Welcome to Ljubljana, capital of Slovenia! One of Europe’s greenest capitals, Ljubljana is known for its unique combination of modern-day and traditional architecture. Upon arrival, we will be met and transferred to our hotel. Rest of the day is free to relax or start exploring Ljubljana on our own. Check in time starts from 3:00 PM. This evening, we meet our fellow travelers for the orientation meeting, including a welcome drink.

Overnight: Hotel Lev, Ljubljana (2 nights)

In the morning, we enjoy a sightseeing tour of Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Take in the fascinating mix of medieval lanes and houses, grand 17th-century Baroque churches, and 20th-century masterpieces build by architect Jože Plečnik*, which have been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. After our tour, we will have some free time for lunch (on our own). Then, we take a cable car to Ljubljana castle, a medieval fortress thought to have been constructed in the 11th century and the city’s defining landmark. Here, we enjoy a wine tasting of some excellent Slovenian wines with an amazing view of Ljubljana. (B)

After breakfast, we travel to the Karst region to experience Postojna Cave. With more than 24 kilometers of underground passages, Postojna is one of the largest cave complexes in Europe. We tour this unique subterranean world by miniature electric train, exploring vast chambers filled with towering stalactites and dramatic rock “sculptures” shaped over millions of years. If we’re very lucky, we may even see the rare olm, a blind, pale amphibian found only in this region. Afterwards, we proceed to a nearby Teran wine producer for a wine and prosciutto tasting, highlighting two of the country’s strongest culinary traditions. To culminate the day, we drive to Piran, a seaside resort known for its long pier and astounding Venetian architecture.

Overnight: Hotel Piran, Piran (1 night) (B)

Piran spent centuries as part of the Republic of Venice, giving it a distinctly Italian feel. We will see the highlights of the city, which dates back to at least the 7th century, before heading to Portoroz, a resort town on the Adriatic coast that became known as a health spa destination under the Austro-Hungarian Empire. We continue to the hilly region of Goriska Brda, known as the “Tuscany of Slovenia” for its rolling vineyard hills and quaint villages.  Discover the charming town of Dobrovo, the wine capital of the region, where we will enjoy a delicious dinner at a local restaurant. We continue to check in to our hotel in Nova Gorica, a rare example of a planned post-World War II city.

Overnight: Hotel Perla/Hotel Park, Nova Gorica (1 night) (B, D)

After breakfast, we drive along Soca River, famous for its striking emerald-green colour. Pass through Kobarid, featured in Hemingway's well-known novel A Farewell to Arms, and stop to visit the World War I Museum. Kobarid was the centre of the Isonzo Front, where twelve major battles were fought between Italy and Austria-Hungary during World War I. The award-winning museum documents some of the fiercest mountain warfare in history through personal stories, photographs and artifacts.  Later, we see the Boka waterfall, showcasing a spectacular plunge of more than 100 meters, before driving to the historical city of Bled. Our evening today is at leisure.

Overnight: Hotel Bled Rose/Ribno/Hotel Park, Bled (2 nights) (B)

Formed during the last Ice Age and surrounded by the Julian Alps, Bled has attracted visitors for centuries with its fairy tale scenery. It’s now one of Slovenia’s most iconic destinations, celebrated for its glacial lake and medieval architecture. A sightseeing tour here features the charming town and the lakeshore, as well as a visit to the imposing Bled Castle. Built about a thousand years ago, the castle is perched on a cliff high above the lake, making for spectacular photos.  We then return to the lake shore and taste the famous Bled cream cake. In the afternoon, we have the chance to discover another beauty of the alpine, Lake Bohinj. Here, we enjoy a relaxing walk along the lake shore and take a cable car to Mount Vogel. Enjoy some cheese tasting and admire stunning views of the Julian Alps. Tonight, we celebrate with a farewell dinner at a local restaurant. (B, D)

After a wonderful tour of Slovenia, we are transferred to Ljubljana airport. Check out time is by 11:00 AM. Alternatively, extend your adventure to nearby countries such as Croatia or Serbia. Contact Bestway Tours & Safaris for ideas and details! (B)