Slovenia self guided road trip

This free travel guide contains the first 2 days of our travel guide of beautiful Slovenia.

Curious for more? Buy the complete travel guide (PDF – 102 pages A4, easy to print or read on tablet) for the price of a Slovenian goulash, and explore Slovenia with lots of practical information and tips by locals.

 Buy now on shop.themediabay.be/en

 Buy now on shop.travual.com/en

© Buy the complete guide on shop.travual.com

INTRODUCTION

Slovenia is often overlooked as a holiday destination – overshadowed on occasion by its better known neighbours, and that is certainly a shame. Those who overlook this small nation are truly missing out on a lot. This is a lush, green country with intense natural beauty, a country of grand mountains and rolling hills, dotted with picturesque castles and villages, farms and vineyards. Slovenia has been declared a global green destination and Ljubljana, the capital, was 2016's European Green Capital, and not just for its literal, leafy shade. Slovenia takes the environment seriously and has made great strides towards sustainable tourism. That makes this green country the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday.

Slovenia has a lot to offer, whether you are interested in the landscapes, outdoor pursuits, city escapes, history, culture, hospitality, food; a lively program of events throughout the year means that there is always something going on here and yet this place is not dictated to by tourists. This is a quiet, authentic country getting on with its own, tranquil existence while the world whirls around it, while Ljubljana can also hold its place proudly amongst contemporary European capitals and has its finger firmly on the pulse of modern life at the same time as celebrating its long and august history. Slovenia centres on its capital and after visiting lovely Ljubljana, the eyes of most visitors are drawn to the west of the country, to the caves and the coast and to the drama and beauty of the Soca Valley and the Julian Alps. This guide will take you to all those places. But you will also go beyond, to enjoy some of the less well known parts of Slovenia, over to the east. This guide describes a 9 day tour that can be easily extended to form a two week stay in the country. In fact, you will likely wish you had much longer to get to know all the hidden spots and local haunts throughout Slovenia. If you do not have as long however, you could consider to choose a portion of the tour to enjoy on a shorter stay. This Slovenia Tour begins with a walking tour of Ljubljana. You will then head south west to delve deep below the surface of the country and will end your day on the beautiful coast. Next, you will travel broadly northwards, exploring a little of the country's industrial and natural history as you make your way to the breathtaking Soča Valley. It is highly recommended that you take at very least a day or two to enjoy outward bound activities on the Soča River and in the breathtaking Julian Alps before you continue on your tour around the country. Next, you will cross the awe-inspiring Vršič Pass and visit two of the most famous beauty spots in the country, Lake Bohini and Lake Bled, as well as a whole host of beauty spots as you make your way back towards central Slovenia and find yourself back in the vicinity of Ljubljana.

Next, you will do what far fewer tourists do and venture east of the capital. You will head to Slovenia's second city, Maribor, seeing plenty of fascinating historic sites en route. Next, you will spend a day enjoying a walking tour of this less well known Slovenian city, before heading east once more, skirting the borders and enjoying some off-the-beaten-track exploration on a round about route to the historic town of Ptuj. Finally, via yet more fascinating and little known attractions, you will make your

way back to Ljubljana. There will always be more to see and do, but this route should give you a good sense of all the various factors that have made this country what it is today and you should also feel that you have come to understand a little more about the friendly people who live here. Enjoy being surprised by Slovenia as you get to know her stunning secrets.

• Total distance: 1190 km

DAY 1: LJUBLJANA WALKING TOUR

• Distance: 7.2 km

• Starting Point: Congress Square

• Finishing Point: Nebotičnik Skyscraper

Ljubljana is by far the best known part of Slovenia. But just because it is the best known part of the country, that does not mean that it is particularly well known in the wider world. Ljubljana has a stunning ability to pleasantly surprise all those who visit here for the first time. Whatever you expect, it is likely that most of your expectations of the city will be confounded. Ljubljana is a difficult city to define and a difficult city to pin down.

The best way to get to known Ljubljana is simply to be open to the possibilities that come your way as you stroll the streets. Perhaps you will be invited to an avant garde art opening, perhaps you will be given a political flyer, hear an amazing musician on a corner or see a woman carrying a bee hive into a building in the graffiti-flecked heart of the city. One of the wonderful things about Ljubljana is that you can never know entirely what to expect. As with any city, the key is knowing where to start when you set out to explore. The following walking tour of Ljubljana is designed as a jumping off point for further explorations. Take this walk and no one knows exactly where it will lead you. Be open to detouring if you see something interesting going on and always keep your eyes open to all possibilities.

Your walking tour of Ljubljana begins at Congress Square. If you have already hired your car from the airport then there is convenient parking nearby.

One of the main central squares in the city, Congress Square was built in 1821 on the site formerly occupied by a Capuchin Monastery. The Monastery was abolished during the reign of the Hapsburg Emperor Joseph II. The square is named for the fact that it was used for ceremonial purposes during the Congress of Ljubljana, after which a park was laid out in the middle of the space. This square is highly symbolic for the local people and has played an important role in its history. Independence from Austrian-Hungarian rule was proclaimed here during a mass demonstration in 1918. Other historic speeches have since taken place here.

 Kongresni trg, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0502, 14.5038

Exit Congress Square at its north eastern corner and walk north/ north east on Wolfova ulica. Continue along that pedestrian street for around 150m and you will find yourself on Prešernov trg. You will see your next destination across the square to your left.

BSt Francis Church of the Annunciation is one of the major buildings lining Prešernov Square, another of the important open spaces of the city centre. This is a pedestrian zone and one of the city's main meeting points. Many events take place here each year and it underwent a major renovation in 2007. The baroque style church dates from the 17th Century and presides over the palaces that were built around the square in the late 19th and early 20th Century.

 St Francis Church of the Annunciation, Prešernov Trg, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.051532, 14.505894

Upon leaving the church, turn right and pass the statue to your right. Ahead of you, you will see 3 bridges crossing the Ljubljanica River.

Three Bridges - © Shutterstock

The Three Bridges is a triumvirate of bridges that cross the river Ljubljanica between the modern city of Ljubljana and the mediaeval core of the old town on the far bank. All three bridges have been part of the Ljubljana pedestrian zone sine 2007. The bridges as they now stand are to the design of famous Slovene architect Jože Plečnik and were built in 1931-32 on the site of an older river crossing. The oldest bridge currently standing dates from 1842.

When you have crossed the river, turn right and then left onto Stritarjeva ulica. Continue on that street for around 100 m. You will see the fountain ahead of you.

The Robbov of Robba Fountain was commissioned by Francesco Robba in 1743 and was unveiled in 1751. It was inspired by the Fountain of the Four Rivers in Rome and yet modelled on the Fontana del Pantheon. Interestingly, the fountain seen here today is actually only a replica of the original, which has been moved into the National Gallery. Replica or not, it is one of the most recognisable symbols of the city.

 GPS: 46.050114,14.506978

Facing the fountain, turn left and walk approximately 100 m on Ciril-Metodov trg. You will see the cathedral on your left.

Officially called St. Nicholas's Church, Ljubljana Cathedral was built on the site of an earlier Gothic Cathedral in the early 18th century. A Romanesque church which was definitely standing in 1262 used to occupy the site. This was significantly altered after a fire in 1361 and further alterations took place 100 years later when the church became a Cathedral. That cathedral was burnt down by Turks in 1469. The current Baroque building was constructed between 1701 and 1706 and was consecrated in 1707. The building interior is notable for its beautiful painted ceiling and there are interesting features on the metal doors.

 Ljubljana Cathedral, Dolničarjeva ulica 1, Ljubljana // GPS:46.050556, 14.507778 // http://lj-stolnica.rkc.si/

Continue east along Ciril-Metodov trg for 70m or so and then continue for a further 45m on Vodnikov trg. Turn right onto Študentovska ulica and continue onto Za ograjami. After 120m, turn left onto Ovinki and enjoy the pleasant uphill walk towards the castle. When you see the castle parking ahead of you, take a sharp right to enter the castle complex.

Alternatively, you can take the funicular railway to avoid the effort of walking up to the castle.

The Ljubljana Castle Funicular carries 33 people up the hill to the castle in just one minute and departs every 10 minutes. The difference in elevation between the top and bottom is less than 70 m. From Jan-March and in November, the funicular runs from 10 am-8 pm, in April, May and October it runs from 9 am-9 pm, from June to September it runs 9 am-11 pm and in December it runs 10am to 10pm daily. There is a charge and you can choose a one way or return ticket.

Ljubljana Castle dates from the 15th century. It is not only an interesting historical site but also a venue for many cultural events throughout the year. You can enter the castle courtyard free of charge, enjoy a cup of coffee and a cake, see some galleries and art exhibitions and purchase traditional Slovene handicraft items. There’s also a chapel and viewing tower where you can see a virtual documentary about the castle's history. (Of which more below.) There is also a museum of Slovene History and – one of our favourites in Slovenia – a restaurant in the tower.

 Ljubljana Castle, Grajska planota 1, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0489, 14.5084 // See website for opening hours and details of guided tours // Free entry to some sections, charge for guided tours // www.ljubljanskigrad.si

Virtualni Muzej or virtual museum offers a virtual tour of the castle and its history from pre-history to the present day. It is available in a wide range of languages and allows visitors to the castle to learn more about all the varied elements of its cultural and architectural development.

 Virtualni Muzej, Ljubljana Castle, Grajska planota 1, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0489, 14.5084 // Free entry // www.ljubljanskigrad.si

Walk south from the castle on Razgledna steza and then continue onto Grajska planota. After 120 m, take a slight right towards Osojna pot and follow the path. After 120 m, turn right onto Osojna pot then, after 230 m, continue down onto Reber, a narrow alley leading you back down towards the river. At the end of the winding alleyway you will come out onto Stari trg. Turn right and you will see the fountain after around 55 m.

Herculov Fountain in the middle of Levstikov trg, off Stari trg is a popular meeting place in the summer months. As with the Robbov Fountain, this is actually a replica of the original 17th century statue, which now resides in the town hall. Levstikov trg was created when a Jesuit college that stood on the site burned down. Stari trg and the surrounding area are the oldest part of Ljubljana city centre. This is a good place to take some photographs and perhaps stop for a few minutes to take in the scenic old town.

Located on Stari Trg, the Stična mansion was built between 1628 and 1630, to house the abbots of a Cistertian monastery in the village of Stična. It has seen several architectural alterations over the years, most notably work done on the facade in the 18th century. It is not possible to see the inside of the building, which is now part of the music academy but is interesting to view from the exterior as it is one of the largest mansions in the old town.

Herculov Fountain - © Shutterstock

 Herculov Fountain, Levstikov trg, Stari Trg, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0477, 14.5062

The backdrop for the fountain is the grand Stična mansion.

 Stična mansion, Stari Trg, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0477, 14.5062

Continue north on Stari trg for 83m then turn left onto Pod Tranco and you will see the bridge ahead of you.

The Cobbler's Bridge is one of the oldest bridges crossing the river Ljubljanica in Ljubljana. It dates from the 13th century, if not before. In the Middle Ages this bridge was known as the Upper bridge. Originally, the bridge was a wooden structure. There was a butcher's shop on the bridge but the stench of meat was so bad that the Emperor paid to have the occupiers relocated. Shoemakers moved into the former butcher's booth and gave the bridge its current name. Many bridges have crossed this part of the river since this first wooden structure, many lost due to floods or fires. The current stone bridge was built by Jože Plečnik and was installed here in 1931.

 GPS: 46.0484, 14.5056

When you have crossed the river, turn left and then take the next right turn onto Novi trg. After just under 100 m, turn left onto Gosposka ulica and you will find your next destination on the right after approximately 90 m.

Located in the grand and impressive Auersperg Palace, the City Museum holds a wealth of cultural heritage related to the history of Ljubljana, from its earliest occupants, who lived in a prehistoric pile dwelling here 4,500 years ago to the lively present day capital, with plenty in between. A Roman road is preserved in the museum's basement.

 City Museum, Gosposka ulica 15, Ljubljana // GPS:46.0468025,14.5041199 // Paid entry // www.mgml.si

Exiting the city museum, ahead of you, you will see Križanke, an interesting concert venue with a fascinating past.

Križanke Outdoor Theatre is one of Ljubljana's important cultural venues. It is a theatre in the courtyard of the former Monastery of the Holy Cross and is used for many events, not least during the summer festivals. It is always worthwhile checking out what is going on there to see if there is anything you would like to see.

 Križanke Outdoor Theatre, Trg francoske revolucije 1, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0469, 14.5036 // See website for details of events // www.ljubljanafestival.si

Head north on Gosposka ulica and continue for 290 m. Turn left onto Kongresni trg and you will find your next intriguing destination on your left after 85 m.

The Museum of Illusions is a bit of fun and whimsy to give some levity between all the important historic and cultural attractions. Here you can see a number of illusions that play tricks on the eye and the mind and allow you to contemplate the limits of personal perception. Grow taller or smaller in the Ames Room, see the anti-gravity room where everything seems to defy natural laws and enjoy a whole host of other mind-bending optical illusions.

 Museum of Illusions, Kongresni trg 13, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0496, 14.5034 // Paid entry // http://muzejiluzij.si/

Turn left out of the museum and walk west towards Slovenska cesta. Across that road and slightly to the left you will see one of the grandest churches in the city.

Built between 1718 and 1726, the baroque Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity is an unusual and striking building. The interior as well as the exterior offers some interesting features, including a massive marble altarpiece by Robba, who created the Robbov fountain that you visited earlier on this walking tour. There are also paintings by Slovene artist Valentin Metzinger. Just across the road from the church is the Holy Trinity Column, erected to replace a wooden structure in 1693 in thanks that a plague did not destroy the town.

 Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, Slovenska cesta 21, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0499, 14.5023 // Free entry // www.ljubljana.info/sights/ursuline-church

Walk north on Slovenska cesta for almost 60m then turn left onto Plečnikov trg to reach your next destination.

The Slovene Ethnographic Museum is Slovenia's foremost ethnographic museum. It is dedicated to representing the cultural heritage of Slovenes and ethnic minorities and has a permanent collection of over 3,000 items in a treasure trove of an exhibition. It is also home to a weavers' workshop, a shop and a cafe.

 Slovene Ethnographic Museum, Metelkova ulica 2, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.055054, 14.516228 // Paid entry // www.etnomuzej.si/

Walk west on Plečnikov trg then cut through the shopping centre onto Republic Square.

Republic Square is the largest public square in the city. It was designed in the latter half of the 20th Century by Edvard Ravnikar and was originally known as Revolution Square. The Independence of Slovenia was declared here on the 26th of June 1991. To the north of the square is the National Assembly Building.

 GPS: 46.050747,14.500356

Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity - © Shutterstock

From the north end of Republic Square, turn left onto Šubičeva ulica. After 140 m, turn right onto Prešernova cesta and you will find the next museum on your list on your right after almost 60 m.

This grand building houses not one museum but two – the National Museum and the Natural History Museum of Slovenia. There is a wealth of fascinating exhibits here and it is surely a must-see for every visitor to the city, whether you visit both museums, only one, or opt to see the single curiosity of the Egyptian mummy for just 0.5 Euros. Next to the main museum building you will find an exhibition of the Roman period which is entirely free to enter.

 National Museum & Natural History Museum of Slovenia, Musejska ulica 1, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0521, 14.4993 // Paid entry // www.narmuz-lj.si

Walk north on Prešernova cesta. After 130 m, turn left onto Cankarjeva cesta and you will find the art gallery on your left.

One of the most important art galleries in Slovenia, the Gallery of Modern Art houses a wide range of Slovenian artworks from the 20th and 21st centuries. It first opened to the public in 1948 and in 2011 was expanded with the Metelkova Museum of Contermporary Art. The building was designed by Edvard Ravnikar.

 Gallery of Modern Art, Cankarjeva Cesta, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.053197, 14.4988 // Paid entry // http://www.mg-lj.si

Return to Prešernova cesta and turn left. The next gallery to visit will be on your right after 100 m.

If older, more classical art is more to your taste then of course the National Gallery of Slovenia is a must-see while you are in the city. This museum houses a wide range of paintings dating from the late Mediaeval period to the early 20th Century. This gallery was founded in 1918 and moved to its present location in 1925.

 National Gallery of Slovenia, Prešernova cesta 24, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.053611, 14.5 // Paid entry // www.ng-slo.si

After visiting the National Gallery, continue along Prešernova cesta and then turn left and take the underpasses under the road and railway track (checking out all the graffiti art as you walk through) to reach Tivoli park.

shop.travual.com

Tivoli Park is the largest park in the city of Ljubljana and is a protected area. There are a number of notable buildings and artworks within the park, including Tivoli Castle. There is an attractive pond and near the pond, a greenhouse and rose garden operated by Ljubljana botanical gardens, a playground for children and a number of interesting sculptures. Tivoli park was first laid out in 1813 and the pond was excavated in 1880.

 GPS: 46.053889, 14.496667

Once you have had your fill of the park and have enjoyed a stroll on some of the pretty paths that thread this green part of the city, return through the underpasses and continue onto Puharjeva ulica. After 160 m, turn right onto Župančičeva ulica then, after 60 m, turn left onto Štefanova ulica. Continue on that road for 180 m then turn right. Your final destination on this walking tour will be on the right after 50 m.

The name says it all. Nebotičnik Skyscraper is “the skyscraper” and is a dominant building in the city's skyline. Love it or loath it, this tower is a symbol of the city. It was constructed between 1931 and 1933 and opened its doors on 21st February 1933. It has 13 storeys and a height of 70.35 m. At the time it was the tallest building in the country and ninth tallest in Europe. It is home to a range of shops and businesses and at the top you will find a cafe, bar and observation deck with great views out over the city.

 Looking for a hotel in Ljubljana? Click here for special offers.

 Nebotičnik, Štefanova ulica 1, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0532, 14.5036 // www.neboticnik.si

Ljubljana highlights not included in the walking tour

In addition to this walking tour, it is recommended that you spend some time, if you have it, enjoying the stroll along the riverside through the heart of the old town of Ljubljana. In addition to sights already mentioned on the above tour, you can see:

The Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) appears in the photographs of most tourists who visit Ljubljana because of its fun dragon sculptures. This art deco masterpiece was created in 1901 – the first structure in this style in this city. It crosses the Ljubljanica River between Kopitar Street and Ressel Street. The dragon represents the power, courage and greatness of the city

 Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.0519606,14.5104329

Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most) - © Shutterstock

Plečnik’s Colonnaded Market was built to the designs of the famous architect between 1940 and 1944, this central market is a great place to pick up some fresh, organic local produce from nearby Slovenian farms and other local delicacies. It is a fantastic place to learn more about Slovenian food

 Plečnik’s Colonnaded Market, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia // GPS: 46.0513624, 14.5096148 // www.lpt.si/trznice

Opened in 2010, the Butcher's Bridge links the central market with the other side of the Ljubljanica River. It has a simple design and is populated with a number of statues from Ancient Greek and Christian/Jewish mythology, including Adam and Eve, satyr and prometheus. There are also some smaller sculptures on the fence, frogs and some shellfish and key locks decorating the sides of the bridge.

 Butcher's Bridge, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia // GPS: 46.051761,14.508761

Along the river you will find plenty of places to enjoy an ice cream during summer, a meal or a drink as the sun goes down over this green and peaceful city. The friendly atmosphere and tables set up outside along the pedestrian riverside walks make this feel a bit like a street party and the young and lively atmosphere of this University city means that it would be a shame to have too early a night. You may also like to check out the city's alternative heart:

Metelkova City is one of the largest and most successful urban squats in Europe and if that does not sound too promising for a night out

think again. This abandoned army base has become the beating heart of alternative culture in Slovenia – a self-declared autonomous city that hosts over 1,500 events each year. At night thousands of students, creatives and artists congregate here and Metelkova has come to hold a special place in the hearts and minds of local people.

For those who have ever dreamed of spending a night in jail, you can do it here. You can stay at the Hostel Celica which was once a real prison.

 Metelkova ulica 10, Ljubljana // GPS: 46.057165, 14.517011

WALKING TOUR LJUBLJANA

DAY 2: LJUBLJANA > THE SLOVENIAN COAST

Today, it is time to leave lovely Ljubljana behind and set out to explore some more of the country. To begin with, this tour will take you south west, exploring some of the country's most famous subterranean attractions and a few other stops along the way before reaching the sunny Slovenian coast and ending the day in the breathtaking old town of Piran.

• Distance: 145 km

• Starting Point: Ljubljana

• Finishing Point: Piran

• Highlights:

• Postojna Cave

• Križna Jama or Cross Cave (Optional)

• Predjama Castle

• Risnik Sinkhole

• Škocjan Regional Park and Škocjan Caves

• Lipica Stud Farm (Optional)

• Holy Trinity Church

• Koper

• Izola

• Strunjan Nature Reserve

• Sečovlje Salt Pans

• Piran

Follow the E61 road out of Ljubljana to the south west, following signs for Postojna. (Note: portions of this route are toll roads and charges will apply.). After 44 km, take the exit towards Postojna and continue to follow signs to Postojna. At the first roundabout, go straight onto Tržaška cesta, then at the second roundabout, take the 3rd exit onto Kosovelova ulica. After 900 m, turn left onto Jamska cesta. The parking area for the Postojna Cave will be on your right after around half a kilometer.

The breathtaking karst cave system of Postojna Cave is one of Slovenia's top tourist attractions and is the second-longest cave system in the country. Here you can explore a series of tunnels, passages, galleries and caverns that were carved out by the Pivka River. A cave train allows visitors to see a large portion of the cave system with its variety of karst features. The cave is home to a range of interesting and specially adapted cave-dwelling

creatures, including the olm, a rare and strange creature of 25-30 cm in length that is the only vertebrate in Europe that lives exclusively below the ground.

 Postojna Cave, Jamska cesta 30, 6230 Postojna // GPS: 45.7830, 14.2038 // Paid entry // www.postojnskajama.eu/en/home/

In the Lož Valley, under Cross Mountain you can explore the Križna Jama or Cross Cave, also known as Cold Cave. The cave is named after nearby Holy Cross Church in Podlož. The cave is famous for its chain of over 45 subterranean lakes of emerald green water. You can explore the cave lakes by boat in a guided tour.

 Križna Jama, 1384 Bloška Polica, Slovenia // GPS: 45.7454428,14.4674007 // www.krizna-jama.si

Train at Postojna Cave - © Shutterstock

A slight detour from Postojna Cave will take you to Predjama Castle. Rejoin Jamska cesta (also known as the 913) and continue as it becomes Veliki Otok. Follow the 913 to Bukovje then turn left onto the Predjama road. Follow the Bukovje – Predjama road for just over a kilometer to reach the castle.

Predjama Castle is surely one of the most dramatically situated castles in the world. This impregnable fortress castle has been built into the mouth of a large cave in the middle of a towering cliff. The castle as it stands today was built in 1570. The first mention of a castle on this site was in 1274 – that structure was destroyed in a long seige in the 15th century and superceded by a second castle, which was destroyed in an earthquake, after which the current castle was built and has remained virtually unchanged to this day.

 Predjama Castle, 6230 Predjama // GPS: 45.8158, 14.1267 // Paid entry // www.postojnska-jama.eu/en/come-andvisit-us/predjama-castle/

Retrace your route from Predjama to Bukovje and rejoin the 913. After around 1.7 km, turn right. Continue to Landol, then Hrenovice and follow signs to rejoin the E61/ A1. After around 14 km on the toll road take the exit towards Divača. Take the 3rd exit at the roundabout, then after 1 km, turn left. At the next roundabout, take the second exit and continue for around half a kilometer. The Risnik sinkhole is to your left.

Predjama Castle - © Shutterstock

Risnik Sinkhole is well known amongst locals but less well known amongst foreign visitors. This large sinkhole is a geographical feature created by the collapse of a former subterranean cavern. It is popular with local climbers and is a beauty spot, perfect for a quiet stroll to stretch your legs before you continue on your journey.

 Risnik Sinkhole, Divaca // GPS: 45.677384, 13.967108

Retrace your route towards the E61/A1. Take the second exit at the first roundabout and then take a right turn after approximately 100 m. At the next roundabout, take the second exit again and then after 1 km, turn left, following signs for Škocjan. After 1.4 km, turn left onto Matavun and follow signs for parking for the Škocjan Regional Park.

From a little known location to a far more famous one - Škocjan Caves are one of Slovenia's best known tourist attractions. This UNESCO listed cave system is one of the largest underground canyons anywhere in the world. It has exceptional natural beauty and is a unique ecosystem of great note to scientists. 6,200 m of caves have been explored of the underground channels carved by the Reka River. This is certainly not one to miss!

 Škocjan Caves, Matavun 12, 6215 Divača // GPS: 45.6658, 13.9900 // Paid entry // www.park-skocjanske-jame.si/en

Should you wish you could now take a detour to reach Lipica, where they breed Lipizzaner horses. These horses are admired around the world and are a source of pride to Slovenians. To take this detour, return to Divaca and take the 205 route in a westerly direction towards the Italian border. After around 7.5 km, turn right into Lipica.

At the Lipica Stud Farm you can take a tour around the grounds to discover the history of the world-renowned white Lipizzaner horses and traditions that date back to 1580. You can also find out everything about Lipica and the Lipizzaner in the interactive Lipikum Museum.

 Lipica Stud Farm, Kobilarna Lipica, Lipica 5, 6210 Sežana // GPS: 45.66741, 13.87993 // Paid entry // http://www.lipica.org

END OPTIONAL

Whether or not you have chosen the above detour, return to the A1 and follow that road, then take the exit signed for Hrastovlje. Continue onto Stepani, then Gabrovica pri Črnem Kalu, then Črni Kal, then Kastelec-Rižana/Kortine. After 300 m on that last road, take a slight left onto AverGračišče/Kortine. Turn left after 1.5 km to stay on the same road and then continue to follow AverGračišče for 1.6 km. Turn left onto Bezovica then, after just over one kilometre, continue onto Hrastovlje. Take a left, a right, a slight left and then a left turn to stay on Hrastovlje and reach your next destination.

Disagreement exists over the origins of the interesting Holy Trinity Church Some say that it was a 12th century Romanesque church, others that it is an example of an Istrian variant of Venetian Renaissance architecture that dates from the 15th century. Whichever is correct, the church stands behind fortification walls built in the 16th century to defend the populace from Turkish attack. The interior of the church is decorated with amazing frescos by Johannes de Castua, the most famous of which is the 'Danse Macabre'. The church is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

 Holy Trinity Church, Hrastovlje // GPS: 45.509675, 13.901861 // http://m.slovenia.info/en/churches/hrastovlje-churchof-the-holy-trinity

Lipica Stud Farm - © Shutterstock

Head north and return to the A1 by retracing your route. Then take the A1 and H5 to Koper, on the coast.

Koper is a port and seaside town with an interesting medieval core centred on Titov trg, a square surrounded by Venetian architectural gems, including the Praetorian Palace and a Gothic style loggia. There is a replica of the Rialto bridge in Venice and a 12th century Cathedral. Be sure to climb the campanile if you have time, to enjoy the sweeping sea views. Koper is often overlooked by tourists but, as the largest settlement on Slovenia's coast, it is certainly worth a quick visit.

 Titov trg, 6000 Koper // GPS: 45.5482, 13.7296

From Koper, skirt the coastline on the Istrska cesta/ Koper-ruda. At the roundabout, take the first exit to head towards parking areas close to the centre of Izola.

The town of Izola was founded on an island in the 7th century by refugees from Aquileia. It has had a varied history since that time. Izola hit the tourist map in 1820,

Izola - © Shutterstock

when a thermal spring was discovered here, though today it is all too often overlooked by foreign tourists. Izola does have a Venetian charm and it is worthwhile taking the time to visit the large marina and explore the narrow, winding streets of the old town.

 Izola, 6310 Izola // GPS: 45.5374, 13.6601

Head west out of Izola and join the 111, following signs for Portorož. After a couple of kilometres, take a slight right, then right turn towards Strunjan and continue to the north to reach the coast at Strunjanski križ, a scenic spot in the Nature Reserve.

The Strunjan Nature Reserve is a natural haven which enjoys protected status. Here you can see dramatic cliffs and enjoy soaring sea views. There is also a public beach but it is worth noting that a fee of admission to the beach is collected during the peak summer months. Information boards throughout the park have maps of its main landmarks and other information.

 Strunjan Nature Reserve, 6320 Portorož - Portorose // GPS: 45.534058, 13.606806

Before we head for the final destination of the day, there is one last detour to take. Rather than heading straight for Piran, return to the 111 and take that road southwards to reach Sečovlje Salt Pans which is in Seča. After 4.5km on the 111, take a slight right onto Seča and follow signs to the parking area next to the ticket office for the salt works.

The Sečovlje Salt Pans are an important wetland area, interesting as much for its ecosystem, especially the bird life, as for its human history. At the visitor centre you can find out more about the history of salt pans in Slovenia as well as learning more about the flora, fauna and natural history of the site. There is a scenic viewpoint platform offering panoramic views and a scale model showing the salt pans. It is also possible to take a guided walk of around 2 km.

 Sečovlje salt pans, 6333 Sečovlje - Sicciole // GPS: 45.4934, 13.6065 // www.portoroz.si/en/experience/naturalattractions/secovlje-salt-pans

Return to the north on route 111 for around 3 km then take the second exit onto Koprska cesta. At the next roundabout, take the first exit onto Belokriška cesta. Continue onto Arze and you will find some parking areas on your right after a few hundred metres. Alternatively, take a left turn from Belokriška cesta onto Cesta rabskih žrtev and then follow Dantejeva ulica to parking on the sea front in Fornače. From this parking area you can easily walk along the sea front to reach the old town of Piran, where you will end the day's journey and rest up before tomorrow's portion of your Slovenian tour.

Piran is often described as the jewel in the crown of the Slovenian coast. While the picturesque old towns of Koper and Izola are undoubtedly attractive, Piran has a special charm. Breathtakingly beautiful, Piran's old town with Venetian style sits on a pensinsula stretching out into the sea. Piran can get crowded in the summer months and is popular with tourists – but it is easy to see why. This is one of the best preserved historic towns on the Adriatic. Begin your explorations at the heart of the old town on Tartinijev Trg and be sure to check out the dramatically situated cathedral and its bell tower sitting on a hill above the historic, red-roofed buildings.

 Tartinijev Trg, 6330 Piran

Pirano // GPS: 45.5285, 13.5684

 Looking for a hotel in Piran? Click here for special offers.

Sečovlje Salt Pans - © Shutterstock

DAY 2: LJUBLJANA > SLOVENIAN COAST

DAY 2: LJUBLJANA > SLOVENIAN COAST (OPTIONAL)

This free travel guide contains the first 2 days of our travel guide of beautiful Slovenia.

Curious for more? Buy the complete travel guide (PDF – 102 pages A4, easy to print or read on tablet) for the price of a Slovenian goulash, and explore Slovenia with lots of practical information and tips by locals.

 Buy now on shop.travual.com/en

© Buy the complete guide on shop.travual.com

DISCLAIMER

We get our information from reliable and carefully selected sources. Even so, we can’t be held responsible for any possible inaccurate information, nor for the use of this information and any possible negative consequences.

We would highly appreciate it if you would pass on any remarks, additions or inaccuracies to us via info@themediabay.be.

Discover more travel guides at www.travual.com

All maps © OpenStreetMap.org

Advertising in this guide?

Contact The Media Bay via info@themediabay.be.

Latest update: September 2018

© All rights reserved.

This travel guide is a publication by The Media Bay. Nothing from this publication may be reproduced without explicit consent from the publisher.