My wife and I are traveling to Slovenia, October 13-24. We fly in and out of Munich. I have several questions/topics on which I’m seeking input.
1. Travel between Munich and Slovenia. After some research and much thought, I’ve decided it’s better to rent a car in Slovenia rather than at the Munich airport. Renting a car in Munich would mean purchasing a vignette (pass) both in Austria and Slovenia to drive on the major highways there. Renting a car in Slovenia includes the vignette in the price. So that leaves the issue of the best (fastest, cheapest) way to get form Munich to Ljubljana. Train appears to be seven hours. Bus appears to be four hours. However, I found something called Bla Bla Car (similar to Uber???) where drivers post rates to take people from one destination to another. Several options for Munich to Ljubljana for only $20 (U.S.). Leaning toward doing that unless there is a better recommendation. I’ve posted separately on this board looking for a one night recommendation for Munich. We will be staying there the evening before our return flight.
2. Where to visit. We have already booked our lodging via VRBO/HomeAway. We are renting a stand alone chalet outside of Kamnik (30 minutes north of Ljubljana). This will be our base. We are planning many day trips (Ljubljana, Bled, Triglavski, Maribor, Ptuj). We do not anticipate a day trip into Croatia (but could be persuaded). We do not plan crossing into Italy or Austria. We might consider a trip to Piran on the Slovenian coast, but everything I’ve read so far informs me that the coastal towns pretty much shut down starting in October. Looking for additional “don’t miss” suggestions as well as specifics for any place I’ve already listed. We are both very active, and are open to both outdoor experiences as well as indoor attractions.
3. Dining. When we use a vacation rental (such as we are doing on this trip), we tend to do our restaurant dining during lunch and cook our evening meal back at our rental. I’ll shop locally and stock up on items for cooking breakfast and dinner in the rental, although we may do one evening somewhere in Kamnik. We take this approach to avoid driving at night, and being able to enjoy wine in our lodging. So I’m looking for dining options for places that are open during lunch. I have already booked a lunch reservation for Hiša Franko outside of Kobarid. What else should I consider for Ljubljana, Maribor, Ptuj, Novo Mesto, or any other town that could be a day trip destination or on the route of a day trip? If there is truly a “not miss” restaurant that only serves dinner, I’d be open to hiring a driver.
4. Wine. There are several wine-growing/producing regions in Slovenia. I’m wide open to any recommendations here. Also, are we able to visit some places without an appointment, or is an appointment absolutely required? My wife will afford me one day to spend visit wine producers–two if I’m extremely lucky or nice.
Thanks in advance for all advice, suggestions, tips, or other things I should consider about traveling in Slovenia. We will have nine nights in Slovenia, and are looking forward to experiencing as much of the country as we can.