Once upon a time in Slovenia - self-drive

Day 1: Ljubljana

Arrival at Ljubljana Airport and pick up of your rental car. Drive to your hotel. The rest of the day at leisure. We recommend you to visits Ljubljana Castle to enjoy the beautiful view of the town. Overnight.

Day 2: Ljubljana-Postojna Caves-Predjama Castle-Ljubljana

Departure to visit the famous Postojna Caves, recognized as one of the largest and most beautiful in the world. A train ride combined with a walk allow you to observe the karst phenomena such as stalactites and stalagmites. Afterward, stop at the fairy-tale castle Predjama, where we will emerge in the legend of the knight Erasmus. Return to Ljubljana and its visit. The Slovenian capital is an architectural gem. The mixtures of baroque style with the modernist Art Nouveau and the work of the architect Jože Plečnik are among its special treasures. The city boasts several cultural events and an impressive social and nightlife. Overnight.

Day 3: Ljubljana-Ptuj-Maribor

In the morning, depart for the region of Styria located in the eastern part of the country. Visit Ptuj, the oldest Slovenian town, located on a small hill near the river Drava. The medieval and baroque houses are covered with red roofs and gathered at the foot of the castle, representing the old town. The regional museum in the castle has a collection of typical carnival costumes, musical instruments from seventeenth to nineteenth centuries and period rooms. Drive to the Slovenia's second largest city. Maribor as Ptuj is situated next to the Drava River. Furthermore, it is known for having the oldest vine in the world and for being the European Capital of Culture in 2012. Overnight.

Day 4: Maribor-Logar Valley-Bled

Breakfast. Drive to Logarska dolina, a valley surrounded by beautiful Savinja Alps and Karavanke Mountains. Lush forests, streams and waterfalls of cold water, hidden little paths and tranquillity characterize the valley. Have a short walk (15 min) to Rinka Waterfall. Continue to Lake Bled. Upon arrival, you can take a boat ride to the island with a church of the seventeenth century. After ringing the wishing bell, we will climb to the castle where to enjoy the stunning lake view and its surroundings. Overnight in Bled.

Day 5: Bled-Bohinj Lake-Soča Valley-Goriška Brda-Gorizia

Breakfast. Drive to Lake Bohinj, the largest Slovenian lake. The area is part of the Triglav National Park, famous for crystal clear waters, remnants of virgin forests and rich flora and fauna. Afterwards, cross the Julian Alps along a scenic path, contemplating some remains of the First World War and following the picturesque valley of Soča to finally reach Goriška Brda. There, you can visit the walled town of Šmartno, the lookout tower and one of the wineries to taste some of the best wines. Overnight in Brda.

Day 6: Gorizia-Nova Gorica-Piran-Portorož

Breakfast. We will start the day with an overview of the border cities Gorizia (Italy) and Nova Gorica (Slovenia), visiting the plaza shared by Slovenia and Italy. We will continue to the Franciscan monastery Kostanjevica, where the last of the French Bourbon kings are buried. Continue to the coastal town Piran, the birthplace of Baroque composer Giuseppe Tartini. The main square is named after him and is in the place where there was a fishing port in the past. Venetian and Austro-Hungarian buildings surround the square, among which the "Benecanka" house with a beautiful legend about its construction. Overnight.

Day 7: Portorož-Hrastovlje-Lipica-Ljubljana

Breakfast. In the morning, stop at Hrastovlje village, known for its small church of the Holy Trinity, whose walls are covered with frescoes, among which is the famous "Dance of Death". Then drive to Lipica stud farm, the pioneer in breeding Lipizzaner white horses. In 1580 the Archduke Charles II of Austria decided to buy an abandoned building in the region of Kras and found a stud for the needs of the Viennese court palace. Drive to Ljubljana. Overnight.
** Timetable for the show of classical riding school:
- From October to April Sundays at 3 pm
- From May to end of September on Tuesdays, Fridays and Sundays at 3 pm

Day 8: Ljubljana

After breakfast, free time until drive to Ljubljana
airport. End of our services.