Arrive in Ljubljana on May 17 at 12:05 PM
Turn phone off and then on to connect.
Transportation: Reservation Reference # LL1652003345
https://airportstaxitransfers.com
Emergency Telephone Number(s): +38641243202
Ljubljana Airport Meeting Point: The driver will meet you in the arrivals area of the airport, holding a sign showing the lead passenger name. If you can not locate the driver, please call the emergency contact number above.
Check in at Apartments Maria
Petkovškovo nabrežje 43, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
Booking.com: Confirmation number: 4877310814
PIN:9283
Lunch: Abi Falafel at Trubarjeva ulica 40 is about a 5-minute walk 10-15 Euros
Walking tour located on app.
Or - Walking tour at 3pm. Book here: https://www.booking.com/attractions/si/prv9x5sh3gdu-ljubljana-25h-walking-tour-with-local-guide.html
Food trucks available at Vodnikov trg, where the Central Market is located.
The funicular lower station (Krekov trg 4) is right behind Vodnik Square.
6:00–7:30 PM — Ride the Funicular to Ljubljana Castle RT: 6 Euro
Tower also: 5 Euro
- Explore the castle grounds at your own pace, or purchase entry for the tower too
- Panoramic views over the city, river, and surrounding hills.
Monday, May 19
Walk from Izola to Piran/Portoroz
Route: Follow the coastal path that leads you through the Strunjan Nature Park.
- Moon Bay (Mesečev zaliv): A secluded beach accessible only by foot, perfect for a short rest or swim.
Distance:8 mi/ 800’ (9 if we go to Portoroz)
Explore Piran's Tartini Square, St. George’s Parish Church, and city walls
Buses leave every 30 minutes for Izola. $1 - $4 depending on whether you leave from PIran or Portoroz. It’s quicker and cheaper to leave from Portoroz. Schedule.
https://www.dangerous-business.com/piran-slovenia-things-to-do/
With its location right on the Adriatic, fresh seafood abounds at restaurants around Piran. But if you want a really unique dining experience, make a reservation at Podlanica, a casual restaurant on a fishing boat in Piran's harbor. +386 41 338 612
Sunday, May 18
Breakfast option: Slovenska Hiša (Slovenian House)
8 min walk along the river. Traditional Slovenian-style breakfast options like fresh bread, cheeses, honey, jams, and cured meats.
10:30 AM: Pick up Opel Astra from Sixt. Sixt at Trg Osvobodilne Fronte 6 is located right by the Ljubljana main train and bus station, about a 15-minute walk
- Confirm drop-off details and any toll requirements (Slovenia uses a vignette system for highways — rental cars usually have this included, but double-check!).
- Review the plan to drive through Italy.
Map
Skocjan Caves Tour - 1-3:30 pm (must be there 30 minutes early)
50 minute drive from Ljubljana | Tix are €22
Purchase here: https://park-skocjanske-jame.mojekarte.si/en/all.html
4PM: 30-minute drive to Hrastovlje area for lunch.
Lunch Recommendation:Gostilna Švab (in Hrastovlje village, right near the church). Relaxed Istrian/Slovenian fare: prosciutto, pasta, fresh fish, seasonal plates. Skrgat is an excellent local option! It’s near Hrastovlje, and if Gostilna Švab is too crowded or closed, Skrgat is a great backup for traditional Slovenian fare with local wine and a rustic vibe.
Visit Hrastovlje Church of the Holy Trinity See the Dance of Death frescoes and fortified medieval church. Entry ~3–4 EUR; check seasonal hours (usually open until 6 PM).
30-minute drive to Izola
Stay: Cozy Holiday Apartment
17 Gramscijeva ulica 17, 6310 Izola, Slovenia
386 41 711 338
Check-in is at 2 pm.
“Dear guests, some information for your arrival. Our street is small and Google map does not detect us well. Follow the direction of CENTER - HOTEL MARINA and when you are in the parking lot of the hotel call us WhatsApp 0038641711338 and we will get you picked up, arrange everything you need for free parking and accommodation. Nice trip to our beautiful country Olivera and Orhan”
Tuesday, May 20
1st Option: Route through Kobadrid 2.5 hours, stop at Kojak Waterfall
https://maps.app.goo.gl/SsBgKvxxJmxVt84Q7
2nd Option: Route over Italian Pass: 3.5 hours, stunning scenery
https://maps.app.goo.gl/ighC7GXevMfuAhkb7
1.5 hours to Cividale (Gas up?)
Cividale was a major Lombard city in the 7th–8th centuries
Activity: Stroll through historic old town (UNESCO), visit Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge).
Quick visit inside the Tempietto Longobardo
Walk suggestion: From the main piazza to the riverbank for a different bridge view (easy 20 min loop).
- Parking Lot (central, near old town) Piazza Foro Giulio Cesare Parking
- Ponte del Diavolo (Devil’s Bridge)
- Piazza Paolo Diacono
- Cathedral of Santa Maria Assunta (Duomo)
- Museo Cristiano e Tesoro del Duomo (inside/next to Cathedral)
- Tempietto Longobardo
A tiny, absolutely stunning 8th-century chapel. Famous for its rare early medieval frescoes and sculptures. It's one of the best-preserved Lombard buildings in Europe — magical, intimate, atmospheric. Time needed: 20–30 minutes
Get groceries here. Options:
Despar Cividale (modern supermarket)
📍 Address: Via Fornalis, 67, 33043 Cividale del Friuli
Open mornings and early afternoons; Fresh bread, meats, cheeses, fruit, water.
Conad Cividale (also a good supermarket) 📍 Address: Viale Trieste, 48, 33043 Cividale del Friuli
Or try bakeries in the historic center.
1.5 hours to Tarvisio
Lunch suggestion:
- Pasticceria Caffè Torinese (great sandwiches and pastries)
- Al Mangart (hearty pasta and mountain food)
15 minutes to Lago del Predil
Gorgeous glacial lake
15 minus to Passo del Predil
Parking lot at top of pass.
30 minutes to Bovec
Explore Fort Kluze on the way?
15 minutes to Soca
5/20-5/24 - Bovec/Soca - Julian Alps
Badestelle an der Soča – Lepencjica waterfall loop from Soča
03:34 | 7.73mi | 950ft
Vršič Pass: Drive or hike up Slovenia’s highest mountain pass (1,611 m), with trails leading to Slemenova Špica or Prisojnik. The Vršič Pass (pronounced [ʋəɾˈʃitʃ]; Slovene: prelaz Vršič, Italian: passo della Moistrocca, German: Werschetzpass) is a high mountain pass across the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It is the highest pass in Slovenia, with an elevation of 1,611 metres (5,285 ft), as well as the highest in the Eastern Julian Alps.
5/24 Soca to Bohinj (1 hour, 42 minutes)
https://maps.app.goo.gl/P5yHvNWvbZvaYZAz6
Travel from Soca to Tolmin (1 hour)
Buy tickets for Tolmin Gorge - 9 - 10 am entry €8.00 each
Free parking lot "P2" at the end of Tolmin, in the direction of Zatolmin. From here, there is a well-maintained footpath (15 min) to the Tolmin Gorges.
The Tolmin Gorge trail is a circular route—a loop that takes about 1.5 hours. Starting from the official entrance near P2, you:
- Hike up the gorge trail (seeing Bear’s Head, Devil’s Bridge, Dante's Cave, etc.)
- Follow the loop trail through the upper parts of the gorge.
- End up back near the entrance, close to your original parking spot (P2)
Travel to Skofja Loka (medieval town) 90 minutes
Parking: Use the "Parkirišče Šolski center" lot (easy walk to the center), or park by Loka Castle if you’re going directly there
1. Old Town Walk
2. Škofja Loka Castle & Museum
- ~10 min walk uphill from the square
- Inside: ethnographic exhibits, local art, and medieval history
- Allow about 45–60 minutes if you want to tour the museum
3. Capuchin Monastery & Library
- Small, historic monastery with a rare 18th-century library
- Peaceful stop if you enjoy religious or literary history (quick visit: ~15–20 min)
Travel to Bohinj - 1 hour
May 24 - 26 - Bohinj
Options:
1)Gorge is 15 minutes from Bohinj
Korita Mostnica (Gorge) – Beautiful Valley Head loop from Stara Fužina
03:52 | 8.63mi | 875ft
2)Start: Stara Fužina
3) Mount Vogel (via Cable Car + Summit Hike) open from 8am - 6pm
Looks amazing - but a bit spendy at 33EUR RT for the cable car.
- Take the Vogel Cable Car from Ukanc up to the ski station at ~1,500 m
- Short walk to the panoramic lookout (easy)
- Moderate hike: To Šija or Vogel summit (4.4 miles, 1,300’)
Walk along the northern shore of Lake Bohinj for serene mountain reflections and golden-hour light. Best views: From the Church of St. John the Baptist or the small pier at Ukanc.
Bohinj is part of a Dark Sky Park, with excellent stargazing on clear nights.
May 26 - Travel to Luce
Bohinj to Lake Bled – 20 minutes
- Bled Castle – panoramic views of the lake and mountains from a cliffside medieval castle
- Pletna Boat Ride – traditional wooden boat to Bled Island and its iconic church
Photo stops: - Lake Bohinj viewpoint at Ribčev Laz before you leave Bohinj
- Castle terrace in Bled for classic lake-and-island views
- Optional: Mala Osojnica viewpoint hike (45 minutes round trip) for the best elevated lake photo
Lake Bled to Radovljica – 9 minutes
- Bee Museum – explore Slovenia’s rich beekeeping history in a charming manor
- Medieval Old Town – cobbled streets, artisan shops, and historic buildings
Photo stop: - Radovljica Town Wall for views over the Sava Valley and Karavanke range
https://www.radolca.si/en/activities-and-experiences/hiking/hiking-trails
Optional Hike: Lamberg Trail
Start and end point: car park in the centre of Begunje (46.3753 N, 14.1987 E) Length: 7.7km
Radovljica to Kamnik - 30 minutes (Can stop in Kamnik on our way out of Luce)
Get gas in Kamnik if haven’t already
- Old Town Kamnik – pastel facades, cobbled streets, and a mountain backdrop
- Mali Grad Castle – a small chapel and ruins on a hill with panoramic views
Kamnik to Gornji Grad – 35 minutes (can do this on the way out of Luce)
Gornji Grad highlights:
- Cathedral of St. Hermagoras and Fortunatus – grand Baroque church with stunning interior
- Pull-off near the top of the pass before descending into Gornji Grad for alpine panoramas
Gornji Grad to Luce – 22 minutes
5/26 - 5/28 Luce
Apartments Sobe Jurček
Raduha Mountain (2062 m): One of the most popular hikes near Luče. Challenging but rewarding views.
Grohat Mountain Hut: A great base for hiking Raduha or for a shorter alpine walk.
Logarska Dolina: One of the most beautiful glacial valleys in Europe, just a 30–40 minute drive away. 10 EUR for car entry to the park.
https://www.komoot.com/guide/2510582/hiking-around-luce
https://www.alltrails.com/slovenia/luce
5/29 - Travel to Cerklje na Gorenjskem (one hour)
Stop in Kamnik & Gornji Grad
Do not need to arrive until 5:30 pm
5/30 - Fly to Amsterdam