Complete Slovenia - Luxury Adventures in all 4 Corners with Roundabout Experiences Luxury DMC

Small and oh-so-perfectly formed, Slovenia is one of those countries that never fails to blow away first-time visitors. Full of the happiest surprises for travellers of all ages and interests, this country boasts a truly romantic charm. Here, fabulous mediaeval architecture and unspoilt natural beauty combine with an exciting wine industry, mouth-watering authentic food culture and the most hospitable of people to offer a European trip that’s sure to rewrite expectations. Our DMC Local Operator ​Roundabout Experiences​ would love to show you and your valuable clients all four corners of Europe's best-kept secret.

Slovenia is one of Europe’s few remaining secrets - a breath of fresh air closely guarded by those in the know, where sustainability, safety, authenticity and exclusivity go hand in hand. With four distinct “corners” to explore - from the mountainous North to the mysterious Karst area; the elegant Istrian coast to the picturesque Dolenjska region - there’s something for everyone.

And rather wonderfully, Slovenia being smaller than the South West of England, it’s relatively simple to get a taste of each in as little as two weeks (although of course, there will still be plenty left to uncover, or revisit, a second time round!).

But who to turn to for the perfect tailored itinerary?

For us, there’s no question. The brilliant ​Roundabout Experiences​ DMC have years of expertise across Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro, and their passion for these beautiful European gems is unrivalled - placing them in pole position to craft the perfect trip for your guests, no matter their preferences, interests or travel dreams.

Ready to sample a two-week tour that will give your guests a real flavour of what Slovenia is all about? Let’s go…

The Vibrant, Green Capital of Ljubljana

First, to Slovenia’s charming capital, Ljubljana. This compact city bursts with cosmopolitan vibes, its tiny, ancient streets and riverside spots a haven for shoppers, foodies and wine buffs alike. After a relaxing morning, an easy guided food & wine walking tour weaves gently through the beautiful Old Town.

Over a few delicious hours, guests learn stories of the city, its history and its people and discover architecture that ranges from mediaeval through baroque, renaissance and art nouveau, all the while indulging in Slovenia’s fantastic local and national gastronomy - no less than 9 traditional dishes from all regions and circles of Slovenian society are on the menu, washed down with 4 different wines!

At the end of the tour, tummies full and thirst gone, your travellers will know more about the history of the Slovenes than some of the Slovenes themselves - including exactly where to go, what to do and the best places to eat as they embark on a solo city exploration for the rest of the day.

Our must-see tip? It would be a crime to miss a tour of Ljubljana Castle. Accessed via funicular to the top of Castle Hill, the historic 11th century fortress offers panoramic views over the city and to the Julian Alps beyond, as well as the museum, exhibitions and watchtower that this cultural hub now provides a home for.

Here, guests can relax at the gorgeous ​Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel ​on the banks of the Ljubljanica river, which provides the most stunning and luxurious base for your guests’ adventures around this beautiful city.

To the Mountains - Julian Alps

In the northern expanse, where the Julian Alps stand proudly against the azure sky, travellers will find a pristine wilderness that beckons lovers of adventure and tranquillity alike. Amongst the unspoilt green pastures of the Velika Planina plateau, a cable car transports guests to a traditional vista of herdmen’s huts - the largest Shepherds settlement in Europe, with tremendous scenes of the Kamnik Savinja Alps unfurling beyond as far as the eye can see.

Along to Kamnik, guests can explore the unique architecture of one of the oldest and loveliest towns in Slovenia before experiencing the rugged natural beauty, waterfalls and rock formations of the Mali and Veliki Predaselj gorges, carved out amongst lush greenery by the Predaselj Creek. For beer lovers, we can tour the microbreweries - Kamnik has, in fact, the most breweries per inhabitant in the world!

At the famous Lake Bled, the famous glacial Alpine resort, the terraces of the old Castle offer magnificent views over the glassy lake. Nestled in the middle of the glacial lake, a tiny, romantic island can be reached in serene style by traditional “Pletna” boat, before a trip to Vintnar gorge takes the breath away, with its 1,600m depth, wooden path over the rushing river Radovna and stunning waterfall.

We also love to get guests away from the crowds and over to Lake Bohinj for beautiful views of the lake and the Alps, a short hike to a lovely waterfall, and overnight at the cute and sustainable Alpine lodge, ​Bohinj Hotel.​ We also love to get luxury guests out to visit Jezersko to stay in the luxurious ​Vila Planinka​ - one of our favourite hotels in Slovenia. For guests that want to stay in Bled, we like the Bled Rose Hotel

Adventures in Soca Valley & Goriska Brda Wineries

From Bled, guests take Slovenia’s highest mountain pass to traverse Mt. Vrsic in scenic style and arrive in the stunning Trenta valley, a place of lush meadows, crystal-clear streams and dramatic peaks - not to mention the beautiful Kozjak waterfall, one of the prettiest in Slovenia.

The village of Bovec is famous for its emerald-green Soca River setting, and here adrenalin junkies get the chance to test their mettle with a white water rafting experience at the renowned Slovenian extreme sports centre.

For those of a more gentle disposition, the town of Kobarid is home to an unmissable WW1 museum where visitors can unearth the tale of the crucial role the town played in the war - a story retold in Ernest Hemingway’s “Farewell to Arms”. Wine lovers will be very happy here - Goriska Brda - a region known to produce some of the country’s best vintages. Numerous wine tastings can be arranged!

In the evening? Retire to the restful luxury of ​Gredic Hotel​ in Goriska Brda. For something quirky with stunning views we love ​Nebesa Heaven Chalets​

A UNESCO town called Idrija - Mercury Mines and Lace

Leaving Goriska Brda, journey on to the UNESCO town of Idrija. Idrija is renowned for its mercury mine, a historic marvel that operated for over 500 years making it one of the oldest in Europe. The oldest preserved entrance to the mine, Anthony’s Shaft, is named after St Anthony of Padua, patron saint of caves and protection against disaster, and here guests can spend time exploring before continuing with a tour of Idrija itself. The town’s distinctive architecture reflects its mining heritage, with the stunning Renaissance-era Gewerkenegg Castle and the Mercury Miner's House standing as cultural landmarks. And craft lovers will delight in a demonstration of how Idrija lace is made, the most delicate of local crafts in this ancient industrial heartland.

For guests that want to stay in Idrija, we like the stately, luxury gem, Kendov Dvorec hotel, Relais Chateaux.

Karst Country and the Istrian Coastline

Time for your guests to explore the dramatic Karst region, dipping into the stunning resorts that dot Slovenia’s tiny-but-perfectly-formed Istrian coastline as they travel. Passing Stanjel, with its typical Karst houses and castle on the hill, guests visit Lipica, home of the famous Lipizzaner horses, taking time to explore a local stud farm and admire these fabulous creatures.

One of the most stunning Karst sights in Slovenia, the Škocjan Caves are a deserving UNESCO World Heritage site - a mesmerising underground realm sculpted by the Reka River where colossal limestone chambers reveal awe-inspiring stalactites, a majestic underground gorge and a unique ecosystem.

Heading next to the coast, guests arrive first at the fabulous Portoroz. Nestled on the glittering Adriatic, this seaside gem is renowned for its luxurious resorts, thermal spas and a sun-soaked seaside promenade. The town exudes a Mediterranean charm, and is a haven for relaxation, combining modern amenities with the timeless allure of the Adriatic - the perfect place to overnight and explore the Secovlje Salina National Park with its serene salt pans still farmed using centuries-old techniques.

Moving via picturesque Izola, with its quaint fishing harbour, and Koper, with its Old Town full of Venetian-influenced architecture, explorers reach Piran, a firm favourite with those in the know. This jewel of the Slovenian coast is known for its romantic ambience and exquisite seafood, as well as its captivating cobblestone streets, charmingly narrow in that way that only mediaeval streets can manage. Guests can explore Tartini Square’s colourful buildings, inviting cafes and beautiful Church of St George, stroll the town’s ancient walls for panoramic ocean views, dine on the waterfront and swim in the Adriatic - a fabulously restful and indulgent way to break up their Slovenia exploration.

In Portoroz, we recommend a luxury stay at the fabulous ​Kempinski Hotel.​

Caves, Castles and Fairytales

After a relaxing final morning in Portoroz, it’s time to discover the subterranean magic of Postojna Cave, the most popular karst cave in the world. Reached by an electric train ride that delves deep into the heart of the cave, guests can explore an intricate network of passages and chambers adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, pillars, limestone curtains and more - and may even catch sight of the olm, or "human fish," an aquatic salamander unique to the cave system.

Perched dramatically in the gaping mouth of a cavern high up on a cliff face in the idyllic village of Predjama, Predjama Castle is a mediaeval fortress straight out of a fairytale. Dating back to the 13th century, with Renaissance renovations that further enhance its grandeur, the castle is famously associated with the legendary knight Erasmus, the “Slovenian Robin Hood”, renowned for his daring and resourceful defence against a siege in the 15th century. Here it’s possible to peer back in time to a romantic, bygone era, meandering through historical exhibits that include dungeons and living quarters and gaining a glimpse into Slovenia's rich history.

Dolenjska region - Fine foods, fine wines, fine stories

In the historic Dolenjska region, the Cistercian Monastery of Kostanjevica na Krki has held a magnificent place on an island in the Krka River since 1234. Surrounded by lush greenery and connected to the mainland by a bridge, the monastery is known for its harmonious blend of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque elements. Its church is particularly special, with ornate frescoes and altars that are a wonderful example of the Cistercians’ commitment to simplicity and spiritual reflection.

After a tour of the monastery, lunch at ​Otocec Castle​, Slovenia’s only water castle and a Relais Chateaux property should you want to break your journey here - set on another of the islands of the Krka River makes for an ideal break before continuing to Novo Mestro, the region’s capital. Novo Mestro boasts a long cultural heritage, a vibrant atmosphere - not to mention a distillery and the chocolatier, ​Berryshka​, both combining for a very welcome stop!

Around Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest town, you’ll find the Slovenian spots of every oenophile's dream. Proud to have the oldest wine in the world, there’s no better place for a tasting than here, sampling some of the region’s finest at beautiful wineries set amidst lush, verdant scenery.

Along the Jeruzalem Wine Road, named after a pretty village on this, one of Europe’s most stunning wine roads, an exploration of the road’s numerous excellent wines eventually brings guests to Ptuj, one of the most beautiful towns in the country.

Once a Roman settlement, Ptuj is a place of ancient architecture, local delights and cultural highlights - one being the wine (obviously), and another being its annual carnival, one of the oldest in the world, held each spring in honour of new growth and fertility and bringing huge crowds and a lively and festive spirit to the town.

An Adventurous Finale in the Logar Valley

An adrenaline-fuelled exploration of the awe-inspiring Logar Valley makes for the perfect finale to this wonderful two-week tour. On the way back to Ljubljana, a stop in Ljubno offers the opportunity to go white water rafting on the wild and crystal-clear waters of the Savinja River, before passing the breathtaking spectacle of the famed Rinka waterfall. Continuing on to see the Igla rock formation, there’s just time for a quick swim at Terme Snovik before returning to the capital for one final evening in sublime Slovenia.

Wow - what an amazing journey of exploration around the four corners of Slovenia. We hope we’ve whetted your guests' appetite for a fantastic exploration of the complete Slovenia.

​Roundabout Experiences​ are experts across Slovenia, Croatia and Montenegro, with the ability to tailor an itinerary that delivers all the wanderlust aims of your guests, no matter their age, interests or travel style.

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