Green Pearl Slovenia - From Alps to Sea^*

Day 1

Meet in Ljubljana

Emona, Laibach, Ljubljana. The city of many names, a vibrant city with many faces, Ljubljana is also known as the “City of Dragons”. 

Capital city experience

Arrival; We meet at the campsite near the Capital city of Slovenia - Ljubljana and enjoy a welcome group meal and a drink to get to know your fellow tour members and Tour Escorts. Our accommodation on the outskirts of Ljubljana will be followed by a tour of the capital's Centre and its attractions. Weather permitting, a boat ride on the Ljubljanica River is also planned. Overnight at campsite. 

Ljubljana Central

This is the heart of Ljubljana, with a relaxed metropolitan charm by day and a night-time energy shared by the inner-city suburbs that surround it.

Day 2

Ljubljana – Logarska dolina

Early morning departure towards Arboretum Volčji Potok. After enjoying the flowers you will ascend Velika planina by a cable car, where you can relive the tradition of alpine dairy farming and cheesemaking. The road to the final destination of the day will be enriched by driving through the picturesque Logar Valley, which is one of the most beautiful Alpine glacial valleys in Europe. Accommodation is provided in the camp Menina.

Volčji Potok Arboretum

The most visited horticultural facility in Slovenia. Visitors from all parts of the country and from abroad come to Arboretum to be fascinated by millions of daffodil, tulip and other spring flowers.

Velika planina

In the heart of the Alps, feel the simple way of the herdsmen's life, taste their dairy products and admire the unique architecture of the cottages which define Velika planina.

Start in Ljubljana

Ljubljana, with a relaxed metropolitan charm by day and a night-time energy shared by the inner-city suburbs that surround it.

End in Logarska dolina

To those, who are more active, the mountain offers ideal possibilities for hiking and various mountain-cycling tours.

Day 3

Logarska dolina – Bohinj – Vogel

On the third day we will go to Bohinj and drive up to Vogel by a cable car. In the afternoon we will visit Bohinj lake. The natural beauty of this alpine lake, high surrounding mountains, green forests, and beautiful mountain pastures and meadows, the cultural and historical monuments, and the friendly villages and towns with their restaurants and inns, guarantee visitors a pleasant stay in Bohinj. Enjoy your free time for a short walk by the lake or some other relaxing activities around the lake. Overnight at the nearby camp.

The Bohinj Lake

Lake Bohinj lies between Bohinj's mountains, which rise from 1,600 to 2,000 meters, and is Slovenia`s largest glacial lake. It is 4.2 kilometers long, one kilometer wide, and forty-five meters deep.

Vogel Mountain

If the word mountain only brings up images of snow, we are about to show you that Vogel is actually worth visiting throughout the year. From springtime until autumn its green-covered landscape provides numerous opportunities for activities, recreation and experiences in the mountains.

Start in Logarska dolina

The Logar valley Landscape Park and its surroundings offer numerous possibilities for spending your leisure time actively.

End in Bohinj

As it is located in the Triglav National Park it offers everything for a pleasant and peaceful stay in harmony with nature and for many activities.

Day 4

Bled – Valley of Trenta – Idrija

Today we will explore world famous Bled Lake and the surrounding area. Bled is one of the most scenic tourist places in Slovenia. On the smooth surface of the lake, you can admire the reflection of snowy alpine peaks. In the middle of the lake, you will find a charming little island, the only island in Slovenia. It is only big enough for a small church that has been guarding the island for centuries. A boat tour with a traditional boat called pletna will take you to the charming little island in the middle of the Lake Bled.

Transfer to Kranjska Gora where the ski world cup takes place every winter. The road will take us via 1.600 meters high Vršič pass to Trenta Valley - a horseshoe-shaped valley, cut deep into the mountains and opens up into wide gorges. The road to Vršič is one of the most scenic roads in the Alps. Visit the source of the emerald Soča River. Another scenic stop will be made at the Great Gorge of the Soča River.

We'll continue our journey to Idrija, where you'll visit once the second largest mercury mine in the world (entered the UNESCO list in 2012), learn about the tradition of lace-making and taste Žlikrofi - a local gastronomic speciality.

Start in Bled

Bled - the most beautiful alpine resorts.

End in Idrija

Idrija - a town marked by mercury, lace fabrics and žlikrofi culinary delight.

Day 5

Stanjel - Skocjan - Lipica - Ankaran

The beautiful Slovenian coast and the Karst region awaits you. Your first stop in the Karst region will be the medieval town Stanjel. Stanjel is one of the oldest settlements in the Karst Region and dates back to 1402. The characteristic defensive wall from the 15th century protected the inhabitants during the Turkish invasions. After visiting Stanjel, we'll proceede towards Skocjan regional park close to world famous Skocjan Cave - one of the top attractions of Slovenia (on the UNESCO world heritage list since 1986, and in 1999 were put on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance as the world’s largest underground wetlands). You will have a chance to admire spectacular underground halls, arches, stalactites and other playful limestone sculptures. In the afternoon, you'll walk through the Lipica Stud Farm and learn about the world of Lipizzaners. Overnight accommodation is provided in camp at the Slovenian seaside. 

Lipica Stud Farm

Lipica is the oldest European stud farm continuously breeding one of the oldest cultural horse breeds. You should not miss a tour of the Lipica Stud Farm, where the thoroughbred white Lipizzaner horses have been bred for more than 400 years. Or you can ride horses around fenced farm fields, or follow guides into meadows and forests.

Medieval Town Stanjel

The Romans turned the top of the hill into an ancient fort, in the Middle Ages the village expanded over the hill, and later on the settlement was enclosed by defence walls to protect it against Turks invasions.

Day 6

Koper - Hrastovlje - Socerb

Welcome to Slovene littoral - the cuisine that you will taste here stands in stark contrast to that found in much of the rest of the country, with Mediterranean style dishes typical of the Istrian region having pride of place on most menus, accompanied by fine wines (you won't soon forget) produced in the nearby hills.

The capital of the coast

The largest town on Slovenia's Adriatic coast - Koper - will be our day's starting point. The town was originally founded during the Middle Bronze Age on what was then a rocky island off the shore. Now a modern and attractive destination for visitors, Koper still wears its history on its sleeve, most notably the five centuries of Venetian rule, which has left a distinctive mark on the town. Strolling along the narrow streets and past the imposing palaces and monumental architecture of the old town, one could be forgiven for thinking they were in Italy, especially given the fact that all street signs are in both Slovene and Italian.

Hrastovlje

Church of the Holy Trinity is famous for its paintings. Especially, on the south wall the most famous scene of medieval frescos in Slovenia is painted: a continued Dance of Death.

Refosk - the king of reds

Red wines dominate in Koper and Slovenian Istra in general, and Refosk is the most widely cultivated grape.

Day 7

Free time at Slovene riviera

Spend this day relaxing as you please – consider a visit to one of the local châteaux, with Château Vinakoper and Château Santomas both well worth exploring. Why not visit the lovely town of Piran, which boasts a beautiful cathedral and a "Shells and snail museum" or "Maritime museum". Or simply join one of our unique, sociable and highly informative daily tours, as for instance: "Boat wine tour" or "Piran wine & food walking tour" or "VESPA wine tour" and find out more about Slovene riviera.

Coast is small but pretty

Slovenia may only have 46 km of coastline but it is pure heaven. This is a very picturesque and varied area, characterised by vineyards, olive trees and Mediterranean fruit trees. Besides scenic stone villages, there are three famous ancient coastal towns in the region: Koper, Izola and Piran. Also of importance is the seaside resort of Portorož, with its lively tourist industry, which began in the early 1900’s.

Late afternoon departure to Otocec.

Mediterranean Seafood

In a town surrounded on three sides by the Mediterranean there are no prizes for guessing what the most prominent type of restaurant is - if you said Chinese please take a moment to consult a map.

Autochthon wines

Slovenian Istria in the hills of Slovenian coast produces several exceptional local wines. Here, the main autochthon grape varieties are Refosk and Malvazija.

Day 8

Otocec – Terme Catez

Today we'll drive to nearby Otočec, where you can enjoy Adventure park, visit Otocec Castle and Struga Castle or play golf on the golf course Otocec. Accommodation is provided in the camp Terme Catez, which is in the immediate vicinity of Brezice (there are also swimming pools and saunas).

Otocec Castle

Don’t miss out on the picturesque landscape surrounding Otocec Castle, the only castle situated on a rivet islet in Slovenia. The magnificent castle park was most likely formed at the turn of the 18th into the 19th century. It displays numerous autochthonous tree species, such as black alder, white willow, black poplar, as well as some examples of exotic tree species. The white Mute Swans are special feature of Otocec. The first pair was introduced here in 1968. The present population now numbers over 50 individuals.

The Castle swans

The Castle swans greet us as we arrive at this beautiful place.

Day 9

Terme Catez - Kamnik - Ljubljana

Departure towards Kamnik. Situated some 25km north of Ljubljana at the foothills of the Alps and boasting one of the prettiest medieval old towns in the country, you never need an excuse to visit Kamnik.

A final wine tasting followed by farewell dinner. Overnight at Ljubljana campsite.

Kamnik's Days of National Costumes festival

Held in September, one of the largest ethnological events in Slovenia, the four-day festival features exhibitions, concerts by brass bands, folk ensembles and popular ethno singers, dance troupes from both Slovenia and abroad, theatrical performances and much more.

Start in Terme Catez

A synonymous of excellent tourism options, spa & wellness activities and rich entertainment programmes.

End in Kamnik

Back in the Middle Ages, Kamnik was a flourishing market town, where Counts of Andechs from Bavaria in Germany had their seat.

Day 10

Ljubljana

The "Green Pearl Slovenia - From Alps to Sea" tour ends today. This also ends the tour travel arrangements. You are welcomed to remain in Ljubljana a little longer if you wish or to begin your journey back home.

But before you leave, we'll treat ourselves with an excellent morning cofee and "POTICA" (just to remind ourselves of all marvelous moments we have experienced during our voyage). Participants who have rented the motorhome from our agency will have to return it until 14 pm.

Flights

International flights leave from Brnik Airport, or you can use our transfer service to Venice to catch your international connection.

Bye Slovenia

You never leave someone or something behind; you take a part of them with you and leave a part of yourself behind. "Slovenia, you're in my heart and I won’t say goodbye my friend, for you and I will meet again”.