Chase the sun in Slovenia and Croatia

Most Slovenian trains start and end in the capital, Ljubljana. A beautiful and pedestrianised city centre, Ljubljana's easy access to the rest of the country by rail make it a great starting point for an Interrail journey. 

• On a sunny day, rent a stand-up paddleboard and cruise the Ljubljanica River. 
• Get to know Slovenia through its masterpieces. The National Gallery is home to the largest collection of Slovenian art.  
• Explore the alternative side of Ljubljana's art scene at Metelkova, a culture centre famous for hosting concerts, exhibitions and beyond. 

Lake Bled seems as though it's been plucked out of the pages of a fairytale. From September swimming to snowy walks around the lake in January, there's magic to be found in every season. 

• Ring the wishing bell at the Church of the Mother of God on the Lake, situated on an island in the middle of Lake Bled.
• Learn about Lake Bled's history at Bled Castle, the oldest castle in Slovenia. 
• Get a bird's eye view of Lake Bled with a 20-minute hike to Ojstrica, a scenic viewpoint above the water. 

Less visited but no less beautiful compared to Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj offers stunning lakeside and mountain walks in the middle of the Julian Alps. 

• Panoramic boat rides run from late March to early November, offering off-season travellers the chance to get out on the water long after summer ends.
• Home to the International Wildflower Festival (held each May and June), Bohinj is a perfect place to slow down and take a walk among the flowers. Remember to leave no trace!
• Shift your perspective with a cable car ride to the Vogel viewpoint, which sits 1,000 metres above Lake Bohinj. 

Slovenia's 24,000-metre-long Postojna Caves are easy to reach by rail from Ljubljana. Travellers can explore the limestone caves, one of the longest cave systems in the country, on a day trip or overnight stop.

• Take an underground train through part of the the 24-kilometre-long cave system (not included in the Pass network).
• Marvel at the sight of Predjama Castle, an 800-year-old fortress situated on a cliff near the cave system. 
• Learn about the (more than) 150 animal species that call the cave system home — including the famous olm, said to resemble a baby dragon — at the Vivarium. 
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No trip to Slovenia is complete without a visit to its short, scenic coastline. Piran is easy to reach and offers remarkable sunsets, panoramic views, crystal clear waters, and plenty of fresh seafood.

• Take a leisurely walk along Piran's town walls and soak in the sun and seaside views. 
• Dive deep into history with a visit to the Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum and Museum of Underwater Activities.
• Pay a visit to St. George's Church and make sure to climb all 146 steps up to its belltower, which offers a sweeping view of Piran and the surrounding sea. 

The hilly Croatian capital is home to intriguing architecture, open-air markets, and a vast creative scene that attracts residents and visitors alike.

• Fuel up with a stop at Dolac Market, famous for its fresh produce and picturesque red umbrellas.
• Visit the Museum of Broken Relationships, a unique curation of heartbreak-related items sent in by people across the world. 
• Take a walk through Grič Tunnel, a World War II-era bomb shelter that today hosts art exhibitions. 

Split's beautiful beaches and fortress-like Diocletian's Palace make it an enchanting place to end your Interrail trip. Care to explore further? Split also offers easy ferry access to several Dalmatian Coast islands.

• Experience the rhythm of daily life in Split with a visit to the Pazar Market, where you can buy fruits and vegetables grown at farms nearby. 
• Explore Diocletian's Palace and its square, where travellers can enjoy plenty of live music and conversation.
• Soak up the sun at Kasjuni Beach. If you visit too late in the season to swim, simply pack a lunch and enjoy the view.