Ljubljana and the Slovenian Riviera (Self Drive)

Ljubljana, long overlooked by American travelers in favor of adjacent European capitals like Vienna and Budapest, is now a city on the rise. Visitors only need a few moments to walk the pedestrian-only streets in the city center to feel the old-world historic charm, coupled with the youthful energy exuding from the local university population. Beautiful and vibrant, travelers will quickly learn that Ljubljana has a lot to offer to all who visit. You can sip a cup of coffee and enjoy live music in the Metelkova mesto commune, sail lazily along the winding Ljubljanica River, browse art galleries and take in a ballet, all within walking distance from each other.

Visit and explore the Ljubljana Castle, Ljubljanica River, Metelkova mesto, Cathedral of St. Nicholas, Triple Bridge, Butchers' Bridge, Cobblers' Bridge, Congress Square, Preseren Square, Slovenska cesta, Mount Saint Mary, Tivoli Park, and so much more.

The Slovenian Riviera (Slovenska obala) is a popular seaside tourist destination, and has been since the times of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, when it was then referred to as the 'Austrian Riviera.' It consists of a mere 29 miles of coastline on the Gulf of Trieste, sandwiched between Italy and Croatia. The towns on the Slovenian Riviera, such as Koper, Piran, Portoroz, Strunjan, Izola, and Ankaran, all have considerable Italian influence, as the area was ruled by Italy for three decades in the 20th century. Perhaps the most popular beach in the country is Portoroz Beach, one of the few sandy ones along the coast.

Visit and explore Portorož, Strunjan, Izola, Ankaran, Portorož Beach, Dragonja River, Praetorian Palace, Tartini Square, Strunjan Nature Reserve, and so much more.