day trips from Ljubljana

Hi Marie! Like you say, Ljubljana will only need 1-2 days to see the Castle, old town and maybe tivoli park and a couple of museums. Don't forget to have a drink at the Neboticnik! For day trips, there are lots of things to see in Slovenia without having to go to Italy or Austria! One day trip may cover Postojna Caves, Predjama castle and then down to the coast to Piran. Or perhaps subtitute Caves with Skocjan Caves and Lipica Stud Farm! Another trip is like you say a trip to Bled but also dont forget to include Lake Bohinj as well. Kamnik and Velika Planina is a nice day out and Logarska Dolina is one of the most beautiful valleys you will ever see! Then there is Maribor, Ptuj and the amazing Jeruzalem Wine Trail out east. Also a day trip to a famous spa will be nice. Rogaska Slatina or maybe Terme Olimia. If thats not enough then yes, you can go to Trieste but Venice is a little far for just a day. Hope that helps a little
Greg and Rona

You could also take the train to Zagreb.

Driving time from Ljubljana to Venice is about 2.5 hours, so it is possible as a (long) day trip. If you've never been to Venice before, you can certainly consider it. I took a day trip to Trieste from Venice, mostly because of my interest in Emperor Maximilian of Mexico; his castle Miramare is right outside the city. Without that kind of specific interest, Trieste might seem rather unremarkable. In general though, I would agree with the idea of soaking up as much of Slovenia as possible in your week; it's a wonderful country. I suggest getting a comprehensive guide book such as the Rough Guide to Slovenia- try to hit all the "best of" sites.

Thank you so much for your suggestions. I will certainly look these places up. We are considering staying at either the Slamic B&B or Petra Varl in Ljubljana -- both look great for the money. Any thoughts on either? Also, we will have a very early flight departing Ljubljana airport -- can someone reccomend a good place to stay near the airport? I really appreciate other travelers' advice, etc. Thanks again!

The Slamic or Petra are both great choices as far as what we've heard, should be fine. Near the airport, one place we recommend is the Cukrarna in Kranj, the owner Peter is a real entertainer and can help with your airport transfer (and cheap too!) http://www.cukrarna.si/ If you're interested in a tour of all the places mentioned over 2 days, this tour is ideal: http://www.travel-slovenia.com/regular-daily-tours-around-slovenia/1-2-day-slovenia-tours/tour-to-west-slovenia/ Cheers
G&R

OK, I don't know Greg and Rona but they sound Slovenian and therefore, very smart :-). I think their ideas about other sites in Slovenia are very good, especially the stud farm, lakes, and Castle. To me, Slovenia is one of the most beautiful countries I have ever set foot in. Neighboring Croatia is also fantastic, and from Ljubljana you can't be more than a few hours from Plitvice Lakes National Park, which is surely one of the natural wonders of all of Europe. (Greg and Rona back me up on this!) That being said, I would not leave Slovenia to visit Trieste (sights in Slovenia are more interesting) but Venice is one of the world's marvels. Day trip would not be worth it. Venice will be quite crowded in August, but if you spend a least one night (in the city center NOT on the mainland), it will be magical. 90% of the tourists are day-trippers or staying on the mainland and leave at dusk, leaving Venice to you, the locals, and the few smart tourists. Santa Lucia train station in Venice will drop you right at the Grand Canal of Venice, and from there, water taxi to the rest of the city. Literally, the train station to the water taxi is a matter of feet, not blocks I hope you have a fantastic trip Marie! Ross in Denver
(PS don't raise too much hell in Ljubljana. I'll be there in September and I'll hear about it! :-)

Hi there! Thanks Ross, you are a wise man also! But Plitvice, Croatia...we have never heard of these places :) Yes, we are very biased because there is so much to see and do in Slovenia as a tourist destination on its own. We also wonder why anyone would go to Venice in August...so hot and crowded, but if you only have the summer holidays to visit then Venice is not to be missed.
But again, a day trip doesnt do Venice justice so you need 2-3 days to look around properly. Definitely consider all the options in Slovenia, you will see you can stay a month and still not be bored! :) Greg and Rona

Thank you Ross and Greg for helping me to decide what to do and see. We haven't done a lot of travelling and it really helps to get tips from those who have the benefit of experience. I've decided against the Venice trip as we only have a week in Slovenia and want to see a lot of it. I think a couple of days in Ljubljana and then day trips to Bled, Bohinj,
Predjama castle, the caves, Ptuj, Kamnik, etc. We will then drive to Plitvitce Lakes for an overnight, and spend a few days in Croatia, specifically Istria -- looking at Rovinj as I've heard it is lovely. Thank you again! Greg, if you don't mind my asking, are you and your wife Americans living in Slovenia?

Sounds like a great trip Marie! You will have plenty to do, without feeling rushed. Sometimes you can experience so much just be lingering over a coffee and a pastry in a cafe and talking to the locals! I think that you will find English widely spoken in Slovenia, especially in Ljubljana. However learning a few words in Slovenia and Croatian (please, thank you, hello) will go along way in earning the respect of the local populace. The pletna boats out to the island in the middle of Lake Bled are a touristy must-do (some good things are touristy for a reason), and the Bled creme cake is a 'must eat'! You might want to see a bit of the Istrian hill towns such as Motovun too. Ciao, Ross

At Greg and Rona You need to look up Plitvice Lakes National Park in Croatia. It can't be more than a few hours from you. Really spectacular!

Hi Marie, Glad to help. If you had 7 days, perhaps your schedule could be: Day 1 Arrive Ljubljana Day 2 Ljubljana Day 3 Postojna Caves & Predjama, Lipica Day 4 Logarska Dolina Day 5 Maribor - Ptuj - Jerulzalem Day 6 Circle trip (Ljubljana - Kranjska Gora - Vrsic Pass - Bovec - Kobarid (lunch) - Most Na Soci - car train back to Bled, overnight Bled) Day 7 Bled, leave Lju Airport Something along those lines would cover most of the best of Slovenia but if it is too rushed then maybe delete a day here or there. Do some googling and see what you think. And make sure your car can go into Croatia and also that you have a vignette sticker for the tollroads. Ross, yes, Plitvice is very nice. Just wish they would make it easier to get to!
Greg and Rona

Hello, I loved Trieste for oh so many reasons. But if I were you I would stay in Slovenia. The air and water are so clean you will want to stay for ever. The locals speak English and are almost as welcoming as the Irish! I picture Slovenia as a triangle with a flat side up. Ljubljana at the pointed bottom, Bled and the Julian Alps as the upper left of the triangle where major WWI battles took place. At the upper right hand is the beautiful city of Ptui. (Sounds as if you are spitting). Nice city and you are near the wine making area. A car rental agency ATET was Fantastic. I mean it. For a large evening meal find the monastery serving meals in their basement not so far from the city centrum. Solid meals with a huge salad bar. Very good prices and a nice setting. Slovenia for a week is not too long at all. wayneiNWI

Hi Wayner and everyone else. Yes, ATET are fantastic. A great local company and their service is fantastic. www.atet.si
Highly recommended. Greg and Rona