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.

No trip to Slovenia is complete without a visit to its short, scenic coastline on the Adriatic Sea. 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 up 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 Brač, Hvar and other 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.