Slovenian Coast Day Trip from Ljubljana

After meeting your guide in the morning at your centrally located Ljubljana hotel, hop into your air-conditioned minivan and journey to Socerb Castle. Arrive along a mesmerizing karst formation in the Šavrini Hills and capture views of the beautiful Adriatic and the Bay of Trieste. Learn about the Socerb Castle and its importance as a strategic stronghold to control the Trieste hinterlands.

Next, move on to the remote village of Hrastovlje outside of the city Koper and visit the famous Church of the Holy Trinity. Learn about the origins of this church and why historians debate whether the church’s architecture is 12th century Romanesque or 15th century Venetian Renaissance. Then snap photos of the acclaimed gothic fresco, “Dance of Death” (Dance Macabre).

Journey on to southwestern Slovenia and visit Sečovlje Salina Nature Park. See how salt is captured in ponds that cover 1,600 acres (650 hectares). During your stroll through the flats, learn about the 700-year-old tradition still used to generate salt.

Then, voyage north through the modern coastal town of Portorož to the Istrian town of Piran. Upon arrival, stretch your legs for a walk through the medieval streets once roamed by Illyrian hill tribes and pirates. Stop for lunch (own expense) and perhaps try a traditional cuttlefish risotto.

Finally, head to Koper and discover why its unique ecology and biodiversity makes it such an important national resource. Spend some time exploring and perhaps see Koper's 15th-century Praetorian Palace located on the city square. Meet back with your group shortly thereafter and return to your Ljubljana hotel where your tour ends.