Slovenia is one of those hidden gems that you only learn about from other travellers. I can’t recall when it was first put on our radar, but it had been on our bucket list for quite some time before we finally managed to make it there in the spring of 2023.
Slovenia is a very small country, only about the size of Massachusetts, but it has so much to see that I wanted to wait until we could dedicate enough time to do it justice. As our daughter Luna approached her first birthday, we started looking for some place to spend a couple of weeks in late April / early May and the idea of Slovenia resurfaced.
We wanted a nature-based trip, and it would certainly be difficult to top Slovenia in that regard. In two weeks we saw everything from impressive caves and turquoise blue rivers in the southwest to crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped mountains in the northwest. There’s even a tiny but charming coastline that looks and feels more like its neighboring countries of Italy and Croatia. What’s really remarkable is that everywhere we traveled on this trip was within just a two-hour drive of Slovenia’s capital city of Ljubljana.
Aside from an unplanned trip to the emergency clinic midway through the trip (par for the course when traveling with kids), we had a fantastic time. With so many amazing places to see in Europe, it’s pretty rare that I’ll repeat a destination, but Slovenia is one where I’d happily go back for more.
Overview of our trip
Planning a 2 week Slovenia road trip? This family-friendly itinerary balances city exploration, coastal charm, alpine hikes, and hidden valleys, all within easy driving distance from Ljubljana. We traveled with our one-year-old and found Slovenia perfect for relaxed pacing and stunning nature.
Here’s our day-by-day 2 week Slovenia itinerary:
- Days 1-3: Ljubljana — Slovenia’s green capital. Castle tours, riverside walks, and food markets. Perfect intro to the country.
- Days 4-5: Piran — Slovenia’s Adriatic gem. Seafood dinners and salt pans along the coast.
- Days 6-8: Soča River Valley — Emerald waters, gorges, and waterfalls.
- Days 9-11: Julian Alps & Kranjska Gora — Vršič Pass drives and mountain lakes.
- Days 12-13: Lake Bled & Lake Bohinj — Iconic churches, cream cake, and alpine swims.
- Day 14: Logar Valley & Jezersko Valley — Quiet hikes and panoramic valleys before returning to Ljubljana.
Is 2 weeks in Slovenia enough? Absolutely — every region was within 2 hours’ drive, making it ideal for road trips with kids.
Itinerary
This 2 week Slovenia itinerary covers Ljubljana, Piran, the Soča River Valley, the Julian Alps, Lake Bled, and the Logar and Jezersko Valleys, with tips for driving, where to stay, and what to see in each region.
Below is an overview of the itinerary with highlights from each leg of the trip.
PART 1 | Ljubljana
Days 1-3
Visiting the capital city Ljubljana and its landmarks, Ljubljana Castle, Tivoli City Park and Ljubljana Zoo, and getting to know Slovenian cuisine with a guided food tour and visit to the Open Kitchen
PART 2 | Piran
Days 4-5
Enjoying Piran and its seaside charm: Tartini Square, St. George’s Parish Church‘sclocktower, and fresh seafood from the Gulf of Piran
PART 3 | Soča River Valley
Days 6-8
A scenic drive to the Soča River Valley with stops en route at Skocjan Cave and Kanal ob Soči, hiking to the Virje and Boka Waterfalls, and the Tolmin Gorge
PART 4 | Julian Alps & Kranjska Gora
Days 9-10
Driving the Vršič Pass through the Julian Alps with stops along the way and an overnight stop in Kranjska Gora with visits to Lake Jasna and Pericnik Waterfall
PART 5 | Lake Bled
Days 10-13
Hiking around Lake Bled with a pletna boat ride to its picturesque island, a visit to Bled Castle, and a day trip to Lake Bohinj
PART 6 | Logar & Jezersko Valleys
Days 14-15
Taking the Solčava Panoramic Road through the Logar Valley with a short hike to Rinka Waterfall and a rainy day walk to Planšarsko Jezero Lake in the Jezersko Valley
How to Plan Your 2 Weeks in Slovenia
Best time to visit Slovenia: Late spring (May-June) through early fall (September-October) offers perfect weather for hiking, driving, and lakeside stays. Summers are warm but busier; we went in May and loved the balance.
Getting around: Rent a car at Ljubljana Airport. Roads are excellent, and parking is easy even in smaller towns. All our stops were 1-2 hours apart, totalling under 800 km for the full loop. Opt for an automatic if you’re not used to driving a manual on mountain passes.
Where to stay: We chose family-run guesthouses and apartments via Booking.com and Airbnb. Budget €80-150/night for 2 adults + baby, including breakfast.
Slovenia with kids: Stroller-friendly paths, short hikes, and picnic spots everywhere. Pack layers for valley-to-alpine temperature swings.
Total trip cost: ~€3,000 for 2 adults + 1 baby (car, lodging, food, attractions). Slovenia is one of Europe’s best value destinations.
Is Slovenia good for a road trip? Yes — compact size, diverse landscapes, and minimal crowds make it perfect for 10-14 days.
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