Maribor, Slovenia’s second-largest city, offers a surprising variety of tours that showcase its rich culinary, cultural, and natural attractions. Its location makes it easy to explore charming towns, lush vineyards, and underground caves—all with a local flavor you won’t find elsewhere. We’re particularly fond of tours that combine authentic Slovenian experiences with insightful guides, like the Michelin-star dinner tour that takes you into the heart of Slovenia’s culinary scene, or the wine tour that explores historic vineyards and tasting stops. Whether you’re after a gourmet adventure or a nature-filled day, Maribor’s tour options are worth planning around.
If you’re visiting Slovenia and want to maximize your time, these tours offer a variety of ways to get beneath the surface of what makes this region special. Some focus on fine dining, others on wine and scenery, and a few combine underground adventures with castles and folklore. We’ve picked the best to help you decide what suits your style and interests.
Quick Overview
Below, you’ll find a brief summary of the top three tours in Maribor. Each offers a distinct way to enjoy this region:
- A luxury dinner and cultural tour from Ljubljana that highlights Slovenia’s culinary excellence (From Ljubljana: Michelin star dinner and tour)
- An all-day wine and sightseeing adventure, exploring historic towns, vineyards, and the oldest grape in the world (Maribor & Styria Tour with Wine Tasting)
- A private underground cave and castle trip with dramatic scenery and folklore (Maribor: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Private Tour)
Now, let’s look at each in detail.
1. From Ljubljana: Michelin star dinner and tour
This tour is a fantastic choice if you want to experience Slovenia’s culinary mastery firsthand. Starting from Ljubljana, you’ll head into rural Slovenia to enjoy a multi-course dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chefs (more details here). The tour combines visiting a duck farm, where you can learn about traditional farming practices, with a guided exploration of local highlights.
The itinerary includes a scenic one-hour van ride, visits to local farms, and culminates in a six-course dinner featuring some of the finest Slovenian ingredients. The guided tour offers insights into regional food traditions and the craftsmanship behind Michelin-quality dishes. The experience is enhanced by the chance to relax and enjoy the company of fellow travelers, with reviews praising the friendly guides and well-paced stops. One guest commented, “Very well explanations about every small part of the trip in Maribor, Ptuj,” highlighting the personalized touch.
This tour is ideal if you love food and culture combined, and if you want to indulge in a memorable dining experience that’s hard to find elsewhere. Keep in mind the six-hour duration, which makes it a good half-day trip from Ljubljana.
Bottom Line: A perfect choice for foodies and those wanting a taste of Slovenia’s culinary excellence paired with authentic rural visits.
2. Maribor & Styria Tour with Wine Tasting
If you’re interested in wine, history, and scenic villages, this full-day tour hits all the right notes. Starting at Dalmatinova ulica 1, the journey takes you through some of Slovenia’s most picturesque spots—like the oldest grape in the world, which holds a Guinness World Record, and the stunning remains of the Žiče Charterhouse. The tour is especially appealing to wine enthusiasts, as it offers a visit to renowned vineyards and multiple tasting stops.
The day also includes exploring Slovenske Konjice, a charming town with a lively atmosphere, and a generous four-hour stop in Maribor itself, where you can enjoy lunch, sightseeing, or just a walk along the Drava River. The guide enriches the experience with local stories and history, making the visit both educational and relaxing. Reviewers consistently rate this tour a perfect 5/5, emphasizing its value and comprehensive nature.
This tour appeals to those who want to combine cultural exploration with wine tasting. The trip covers significant landmarks, scenic drives, and authentic regional flavors, all in one day. The only consideration: it’s a long, full-day commitment, so good for active travelers who like a busy schedule.
Bottom Line: An excellent all-in-one experience for wine lovers and those curious about Slovenia’s historic towns and vineyards.
3. Maribor: Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle Day Private Tour
For travelers seeking a personalized adventure, this private tour combines Slovenia’s most iconic underground and castle sights. Starting from Maribor or other pickup points, you’ll explore the Postojna Cave, renowned for its stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and underground tunnels. The guided 1.5-hour tour of the cave reveals a fascinating world of natural wonder.
Following the cave, you’ll visit the Predjama Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff. The castle’s architecture and folklore about the legendary knight Erazem of Predjama make it a memorable stop. The entire experience lasts about 5.5 hours, with the flexibility of a private guide and transfer, allowing for tailored attention and comfort.
While this tour is pricier, it offers an intimate, flexible experience that’s especially suited for couples or small groups. Guests have praised the guide’s knowledge and the smooth logistics, with one noting that the guide’s local tips made the trip more memorable. It’s perfect for those wanting to combine natural beauty with fairy-tale castles on a half-day adventure.
Bottom Line: A top pick if you value personalized service and want to explore Slovenia’s dramatic underground and medieval architecture without rushing.
How to Choose the Best Tour in Maribor
Choosing between these options depends on your interests, budget, and time. If culinary excellence is your priority, the Michelin star dinner (see more) provides a refined taste of Slovenia’s top chefs. For a full-day immersion into wine, villages, and scenic towns, the Maribor & Styria Tour (more info) offers incredible value for wine lovers. Lastly, the private cave and castle tour (details here) is ideal for those seeking a flexible, personalized trip with dramatic natural sights.
Consider your travel style: do you want a structured, restaurant-focused experience, or a longer day exploring vineyards? Or perhaps a private, scenic adventure suits you best? Booking early is advisable, especially in peak seasons, to secure your preferred date.
In summary, Maribor offers distinctly appealing tours catering to diverse interests—culinary, cultural, or natural. Whether you’re after a gourmet meal, a day of wine and scenic towns, or a private underground adventure, there’s a tour here that will fit your taste.
Happy planning, and don’t forget—early booking often means better choices and availability.