Some holidays make you choose between city buzz and mountain calm, but Slovenia makes it easy to enjoy both. Begin with a stay in Ljubljana, one of Europe’s most liveable and underrated capitals. The old town is a delight to explore on foot, with baroque façades, leafy riversides and lively squares linked by architect Jože Plečnik’s distinctive bridges. There’s plenty to tempt food lovers too, from open-air markets to riverside restaurants serving seasonal Slovenian dishes and excellent local wines. Museums and galleries showcase the country’s history and creativity, while the hilltop castle rewards you with sweeping views back across the city.

From here, it’s less than an hour to swap the city’s café culture for the clear waters of Lake Bled, the tranquillity of Lake Bohinj, or the walking trails of the Julian Alps. Few places let you combine cultural discovery with mountain landscapes so effortlessly.

Our Walking Specialists can tailor your trip to the dates, durations and hotels that suit you.

Our top tips for your time in Ljubljana:

• Climb up to Ljubljana Castle, which has watched over the city for centuries. The views stretch across the rooftops to the Julian Alps, and you can explore exhibitions, towers and even stop for a glass of local wine.
• Wander the Old Town streets along the Ljubljanica River, crossing the famous Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge. This is where you’ll find pastel-coloured façades, lively squares and plenty of pavement cafés for people-watching.
• Dip into Ljubljana’s food scene, from the buzzing Central Market to riverside restaurants serving modern twists on Slovenian classics. If you’re here on a Friday in summer, the Odprta Kuhna open kitchen brings together stalls from some of the city’s best chefs.
• Take a stroll through Tivoli Park, a vast stretch of green at the edge of the city. Locals come here for picnics, art exhibitions at Tivoli Mansion, and easy walks that feel a world away from the centre.