Day 1 in Ljubljana

Welcome to Slovenia! Upon arrival, you will go through customs and immigration. Arrive at your hotel, check in and do not give in to jet lag! There is so much for you to see and do!

Start your trip by walking Slovenska cesta, one of the busiest streets in the city. There are many great places to eat and shop on this street. From there, continue down to Cop Street and Preseren Square, window-shopping and people-watching along the way. For those who love art, stop at the National Gallery of Slovenia and view art from renowned Slovenian and European artists. If you are more interested in history, particularly the history of Yugoslavia as well as the history of Slovenia post-independence, peruse the exhibits at the Museum of Contemporary History.

Before sunset, explore Ljubljana`s largest green space, Tivoli Park. If you have time, decide on either a sunset viewing at the top of Mount Saint Mary, or visit Zoo Ljubljana and see the variety of animals that live in this geographically diverse country.

Day 2 in Ljubljana

Start your morning early by strolling the promenade along the Ljubljanica River in the pedestrian-only old town. Cross the Dragon Bridge and enter Vodnik Square, the site of Ljubljana Central Market. Peruse the offerings sold by local vendors and buy unique Slovenian-made souvenirs. Adjacent to the Central Market is the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, one of the mother churches of the Archdiocese of Ljubljana. Cross Butchers` Bridge to get to the iconic red Franciscan Church of the Annunciation, another primary house of worship for Catholics in Ljubljana. On your way to Town Square, cross the Ljubljanica at Triple Bridge.

In Town Square, take some time to admire the Baroque-Venetian Town Hall and the Robba Fountain, inspired by the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi in Rome. Finally, decide on your evening plans: have a drink at one of the coffeehouses and cafes in Metelkova mesto, or take in a show at the Slovene National Opera and Ballet Theatre or the Slovenian Philharmonic.

Day 3 in Ljubljana

Begin as soon as the National Museum of Slovenia opens. This is a large and detailed museum and you can spend hours exploring and learning about everything from archaeological finds to Slovenian coins. You will pass by the iconic Parliament building on your way to Slovenia`s national archive at the jewel in Joze Plecnik`s architectural crown: the National and University Library of Slovenia. You will have the chance to learn more about the life and the work of Joze Plecnik at his residence, the Plecnik House.

Religious architectural buffs will have the chance to see another noteworthy church, the Baroque Ursuline Church of the Holy Trinity, built in 1726. Afterwards, wander onto Congress Square and stop for a coffee at one of the nearby cafes. If you come to Ljubljana during the summer, try to attend a play at the Krizanke Summer Theatre. Otherwise, consider buying tickets to an event at Cankar Hall, Slovenia`s largest performing arts complex.

Additional Days in Ljubljana

Slovenia is well-known for its extensive underground cave systems. Skocjan Caves, outside of Ljubljana, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has been described as `one of the largest known underground canyons in the world.` If you have time, go to Postojna, an hour southwest of Ljubljana, and explore the limestone passageways of Postojna Cave. Fun fact about Postojna Cave: it`s home to the world`s only underground post office!

Maribor is located about an hour and a half northeast of Ljubljana and is the second-largest city in the country. Its history stretches back to the 13th century and has a resilient nature, most recently rising from the ashes after being heavily damaged in World War II. A former European Capital of Culture and European Youth Capital, Maribor is home to a large and vibrant university subculture and lots of historical buildings and monuments, including Maribor Synagogue (the epicenter of the Jewish community in the city from 1429 to 1941).

Fifty miles southeast of Ljubljana, on the banks of the Sava River, the town of Sevnica was once a sleepy outpost tucked away in a lush green valley, until a girl named Melanija Knavs became Sevnica`s most famous homegrown export. You may know Ms. Knavs better as Melania Trump, the First Lady of the United States. Hundreds of thousands of tourists are now flocking to Sevnica to learn more about the First Lady`s hometown. Attractions include Sevnica Castle, the parish church of St. Nicholas, and nearby wineries.

Your Last Day in Ljubljana

Depart your hotel for the airport for your return home. We hope you enjoyed your time in Slovenia`s beautiful capital city!