This journey takes us from Postojna to Maribor and this may be the continuation of the route from Villach to Postojna for you.
We leave Postojna and drive north on the 409. After about 3 km we turn right onto the 914 and cross the highway through a tunnel. After which we enter the small Karst Valley.
Take a break in the shade of ancient oak trees, enjoy the view of the beautiful Great Natural Bridge (Veliki naravni most), travel back in time at the ruins of the Church of St. Cantian, breathe the fresh cave air under the slender arch of the Small Natural Bridge (Mali naravni most), or a walk on the gentle and maintained path near the tall spruce trees is an unforgettable experience again and again.
During an afternoon walk, one can observe millions of years of geological processes that have shaped this small karst valley. It is therefore not at all surprising that it has been nominated for inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage List.
The Rakov Škocjan Valley is a karst valley at the northern foot of the Javorniki Hills that was created when the ceiling of a karst cave began to sink and collapse. This is evidenced by the 42 meter long Little Natural Bridge, the 37 meter long Big Natural Bridge and two gorges beyond.
The Rak stream meanders on the flat clay bottom, surrounded by cleared forests and floodplains. The Rak is fed by underground water that flows from the Cerknica plain and under the hills of Javorniki. This small river comes from Zelške jame caves in the eastern part of the valley and disappears into Tkalca jama cave in the west.
After a small 13 km since departure, we leave nature and drive into the civilized world and we pass various towns. The connecting road between these places is certainly not boring and offers a lot of variety. After the town of Selscek the road becomes more challenging and offers several lovely curves and beautiful views. Please note, horse and carriage are still used here as means of transport. Heavy traffic, used for forest management, is certainly no exception on these roads, so adjust your speed.

Together with Cerknica Lake and Križna Jama Cave, Rakov Škocjan Valley has been designated as a Wetland of International Importance - Ramsar Site. The valley was also the first Slovenian regional park, which was created way back in 1949. As it is suitable for such a natural view, the valley also has an educational trail.

At the end of the 914 we turn right, drive briefly on the 212 and then enter the 643 via the town of Cerknica. This road leads us on good to reasonable asphalt through several small towns and contains many beautiful curves and varying environments. Shortly after Rakitna we leave the 643 and turn right to the 728. From here it is a straight road to Ljubliana and although we have only added 70 km to the counter I definitely recommend you to spend the night in Ljubliana. The Bit Center Hotel is simple, low priced and allows your motorbike to stay overnight in the sports hall.

Taxi is fairly cheap and for less than 10 euros you will be dropped off in the center of Ljubliana. If you are in a sporty mood, it is also quite possible to walk the distance between the center and the hotel.
Ljubljana has left its turbulent past behind and is today a modern metropolis and a popular tourist destination. Even though it is one of Europe's smaller capitals, it has a rich cultural offer and an interesting historical background. Any time of year is suitable for a visit to Ljubljana, but we prefer the summer as the streets are filled with festivals, concerts and other performances.

Start the day right with a cup of coffee and a morning walk. Head to the popular Cafe Čokl and enjoy delicious Slovenian yogurt, cheese and warm bread for breakfast. Next, go to Tivoli Park, the largest park in the city. Tivoli is beautiful in every season, the park extends into the center so you can continue your tour of the city from the park without needing public transport. With a bit of luck there will be an exhibition on the Jakopic Promenade (these are organized throughout the year), in the center of the park.

What you really shouldn't miss in Ljubljana is the old town, which attracts more than a million visitors a year. The impressive architecture, the beautiful river with its beautiful bridges, the cobbled streets, old buildings, the many shops, the market and the traditional restaurants are well worth a visit. Also don't miss the Cathedral of St Nicholas, this Baroque church from the 13th century is very popular with visitors.

Continue walking towards Tromostovje, near the town hall. It is a group of three bridges spanning the Ljubljanica River, connecting the old and new parts of the city. Cross the river to reach Presernov Square, take some nice pictures and walk towards the Franciscan Church. This salmon-colored church is beautiful both inside and out. The entrance to the church is free and it is open daily from 08:00 to 20:00, except between 12:30 and 13:30 when the church is closed.

For lunch we recommend a delicious burger, some fast food or the typical Slovenian quisine. It is only a 2 minute walk from Presenvov Square to Franciscan Church Square. Here you will find Odprta Kuhna (an open air market), where you can try freshly prepared delicacies and innovative meals. Kranjska kobasa (sausage), potica cake roll, cevapi (pork), curry, chicken skewers and other delicacies are available to choose from.
The great advantage of Ljubljana is that everything is within walking distance. Just 50m from your last stop is the Dragon Bridge over the Ljubljanica River. The bridge is a part of the heritage of the Austrian Empire and the Vienna Secession. Cross the bridge to Vodnikov Square, where the locals sell clothes, handicrafts and other typical Slovenian products.
If you like art, the next destination could be Metelkova. This is the art center of Slovenia's capital and one of Europe's most successful neighborhood of squats. It is located on the river bank on the modern side of the city. Medieval defensive walls, colorful churches, graffiti on the walls and dilapidated buildings make Metelkova Mesto the cultural center of the city, hosting more than 1,200 events a year. Don't skip the Museum of Contemporary Art. Admission only costs €5, but once inside you'll find yourself in another world.

Take the funicular to Ljubljana Castle and climb the tower for a beautiful view of the whole city and the mountains. The castle is open until 8:00 PM and admission is free (you must pay an entrance fee for the museum). A good time to visit the castle is at night, when the lights are on in the town. This makes the castle a very romantic place. Together with a return ticket for the funicular, a visit costs €10.

Now it's time to eat something! Gostilna na Gradu offers Slovenian cuisine in a beautiful location near the castle, on top of the Grajski Gric. You will find many specialties that are very popular with tourists, such as Kranjska sausage, Karst prosciutto, Tolminc bare, Idrija Zlikrofi (dumpling) and many more. This is the place for the foodie tourist.

The perfect way to end your tour of Ljubljana is at the Neboticnik skyscraper. At the top of the building you will find the Neboticnik cafe where you can enjoy the best coffee and cake in town, combined with the best view.

If you have any energy left, go out for a night out at the end of the day! Ljubljana is a safe city, even at night, and you'll find many bars, cafes and restaurants packed with tourists and locals alike. For example, choose the Chill Out bar, Pr'Skelet, Shooters Club, Captain's Cabin or one of the many other entertainment venues. Those looking for a quiet atmosphere can choose Pritlicje or Makalonca. Feel free to ask the residents of Ljubljana about their favorite nightlife spot and make it a pleasant evening!

Assuming you have spent the night in Ljubliana, we start after breakfast for the rest of the journey. Soon we leave the city and drive on country roads through small villages and forest roads. The different environments and the reasonably good roads make it a pleasure to drive here. And the lover of winding roads will also be well catered for.
After about 100 km after leaving Ljubliana we arrive at the castle of Celje.
Like a hilltop fortress, this largest medieval castle in Slovenia controls all traffic routes to the center of Celje from afar. The first foundations of the old castle of Celje date from the second half of the 12th century. The ancient Celje Castle is best known for being the home of the Counts of Celje, the country's most influential dynasty. Memories of the past have been preserved through exciting legends, exhibits and interactive experiences. In the warmer part of the year, "Living History" programs take place every weekend with cultural and historical associations from all over Slovenia. The castle courtyard is full of life during the medieval summer weekend and the Celje Castle Festival, when the stage lights up with performances by guest stars or the musical Veronica of Desenice.

Though it no longer reverberates around the castle, the steps and spurs of the great tombs have been awakened by their admirers and reenactors from cultural and historical associations, who proudly welcome visitors to the castle as knights and ladies-in-waiting.
If you can't get enough of museums and sights, a visit to the princely mansion in Celje is possible. The mansion is one of the city's landmarks and an important historical monument. It is one of the few secular Gothic buildings in Slovenia. It hosts museums, galleries and convention events. In recent decades, three phases of the four-part restoration have been completed.

The road continues to Maribor.

Maribor is a charming city with rich historical and cultural roots, dating back to the Middle Ages. The top culinary offer and a number of festivals still bring joy today. The Guinness World Records tell the story of a rich wine tradition, the oldest vine in the world, which can be found in the city center as well as the wine routes nearby.
In the heart of the old town center on Lent, the oldest vine in the world still grows in front of the Old Vine House. The confirmed age of this “Žametovka” or “Modra Kavčina” vine is over 400 years, earning it a place in the Guinness Book of Records as the oldest noble vine in the world still bearing grapes. The Old Vine is a symbol of the rich wine culture of Maribor, Styria and all of Slovenia.
In addition to wine, Maribor also offers many museums. Some well-known museums are the Regional Museum, the National Liberation Museum and Maribor Art Gallery.
You will also find several buildings that are worth a visit: the Cathedral Bell tower, the Franciscan church, the Synagogue and City Hall - Rotovz.
If the environment is of paramount importance to you, a visit to the Fala hydroelectric power plant museum is definitely worth a visit.
The day is rounded off with an excellent meal just outside the old town in the Orient restaurant. Contrary to expectations, they serve an excellent local grill platter at a very reasonable price.
Hotels and/or B&B can be found in and around Maribor.