With its scenic beauty, rich cultural heritage and plenty of outdoor adventures year-round, Slovenia has something unique to discover across every season. From the bright spring sunshine to the warm summer days, fiery autumn foliage and Christmas markets of Ljubljana, there’s always a reason to visit this incredible country, whatever the weather.
As experts in the Balkans, Regent have created the perfect twin-centre experience, so you can discover the best of Slovenia at any time. Combining the stunning Lake Bled with three nights in the capital city, Ljubljana, this week-long itinerary covers many highlights from medieval castles to modern gastronomy, peaceful landscapes and unique activities.
Your first stop on this twin-centre itinerary is the enchanting Lake Bled. Renowned for its stunning natural beauty, hot springs and superb climate, the waters are nestled in the Julian Alps, and watched over by the iconic Bled Castle perched on a cliff above. During your four days in Bled, you’ll get the chance to hike up to the fairytale castle, where inside you can uncover the deep history of the area at the memorial and museum room.
Next, travel by pletna boat to the western part of the lake to see Bled Island. Crowning the island is the striking baroque style Church of the Assumption, a popular location for weddings where it is considered good luck for the groom to carry his bride up the 99 steps before ringing the bell and making a wish!
After exploring the castle and church, you can embark on multiple outdoor adventures, no matter the season. During summer and spring, the lake is prime for non-motorised water activities including kayaking, diving, paddle boarding and fishing, or take to the sky for some paragliding and get a bird’s eye view of the lake and its surroundings. On land enjoy golf, archery, horseback riding, rock climbing and thrilling zipline experiences. During winter, explore Bled under a layer of ice and snow by hiking and snowshoeing or even sledding. Guided tours and walks are available all-year round, offering a different perspective of the region throughout each beautiful season.
After making the most of Lake Bled, travel to Slovenia’s charming capital city, Ljubljana, to soak its beautiful architecture, influenced by many other beautiful capitals across Europe. Easily explorable by foot, you can wander through the cobblestone streets framed by picturesque buildings and marvel at the ancient castle. You can walk to the latter, or take the funicular to admire some of Ljubljana’s most beautiful sights along the way.
It’s easy to delve into the vibrant café culture and gastronomy of this picturesque European city, with many traditional establishments dotted around the city. If you want to savour the authentic flavours of Slovenia, there are plenty of restaurants that serve some of the most delicious and unique Slovenian dishes including dumplings (Štruklji), and their traditional cabbage stew (Jota). The open-air City Market is where you’ll get a taste of local life; this bustling hub is home to small, local food shops selling fresh meats, cheese and more. You can also book tickets to a world-class ballet or opera performance at the SNG.
You’ll have three days to explore Ljubljana. You can choose to do anything you want, though we recommend you cross the Zmajski Most. This scenic walk takes you over the famous bridge where four dragon states stand guard as a symbolic protector of Ljubljana. We also recommend a visit to the Gruber Palace, where you can admire the incredible baroque architecture.
Regent have carefully picked the finest accommodation for your stay. In Lake Bled, you’ll stay at Hotel Park, perched on the lakeside overlooking the tranquil waters and featuring private balconies for soaking up the spectacular views. This idyllic retreat is also a recipient of the Slovenia Green Key and Green Accommodation symbol, representing a high standard of excellence.
For your three nights in Ljubljana, you’ll enjoy a stay in City Hotel, located in the Ljubljana city centre and boasting an unrivalled view over Ljubljana Castle. Spend your mornings admiring this incredible monument from your private balcony, before effortlessly making your way into the city centre, either by foot or riding on one of the hotel’s complimentary bikes.
As leading experts in travel to the Balkans, the dedicated Regent team have been curating unforgettable trips to Slovenia for many years, as well as travelling to this beautiful country many times themselves. With knowledgeable, first-hand insights, the Travel Specialists provide a personalised service that ensures an enriching trip that goes beyond the usual tourist stops.
Whether you decide to take this incredible journey in winter, summer, spring or autumn, the Regent team will tailor an experience for you so that you can get the most out of your time away.
