East
Pick up a pre-booked rental from Ljubl-
jana's international airport, and head east,
to the salubrious town of Maribor, where
you can stroll through gorgeous squares,
lunch at excellent restaurants, explore a
vast underground cellar, and enjoy a sun-
downer at the legendary waterfront area
known as Lent: In summer, you may
catch some of the excellent entertainment
that forms part of the Lent Festival.
Day
2
Ptuj & the Jeruzalem
Wine Road
From Maribor, it's a short drive through
gorgeous countryside to the ancient
Roman city of Ptuj (pronounced
pit-ooey
),
which you can explore in a few hours.
Then head out to sample the fruits of
the vine along the Jeruzalem Wine Road.
Presuming you enjoy a liquid lunch,
overnight at one of the wine farms, where
you can also enjoy a traditional farm
dinner.
Day
3
The Lakes
Strike out early back toward Ljubljana,
but head instead to Bled, some 31 miles
(50km) north; you should arrive well
before lunch. Book a suite at Vila Bled;
you can use the spa at sister hotel Grand
Toplice, sunbathe on the private lido, or
take one of the private boats and row
yourself to Bled Island, where you can
explore the lovely church. Take a relaxed
stroll around the lake and drive or walk to
the thousand-year-old castle perched
above the water, before setting off to
explore Lake Bohinj.
Days
4
&
5
Soca River Valley
If you're feeling adventurous, start your
day by swimming out to the island and
back. After breakfast set off north to the
adventure resort of Kranjska Gora, which
marks the starting point for the route over
the Vr
s
i
c
Pass in the Julian Alps. You'll
negotiate 50 hair-raising switchbacks in
just 16 miles (25km) before reaching the
other side—the So
c
a River Valley. You can
indulge your spirit for adventure in Bovec
(the best base for skiing on the slopes of
the Kanin), but reserve accommodations
near Kobarid—either at Casa Hi
s
a Franko
(which also offers the most exciting
restaurant menu in the country), or at
nearby Nebesa, perhaps the most idyllic
getaway in Europe. In Kobarid, visit the
antiwar museum, and grab a map for the
outdoor walking “museums” that you can
undertake under your own steam, prefer-
ably in the early morning, before temper-
atures start to rise. Spend your second day
white-water rafting and attending to other
river- or mountain-bound adventures. At
Hi
s
a Franko, ask for a lunch basket and
picnic on the banks of the nearby river.
