#1. Bled
Bled, a Slovenian resort town in the foothills of the Julian Alps, is set along the glacial Lake Bled.
On a cliff overlooking the lake is the 11th-century Bled Castle, which houses a museum, chapel and printing press. Atop a small island in the lake's center is the Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Maria, with its steep staircase and bell tower.
Visitors can be ferried to Pilgrimage Church in covered wooden rowboats called pletnas. A walking path encircles the lake, passing a swimming area and trailheads for forested hiking paths. Bled is known for kremna rezina, a layered vanilla cream cake that's served around town.
Just outside the downtown area is Vintgar gorge, where wooden walkways crisscross rapids and pools. The town is also a gateway to nearby Triglav National Park, which offers skiing and hiking, as well as rafting on the Soca River, renowned for its aquamarine hue.