Slovenia Self Drive no.2 - Slovenia Uncovered

Your hire car will be delivered to your hotel in the morning (or to the nearest safe parking place). Then set off on a scenic drive east along the pretty Sava Valley to Celje with its dramatic castle and then on to Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest town. This small, atmospheric town is rich in history, with a well-preserved castle, Roman-era remnants, and charming streets to wander. Overnight here offers a taste of traditional Slovenian life and a gentle introduction to self-drive touring. Ptuj is filled with cobbled streets, lined with Baroque and Gothic buildings and dominated from above by the 12th Century castle. For wine lovers Ptuj is in the centre of one of the most fabulous wine regions of Slovenia - the Haloze Hills.

More time to visit Ptuj and its surroundings, particularly if you are a wine lover. Today, your main journey starts with a short drive north to the city of Maribor for an optional visit, followed by a beautiful trip westwards along the course of the River Drava to the isolated Logar Valley near the Austrian border. Nestled beneath high peaks and framed by waterfalls, this secluded spot is perfect for walking, cycling, or simply soaking up fresh mountain air. Spend two nights here to truly unwind and explore the surrounding countryside, perhaps visiting nearby mountain villages and enjoying the peaceful rural environment.

We recommend a walk up to the Rinka Waterfall at the top of the valley, a scenic drive on the panoramic road where you can indulge in high quality local products from the farms along the route and a visit to nearby Solcava which has a fantastic visitor centre and local crafts workshops.

More time in Logar Valley and then onward via a superb "short-cut" on smaller roads through Austria, maybe stopping at Zgornje Lake near the border. Then descend to Preddvor and on to the lovely town of Kranj en route to Lake Bled. Another possible stop along the way is in the pretty town of Radovljica.

Take a break or get active, you have arrived at the iconic Lake Bled and the surrounding Triglav National Park. Opt to stay in Bled for a full lakeside experience, or split your time with one night in Kranjska Gora or Bohinj to enjoy alternative perspectives of the alpine landscapes. Hike through forests, take a boat to Bled’s island church, or sample local cuisine in charming alpine towns. The area offers plentiful opportunities for fresh air, outdoor activity, and stunning photography.

You have two full days to explore the lake, including its island by Pletna Boat, and the castle; you can walk or cycle around the shoreline of the lake and explore further on trails in and around the Triglav National Park. On the shore of the lake there is a summer toboggan run, a zip line, mini-golf and nearby is Lake Bohinj and the Vogel cable car to the west and to the north, the Vintgar Gorge.

At this point on your holiday you could choose to extend your stay in Lake Bled to explore the area more fully or even to take a day trip into the mountains by train. A possible alternative would be to consider a couple of nights in Bohinj.

A full day to travel over the famous Vrsic Pass (with more than 50 switchbacks which are numbered from the north side) and then down the western side of the Triglav National Park along the Soca Valley to Bovec; a region famed for its emerald-green river and dramatic mountain scenery. The area is ideal for outdoor adventure, including walking, kayaking, and cycling, or simply relaxing in the tranquil surroundings. With two nights here, there’s time to explore the picturesque villages, visit historical sites from World War I, and enjoy the natural beauty of the Julian Alps.

Venture to the Goriska Brda wine region, Slovenia’s hidden gem. Rolling hills, vineyard-covered slopes, and charming villages create a perfect backdrop for wine tasting, local cuisine, and leisurely drives. This area is less visited by international tourists, offering an authentic experience of Slovenian rural culture. A full day in the wine region for tasting (not just wine but some great local food, too), some gentle walks, cycling or simply relaxing in this lovely quiet corner of Slovenia.

Head south to Slovenia’s small but captivating Adriatic coastline. Base yourself in Piran or Isola to enjoy relaxed seaside stays, cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and the sparkling waters of the Adriatic. The coastline is ideal for short excursions into nearby towns or even across the border into northern Italy and Croatia if desired. 

You may also choose to add extra nights so that you can visit our recommended locations in Istria (Croatia). These are Rovinj, Porec, and Pula on the coast plus the mountain village of Motovun.

* Ask us for more details of how you could make the most of this part of your holiday, Istria is a well-developed holiday region which offers a wide range of activities as well as some great food and drink choices.

Finish your sightseeing and exploring at the coast and return to Slovenia's mountains; break your journey back to Ljubljana at the world-famous site of Postojna. Time to explore the area which has so much more to offer in addition to the caves - Predjama Castle, Modrijan Homestead, Skocjan Karst landscape and the home of the Lipizzaner Horses.

** Visit the show caves first thing in the morning (they are just a short walk from both hotels and twe can booked your tickets online) and then you have time to enjoy the general surroundings away from the main crowds.

These world-renowned attractions offer an unforgettable finale to your Slovenian adventure. On your final day, drive back to Ljubljana Airport, drop off your hire car, and depart, taking with you memories of a beautifully varied and complete tour of Slovenia.

Take the highway back to Ljubljana for your flight home, dropping off the car at the airport.

If you have an early flight departure then we can arrange a hotel in Kranj which is near to the airport, e.g. Hotel Actum - OR you may wish to consider reversing your itinerary and stay in Ljubljana at the end instead of at the beginning.