Slovenia is a country that is perfect for a road trip. It's not too large, plenty of small cities to visit, and a gorgeous national park with a plethora of gorges and waterfalls for hiking and other outdoor sports. This is a road trip guide on seeing the Slovenian cities of Ljubljana, Ptuj, Maribor, Piran, Bled, Triglav National Park, and some other stops along the way.

This small town sits on a peninsula on Slovenia's Adriatic coast. The orange-shingled rooftops evoke impressions from Dubrovnik and other Balkan sea towns. Piran is one big old town with medieval city walls, a city square, a church and bell tower (Zvonik Campanile Bell Tower), and plenty of restaurants and cafes lining the streets. It is a must see stop anything you're in this part of the world.

Triglav is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the tallest peak in the Julian Alps. As such, it is the centerpiece (and namesake) of Slovenia's only national park. This park is vast and full of natural wonders, my favorites being Tolmin Gorges, Lake Bohinj, Slap (waterfall) Pericnik, Vintgar and Great Soča Gorges, Fort Kluže, the Russian Chapel, and Slap Virje, among many others!

There's a reason why people think Bled is the best city to see in Slovenia. Centered around a gorgeous lake, the crown jewel has to be the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria. Other great places to see include Bled Castle, St. Martina Parish Church, the Heart of Bled, and the viewpoints at Velika, Mala, and Ojstrica (perfect for sunrise).

As the 2nd largest city in Slovenia, Maribor is considered the cultural center of the country. Crowned the European Co-Capital of Culture of 2012, this history possesses some incredible landmarks built in the Baroque, Gothic, and Renaissance styles. Be sure to check out Maribor Castle, Vodni Stolp, Mestni Park, Grajski Square, Old Town, and the Basilica of Our Mother of Mercy.

Ptuj is the oldest recorded city in Slovenia with origins dating back to the Stone Age. Developed from a Roman fort, this small town of just thousands of people is a nice detour on your trip through Slovenia. Take half a day to check out the Ptuj Castle and St. George's Church while walking through the charming old town and along the riverside.

The Slovenian capital of Ljubljana is small with a population of just above a quarter million. But the city boasts a plethora of sights which include Ljubljana Castle and Cathedral, Triple Bridge, Metelkova Art Center, Republic and Congress Square, Cerkev Marijinega Oznanjenja, and Saints Cyril and Methodius Church, as well as plentiful green spaces like Tivoli Park!