8 days in Celje, Ptuj & Maribor Itinerary

An old city with a modern vibe, Celje features a castle and historical town center, surrounded by a green landscpe tailor-made for an exciting and active holiday.

Attractions like Celje Castle and Thermal Park Aquluna make great kid-friendly stops. Get out of town with these interesting Celje side-trips: Velenje Beach (in Velenje), Kamnik (Franciscan Monastery & Kamniška Bistrica Valley) and Podčetrtek (Spas & Olimje Monastery). There's still lots to do: take your sightseeing to a higher altitude at Velika Planina, take in the dramatic scenery at Logar Valley Landscape Park, Head underground at Hell Cave, and make a trip to Green Gold Beer Fountain.

To see where to stay, traveler tips, photos, and more tourist information, use the Celje trip itinerary maker website.

Ljubljana to Celje is an approximately 1-hour car ride. You can also take a train; or take a bus. In July, daytime highs in Celje are 34°C, while nighttime lows are 18°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 15th (Wed) so you can drive to Ptuj.

A tour of Ptuj reveals an old town filled with new experiences.

On the 16th (Thu), see the interesting displays at Ptuj Castle, get a sense of history and politics at Town Hall, contemplate the long history of Terme Ptuj, get to know the fascinating history of Prešernova Street, then pause for some photo ops at Orpheus Monument, and finally don't miss a visit to Ptuj City Tower.

For where to stay, other places to visit, maps, and other tourist information, read our Ptuj visit planning site.

Traveling by car from Celje to Ptuj takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a train. In July in Ptuj, expect temperatures between 32°C during the day and 18°C at night. Finish your sightseeing early on the 16th (Thu) so you can drive to Maribor.

Cycling may be one of the best ways to tour Maribor, a great base for exploring the surrounding area and conquering Pohorje Mountains.

Kick off your visit on the 17th (Fri): examine the collection at Old Vine House, delve into the distant past at Water Tower, then don't miss a visit to Sinagoga Maribor, then explore the striking landscape at Pyramid Archaeological Site, and finally learn about winemaking at Vinogradi Horvat - Vineyards Horvat. On the 18th (Sat), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: contemplate in the serene atmosphere at Maribor Cathedral, stroll through Mariborsko Pohorje Ski Resort, then appreciate the history behind National Liberation Monument, then get to know the fascinating history of Trg Svobode Square, and finally make a splash at Radlje ob Dravi Waterpark.

For where to stay, more things to do, other places to visit, and tourist information, go to the Maribor holiday maker app.

Traveling by car from Ptuj to Maribor takes an hour. Alternatively, you can take a bus; or take a train. Expect a daytime high around 32°C in July, and nighttime lows around 18°C. Cap off your sightseeing on the 18th (Sat) early enough to catch the shuttle back home.