Essential Slovenia: Ljubljana, Bled and Soča
Duration : 7 days
Route : Ljubljana (2 nights) → Bled (2 nights) → Bohinj → Soča Valley / Kobarid (2 nights) → Ljubljana (1 night)
Custom travel to Slovenia
Slovenia is one of Europe's most surprising destinations — a small country of 20,273 km² (the size of Île-de-France) for 2.1 million inhabitants, 1 h 30 by plane from Paris, that condenses into a few hours' drive the Julian Alps, glacial lakes, emerald rivers, karst plateaus, Tuscan-like vineyards, and 47 km of Adriatic coast. Independent since 1991 (former Yugoslavia), an EU member since 2004 and Schengen, Ljubljana is its elegant baroque capital. Three UNESCO sites: Škocjan Caves (1986), Idrija mercury heritage (2012), and Ljubljana pile dwellings (2011). A refined alpine-Mediterranean cuisine — Ana Roš (World's Best Female Chef 2017 at Hiša Franko in the Soča) is its ambassador. 7-10 days to discover the entire country.
Highlights
- Ljubljana: baroque capital on the Ljubljanica
- Lake Bled and its island church
- Soča Valley and emerald water
- UNESCO Škocjan and Postojna caves
- Brda vineyards (Slovenian Tuscany)
- Piran and 47 km of Venetian Adriatic coast
Sample itineraries
Complete Slovenia: Bled, Soča, Karst and coast
Duration : 11 days
Route : Ljubljana (2 nights) → Bled / Bohinj (3 nights) → Soča Valley / Kobarid (2 nights) → Goriška Brda (1 night) → Postojna or Škocjan caves → Piran / Adriatic coast (2 nights) → Ljubljana (1 night)
Confidential Slovenia: Logarska, Velika Planina, Soča
Duration : 9 days
Route : Ljubljana (1 night) → Logarska Valley / Solčava (2 nights) → Velika Planina (1 night) → Pohorje → Maribor → Soča Valley / Bovec (3 nights) → Ljubljana (1 night)
When to go
Slovenia is ideally visited from May to October, with two peaks: May-June (mildness, orchards in bloom, Brda cherries, Soča at its highest emerald level) and September-October (harvests, flamboyant colors, low crowds). Summer (July-August) is hot on the coast and in cities (28-32 °C), ideal for the Alps and Soča rafting, but it's the high tourist season. Winter (December-February) is cold (-5 to 5 °C) but magical for Ljubljana under snow, Advent markets, skiing in Kranjska Gora or Vogel. Avoid April (still cool in the mountains) and November (grey).
- Spring (May – June) — Bled, Brda (cherries), emerald Soča
- Summer (July – August) — Julian Alps, Piran, Bohinj, Triglav
- Autumn (September – October) — Brda (harvests), Pohorje, Logarska, Soča
- Winter (December – February) — Ljubljana at Christmas, Kranjska Gora, Vogel
Practical information
In Slovenia, ID card suffices for Europeans (EU and Schengen country since 2007). Currency is euro. Cards accepted everywhere, contactless reigns. Tipping: round up at restaurants (5-10%). Excellent tap water everywhere. Excellent mobile network (Telekom Slovenije, A1, Telemach — eSIM recommended). European emergency number: 112. Among Europe's best security. Mandatory highway vignette if renting a car (€16/week). Right-hand driving.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Slovenia trip?
May-June and September-October offer the best conditions (mildness, flowering or harvesting vineyards, low crowds). July-August for Soča rafting and the Adriatic coast (but crowds). December for Ljubljana in Advent. Skiing in January-February at Kranjska Gora or Vogel.
How long for a Slovenia trip?
Minimum 7 days for Ljubljana + Bled + Soča. 11 days to add the Brda and Adriatic coast. 14 days to combine with neighboring Croatia, Austria, or Italy.
What budget for a custom Slovenia trip?
As a guideline, €1,990-2,400 per person for 7 days in comfort (excluding flights). Premium (Vila Bled + Ana Roš + Brda tastings): €2,890-3,800. Paris-Ljubljana flights: €150-400.
Do I need a visa for Slovenia?
No for Europeans (EU and Schengen country since 2007). For Europeans, ID card sufficient. No visa for British, Americans, and Canadians (≤ 90 days).
How do I get around in Slovenia?
Car (rental or French-speaking driver-guide, most practical) — very short distances, excellent roads. Ljubljana on foot. Modern trains. Efficient intercity bus. No domestic flights. Mandatory highway vignette (€16/week).
Postojna or Škocjan caves: which to choose?
If you must choose: Škocjan (UNESCO 1986, walking, wilder, one of the world's largest underground canyons). Postojna is more accessible (underground train, olm « golden horses ») but more touristy. Ideally, do both — they're 30 min apart.
Should I book at Ana Roš's Hiša Franko?
Yes, and 6 months in advance. Ana Roš, named World's Best Female Chef 2017 by the World's 50 Best, offers an 8-12 course tasting menu inspired by the Soča (€200-280/person excluding wines). It's one of Europe's most memorable gastronomic experiences. Combinable with a night in their rooms above the restaurant.
Is Slovenia suitable for a family trip?
Absolutely. Small distances, excellent safety, spectacular caves for children, accessible lakes, easy hikes, Adriatic beaches. Warm hospitality, accessible prices. Ideal for a first trip outside France with children.
Can you combine Slovenia with other countries?
Yes: Slovenia + Croatia (Zagreb 2 h, Istria 2 h, Plitvice 2 h 30), + Austria (Vienna 4 h, Graz 2 h), + Italy (Trieste 1 h, Venice 3 h), + Hungary. Ideal location at the heart of Central Europe.
Is Slovenia expensive?
No, one of Western Europe's best value-for-money. Meal at a decent gostilna: €15-25. 4★ hotel in Bled: €120-180/night. Starred dinner at Ana Roš: €200-280. Movia orange wine: €30-50/bottle. Mandatory highway vignette: €16/week.