I would like to go from Ljubljana to Trieste in early October. The cost of renting a car is prohibitive and train schedules are limited and cumbersome. I have looked into getting a private car with driver but no luck yet. Does anyone have any ideas????

Not as such, I'm afraid, but surely if it's too expensive to rent a car, it's going to cost even more to rent car plus driver?

Drop the car in Koper and then taxi to Trieste to avoid the drop charge.

According to www.bahn.de, there is a train with only one change, every day at 10:28 and at 16:16. This train takes less than 4 hours. It doesn't seem so bad to me.

There are several more trains which require 2 changes and one straight night train, but the timetable of that one doesn't seem to be very convenient.

We got a quote from our hotel of 120 euros for a private car and driver for door to door transport. This way we can go when we want and not have to worry about trains. I think this is a pretty good rate.

Sounds like an extraordinarily good rate - can't see how they can drive there and back (the driver) for that rate, especially with $6/gal gas. Hop on it.

I presmue you've confirmed with the hotel that this price includes fuel?

Nonconformist - very funny. Reminds me of the old Mike Nichols/Elaine May routine where he goes in to arrange for a funeral and gets a dirt cheap price. Then she says - "and would you be wanting a coffin with that?"

OK - we have made arrangements for a private car and driver to take us. NOw all I need is some advice as to whether there is anything on the way that is absolutely worth seeing. We could either drive directly or stop for a little sightseeing along the way, but I don't know of any places that are worth the stop. I have hear of Piran. Is this an interesting place?????