A family of five – 2 parents and their 3 teenagers – planned a one-and-a-half-week holiday in Slovenia next summer.
The call
Stanislas called us at the agreed time − we had reserved a time slot on the website. He asked several questions about our specific needs and tastes for our next summer holiday. In about 20 minutes, we crafted our bespoke family holiday.
We explained that we wanted to spend one and a half week in Slovenia. We had heard Slovenia was a safe, family-friendly destination home to fascinating natural treasures and cultural heritage. That was why we aimed to explore as many beauty spots as possible over a 10-day period. We pointed out that we were keen on practicing outdoor activities such as hiking in the Julian Alps and trying a safe but thrilling adventure sport with the kids. Stanislas also told us about bear watching, i.e., a must-do activity in Slovenia that caught out interest. In addition, we agreed that renting a car upon arrival at the airport would be the best option to get around Slovenia. As far as the lodging was concerned, we preferred staying at small family-run hotels and cosy guesthouses. Booking one double room for us and one triple room for the kids would be ideal.
The reservation
Stanislas emailed us a detailed description of our tailor-made itinerary and a quote the following week. It included all the elements we discussed and agreed upon during our call. He also sent us useful advice concerning flight options from London to Ljubljana.
As a result, we approved and signed the quote document electronically. We also made a deposit payment. As soon as we booked our flight tickets, we forwarded the details to Stanislas so that he could arrange a smooth car hire at the airport. We were looking forward to our holiday in Slovenia !
Wild brown bears, Slovenia
The preparations
Two weeks before departure, we received a personalised road book setting out our comprehensive itinerary. It also included among other things additional stops along the route that we could enjoy, travel advice, recommendations for local restaurants, and local culinary delights.
Thanks to a specific reference number sent by Velstana, it was also available on the internet and on an easy-to-use app – that can also be used in offline mode – that we could download for free on our iOS and Android devices.
Outstanding family holiday in Slovenia
Trip details
Day
1
Arrival in Slovenia
Upon arrival at Ljubljana Airport, we picked up the rental car that Velstana pre-booked for us. We made our way to the hotel located in Škofja Loka, a small town boasting a beautiful medieval historical centre with a castle. We explore the town’s treasures and went for a gentle walk in the mountains behind. We stayed at a nice 4-star family-run hotel located by the river. The two rooms booked by Velstana were great ! Thus far, everything exceeded our expectations !Read moreHide
Day
2
Discovering the Slovenian capital
We headed towards the Slovenian capital, Ljubljana, located a short drive away. Velstana arranged a private guided city tour. Ljubljana was a very interesting and peaceful city. We explored the old town’s treasures, including its bridges, its dragons, its squares, its market, its hilltop castle, and its historic buildings of the Baroque and Art Nouveau periods. Strolling along the quaint streets of the capital was delightful. We also walked in beautiful Tivoli Park before returning to our hotel. The weather was hot so we took a dip in the clean Sora River at a proper bathing area located next to our hotel. Very refreshing! Read moreHide
Day
3
First day of trekking
We left Škofja Loka behind and made our way towards Lake Bohinj. The start of our first day of trekking in the Triglav National Park was located nearby. The hike was gentle in line with our request. The trail was well marked and the step-by-step description in our roadbook was also clear. We stopped for lunch at a hut and ate tasty local food. We continued walking and reached the mountain hut where we would stay overnight. Two private rooms were booked for us. The hut was surrounded by a couple of alpine lakes making the scenery magical! We had a homemade evening meal at the hut. Read moreHide
Day
4
Second day of trekking
After a hearty breakfast, we continued our walk in the Triglav National Park while seizing the day! The nature was beautiful. The loop trail ended where we had parked our car. Subsequently, we went exploring Lake Bohinj and its surrounding treasures like a spectacular waterfall. The place was amazing. We rested and relaxed by the lake before heading towards Bled, i.e., the most iconic place in Slovenia. Upon arrival, we admired the unforgettable scenery. It was like a postcard view - a small island with a church, lost in the middle of a lake, dominated by a hilltop castle.Read moreHide
Day
5
The alpine pearl
We borrowed bikes from our B&B and went for a ride around the lake. What a pleasure! We took a dip into the lake for a refreshing break. We also went for a gentle hike towards the viewpoint to enjoy the panorama from the heights before going to the stunning Vintgar Gorge. Exploring this sight - with its waterfalls, picturesque boardwalks, and a crystal clear Radovna river below your footsteps - was memorable! We had a delicious dinner at one of the restaurants suggested by Velstana. The local cream cake we ordered for dessert was yummy!Read moreHide
Day
6
Pristine nature
The weather was sunny and warm so we went to Velika Planina, i.e., a picturesque plateau home to Alpine pastures. After taking the cable car to reach the top of the mountain, we walked through the meadows. The view was spectacular and we enjoyed every footstep in that unspoiled environment. The pasture landscape was dotted with countless traditional huts and herds grazing around. This was akin to a fairytale place. We had an authentic shepherd’s lunch including homemade cheese, dairy specialties, Carniola sausage and buckwheat. Yummy!Read moreHide
Day
7
Adrenaline day
We left Bled behind and ventured towards Bovec, i.e., a mecca for watersports in Slovenia. Velstana arranged for our party white-water rafting on the emerald Soča River. This activity was obviously suitable for beginners like us. We had a lot fun and felt the adrenaline rush while riding the rapids. The river scenery was breathtaking too! After the tour, we explored the area including spectacular waterfalls and canyons. We also went for a walk to discover World War I heritage sites. The region witnessed battles of the Great War. It was very educational for us and the kids ! We stayed overnight at a cosy guesthouse serving a homemade dinner. Read moreHide
Day
8
Cave and bears
We departed early and drove towards Postojna. En route, we made several stops to admire once again the meanders of the Soča River. We did not get tired of that beaufiful scenery. We made it on time for the start of the Postojna cave guided. It started with a unique underground train ride making you venture into a subterranean world. The tour was memorable despite the crowds! We also visited an impregnable mediaeval castle cut down in a rock. Again, what a fascinating tour! In the evening, Velstana arranged a private brown bear watching experience with a local wildlife expert. In silence, we waited in a photographer’s hideout for a couple of hours for the bear the show up. We were lucky as we watched two brown bears! This was a one-of-a-kind experience! Read moreHide
Day
9
Coastal beauty
After a short drive from Postojna, we spent the day by the Adriatic Sea. We strolled through a couple of coastal towns home to charming historic centres. Piran – with its scenic viewpoints and Venetian influence - was our favourite. Then, we headed for a wild and unspoilt beach accessible on foot only. We rested here for the rest of the day. The bay was gorgeous and ideal for sunbathing and swimming.
Day
10
Last day in Slovenia
Before returning to Ljubljana Airport, we detoured to see an amazing site listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, namely Idrija’s mercury mine. The visit was very interesting and we all learnt a lot about this mysterious world. Sadly, it was time to get home. We returned the rental car and caught our flight. We spent a memorable holiday in Slovenia thanks to Velstana. We looked forward to planning a new bespoke adventure with the same travel agency in the future! Read moreHide
Pricing and services for this family holiday: € 1,095 per person
Included:
4-star hotel accommodation or at cosy guest houses – 1 double room and 1 triple room
Hut accommodation on Day 3 – 1 double room and 1 triple room
Breakfast every day and evening meal on Day 3 and 7
Car rental for 10 days, including third-party liability insurance and standard coverage in case of damages and theft (CDW and TP)
Private guided tour of Ljubljana on Day 2
Vintgar Gorge admission tickets
White-water rafting tour on Day 7
Postojna cave and Predjama castle admission tickets on Day 8
Bear watching with a guide on Day 8
2 prepaid local e-Sims with a validity of 15 days and 2 GB of data each
1 unique, personalised roadbook setting out all your trip information including a detailed description of the day-to-day itinerary, suggested stops along the route, suggestions for hiking and walking routes, insider tips, practical advice, suggestions for local restaurants, traditional food to try, etc.
Excluded:
Flight tickets
Car fuel and security deposit
Some locally payable car-rental-related charges, including optional excess reduction
Meals, other than those listed as included in your itinerary
Entrance charges and costs, when you are exploring at a leisure
Personal expenses
Travel insurance
The abovementioned sample prices are for guidance only and are not binding. The total cost of your holiday will depend on a number of factors, including time of year of travel and choice of accommodation and transport. The actual cost of your holiday is as set out in the Booking Confirmation.
