From the Alps to the Sea - castles, pristine lakes, untouched villages
Slovenia is a tiny country with stunning scenery, medieval castles, cafe culture and one of the most charming capitals in Europe. Ljubljana is the romantic old-world capital with riverside wine bars, centuries-old cobbled streets and baroque architecture.
The countryside is dotted with small villages, castles, and gorgeous lake region at the foot of the Slovenian Alps. Lakes Bled & Bohinj – the most well known lakes, are nestled under the majestic Julian Alps.
Whether you are a history buff, love to discover new cultures or enjoy active holidays, this wonderful repsite has the perfect mix of quiet countryside and charming bustle of central Europe. Sample traditional food, world class restaurants and local wines along the way.
Slovenia is famous for hiking around the lakes, in the gorges and back country of the slovenian alps, Soca Valley & Vintgar Gorge and a dream come true for biking, hiking and moto touring.
Our moto tours wind through the Julian Alps, villages and castles of the eastern valleys, famous wine country and rugged coastline.
Charming Ljubljana . . . old world European capital
Medieval Maribor
Known for its medieval town & castle Maribor is also famous for its 2.5km under-city wine cellar.
The wine tradition in Maribor is as old as the old grapevine in the oldest and most beautiful district of Lent. With more than 400 years of history, it is considered to be the oldest grapevine in the world, proving the successful wine culture of the Štajerska region.
For a quick visit, the main attractions are:
- Trg Svobode Square (Vinag wine cellar, NOB memorial, Franciscan Church)
- Grajski Trg/Castle Square (Maribor Castle, St. Florian)
- Vetrinjska Ulica/ Vetrinjska street (Vetrinjski Dvor Mansion, Salzburški Dvor Mansion),
- Židovski Trg/Jewish Square (Synagogue, Jewish Tower)
- Lent (Water Tower, Old Vine, Old Vine House, Judgement Tower, Minorite Monastery),
- Glavni Trg/Main Square (Aloysius Church, Plague Column, the City Hall)
- Slomškov Trg/ Slomšek Square (Cathedral, Slovene National Theatre, Rectorate of the University of Maribor, Post Office)
- Gosposka and Slovenska Ulica
- Trg Generala Maistra/General Maister Square
Maribor also has several unusual and fun festivals:
- International Festival of Chili & Chocolate (March)
- Wine Harvest Festival (Sept-October)
- Maribor Theater Festival (May)
- Lent District International Cultural Festival (June-July)
- International Puppet Festival (August)
- Maribor Festival (September)
Lake District
The countryside is dotted with small villages, castles, and gorgeous lake region at the foot of the Slovenian Alps. Lakes Bled & Bohinj – the most well known lakes, are nestled under the majestic Julian Alps.
The area is famous for hiking around the lakes, in the gorges and back country of the slovenian alps, Soca Valle & Vintgar Gorge.
Hike the hidden trails of the Slovenian Alps
Alpine challenges, deep gorges, mountain passes, remote lakes, charming villages, limestone plateaus, expansive karst landscapes & dense forests – Slovenia is a hiker’s dream.
Some highlights:
- Vintgar Gorge
- Mt. Vogar
- Planina Jezero
- Mt Ovcarija
- Seven Triglav Lakes
- Savica Waterfall
- Mt. Vogle
- Vrsic Pass & Soca Valley
Stay in local Bed & Breakfasts, Mountain huts, or famous Hisa Franko, famous for its beautiful location, family hospitality and world-famous cuisine.
Karst, Caves & Castles
The Slovenian Karst, between the Adriatic Gulf of Trieste and the Vipava wine Valley, is a rocky limestone plateau that stretches as far as Istria. Its pristine nature, stunning caves, underground caverns, pathways carved out of stone cliffs and landscape dotted with villages and castles make it a wonderful leisurely day trip from Ljubljana or Istria.
Or enjoying diverse trekking above and below ground over several days with one of our local guides.
Sloveninan wines
With a wine tradition stretching back to the 16th century,Slovenia is well known for its wines (both whites and reds), claiming 5 distinction regions. Slovenia claims 28,000 wineries – many are very small family wineries producing about 70% white wines and 30% red wines. The most prevalent white indigenous varietals are laški rizling and Malvazija. The most prevalent red indigenous varietals are refošk and teran. Enjoy comparing Slovenian & Croatian Malvazijas and Terans. More recently, international wines are being produced including chardonnay, sauvignon, sivi and beli pinot as well as cabernet sauvignon and merlot.
Restaurant & Winery Recommendations
Slovenia cuisine is a northern cuisine with Italian and Austrian influences. As with Croatia, it is experiencing a cullinary renaissance, fusing natural ingredients & tradition recipes with nouveau style. Some of our favorites:
- Restoran Julija | Authentic and cozy restaurant in the heart of the old town with outdoor tables.
- Restoran Strelec | Great location at the castle, beautiful views, good Slovenian cuisine & wine list. Chef’s menu is worth a try
- Hisa Franko in the Soca Valley | Renown for its chef, Ana Ros, recently named the World’s Best Female Chef (2017) by the World’s 50 Best Restaurants. Ana is creating Nouveau Slovenian cuisine with a flare, yet rooted in Slovenian tradition.
For more restaurants and wineries in Slovenia, visit: Restaurants & Wineries
