Slovenia boasts a wide range of attractions, including beaches, rivers, lakes, mountains, and medieval towns. There are numerous architectural landmarks, museums, and art galleries to visit, as well as a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, biking, water sports, cave exploration, and ziplining. A compact country offers a great mix of city life in Ljubljana and natural wonders nearby, making for a perfect holiday experience. Explore my one-week, non-driver-friendly Slovenia itinerary, ideal between April and October.
Day 1
Exploring Ljubljana
Start from the bus station and make your way to Miklosiceva Street.
Miklosiceva Street
Miklosiceva Street, along with Miklosicev Park, boasts more historic buildings than most other streets and is considered the centre of Art Nouveau architecture in Ljubljana.
Moving on to Preseren Square, visitors will come across the striking Galerija Emporium department store and the eye-catching Hauptmann House, both of which exemplify Art Nouveau style. Adjacent to Preseren Square is the salmon-pink Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, a 17th-century building featuring six side altars and a large choir stall. After exploring these sites, continue to the Three Bridges.
Three Bridges
The central bridge of the Triple Bridge, which forms part of a group of three bridges, was built in 1842. The pedestrian side bridges, added between 1929 and 1932 by the architect Joze Plecnik, improved the original stone bridge and turned it into a distinctive architectural landmark in Ljubljana.
Your next stop is St Nicholas Cathedral.
St Nicholas Cathedral
St Nicholas Cathedral in Slovenia holds great significance for Catholics, owing to its historical importance, striking architecture, and impressive interior. 
A notable feature is the iron sculptures of six bishops on the door, known for their lifelike appearance.
The cathedral also displays various artworks dedicated to Pope John Paul II, commemorating his visit to Ljubljana.
Ljubljana Castle
Ljubljana Castle, perched 376 metres above the city on the hill of the same name, was built in the 11th century and has played a key role in the history of the Slovenian capital. Over time, it has transformed from a medieval stronghold into a centre of cultural activity. Visitors can reach the castle on foot or by cable car, which offers scenic views of Ljubljana and the surrounding area.
Tivoli Park
Tivoli Park, the largest and most beautiful park in Ljubljana, extends into the city centre. Created in 1813 by the French engineer Jean Blanchard and covering roughly five square kilometres, it was formed by merging the parks surrounding the Podturn and Cekin mansions.
Old petrol station
A Yugoslav-era “Petrol” brand service station was built in the late 1960s near the edge of Tivoli Park, at Tivolska 46. The main feature of this petrol complex was a standalone concrete canopy, adorned with organic curves and sculptural details on its underside, resembling a tree or a mushroom.
Night in Ljubljana
Day 2
Soca River Valley tour with To Do in Slovenia travel agency
As some parts of Slovenia are not easily accessible by bus, I recommend taking this tour, which departs from Ljubljana at 8 am.
Ride to Kozjak Waterfall
Certainly one of Slovenia’s most stunning attractions, and possibly one of Europe’s most picturesque rivers, the Soca River stands out with its vibrant turquoise colour. As you follow the river downstream, it takes you past many of the region’s key landmarks, beginning in the Trenta Valley and eventually flowing into Italy, where it is known as the Isonzo River, before reaching the Italian Adriatic. The river and its surrounding natural beauty remain largely untouched, particularly along its upper course, making it a focal point for the Slovenian government’s efforts to promote nature conservation and responsible tourism development. The Soca Valley also holds historical significance as one of the main battlegrounds in the First World War, where Italian and Austro-Hungarian forces clashed on opposite sides of the valley in a brutal conflict that claimed the lives of over one million soldiers.
Visit Kozjak Waterfall
Located near Kobarid and overlooking the stunning emerald-green Soca River, the Kozjak stream gorge is home to the impressive 15-metre-tall Kozjak Waterfall.
This well-known natural attraction gives the impression of a secluded paradise, framed by towering dark walls adorned with limestone deposits similar to those found in karst caves. A marked pathway winds towards the waterfall, occasionally crosses small wooden bridges, and eventually reaches a terrace offering a magical view of the rocky amphitheatre, with its verdant pool and cascading white water.
Photostop at Boka Waterfall
When travelling from Zaga to Bovec, you will easily spot the striking Slap Boka Waterfall on the left-hand side of the road. This waterfall is considered one of the most powerful and water-rich in Slovenia, measuring 144 metres in height and 18 metres in width, making it one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Europe.
Bovec
The charming resort town of Bovec offers a picturesque base for exploring the Upper Soca Valley, with attractive early 20th-century buildings, a variety of excellent eateries and bars, and a lively atmosphere for adventure sports. Take a stroll and enjoy a meal during your visit.
Visit Great Soca Gorge
The Soca River has carved a 750-metre-long gorge just above the Lepena Valley. The gorge varies in width and depth, reaching up to 15 metres deep during dry periods and filling up completely during floods. Visitors can enjoy a short, pleasant stroll through one of Slovenia’s natural wonders, where the Soca River’s stunning colour is on full display.
Regrettably, the Vrsic Mountain Pass, which had originally been planned as part of the tour, was closed on the day of my visit. As a result, we had to take a longer route through Italy to reach our next destination, Lake Jasna.
Lake Jasna
Lake Jasna is a popular destination in Slovenia, located in Kranjska Gora. It consists of two connected, man-made lakes covering more than two hectares, formed by the confluence of the Velika and Mala Pisnica streams.
Ride back to Ljubljana, arrival around 6:30 pm.
Evening. Open Kitchen
If it is Friday, be sure to visit the Open Kitchen at the market square. Open Kitchen, Slovenia’s popular gourmet food market, has been a key part of Ljubljana’s vibrant scene since its launch in 2013. Showcasing top eateries from across the country, it offers a diverse culinary experience not to be missed. The event takes place every sunny Friday from March to October on Pogačarjev trg, from 10 am to 9 pm.
Night in Ljubljana
Day 3
Postojna
Departure from Ljubljana bus station at 9:30 am. Arriving in Postojna at 10:30 am.
NB! When planning your trip to Postojna, it is important to prepare in advance. If you plan to visit Predjama Castle before or after exploring Postojna Caves by public transportation, please ensure you check the shuttle timetable between the two sites. The castle lies approximately ten kilometres from the cave entrance. During the off-season in October, there is only one shuttle ride per day, so it is crucial to plan accordingly. When I visited, the shuttle from Postojna Cave to Predjama Castle ran at 11:05 am and returned at 12:30 pm. If you miss the shuttle, you can take a taxi for 20 euros one way. I paid five euros to change my cave entrance time to use the shuttle service. To avoid any inconvenience, check the shuttle times before purchasing tickets for both attractions. The shuttle service operates only at certain times of the year, and taxis can be arranged at the ticket office.
I walked for 15 minutes from the Postojna bus station to reach the cave entrance. For safety reasons, certain items such as backpacks, large bags, helmets, umbrellas, and other travel accessories are not allowed in the cave. Lockers for personal belongings are available at the EXPO Pavilion or Visitor Centre Postojna, but the centre may be closed on weekends.
Predjama Castle
Predjama Castle, which has stood for over 800 years within a 123-metre-high stone wall, holds the title of the largest cave castle in the world, according to the Guinness Book of World Records. Originally built in 1274 by the abbots of Aquileia in the Gothic style, it was later reconstructed by the Luegg family, notably Erazem Predjamski. This remarkable structure is the only fully preserved cave castle in Europe and exemplifies medieval construction techniques and ingenuity through its placement beside a cave entrance. Predjama Castle has appeared in numerous documentaries and films due to its unique location and historical significance.
Postojna Cave tour
2 pm–3:30 pm
Widely recognised as one of the most famous caves in the world, Postojna Cave is a popular tourist destination in Slovenia and one of the largest karst monuments on Earth. Visitors can enjoy guided tours of the cave, which typically last around 1.5 hours and cover approximately five kilometres. Part of the tour is by train, while the remainder involves walking on a slip-resistant, easily accessible concrete footpath. During the standard tour, guests encounter a 200-metre section with a 20% incline, followed by a similar decline.
After the tour, head to the bus station to catch a bus to Piran, changing at Koper. Check the timetable in advance.
Night in Piran
Day 4
Piran sightseeing
Piran is a charming town on the Adriatic Coast, situated at the end of a slender peninsula. Known for its well-preserved Venetian Gothic historic centre, rich tradition of salt production, and reliably warm climate, Piran is often regarded as one of the loveliest towns in Istria, Slovenia. The town offers a special combination of cultural richness, historical significance, and Mediterranean charm. To experience it, wander through Tartini Square, visit St George’s Cathedral, walk along the city walls, explore Piran’s Venetian Gothic architecture, and enjoy fresh seafood at a seaside restaurant.
Piran departure at 3 pm, heading to Koper, Ljubljana, and Bled, with bus changes in Koper and Ljubljana. Arrival in Bled around 7 pm.
Night in Bled
Day 5
Lake Bohinj day trip
Depart from Bled at 8:21 am and arrive at Vogel Krizisce (Crossroads) at 9:05 am. Take a short walk to the Vogel Cable Car station. Check the panoramic boat timetable in advance to plan your day accordingly.
Vogel Cable Car
The Vogel Cable Car is an efficient way to reach the higher elevations of the mountains.
It takes just four minutes to travel from Ukanc lakeside (579 m) to Vogel Ski Station (1,535 m). At the top station, there is a viewing platform and a café serving refreshments. On clear days, the views are stunning.
Visitors can enjoy a hot chocolate in the café or take the chairlift to explore the high-altitude hiking trails. It is a good idea to bring extra layers, as temperatures are cooler at higher elevations.
After descending from Vogel Ski Station, you can walk to Savica Waterfall on a 2.5-hour round-trip or enjoy a scenic boat ride to Ribcev Laz. The boat station at Ukanc may be a little tricky to find, as it is tucked away within a campsite. A guided boat tour on Lake Bohinj offers a unique, eco-friendly way to explore the area and lets you reach the opposite end of the lake with ease.
Once you reach Ribcev Laz by boat, make sure to visit the Church of St John the Baptist and the Zlatorog statue before catching the bus back to Bled.
Night in Bled
Day 6
Morning: Vintgar Gorge
I think you should buy tickets in advance. As the first shuttle from the Bled bus station departs at 9:00 am, the tour should be scheduled from 9:40 am onwards. The Vintgar Gorge is a canyon carved by the Radovna River, stretching 1,600 metres and reaching depths of up to 250 metres. Located on the eastern edge of Triglav National Park, it lies four kilometres northwest of Bled town centre. First explored by three adventurers 130 years ago, the gorge has since become one of Slovenia’s most popular attractions. It is the country’s first protected natural site and has a limited visitor capacity. A visit to Vintgar Gorge can take up to 2.5 hours, as visitors must walk back to the park entrance if they want to return to Bled by shuttle.
Afternoon in Bled
Travel to Bled Island on a pletna, a traditional wooden boat, skilfully rowed by a boat rower known as a pletnar. Alternatively, electric motorboats are also available to cross the lake. 
Boats are docked on the shore and depart once enough passengers are aboard. The Church of the Mother of God on the lake is the island’s most iconic landmark, with a rich and varied history. Surrounded by lush greenery, visitors can explore various island structures, including the bell tower, curacy, provost’s house, small hermitage, and other intriguing historic buildings; entry requires a ticket. 
In the evening, guests can relax at the Wellness Ziva Centre, enjoying water therapies and wellness treatments. Named after the Old Slavic goddess of life and fertility, Wellness Ziva offers treatments and experiences that promote beauty, health, and wellness, inspired by Rikli’s philosophy on how energy signals affect overall well-being.
Night in Bled
Day 7
Skofja Loka
Take a bus to Ljubljana, drop off your luggage at the hotel, and then visit Skofja Loka. For more details, see my article on Skofja Loka.
Evening: departure for home or a last night in Ljubljana.
Best time to visit
This schedule works best between April and November, as some attractions are only open during this period. I visited Slovenia in early October and found it to be an excellent time to go, thanks to fewer crowds and beautiful autumn scenery. September and May are also good options. The summer months can be hot and crowded.
Practical information
For more information on bus travel, please check out my article on travelling through Slovenia by bus.
If I were to repeat this journey, I would set aside an extra day for a longer visit to Piran and also nearby Portoroz.
Disclosure: I paid for everything myself.
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Author: Anita Sane
About the author
Anita is a part-time traveller, passionate photographer and a retired career woman from Latvia, travelling mostly solo for more than 15 years. She is a skilled travel planner who plans and executes her travels by herself. Anita wants to show you how to travel the world and open your mind to new experiences. Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, Twitter and Bloglovin.
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