From the mighty forests of Kočevski Rog to the plains of Bela krajina and the picturesque Kolpa River valley, the traveler encounters a land steeped in history and tradition. Tales of the Partisans join hands with stories about the unique animal life; views from the mountain of St. Francis descend down to the mysteries of the ancient Mithra; legends about the fairies of the Gorjanci hills and the evil miller pour into the flow of rivers; the springtime rites of Zeleni Jurij "Green George" resound among the white birches. In this landscape of manifold wonders you, too, can experience your own unforgettable story ...

From Novo mesto go towards Dolenjske Toplice as you start your journey from dark primeval forests to the warmest Slovene river, the Kolpa. At the village of Podturn there is a turnoff for Kočevski Rog, where stands of virgin forest are still preserved, and where you can enjoy the fir and beech trees which provide food for forest dormice and a protective habitat for bears, wolves, and lynx. Hidden in the forest is Baza 20 (1), the headquarters of the Slovenian military and political leadership during the second world war. A barracks nearby housed the military field hospital of Jelendol.
After exploring the mysteries of the forest have a bite to eat, then, on the road to Črnomelj, turn off at Vrčice for the 1047-meter-high Mirna gora. Just below the summit is a mountain hut and a chapel built on the site of the remains of the Church of St. Francis. The church tower has been converted into a lookout tower from which you can see the spacious plains of Bela krajina, the hills of Gorjanci, and Gorski Kotar of Croatia.
From the Bela krajina highlands descend via Vrčice to the Bela krajina plains, among the beeches and ferns, the ethnological and culinary specialties. Treat yourself to lunch and a good local wine in Semič. Enroute to Črnomelj stop at Rožanec, and follow the signs to the Mithreum. This ancient shrine to the Persian god Mithra, whose image is carved in stone, has been preserved in pristine natural surroundings.
From Rožanec go to Črnomelj, the center of Bela krajina life, boasting a fascinating old town center in which you will find Stonič Castle, a command post, the Church of St. Peter, and the smaller Church of the Holy Spirit. The collections of the city museum and the works of Božidar Jakac are on display in Črnomelj Castle, and there is an archeological exhibit outlining the development of the town from the 5th to the 15th century in the Pastoral Center by the rectory (2). Below the city is the scenic confluence of the Dobličica and Lahinja rivers. After sightseeing in Črnomelj visit Stari trg ob Kolpi, with its picturesque town center and the Baroque style Church of St. Joseph.
For a perfect ending to a satisfying day before returning to mundane everyday life, treat yourself to dinner at one of the local tourist farms or inns, then return home the same way you came or via Kočevje and Ribnica.