Suggested Day-Trips
The pick of the bunch
Usually when people suggest itineraries like this they're trying to make more money or make the place sound more attractive by pretending there is a lot to do. What we want to do is just share our hotly debated list of favourite days out with you. Chances are you'd have a great time without this advice but it seems selfish to keep it to ourselves. None of these suggestions make us any money and all are within reasonable driving distance. They are in no particular order because it would have taken even longer to argue about. If you do try any of them please let us know what you think. We'd love to hear about it.
No1. The sightseeing trip
Three of Slovenia's most popular tourist destinations are within minutes of each other in the Karst region so although it's maybe an hours drive away, once you get there, you're spoilt for choice.
For horse lovers or even horse admirers, the Lipica Stud Farm is a once in a life time experience. Unless you come back of course and you're more than welcome to. The abilities on display are awesome and the opportunity to take dressage lessons on one of these creatures is a genuine privilege.
Just a few kilometers away are the Postojna and Skocjanska caves; some of the largest underground areas in Europe which are open to the public. Check with the tourist board to see if there are any performances in the underground concert hall (capacity 10,000) when you are there and DO NOT miss it if they are.
Nearby Predjama castle, built right up into the overhanging cliff comes in third but that's no embarrassment against such stiff competition. It is lots of fun, especially for imaginative children and makes for some fabulous holiday snaps.
No2. The City
Ljubljana is a must see. The company director had to ask me to to tone down the superlatives in my description of the city because he thought I was being overly generous. I disagree, I love the place. It's gorgeous; the people are friendly and the cafes and bars by the river are just a wonderful way to spend a day.
No3. Water Adventure
The all day caving trip with Pac-Sports takes 8 hours. And a super fun eight hours they are. They don't drive you there in a mini bus, the cave is too remote. You start the day by paddling across Bohinj lake in canoes because that's the only way to get there. Three separate descents take you down to an underground lake, which personally, is not something I see every day. Three ascents and a canoe trip back to base and you're in exactly the right state to fill yourself up with beer and calamari in Ribno and not feel guilty about it. An excellent day out.
No4. Any of the Activities
Slovenia is arguably the most outdoorsy country in the world. Everyone cycles or skis or runs or kayaks or very likely, does all of the above. And when the country is so beautiful it would be silly not to. Sure it looks good from the balcony, but for at least one day, put the coffee down, head off to Bohinj to do whichever one of the sports on offer grabs your fancy the most.
Our Summer top three:
1) Raft down the Soca valley. 2) Rock climbing. 3) Paragliding from the top of Vogel.
Our Winter top three:
1) Skiing, now and always. 2) Snow mountain biking. 3) Sledging down the biggest mountain nearby.
And of course remember to book a massage the next day, safe in the knowledge that you really, really deserve it.
No5. The Other Side of the Hill
If you're staying in the Retreat you must take the car-train through the mountain and see Bled and Bohinj. If you're staying in the Farmhouse you must take the car-train through the mountain and see the Soca valley.
It would be worth it for the train journey alone – whistling through the underside of a mountain, sitting in your car but perched on a train - as both areas are equally beautiful and yet feel very different. Coming through to the Bled side it's easy to know what to do. You wander round Bohinj and Bled and gaze at all the beauty. Heading through to the Soca, however, it's all too easy to head for Kobarid or Bovec. That's fine. But what you really want to do is take a raft down the river. It is too beautiful to describe.
Footnote
You might have guessed by now that someone at the younger end of the scale had the biggest influence in these choices. Don't let that worry you; there are tons of excellent touring, hiking and biking trail options here covering a wide range of abilities and scenic options. And please don't forget, we live here, so can provide good local knowledge of where best to go and how to get there.