Štajerska Highlights Tour
7-day journey through Slovenia's Styria region
7 days
•
Moderate difficulty
•
Est. €520
Day 1: Arrival in Maribor & Historic Old Town
Arrive in Maribor, the capital of the Štajerska region. Explore the historic Old Town, visit the iconic Maribor Vineyard (the oldest in the world), and enjoy the local wine culture.
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10:00
Maribor Vineyard & Old Vine House
Visit the world's oldest known grapevine (over 400 years old) and the adjacent Old Vine House museum.
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11:30
Maribor Old Town Walk
Stroll through the cobblestone streets, visit the Main Square, and see the Renaissance Town Hall.
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13:00
Lunch in Maribor
Traditional Slovenian lunch at a local konoba (tavern).
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15:00
Maribor Castle
Explore the castle museum and enjoy panoramic views of the Drava River and the region.
Meals:
Lunch at Maribor Old Town , Dinner at Maribor City Center
Where to stay: Stay in Maribor city center for easy access to attractions and nightlife.
Getting around: Walking is sufficient for the Old Town. Parking is available if driving.
Day 2: Ptuj: Roman History & Carnival Culture
Travel to Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town. Discover its Roman heritage, visit the castle, and learn about the famous Kurentovanje carnival.
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09:00
Drive to Ptuj
Short drive from Maribor to Ptuj (approx. 15km).
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10:00
Ptuj Castle & Museum
Explore the medieval castle, one of the largest in Slovenia, with exhibits on local history and art.
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12:00
Lunch in Ptuj
Lunch at a restaurant near the castle or in the old town.
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14:00
Orpheus Monument & Roman Ruins
Visit the Orpheus Monument (2nd-century Roman tombstone) and the nearby Roman archaeological site.
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16:00
Kurentovanje Museum
Learn about the UNESCO-listed Kurentovanje carnival and see traditional Kurenti masks.
Meals:
Lunch at Ptuj Old Town , Dinner at Ptuj or return to Maribor
Where to stay: Return to Maribor or stay in a guesthouse in Ptuj for a quieter night.
Getting around: Car recommended for flexibility between Ptuj and Maribor.
Day 3: Rogaška Slatina: Wellness & Nature
Head to Rogaška Slatina, famous for its mineral water and spa culture. Visit the Berg Boc tower for views and explore the town's wellness offerings.
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09:00
Drive to Rogaška Slatina
Drive from Ptuj/Maribor area to Rogaška Slatina (approx. 30km).
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10:30
Berg Boc Observation Tower
Hike or drive up to the Berg Boc tower for panoramic views of the Sava River valley and Pohorje mountains.
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12:30
Lunch in Rogaška Slatina
Lunch at a local restaurant, trying regional dishes.
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14:00
Rogaška Slatina Spa & Park
Walk through the beautiful spa park and visit the mineral water spring. Optional spa treatment.
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16:30
Cultural Center & Local Shops
Explore the town center, known for its wellness products and local crafts. Check out the Anin festival history if in season.
Meals:
Lunch at Rogaška Slatina , Dinner at Rogaška Slatina
Where to stay: Stay in a hotel in Rogaška Slatina, preferably one with spa access.
Getting around: Car is necessary for this leg of the journey.
Day 4: Lenart: Churches & Wine
Visit Lenart v Slovenskih goricah, known for its Gothic church, Baroque Way of the Cross, and the unique Wine Fountain.
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09:00
Drive to Lenart
Drive from Rogaška Slatina to Lenart (approx. 25km).
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10:00
Parish Church of St. Leonard
Admire the Gothic architecture, historic altars, and the famous wishing bell.
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11:30
Baroque Way of the Cross
Walk the scenic Way of the Cross with 14 sculpted stations offering views of the valley.
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13:00
Lunch in Lenart
Traditional lunch at a local konoba.
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15:00
Wine Fountain Vodole
Visit the first wine fountain in Štajerska, taste local wines, and learn about the region's viticulture.
Meals:
Lunch at Lenart , Dinner at Lenart or nearby
Where to stay: Stay in Lenart or drive back towards Maribor for more options.
Getting around: Car is recommended for visiting the wine fountain and churches.
Day 5: Zreče: Thermal Spa & Pohorje
Relax in Zreče with its thermal spa and volcanic mud. Explore the nearby Pohorje Mountains for nature and hiking.
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09:00
Drive to Zreče
Drive from Lenart/Maribor area to Zreče (approx. 20km).
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10:00
Zreče Thermal Spa
Enjoy the thermal pools, volcanic mud treatments, and wellness facilities at Zreče Spa.
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13:30
Lunch at Spa Resort
Lunch at the spa resort or nearby restaurant.
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15:00
Pohorje Mountains Hike
Short hike or drive to a viewpoint in Pohorje for fresh air and mountain scenery.
Meals:
Lunch at Zreče , Dinner at Zreče or Maribor
Where to stay: Stay in Zreče spa hotel or return to Maribor.
Getting around: Car is useful for accessing Pohorje viewpoints.
Day 6: Žička Kartuzija & Velenje
Visit the stunning Žička Charterhouse monastery and then head to Velenje to see the Tito Monument and Soncni Park.
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09:00
Drive to Žička Kartuzija
Drive from Zreče/Maribor to Žička Kartuzija (approx. 20km).
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10:00
Žička Charterhouse Monastery
Tour the 12th-century Carthusian monastery, one of the best-preserved in Slovenia. Visit the Winter Monastic Garden.
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12:00
Lunch at Monastery Restaurant
Dine at the historic monastery restaurant, known for its ambiance and local cuisine.
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14:00
Drive to Velenje
Drive from Žička Kartuzija to Velenje (approx. 25km).
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15:00
Tito Monument
Visit the monumental statue of Josip Broz Tito in Velenje, a significant historical landmark.
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16:30
Soncni Park
Relax in Soncni Park, a green oasis in the city center.
Meals:
Lunch at Žička Kartuzija , Dinner at Velenje
Where to stay: Stay in Velenje or return to Maribor.
Getting around: Car is necessary for this day's itinerary.
Day 7: Departure & Final Shopping
Final morning in Štajerska. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, buy local souvenirs (wine, honey, herbal products), and depart.
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09:00
Breakfast & Souvenir Shopping
Enjoy a final Slovenian breakfast and shop for local products like Ptuj wine, Rogaška water, or Pohorje herbs.
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11:00
Final Walk in Maribor
If staying in Maribor, take a final walk along the Drava River or visit the Old Vineyard one last time.
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13:00
Farewell Lunch
Enjoy a farewell lunch at a highly-rated local restaurant.
Meals:
Breakfast at Hotel/Accommodation , Lunch at Maribor
Where to stay: Check out and depart.
Getting around: Drive to airport or next destination.
Practical Information
The Štajerska region, also known as Lower Styria, offers a distinct cultural and culinary experience in northeastern Slovenia, centered around Maribor. The best time to visit is from late spring to early autumn (May to October), when temperatures are mild and ideal for exploring vineyards and outdoor attractions. Summer can be warm, while autumn is particularly rewarding for wine tourism during the harvest season. Winter visits are possible but require preparation for colder weather and potential snow, especially if venturing into the nearby Pohorje mountain range.
Getting to Štajerska is straightforward via Maribor Edvard Rusjan Airport, which has limited seasonal flights, or by train and car from Ljubljana, a journey of approximately two hours. Once in the region, a rental car is highly recommended for flexibility, as many highlights like Castle Olimje, Ptuj, and the numerous wine villages are spread out. Public buses connect major towns, but schedules can be infrequent in rural areas. A Slovenian vignette is mandatory for driving on highways; ensure it is purchased before entering the motorway network.
For accommodation, Maribor serves as the most convenient base, offering a wide range of hotels, guesthouses, and apartments with easy access to city amenities and transport links. Alternatively, staying in Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city, provides a historic atmosphere and proximity to the Drava River. Rural guesthouses (turistične kmetije) in the Brda or Haloze hills offer authentic experiences and direct access to local wine production. Booking in advance is advisable during peak summer months and wine festivals.
Budget-wise, Štajerska is generally more affordable than the Alpine or Coastal regions. Costs include accommodation, meals, and wine tasting fees, which often range from €5 to €15 per person. Many wineries offer discounts if you purchase bottles. Pack comfortable walking shoes for cobblestone streets in historic towns and sturdy footwear for vineyard trails. Bring layers, as weather can change quickly, and a reusable water bottle, as tap water is safe. Key tips include learning a few Slovenian phrases, respecting local wine tasting etiquette, and checking opening hours for smaller museums and wineries, which may close on Mondays or during siesta hours. Always carry cash for smaller establishments, though cards are widely accepted in Maribor.
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