Everywhere I go, people are talking about Slovenia. I’ve just spent a week with a group of travel agents from all over Europe and they are buzzing about it, too! One of the big attractions of this lesser-known destination is that it is relatively unspoilt by mass tourism. This might be about to change. So, now is the time to book your 2024 holiday in Slovenia, before the crowds get there.
Slovenia borders Austria and Croatia, both hugely popular destinations. It has all its neighbours have to offer, such as stunning mountains and lakes, alpine forest, a beautiful stretch of the Adriatic coast, rivers, caves, medieval towns, castles, and churches. It is a paradise for hikers, and I am told the scenery is just stunning. It also has skiing and lots of water sports on the rivers, such as rafting and canoeing. There are great opportunities for active family holidays.
It is possible to do a multi-centre fly drive holiday or just concentrate on a couple of areas. The main city of Ljubljana is where most people fly into, and it is a very picturesque city overlooked by its castle. It has interesting architecture, ranging from Art Nouveau to the socialist era. Slovenia’s cities are quite small and easy to get around. The coastal cities of Piran and Koper owe much to their Venetian past. I’m reliably informed that the cake is excellent, for example!
One of the most famous places to visit is Lake Bled, a town full of cafes and restaurants that grew around the lake, and which draws tourists for the breathtaking views. The lake is small enough to walk around, too. A must-see.
For the luxury traveller, there are a number of five-star hotels, such as the Kempinski Palace Portoroz, Vila Planinka, Hotel Grad Otocec- Relais Chateaux, Hotel Bohinj, Vanderbilt Urbani Resort. At the moment, with many people shuddering at the cost of hotels in Europe, you would be very pleasantly surprised by the value of top hotels in Slovenia. This probably won’t last indefinitely, as the destination gets more popular.
I should also mention that Slovenia combines very well with Austria and Croatia for a two or even three centre holiday.
I have found two amazing holidays that I think would suit my luxury clients:
A tailor-made cultural landscape adventure, taking in Ljubljana, Piran, Lipica, Bled, and Lake Bohinj. From price (depending on your hotel choices) £2,615pp including return flights, hotels and a private English-speaking driver/guide.
Or for a trip of a lifetime, how about a 12 day tour aboard the Golden Eagle Danube Express train, taking in eight Balkan countries, travelling from Venice to Trieste, Ljubljana, Sarajevo and Mostar, Dubrovnik, Belgrade, Skopje, Thessaloniki, Sofia, Plovdiv and ending up at the Four Seasons in Istanbul. Price from £12,685pp
Feeling inspired? Book your next escape now. Get in touch with Lizzi by emailing [email protected] to book your dream trip!
by net effect