Across the dreamy Dolenjska landscape the gaze roves from belltower to belltower, from one sacred place to the next. From the pilgrimage routes of Trebnje to the birthplace of the bishop who went off to live among North American Indian tribes, from Vesela gora to the Gothic Šentrupert, from the pilgrimage site of Stopno to the dwelling places of monks, the traveler is led to sacred places whose healing and inspirational experiences have left a permanent imprint on this rolling landscape.

Take the Trebnje exit from the Ljubljana-Novo mesto highway and go in the direction of Čatež. This will take you to the two-towered Church of Mary at Zaplaz (1), one of the most famous sites along the Dolenjska pilgrimage routes. There is a spring nearby which is rumored to have healing powers, especially for diseases and disorders of the eyes. Return to Trebnje, where, after a snack, you can visit the Gallery of Naive Artists (2) and the nearby late Gothic Church of the Virgin Mary with the altar painting by Matevž Langus. In front of the church there is a monument to the famous bishop Friderik Baraga, who worked among the North American Indians. Time permitting, walk up to Trebnje Castle along the Baraga Footpath to see the birthplace of this missionary in Knežja vas, returning to Trebnje via Dobrnič.
From Trebnje head towards the Mirna valley and on towards Šentrupert, just before which is the turnoff for Vesela Gora (3). Here is the 18th century Church of St. Francis Xavier, a pilgrimage site. Inside the church you can admire the paintings of Fortunato Bergant, Valentin Metzinger and Ivan Tušek. The village has an ongoing tradition of livestock fairs and open-air markets, and the Rural Museum is well worth a visit. In the middle of Šentrupert is the Church of St. Rupert (4), one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Slovenia. Afterwards it will be time for lunch and a sampling of the local wine.
Next go through Mokronog to Škocjan, and take the turnoff for Stopno. Follow the old pilgrimage route to climb up to the Church of Mary (5) and view the 15th century paintings by Janez Ljubljanski in the presbytery.
Cross the Novo mesto-Brežice road and drive towards Šentjernej. Follow the signs to the Pleterje Carthusian Monastery (6), founded in the 15th century by Count Herman II of Celje. After viewing the Gothic church, which comprises the oldest part of the monastery, enter the old sacristy, where you can view a multimedia presentation of the monastery and the contemplative life of the monks. Various products made by the monks are available for sale in the gift shop. Afterwards, go for a walk along the Pleterje footpath, a four-kilometer-long guided trail which leads through the woods, passing by massive oak trees (up to 32 meters high), to an abandoned quarry among the vineyards of Pleterje Hill, and back to the outdoor Museum of Folk Architecture (7), with exhibits of folk architecture from the 19th century.
After experiencing the world of the Pleterje monastery, have dinner at one of the restaurants in the vicinity of Krško, then return home via Novo mesto.