Hello, everyone!
My husband, cousin, and I are visiting Slovenia in October 2025, and I'd so appreciate some advice on logistics and destinations. We have a week in the country before heading to Italy for the last two days of the trip, and a portion of the Slovenian trip will be devoted to visiting newfound family in the southeastern part of the country (Bela Krajina). We have never met this family and don't know what to expect, but best case scenario we all get along and want to hang out for two days. That would leave two days up in the air, plus questions about things we might see traveling from one place to the next.
I'm inclined to skip Lake Bled in favor of less touristy destinations (although Lake Bohinj sounds gorgeous), and I'm on the fence about the Postojna and Skocjan caves; I'm sure they're spectacular, but with our limited time we might want to go elsewhere. We're in our early 50s and are fit. Very into wine, so Gorskia Brda is a must, but does it deserve two days considering we are also visiting Trieste? We're also complete history nerds and would love to do a tour that combined walking with history.
What could we fit in on the way from Ljubljana to Bela Krajina? And where should we head after Bela Krajina, and what could we fit in on the way to this destination? I'm intrigued by the Logar Valley (especially taking the scenic route), but would it be too similar to Bela Krajina? Should we stop at Drežnica? Kobaird? Begunje to see the Museum of Hostages? Vipava Valley? A few of them, time permitting?
So far I have:
October 3: Arrive in Ljubljana. Open kitchen in Pogacar Square.
October 4: History museum and food walking tour in Ljubljana.
October 5: pick up rental car. Ljubljana to Bela Krajina. Hanging out with relatives.
October 6: Bela Krajina. Walking around Griblje, seeing the area, hanging out with relatives. Stay in Bela Krajina or move on?
October 7: ?
October?: Goriska Brda. Biking or walking to wineries.
October ?: Goriska Brda?
October 9: Trieste
October 11: Venice
October 12: fly back to NYC.
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance!