Eastern Slovenia & Lake Balaton
While Piran & Bled in Western Slovenia have grabbed the limelight as tourist hotspots, Eastern Slovenia hides some amazing treats for the discerning traveller. The charming Logarska Dolina, historic Maribor & medieval Ptuj promise to take your breath away. And crossing the border into south-west Hungary brings you to the mesmerizing Lake Balaton & Transdanubia region. National parks with rolling hills, picturesque drives through countryside scattered with fortresses, villages and vineyards – this road trip will stay with you for a long time.
Trip Highlights
- Start your trip in Maribor – the second largest city in Slovenia. Spend half a day in The Pohorje, the green mountains surrounding Maribor- a haven for hikers, cyclists, and horse riders – and discover forest trails with beautiful waterfalls, vine roads, and peat moors.
- Continue on to Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city and home of the impressive castle and it’s towers. Few people know that Ptuj also houses the finest examples of Mithra shrines – a Roman mystery religion centered on the god Mithras.
- Wander the pretty streets of picture-perfect Tihany with the backdrop of the imposing 11th-century Benedictine Abbey and its promenade, perched dramatically atop the peninsula
- Taste some of the most exquisite wines in the volcanic hills of northern Balaton – grapes have been grown here since Roman times.
- Hike on the famous national Kéktúra (Blue Trail), Europe’s oldest long-distance hiking trail in the Badacsony area.
- Rent a boat in the Tapolca Cave network – a 14 million-year-old system that stretches kilometres below the medieval town centre above.
Which Visa Do I Need
Indian citizens require a Schengen visa to visit Slovenia & Hungary. There is no border control between the two countries
Length of Stay
We recommend at least 8 days for this itinerary. You can start your trip in Vienna, Austria or Venice, Italy and finish up in Budapest, Hungary – and spend a couple days in any of these cities.
Best time to visit
This region is a year-round destination, although activities may be different. Summer is the best time with long days, and ripe vineyards. Wine harvesting happens between August and November. Winter months offer plenty of skiing opportunities, but do tend to get cold with shorter days
scenic drives, medieval cities and fortresses, vineyards and wine tasting, water activities, spas and exclusive hotels
Did you know
- The oldest fruit-bearing vine in the world is found in the Lent neighborhood of Maribor. It is believed to be around 440 years old! The vine bears “Blaufränkisch” grapes, and produces 25 litres of wine a year
- The Balaton Lake’s water is radioactive in a medium level and has curative properties.
- The first married couple to reach the Mount Everest summit were Slovenians
