Slovenia is a small, but an amazing country that has stayed off the international radar until recently. We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again… If you’re planning on visiting for one day or one week in Slovenia, go now and go fast. This relatively unknown country is about to experience a major tourism boom! Circled by Austria, Hungary, Italy, and Croatia, Slovenia seamlessly incorporates the best of each of its neighbors. It has the stunning Alps from Austria, old architecture from Hungary, food flavors of Italy, and the crystal clear water of Croatia all wrapped in one. Our Slovenia travel itinerary takes you from the capital city to the lakes and coast, and can be done by bus or car!
One Week in Slovenia Itinerary by Bus
We only had one week in Slovenia, but quickly fell in love with this amazing country. With its size and readily available transportation, plan to rent a car or explore Slovenia by bus as we did! From the capital of Ljubljana to the famous Lake Bled and the coastal city of Piran, our Slovenia Travel Itinerary will take you all over this beautiful country.
Day One & Two: Explore Ljubljana
Welcome to the capital of Slovenia and one of the most underrated cities in Europe! Here are some things not to miss while visiting Ljubljana.
- Take a relaxing stroll through City Park Tivoli and view the National Geographic exhibit.
- Walk the canal and grab dinner from one of the many bustling restaurants.
- Head to the morning market and have breakfast out in the city.
- Explore the old town and more modern new section of Ljubljana connected by the three bridges.
- Book a wine tasting in a 300 year old cellar.
- Hike to the top of Ljubljana Castle and get lost in its walls.
- Watch the sunset in front of Ljubljana Castle.
- Eat traditional Slovenian food!
→ Ljubljana Slovenia: 16 Top Tips and Travel Guide for Your First Visit
Where to Stay in Ljubljana
Ultra Luxury –InterContinental – Opening in late 2017, this 5-star hotel is unlike any other in Ljubljana Slovenia. Highlights include the panoramic wellness and spa, rooftop restaurant, and close proximity to the city center.
Fun Vacation –Studio Emmi – Stylish studio apartments located in the best area of Ljubljana. This is the perfect hub to explore the city for a vacation to Ljubljana.
Hostel Life – Hostel Celica Art – This is a unique stay inside a hostel that used to be a former prison! The entire building has been designed by different artists making the rooms and common areas super fun. This hostel is centrally located and great for solo and group travelers.
For more places to stay while visiting Ljubljana Slovenia you can explore the latest prices here!
Day Three: Stroll Around Lake Bled
An early morning trip from Ljubljana to the incredible Lake Bled is a must for any Slovenia itinerary. It’s quite easy to travel throughout Slovenia by bus, especially with the frequent departures here. Buses leave almost every hour, but the times can change depending on the season.
For this reason, make sure to confirm the schedule ahead of time. While Lake Bled can be done in a day trip, we strongly feel that is not enough time to really take in the lake. To truly experience Lake Bled and everything it has to offer you should definitely plan to spend the night!
- After checking into your hotel start with a walk around the lake (about two hours in total).
- Stop and rent a boat or hop in one of the many tours and get out to the famous Bled Island.
- Hike to the scenic lookout for views of Lake Bled, Bled Island, and Bled Castle.
- Cool off and take a dip in the clear blue water of Lake Bled.
- Book a wine tasting in a 1oo year old cellar.
- Try a delicious Bled cream cake!
→ Walk Around Lake Bled Slovenia: What to Expect and Best Swim Spots
Where To Stay In Lake Bled
Ultra Luxury – Apartment Wellness Essense – If you’re looking for the ultimate luxury stay in Lake Bled, this is it. Just a few minutes’ drive from Lake Bled, Apartment Wellness Essense features bicycles, spa, and a hot tub and sauna.
Fun Vacation – Villa Istra – With an amazing view of Bled Island and its surroundings, Villa Istra is the perfect spot to stay if you’re looking to maximize your time here. Walk around Lake Bled as it’s right at your doorstep!
Hostel – Jazz Hostel – We stayed at this boutique hostel in the mountains above Lake Bled. Fortunately, it’s a short 10 minute walk from town and has an unbeatable atmosphere compared to the other available hostels.
For more places to stay in Lake Bled you can explore the latest prices here!
Day Four: Seaside Fun in Piran
This will be the longest day of traveling during your week in Slovenia, but with that comes the beautiful views of the countryside. Try to catch an early bus from Lake Bled back to Lijublana, where you will then switch onto a bus headed for the coast.
Perfectly set on the Adriatic Sea, Piran is one of Europe’s best-kept secrets and well worth the trip. The next 3 days of this Slovenia travel itinerary can be done from Piran as well!
- Check into your hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing.
- Grab a drink and dinner at a restaurant on the water.
- Climb down one of the many ladders and splash into the Adriatic Sea for a refreshing swim.
→ Piran Slovenia: The Historic City You Can’t Miss on the Slovenian Riviera
Where To Stay In Piran Slovenia
Ultra Luxury – Hotel Piran – We recommend Hotel Piran as it’s the most high end accommodation in town. It comes at a decent price tag, but also one that won’t break the bank. Located right on the main walking street overlooking Slovenia’s Coast, this hotel has everything you’ll need for an amazing stay in Piran!
Fun Vacation – Hotel Fiesa – Located just outside of Piran, Hotel Fiesa has amazing sea views and the peace and quiet you’re looking for in Slovenia. Tasty breakfast buffet and a gorgeous walk along the beach into town.
Hostel Life – Hostel Pirano – Hostel Pirano is situated in the center of the town and acts as more of a budget hotel offering private rooms. Also, it’s just steps from the beach and all the action of the Slovenian Riviera!
For more places to stay in Slovenia’s best coastal town you can explore the latest prices here!
Day Five: Hike to Moon Bay
Today is all about exploring Slovenia’s Coast, and with that seeing the most beautiful beach in Slovenia! It’s located inside Sturnjan Nature Park which has much to see and explore.
Moon Bay is not far from Piran so you can stay there and experience this on a day trip. You can actually take a long hike from Piran or it’s just a 10 minute drive.
- Hit the market after breakfast and stock up on a picnic for the beach. Don’t forget lots of water! You will not be able to buy food or drinks in the park.
- Drive, walk, or take the bus to Sturnjan Nature Park.
- Spend a couple of hours hiking before making your way down to Moon Bay for an afternoon of sun and relaxing.
→ Moon Bay: Complete Guide to the Best Beach in Slovenia
Day Six: Cruise the Coast
With your last full day visiting Slovenia it’s important to not only relax but also take in the sites of the coast. Take a trip from Piran and head in either direction! You’ll have Italy to your north or Croatia directly to the south.
- Rent Bikes! You can cruise for miles down the coast of Slovenia and check out all the different beach towns.
- Rent a car or jump on a tour of Slovenia’s wine country.
- Pop into Italy for the day. With the border being under an hour from Piran, you can hire a driver or car and take a ride along the seat.
Day Seven: Back to the Capital
For the final day of your week in Slovenia, it’s time to travel back to the capital city. Try to sample any local dishes that you haven’t tried yet, and also indulge in some of Slovenia’s famous ice cream!
Most popular bus routes or flights to other countries will be out of Ljubljana so it will most likely make sense to head back here. However, if you’re not heading back to the capital here are some other routes from Piran.
North from Piran: Buses leave from Piran and can take you north into Italy and toward Venice. There are also boat ferries that leave from the port of Koper.
South from Piran: You can also travel from Slovenia by bus to Croatia, and catch the ferry to the Northern Croatian islands from the port of Pula.
Extra Days by Car: If you have a car and a little more freedom consider adding Postojna Cave, Triglav National Park, Lake Bohinj, and Vintgar Gorge to your visit!
Do you have any questions about traveling for one week in Slovenia by bus, or want to share your own Slovenia itinerary with us? Please comment below!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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Slovenia Travel Planning
Rental Car: Having a car is hands down the best way to see the country. Check Discover Cars to compare companies and find the best deals.
Flights: We always find our cheap flight deals using Skyscanner. That’s how we flew from Norway to Poland for under $20 USD, and Thailand to Vietnam for less than $50!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get to the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda! Also, Hostelworld can be your go-to source if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide for day trips and activities around Slovenia. From visiting the biggest zip-line park in Europe to rafting the Soča River and e-bike tour of Vintgar Gorge!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for the last few years on the road and they are there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
Is there a ferry you can take from Piran to Trieste ? that you could just walk on ? Thanks…Bill
Hi Bill,
It looks like there is a ferry company called TriesteLines that does this route daily. We’ve never taken it but definitely worth looking into.
sLOVEnia has more than just the main known attraction you mentioned. If You want to calm down after a busy worktime, you best avoid the mass toeristic areas and go to the beauty Natur in the centre of sLOVEnia. Zasavska, is one of these unknown districts where you can walk away from the stress, where you hear the wings of a bird, the bees on the plenty flowers the deers as they call for a partner. Get rid of stress, reset your mind, take a flight to Brnik(Ljubljana Airport) rent a car and go to http://vidrgar.si/ a 45 minutes drive, and just go to the valley’s around, park the car some where and walk around. Zasavska sveta Gora, Sint Lambert, Sava and yes don’t forget to go to Trojane and enjoy the super big Grofs(I prefer these with Bluebearys / Borovnica). A long weekend and your battery is loaded again for the next hectic time. Heiko Werner
Yes of course we know there is more to Slovenia than these places! This was just an itinerary we put together if you only have one week. Thanks so much for the great tips. We can’t wait to visit this beautiful country again and see more of it!