8 days in Mediterranean & Karst Slovenia Itinerary

A trip to Nova Gorica takes you to the land between the Alps and the sea.

Change things up with these side-trips from Nova Gorica: Vina Povh (in Vipava) and Darovi Vipavske (in Ajdovščina). There's still lots to do: do a tasting at Lepa Vida Boutique Winery, take in the spiritual surroundings of Sveta Gora (Holy Mountain), try your luck at Perla Casino, and indulge your thirst for a good beer at Reservoir Dogs brewery.

To find reviews, ratings, and more tourist information, go to the Nova Gorica trip maker tool.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands to Nova Gorica is an approximately 13.5-hour car ride. Traveling from Amsterdam in December, plan for slightly colder nights in Nova Gorica, with lows around 0°C. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 25th (Sun) to allow time to drive to Portorož.

A resort town on the country's scenic Adriatic coastline, Portoroz offers many spas with all kinds of therapeutic treatments, many based on the brine and mud from the area's salt pans.

Start off your visit on the 26th (Mon): kick back and relax at Portorož Beach, admire the landmark architecture of Town Hall, then make a trip to Tartini Square, then contemplate in the serene atmosphere at St. George's Church, and finally stop by GourmIstra. Here are some ideas for day two: relax in the rural setting at Fonda Fish Farm, make a trip to Walls of Piran, then make a trip to Port Piran, then examine the collection at Magical World of Shells Museum, and finally indulge in some personalized pampering at Fish Spa Piran.

To see where to stay, ratings, other places to visit, and tourist information, you can read our Portorož day trip planning site.

You can drive from Nova Gorica to Portorož in 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can do a combination of train and shuttle; or take a bus. In December, daily temperatures in Portorož can reach 13°C, while at night they dip to 3°C. Finish your sightseeing early on the 27th (Tue) so you can drive to Ilirska Bistrica.

Ilirska Bistrica is a town in the Inner Carniola region of southwestern Slovenia. Kick off your visit on the 28th (Wed): step into the grandiose world of Predjama Castle, then explore the fascinating underground world of Postojna Cave, and then don't miss a visit to Grotte di Postumia - Park Postojnska jama. On the 29th (Thu), you'll have a packed day of sightseeing: look for gifts at Guštarna, get engrossed in the history at The Secret Rooms of Hotel Jama, and then Head underground at Cross Cave.

To see maps, reviews, other places to visit, and tourist information, use the Ilirska Bistrica trip planner.

You can drive from Portorož to Ilirska Bistrica in 1.5 hours. December in Ilirska Bistrica sees daily highs of 13°C and lows of 5°C at night. Wrap up your sightseeing on the 29th (Thu) early enough to travel back home.