Sorry to do this to you, but if I only had time for one it would be Rovinj. It's the most charming town on the Istrian Peninsula.

I agree with Catbert. Also, if you want vivid waters, skip the coast and head to the Soca River Valley.

Thanks for the recommendations, but I think those may be too far. I'm wanting to do a daytrip from Ljubljana, taking a train or bus early in the morning and then getting back on a train around 18:00. Given that additional information, what do you think?

In that case, I'd go to Lake Bled. It's only an hour by train and very beautiful.

I'm already going to Lake Bled, already part of my itinerary.

Hopefully Jan will come back with suggestions. Living in Ljubljana, she will know the transport details better.

I, too, am thinking of going to Piran and Rovinj. I'll probably rent a car and do both. Rick Steves writes highly of Piran. He briefly comments on Rovinj as being "seedy, touisty, but fun." You might want to check his Eastern Europe book.

Hi
If you only have time for one, then go to Piran. It's right on the coast, with a great Italian Influence and good seafood restaurants. A lot of Italians come over by boat and spend the day, it is bi-lingual. In Italian it's Pirano. It's right on the water. The beach, if I recall is rocky not sandy and there were many families there visiting. It's a really nice place to visit. I also think Rovinj is a better looking place, but another compromise could be Porec. It's a really nice place also, closer to the Slovenia border. We spent several days there about 3 yrs. ago before moving on to Rovinj. I have also been to Piran and we stayed at an older hotel in the city center with a balcony overlooking the sea, Beautiful. It was my introduction to the Adriatic, and it is beautiful Stay away from Portoroz, near Piran, it's very touristy and built up with a different feel to it.
Enjoy

Thanks aeiger. Jeff, lucky you renting a car. Since I'm traveling alone, I'm sticking to buses and trains since I think it might be a little too much to be navigator and driver. I do have Rick Steve's Eastern Europe book, along with Lonely Planet, and other guides. When are you going?

I'm considering going the first of May. But I'm still working on an itinerary. I've read about yours. Mine might not be as ambitious, but I find that by traveling alone you can see and do a lot. I tend to spend less time just hanging out and more time checking out the sights.

About the car, I'll probably only get one for 3-days. It's not all that expensive and it sure gives you lots of flexibility. It would be nice to have a naviagator, that is if you can find one that can read a map and you want to travel with. But I really haven't had a problem driving alone, at least not France and Germany.

Jeff,
On my trips I've taken with my mom in Ireland and England, we've always rented a car (I'm the driver) and it has been really great to have that flexibility. The bus and train will be novel and I figure it will be a way to connect with other people. I do have to say that I have vaguely considered the idea of a two day car rental to drive myself to Piran or Opatija. I still have plenty of time to figure that out since I'm not going until the very end of March or beginning of April.

hello aggiegirl, just read you message we stayed in Piran (beautiful place) this summer for a few days on our travels from Ljubjliana to Venice we went by coach as the train only took you to Koper and then you have to catch the coach at a small terminal. The coach from Ljubljiana only takes 2 1/2 hours and very scenic.

Thanks for the response, neetngaz. What was the bus like? Was it full? Was it a nice coach? How much did it cost to Piran?

Ok, aggiegirl, I think you have already decided but I would recommend Piran. It is a cute little city, and many from LJ go there at least once/month.

I always drive so can't help you with bus details.
Cheers,
J

Aggiegirl, good luck with planning your trip. I clicked on your name because I wanted to know if you can give me more info about Cillcoman Lodge near Westport, Ireland! I have a couple of questions posted about Westport, Ireland, and you could maybe give me a little more info there if you have time? (Spending 3 nights using Westport as a base for County Mayo. Will have car. Trip is in July 2006. If you click on my name you can find me and my Ireland questions! Thanks so much! It is difficult to find a place in/near Westport which is convenient for visiting the pubs with trad music in Westport town centre, yet is still quiet enough at night for sleeping (as I'm a light sleeper.) That's why I"m considering Cillcoman Lodge. Also wondering if parking in WEstport is difficult in July. Thanks! Good luck planning your trip

Thanks, Jan, for your response.

we went to Portoroz 3 or 4 weeks ago and ended up 2km from Piran. It was absolutely beautiful.

we stayed at the 4 star hotel histrion for about 150 euros per night for 4 of us.

We flew into budapest and took a private plane for about 400 euros for the 4 of us from www.budapesthungary.hu , landed in Portoroz airport and took a 6 euro taxi to the hotel.

It was great, no customs, no q's, etc...

Ljubjana would have been only 1 hour drive from Portoroz

just another suggestion

Rotoway, the earlier posts are nearly 2 years old but i guess you probably know that already.

We were in Piran during Tito's time and found it a delightful place for a couple of days. At that time, one parked in large lots outside the city gates and walked in.