This Alpine destination has underrated wine, Michelin-starred dining and epic hikes — and I used points to get there

In the heart of the Alps, Slovenia offers a rare blend of rugged hiking trails, world-class wine and Michelin-starred dining.

I recently spent five nights in Slovenia and was instantly charmed by this often-overlooked country, which made TPG's list of the best places to travel in 2025. Though Slovenia's major cities and attractions, like Ljubljana and Lake Bled, are gaining popularity, it still feels less crowded than neighboring Italy. Plus, prices for everything from hotels to meals are noticeably lower.

Even better? It's all reachable with points and miles.

What makes Slovenia special

Before we get to the details of how I booked my trip, let's go over why Slovenia is worth adding to your European itinerary. This country may be small (roughly the size of New Jersey), but it packs a punch when it comes to biodiversity, culture and natural beauty.

Diverse landscapes: Mountains, lakes and coast

From the jagged peaks of the Julian Alps to the emerald waters of Lake Bled and the tiny Adriatic coastline, Slovenia's landscapes are stunning and varied. You can hike alpine ridges in the morning, kayak on crystal-clear lakes in the afternoon and enjoy fresh seafood by the sea in the evening — all without changing countries. The accessibility between regions means travelers can fit multiple experiences into a single trip.

Adventure without the tourist crowds

Hiking in Slovenia feels different from Switzerland or Austria — not because the mountains are less dramatic, but because the trails are far less crowded. From the Soca River Valley's turquoise waters to Triglav National Park's rugged summits, you can find solitude within minutes of leaving a trailhead. Cyclists will also find long-distance routes and Alpine passes with far less traffic than neighboring countries.

Renowned wine regions and culinary scene

Slovenia is gaining global recognition for its wine, particularly in places like Brda and Vipava Valley. These regions rival Italy's Friuli-Venezia Giulia region in quality but without the high price tag. The country's culinary scene blends Alpine, Mediterranean and Balkan influences, with an emphasis on fresh, seasonal produce.

Slovenia also has an impressive Michelin dining presence. Here are a few standout restaurants to try:

• Restavracija Strelec in Ljubljana: Located within the historic Ljubljana Castle, Strelec (one Michelin star) pairs panoramic city views with a modern menu from chef Igor Jagodic, making it a must-visit in the capital.
• Hisa Franko in Kobarid: Led by chef Ana Roš, this restaurant with two Michelin stars (2024–2025) showcases inventive dishes that highlight the best of Slovenia's local ingredients, like marble trout and wild mushrooms.
• Restaurant Milka in Kranjska Gora: Under chef David Žefran, Milka has maintained its two Michelin stars (2024–2025), delivering a refined Alpine dining experience.
• Hisa Linhart in Radovljica: Housed in a 16th-century Gothic building, Linhart (one Michelin star) offers a relaxed atmosphere paired with exceptional cuisine rooted in regional tradition.

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By covering your stay with points, you can splurge on a tasting menu at one of these restaurants and experience the full depth of Slovenia's Michelin-starred dining.

Flying to Slovenia with points and miles

While Slovenia is becoming more accessible, booking flights with points still requires some strategic planning.

Overview of common gateways

Most travelers fly into Ljubljana Airport (LJU), which handles regional flights from hubs like Amsterdam, London and Frankfurt. Alternate gateways include Venice, Italy, and Zagreb, Croatia, both within a two- to three-hour drive of Slovenia's key attractions. Flying to a nearby airport can sometimes be cheaper or offer better award availability.

While the country isn't as accessible via train as other European destinations, airport transfers are easy thanks to shuttle buses, private transfers, public transit and well-priced rental cars.

Airlines that fly to LJU

Several carriers operate routes to LJU, including KLM Cityhopper, EasyJet, British Airways, Swiss, LOT Polish Airlines, Brussels Airlines and Lufthansa.

I recently flew to Ljubljana from Zurich Airport (ZRH) using just 6,000 United Airlines miles on Swiss — a scenic hop that took just a little over an hour. If you're planning to travel to Slovenia from another European country (or even from the U.S.), Seats.aero is a handy tool that lets you map out routes and quickly check award availability.

Staying in Slovenia with points and miles

For travelers using points, Slovenia offers both global chains and unique local properties, making it easy to stretch rewards while still enjoying comfort and convenience.

Clint Henderson, TPG's principal spokesperson, recently stayed at the InterContinental Ljubljana. "I loved my too-brief time in Slovenia. The hotel is fabulous and centrally located, available for as few as 31,000 IHG One Rewards points per night," he said. "Prices for everything — from fine dining to coffee to hotels — are much lower than other European capitals. I can't wait to go back."

IHG also has a Holiday Inn Express in the capital, which can be booked for as few as 13,000 IHG One Rewards points per night.

The other three major U.S. hotel brands also have properties bookable with points in Slovenia.

Marriott has the Four Points by Sheraton Ljubljana Mons (from 16,500 Marriott Bonvoy points per night) in the capital and dozens of vacation rentals throughout the country bookable via Homes & Villas by Marriott Bonvoy.

Hyatt has several properties in Slovenia through its Mr & Mrs Smith partnership. There's the AS Boutique Hotel in Ljubljana (from 16,750 World of Hyatt points per night), Vila Muhr set on a lake in the Alps (from 46,000 World of Hyatt points per night), and the chalet-style Vila Planinka in Jezersko near the Austrian border (from 16,750 World of Hyatt points per night).

Vila Planinka is also bookable starting at 75,000 Hilton Honors points via Hilton's partnership with Small Luxury Hotels of the World. For now, that's the only property bookable with Hilton Honors points in Slovenia, but a DoubleTree by Hilton is opening in Ljubljana in January 2026 (from 16,000 Hilton Honors points per night).

Use your cash savings for curated Slovenian experiences

Once you've maximized points and miles for flights and hotels, you can redirect your cash budget toward unique experiences that make your trip unforgettable. One standout provider is Luxury Slovenia, a local tour company known for its world-class, tailor-made travel experiences.

TPG's Clint Henderson recently used the company to arrange a scenic day tour of Ljubljana and Lake Bled, located just a 45-minute drive from the capital. "My guide, Tine Verbic — as well as everyone I interacted with in Slovenia — spoke perfect English and did a great job guiding me around the city and then on a fun drive around Lake Bled."

Whether you're interested in scenic drives, culinary tastings or hidden viewpoints, using cash saved from points bookings allows you to upgrade your Slovenian adventure without stretching your budget.

Using points vs. cash: Best practices

The key to maximizing Slovenia on a budget is knowing when to spend points and when to pay cash. Here's what we recommend:

• Book flights and hotels with points to reduce up-front expenses.
• Reserve cash for unique experiences, like private tours, wine tastings or spa visits.
• To stretch your points even further, use tools like Points Boost for Chase bookings or flexible award nights with IHG and Hyatt.

Bottom line

Slovenia is one of Europe's underrated destinations — a place where you can sip world-class wine, hike unspoiled Alpine trails and dine at Michelin-starred restaurants without the high costs of Western European countries. Pair it with smart points and miles redemptions, and you've got a trip that's as rewarding for your wallet as it is for your sense of adventure.

Related reading:

• 9 things people misunderstand about traveling on a budget
• 10 best fall destinations in Europe perfect for families