A memorable road trip through Slovenia, a little bit of Italy and Croatia. My wife, my boy 22 months (toddler), and my 60 y old mother, with such a nice company we have prepared to go for this trip.
Alright, so we start off with a car rental which was obviously booked with Discover Cars through our special Auto Jardim link with a very nice discount.
Here is the full voucher which shows that the selected company is Free2Rent
I recently rented a VW T-Rock automatic for six days through Discover Cars using the Auto Jardim link. The experience was fantastic. The pick-up process was smooth, and the staff were very professional and friendly. The car was in excellent condition and perfect for our needs, especially with the mixed weather we encountered. Returning the car was also straightforward, and the staff were efficient. Overall, I highly recommend Free2rent for their great service and quality vehicles.
Pro TIP:
When driving on Slovenian motorways and expressways, you will need to purchase an e-vignette for toll payment. Here are the key points you need to know:
Types and Prices:
• Weekly e-vignette: €16
• Monthly e-vignette: €32
• Annual e-vignette: €117.50
It’s essential to have a valid e-vignette before entering any toll roads in Slovenia to avoid fines. The process is straightforward, and purchasing online is convenient. For more information and to buy your e-vignette, you can visit the official website.
We arrive at 5 PM, 2024 Jun 29, so after we pick up the car, we head to the Airbnb we rented for two days which is in Ulica Milana Majcna 24, Ljubljana, Slovenia and it is called “One Bedroom Apartment in Ljubljana for 4 guests“
At the moment of booking it was
Rated 4.63 out of 5 stars with 38 reviews
Quite a good deal though as we got it with free parking and for 212 Eur for 2 nights
Our Airbnb, Apartment A1, offers two stylishly decorated apartments in the heart of Ljubljana, perfect for business travelers or families. Apartment includes a spacious kitchen, living room, bathroom, and bedroom, all on the third floor of a charming older building. Enjoy city views, a fully equipped kitchen, dining area, and private bathroom with shower. Additional amenities include free parking, a double bed, a sofa bed for two, and all essential items like towels and a hairdryer. We were conveniently located near Tivoli Park.
After we get some rest, we head out to the city center to grab a dinner and get familiar with the old town which is by walkable distance, so we are not gonna need our car for this evening.
This is just a rough map, obviously we visited all the close landmarks and places as well, also picked a restaurant along the way to eat, try some desserts and snacks.
Here is the Google maps link.
1. Soteska Vintgar (Vintgar Gorge)
• Travel Time: 35 minutes from Ljubljana
• Visit Time: 1.5-2 hours
• Description: We started our day with a refreshing hike through the scenic Vintgar Gorge. The wooden walkways and crystal-clear Radovna River provided a beautiful experience for the whole family.
2. Lake Bled
• Travel Time: 10 minutes from Vintgar Gorge
• Visit Time: 2-3 hours
• Description: Next, we enjoyed a leisurely stroll around Lake Bled, took a traditional pletna boat to Bled Island, and visited Bled Castle for panoramic views. Of course, we had to try the famous Bled cream cake.
3. Ojstrica Viewpoint
• Travel Time: 10 minutes from Lake Bled (hike start point)
• Visit Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Description: We then hiked up to Ojstrica for stunning views of Lake Bled. The hike was short but steep, taking about 20-30 minutes, and it was manageable even with our toddler.
4. Peričnik Waterfall (Lower)
• Travel Time: 40 minutes from Lake Bled
• Visit Time: 1-1.5 hours
• Description: We ended our day with a visit to the lower Peričnik Waterfall. The short hike from the parking area offered a refreshing experience and beautiful scenery.
Total Driving Time: Approximately 2 hours 47 minutes
Highlights:
• We experienced the natural beauty of Slovenia with manageable hikes and stunning views.
• It was a perfect mix of activities for our family day trip, including easy hikes and scenic spots.
Practical Tips:
• We started early to make the most of the day and avoid crowds.
• We wore comfortable hiking shoes and brought snacks and water.
• We checked the weather forecast and dressed accordingly.
We enjoyed our adventure exploring these beautiful locations around Lake Bled!
Here is the Google maps route link
We checked out and headed to our new day trip.
Stop 1: Trieste, Italy
• Distance from Ljubljana: 94 km (about 1 hour 20 minutes drive)
• Highlights: We started our trip with a visit to the beautiful city of Trieste. We explored the stunning Piazza Unità d’Italia, enjoyed a coffee at one of the many cafes, and visited the historic Miramare Castle overlooking the Adriatic Sea. The blend of Italian and Austro-Hungarian architecture made this stop truly fascinating.
Stop 2: Piran, Slovenia
• Distance from Trieste: 38 km (about 45 minutes drive)
• Highlights: Next, we headed to the picturesque coastal town of Piran. We strolled through the charming old town with its Venetian architecture, took in the views from Tartini Square, and climbed up to St. George’s Parish Church for panoramic views of the coastline. Piran’s narrow streets and scenic views were perfect for a leisurely exploration.
Stop 3: Poreč, Croatia
• Distance from Piran: 76 km (about 1 hour drive)
• Highlights: Our final destination for the day was Poreč. We explored the historic old town, marveled at the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, and relaxed by the beautiful Adriatic beaches. Poreč offered a perfect mix of history, culture, and natural beauty.
This was also our second stay in another Airbnb, I think it was a perfect choice to stay here because we could leave a car, get rest and then go by feet or by car to the city center to explore it.
The Airbnb was located in Lindarska ulica number 22, Poreč, Istarska županija 52440, Croatia
Optional Recommendations for Other Travelers
If you have more time or are traveling without young children, consider adding these stops:
Novigrad, Croatia
• Distance from Piran: 40 km (about 40 minutes drive)
• Highlights: A charming town known for its well-preserved medieval architecture, beautiful marina, and excellent seafood restaurants. Visit the Lapidarium Museum and the Church of St. Pelagius.
Umag, Croatia
• Distance from Novigrad: 15 km (about 20 minutes drive)
• Highlights: Known for its historic old town, seaside promenade, and beautiful beaches. The Church of St. Mary and St. Peregrin and the city walls are notable attractions.
Including Novigrad and Umag can add a rich cultural and scenic experience to your journey, making it even more memorable.
Total Driving Distance: Approximately 184 km
Total Driving Time: About 2 hours 45 minutes (excluding stops)
This route offers a delightful mix of scenic views, cultural experiences, and historic sites, perfect for a family trip or an adventure with friends.
Here is the google maps picture and link for this day.
After visiting Porec we came back to spend a night here.
Our next adventure took us from Poreč to the stunning Plitvice Lakes National Park, with several beautiful stops along the way.
• Distance from Poreč: 37 km (about 45 minutes drive)
• Highlights: We began our day with a visit to Rovinj, one of the most picturesque towns on the Istrian Peninsula. We wandered through the narrow, cobblestone streets of the old town, admired the colorful buildings, and visited the Church of St. Euphemia for breathtaking views of the Adriatic Sea. The charm and beauty of Rovinj made it a delightful start to our day.
• Distance from Rovinj: 70 km (about 1 hour 15 minutes drive)
• Highlights: Our next stop was Nature Park Učka. We enjoyed a scenic drive through the park, stopping at various viewpoints to take in the stunning vistas of the surrounding landscape. The park offered a great opportunity for a short hike and a picnic amidst nature.
• Distance from Nature Park Učka: 40 km (about 45 minutes drive)
• Highlights: We then headed to Rijeka, Croatia’s third-largest city and a major port. We explored the bustling city center, visited the Trsat Castle for panoramic views, and strolled along Korzo, the main pedestrian street lined with shops and cafes. Rijeka’s vibrant atmosphere and historical sites were a perfect mid-day break.
• Distance from Rijeka: 155 km (about 2 hours drive)
Optional Recommendations for Other Travelers
If you have more time or want to explore additional spots, consider these recommendations:
Opatija, Croatia
• Distance from Rijeka: 15 km (about 20 minutes drive)
• Highlights: A charming seaside town known for its grand villas, beautiful gardens, and the Lungomare promenade. It’s a great spot to relax and enjoy the coastal scenery.
Senj, Croatia
• Distance from Rijeka: 70 km (about 1 hour drive)
• Highlights: A historic town with a medieval fortress, Nehaj Tower, offering great views of the town and the Adriatic Sea. It’s a good stop for history enthusiasts.
Total Driving Distance: Approximately 302 km
Total Driving Time: About 4 hours 45 minutes (excluding stops)
This itinerary offers a mix of historic towns, scenic natural parks, and vibrant cities, making the journey to Plitvice Lakes National Park an enriching experience.
We started our day with a hearty breakfast, fueling up for an exciting day ahead at Plitvice Lakes National Park.
• Entrance 1: We entered the park through Entrance 1, which offers immediate access to some of the park’s most stunning waterfalls and lakes. We spent the entire day exploring the well-marked trails, admiring the breathtaking views of the cascading lakes and pristine nature. The wooden walkways and crystal-clear waters provided a serene backdrop for our adventure.
Tip: Remember, drones are not allowed in Plitvice Lakes National Park. Be sure to respect this rule to help preserve the park’s natural beauty and ensure a peaceful experience for all visitors.
• Opatija: After a day immersed in nature, we made a relaxing stop at Opatija on our way to Slovenia. Known for its elegant Austro-Hungarian architecture and beautiful seaside promenade, Opatija provided a perfect spot to unwind. We strolled along the Lungomare, enjoyed the coastal views, and even had a quick coffee at one of the charming seaside cafes.
Postojna Airbnb
• Final Destination: We then continued our journey to Slovenia, arriving at Apartments Mihelčič, located in the peaceful countryside of Mali Otok near Postojna. The rooms were cozy and well-appointed, offering a perfect retreat after a day of exploration. The countryside setting provided a tranquil atmosphere, allowing us to relax and recharge for the next day’s adventures.
Accommodation Details:
• Address: Apartments Mihelčič, Mali Otok 9, 6230 Postojna, Slovenia
• Highlights: Comfortable rooms, beautiful countryside views, and a welcoming atmosphere.
This day was a perfect blend of nature, relaxation, and travel, making it a memorable part of our journey.
Our journey on Day 6 was filled with exciting stops and beautiful scenery. Here’s a detailed look at our route and experiences.
Starting Point: Apartments Mihelčič, Mali Otok
• Departure: After a comfortable night at Apartments Mihelčič, we set off for our first destination.
Stop 1: Postojna Cave
• Distance: 7 km (about 10 minutes drive)
• Highlights: We explored the extensive karst cave system at Postojna Cave, which includes a thrilling underground train ride and a guided tour through the stunning cave formations. It was a unique and memorable experience for the whole family.
Stop 2: Predjama Castle
• Distance: 9 km (about 15 minutes drive)
• Highlights: Next, we visited Predjama Castle, a remarkable Renaissance castle built into a cave. The history and architecture were fascinating, and the location offered breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Stop 3: Lake Bohinj
• Distance: 90 km (about 1.5 hours drive)
• Highlights: We made our way to Lake Bohinj, where we enjoyed the serene beauty of Slovenia’s largest lake. It’s less crowded than Lake Bled and offers a peaceful environment perfect for a picnic or a leisurely walk along the shore.
Stop 4: Vogel Cable Car
• Distance: 4 km (about 10 minutes drive from Lake Bohinj)
• Highlights: We took the Vogel Cable Car up to the Vogel ski resort area, which provided stunning panoramic views of Lake Bohinj and the Julian Alps. This was a highlight of the day, offering great photo opportunities and a chance to enjoy the alpine scenery.
Final Destination: Ljubljana (Mivka 26)
• Distance from Vogel Cable Car: 92 km (about 1.5 hours drive)
• Highlights: We concluded our day by driving back to our Airbnb in Ljubljana, located at Mivka 26. The apartment in the Trnovo district was cozy and perfectly situated for exploring the city.
Additional Tips and Recommendations
• Plan Your Time: Ensure you allocate enough time at each stop to fully enjoy the attractions, especially at Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.
• Comfort and Safety: Wear comfortable shoes and bring layers, as the temperatures can vary, especially in the caves and at higher altitudes like Vogel.
This route offers a mix of natural wonders, historical sites, and breathtaking views, making it a perfect day trip itinerary in Slovenia.
After waking up in this Airbnb, we went for a nice breakfast and left to the Airport to leave the car and straight for departure. That was it my friends, a legendary and amazing trip!
