Day 1 – Ptuj

Join your tour group at the hotel.

Day 2 – Ptuj

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

Day 3 – Ptuj

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 leaned against the Old Vine House since the 1500s and still produces plump grapes. Beneath us lies one of central Europe’s oldest cellars, Vinag, with musty tunnels that stretch around two miles under the city.

Day 4 – Ljubljana – Kranjska Gora

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. We take a guided tour of the city and take time to explore independently. Endless cafés line the river, making an idyllic spot to rest before our journey continues to the pretty alpine town of Kranjska Gora.

Day 5 – Kranjska Gora – Planica – Triglav National Park

Surrounded by glacial lakes and a verdant mountain town, Kranjska Gora is an unspoiled mountain village. Its location makes it a popular destination for summer hikes and winter sports. We visit the Alpine valley of Planica and Zelenci Nature Reserve, considered the source of the River Sava. We 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.

Day 6 – Kranjska Gora

Today is free to relax in Kranjska Gora or find a walking trail in 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 one of Slovenia’s icons – Lake Bled. This crystal blue, glacier-formed lake is 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’ll head to a café by the lake to taste the famous Bled Cream Cake. Later, 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.

Day 7 – Bovec – Stanjel – Portorož

We head to the Slovenian coast, through the dramatic Trenta Valley and the breathtaking hairpin bends of the Predil Pass (some 1,611m above sea level) to the small town of Bovec. We travel through the Karst region, an intriguing limestone plateau, pausing for lunch at the beautiful stone village of Stanjel. Our journey concludes in the coastal town of Portorož.

Day 8 – Piran

Explore the Slovenian coast this morning from the bow of a boat. Our cruise takes in stunning views as we sail to Piran, one of the best preserved historical towns on the Adriatic, with its picturesque scenes of Venetian Gothic architecture and winding alleyways. This lived-in city sits on a narrow peninsula, and you’re never more than a few steps from the sea or a seafood restaurant. Returning to Portorož, spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 9 – Portorož

Spend your day exploring the ‘Port of Roses’, a modern town that has been a spa destination since the 13th century. Alternatively, take an optional visit to magnificent Postojna Cave, considered one of the world’s most beautiful and most visited cave systems. 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 the 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.

Day 10 – Portorož

Say goodbye to your tour group for your onward travel.