Stunning Slovenia

Our nationwide shared chauffeur service collects you from home for your flight to Ljubljana. On arrival transfer to the town of Ptuj for a three night stay.

Meals: Dinner

Ptuj is the oldest documented settlement in Slovenia, and equals the country’s capital for historical importance. This morning, take an included sightseeing tour of its historical core; a compact medieval quarter of monasteries, towers and the 5m-tall Orpheus Monument.

The tour includes the Castle hill, where a collection of red-roofed houses was assembled in the 14th-18th centuries on the remains of a Roman temple, to create the majestic Ptuj Castle. As you enter the courtyard you will see the red marble tombstone of Frederick IX, the last lord of Ptuj. The afternoon is free.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Spend a day exploring Ptuj’s rich heritage at leisure, or choose an optional excursion to Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city. This charming city is a jumble of medieval treasures; medieval towers, the remains of a city wall and, in the Lent district, the world’s oldest grapevine. This much celebrated vine has leant against the Old Vine House since the 1500s and still produces plump grapes. Beneath lies one of central Europe’s oldest cellars, Vinag, with musty tunnels that stretch around two miles under the city.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Despite being one of the smallest and youngest capitals in Europe, Ljubljana is well known for its rich medieval heritage, as well as a wonderful selection of Renaissance, baroque and art nouveau buildings. Enjoy a guided tour of the city and take time to explore independently. Endless cafés line the river, making an idyllic spot to rest before continuing to the pretty alpine town village of Kranjska Gora.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Surrounded by glacial lakes and verdant mountain town, Kranjska Gora is an unspoiled mountain village. Its location makes it a popular destination for summer hikes and winter sports. Enjoy a sightseeing visit of the area before heading to the Alpine valley of Planica; and Zelenci Nature Reserve, considered the source of the River Sava. Continue through the village of Mojstana and into Vrata - one of the three Triglav valleys and entrance to the spectacular northern wall of the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mount Triglav (2,864m). Pericnik Waterfall, one of the best known waterfalls in Slovenia, is one of today’s many highlights.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Today is free to relax in Kranjska Gora or find a walking trail into your wonderful surroundings. Nearby Triglav National Park is Slovenia’s only national park and one of the largest in Europe, full of magnificent sights of rocky mountains, river gorges, forests, lakes, waterfalls and endemic fauna.

Alternatively, take an optional excursion to two of Slovenia’s icons. First, visit Lake Bled, a crystal blue, glacier-formed lake best seen from the cliff-top castle, with a stunning backdrop of mountain scenery. After visiting this 11th-century fort and taking in views of famously picturesque Bled Island, you could head to a café by the lake to taste the famous Bled Cream Cake. Then, visit Bohinj Lake, Slovenia's largest natural lake. After a short journey through Bohinj Valley, you can either take a short climb for an impressive view of the 78m Savica Waterfall, or take a cable car to Mount Vogel, surrounded by the peaks of the Julian Alps.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Head to the Slovenian coast via the dramatic Soča Valley and the hairpin bends of the Predil Pass (around 1,611m above sea level), passing through the small town of Bovec. Continue through the Karst region, an intriguing limestone plateau. Visit Štanjel and the prosciutteria Ščuka for a guided tour and a tasting of their famous dried ham, before finishing in the coastal town of Portorož.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Explore the Slovenian coast this morning from the bow of a boat. The cruise reveals sweeping views en route to Piran, one of the Adriatic’s best-preserved historic towns, where Venetian Gothic architecture and winding alleyways create a picturesque setting. This lived-in city sits on a narrow peninsula, never more than a few steps from the sea or a seafood restaurant. Return to Portorož and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

Spend a day at leisure exploring the ‘Port of Roses’, a modern town that has been a spa destination since the 13th century. Alternatively, take an optional visit to Postojna Cave. An electric train takes you into the caves for a guided walk through the most interesting sections, where the stalagmites and stalactites create beautiful naturally occurring patterns. On your return to Portorož, stop in Trieste, where you can stroll through streets for Italian treats and admire historic buildings including the remains of a Roman theatre, fort and statue of James Joyce, who completed ‘Dubliners’ here.

Meals: Breakfast and Dinner

We transfer back to the airport for our return flight to the UK. Upon arrival, your vehicle will be waiting for the journey home.

Meals: Breakfast