Sea, nature and culture:
from Piran to Ljubljana
2 days with local guide + 2 days self-guided (4 days/ 3 nights) Imagine exploring the coastline of Slovenian Istria, overlooking the Mediterranean and losing yourself among the alleyways of the historic seaside towns of Piran and Izola. Discovering the mysteries of salt at the Sečovlje Salt Pans, and watching the red sun as it sets into the sea before continuing on to Ljubljana, the jewel of the Adriatic.
From the Mediterranean coast to the heart of the country
We’ll spend the first part of our trip discovering Slovenian Istria and its coastline. You’ll see how easy it is to fall in love with this little corner of the Adriatic: the intense blue of the sea, the olives and the vineyards that surround the historic Venetian architecture of the cities, while the saltworks, thermal baths and natural parks offer a unique and exciting experience for those who love nature, well-being and fresh air. The second part of the trip will be a self-guided visit, to allow you to discover the fascinating city of Ljubljana at your own pace. You will have complete freedom to organise your own schedule, and decide for yourself what you would like to do with your time in Ljubljana. Our job will be to spark your imagination, and make your stay in the capital the best it can be by sharing with you a couple of insider secrets that will help you to make the most of this fascinating city.
Route and details of the tour
Departure location
at 9.30 anywhere in the Trieste and Karst area (Slovenian and Italian). Please contact us if you are arriving from elsewhere
Return location
self-guided in Ljubljana. The guide will accompany you to Koper train/bus station
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
The fishing village of Izola
We’ll travel in our private vehicle to the lovely little city of Izola, a small seaside village constructed on an ancient island. Here, the sun shines 300 days a year and a relaxed atmosphere fills the narrow streets of the old city centre and the Venetian-style palaces. We’ll take our time visiting Izola, getting lost in its lanes and alleys before arriving at its beautiful promenade, bustling with local life and full of great places to stop for a coffee. At lunchtime, you can sample Istrian cuisine for the first time in one of the excellent local restaurants.
Sun, salt and sea
From Izola, we’ll head to the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park to enjoy a fascinating journey into the world of salt. As we explore the tanks, dams and canals, we’ll discover how salt has shaped the culture and history of this corner of the Adriatic, and why this precious ware is still produced using the traditional medieval method. Along the way, we’ll enjoy breathtaking panoramic views, and a natural landscape unlike any other of its kind. Among the abandoned saltworkers’ houses, we’ll glimpse a wetland which has come to be of international importance, and which shelters many kinds of migratory birds. The brilliant white of the salt and the blue of the sea make a striking backdrop to beautiful and unchallenging hiking routes. Last but not least, you can’t miss the fascinating saltpan souvenir shop, where you can buy real PDO salt and other unique products.
We’ll be transferred back to our accommodation, where you can round off the day with some well-deserved relaxation in the hotel’s wellness centre.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Piran – a little pearl of the Adriatic
Today we’ll visit the most beautiful stretch of coastline in all of Slovenian Istria, which is shaped by small bays and the highest ridges in the Adriatic. The area offers many straightforward hiking paths with panoramic views, and one of these – a spectacular, off-the-beaten-track route – will take us to the seaside town of Piran, which is widely considered to be one of the pearls of the Adriatic. This historic town, built on a narrow peninsula and surrounded by imposing walls, is spectacular from every angle. In Piran’s cobblestone streets, Venetian architecture mixes with an Adriatic atmosphere, and the town’s rich history infuses every brick of the historic squares and churches. We’ll visit the town’s most famous sites and monuments, as well as its secret corners and hidden gems. We’ll discover its history, but also its myths and legends. After our guided tour, we’ll have plenty of free time to wander the city streets, which are teeming with cosy little restaurants and local artisans’ workshops.
Lively Portorož
After our visit to Piran, we can round off our busy day with an aperitif in the fashionable town of Portorož, which is renowned for its trendy nightlife and beautiful beaches. Portorož is located within an easy distance of Piran, and can be reached either by taking a pleasant walk along the promenade or aboard one of the frequent shuttle buses.
Finally, we’ll be transferred back to our accommodation.
Day 3
Ljubljana: self-guided experience
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
The splendour of Ljubljana
After breakfast, we’ll travel in our private vehicle to the nearby station of Koper to catch the train or bus to Ljubljana. Here, we will begin the second, self-guided part of our trip. Before saying goodbye, we will provide you with all the documentation that you will need for the rest of your trip, including the voucher for your booking at your accommodation, which is located right in the city centre. After a relaxed two-hour journey to Ljubljana, you will immediately be swept off your feet by this lively green city, which owes its very liveable design to the famous architect Jože Plečnik. The easy-to-explore city of Ljubljana will win you over with its relaxed, hospitable atmosphere, its picturesque bridges, its open-air markets, and its lively cafés and restaurants. You’ll soon realise that the best way to explore Slovenia’s compact capital is on foot, because all the main attractions are conveniently located very close to one another, including the most popular gastronomic spaces and the best places to go shopping. After a wonderful day of exploring, you can round off the day with a romantic boat trip along the Ljubljanica river, or simply enjoy an aperitif in one of the romantic riverside cafés. You’ll be spoiled for choice for dinner: Ljubljana’s city centre boasts some of Slovenia’s top restaurants, where you can sample the best that the country’s gastronomy has to offer.
Day 4
Ljubljana: self-guided experience
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
The green capital of Europe
After breakfast, you will check out of the hotel and our tour package will come to an end. You can spend the whole day exploring Ljubljana on your own: perhaps you could admire the city from above with a visit to the city centre’s historic castle, or maybe you’d like to visit some of the city’s excellent museums and art galleries. On the other hand, if you’d prefer a relaxing day then the famous Tivoli Park is a must! From Ljubljana, you can either travel on to another destination in Slovenia, or return home. The city is well connected by bus and train to all the country’s main cities, and the city’s airport and central bus station serve many international routes.
What we love about this tour
Get swept up in the romance of the Venetian House
Savour salted chocolate
Enjoy a spectacular red sunset over the sea
Indulge in some retail therapy in Ljubljana
Price per person
565,00 €
Group size
2 - 8
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; meals as scheduled: dinner on the first and second day (drinks not included), breakfast every day; guided tour of Izola; admission to Sečovlje Salina Natural Park; guided tour of Piran; private transfers for the discovery part; train/bus travel to Ljubljana; local tour guide MaroWays for the discovery part; guidebook MaroWays of Ljubljana; documentation for the self-guided part.
Price excludes
Meals not expressly mentioned above; drinks during mealtimes; medical insurance; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplements
During peak season, prices may be subject to changes due to availability at the time of booking. Any changes will be communicated at the time of the request.
Information
Important information
Please disclose any food intolerances at the time of booking.
What to bring
Valid ID for crossing the border; closed-toed and comfortable walking shoes; lightweight backpack with rain cover; water; sunscreen; appropriate clothing (sun hat, cagoule, waterproof jacket, etc.); pack your swimwear; camera.
Weather
Excursions take place outside. Itineraries may therefore be affected by inclement weather. We do our utmost to best interpret the weather forecast. If, due to particularly adverse conditions, it is understood that a tour cannot go ahead or if the weather conditions may pose a risk to your safety, we reserve the right to modify or cancel the travel contract based on the provisions laid out under the Terms and Conditions.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.
More discovery trips
If you are interested in other discovery and self-guided trips, try looking at this:
→ An unexpected journey to Bled
If you are interested in other self-guided trips, visit our dedicated page.
Booking
30% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure. In the case of a reservation being made within 30 days of the departure date, payment of the full amount is required. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation by the client, the following fees will be applied:
→ 59 to 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the cost of the trip to cover the management costs
→ 29 to 15 days prior to departure: 50 % of the cost of the trip
→ 14 to 7 days prior to departure: 75 % of the cost of the trip
→ less than 6 days prior to departure: 100% of the cost of the trip
PHOTO: www.slovenia.info – Andrej Tarfila, Dražen Štader, Jacob Riglin, Jaka Ivančič, Darinka Mladenovic, Nikola Jurišič