The Balkan Peninsula, or the Balkans, are a geographic area in Southern Europe, composed of countries with geographical and historical ties. The countries that make up the Balkans are generally noted to be Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Greece, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Romania, and Slovenia.

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.

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).

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!