Dolenjska and Bela krajina are two beautiful cousins with many common features. Both are characterized by flowing waters and lovely churches, by green and scenic landscapes, by ethnological and cultural treasures. Similar as they are, however, they are also divergent enough to surprise the visitor with their differing sights, sounds, and experiences. The waters of Dolenjska show themselves proudly, while those of Bela krajina are hidden by the lush vegetation along their banks; the forests of Dolenjska carefully keep their secrets while those of Bela krajina tell them to the wind and visitors. A few days traveling towards the southern edge of Slovenia will fill you with redoubled energy-with impressions and memories from two sources, and leave you with a doubly strong desire to return ...

Day 1:
Take the Ivančna Gorica exit from the Ljubljana-Novo mesto highway and follow the signs to Stična. You will soon arrive at the Cistercian Monastery (1), founded in the 12th century. A tour of the monastery includes the basilica, cloister and other architectural features, where you can learn about the origins of the oldest Slovenian Cistercian abbey, the life of the White Monks, the famed Stična manuscripts and much more about the Cistercian order and Stična. Conclude your tour with a visit to the Slovenian Museum of Religion and a browse through the monastery gift shop.
From Stična continue on to Trebnje, a town in the Temenica River valley, where the Gallery of Naive Artists (2) can be found next to the Church of the Virgin Mary.
In the park there is a collection of works by self-taught sculptors who meet regularly in Trebnje at traditional artists' colonies.
After lunch follow the pilgrimage route to the Church of Mary at Zaplaz nad Čatežem (3). Before leaving be sure to stop at the healing spring, whose water is said to be especially good for the eyes. Then continue on towards Šentrupert. Soon afterwards turn in the direction of Vesela Gora (4), a scenic viewpoint with the 18th century baroque Church of St. Francis Xavier, where you can view the paintings of Fortunato Bergant, Valentin Metzinger and Ivan Tušek. Nearby is the picturesque Way of the Cross shrine.
Go down from Vesela Gora into Šentrupert and take some time to visit one of the most beautiful Gothic churches in Slovenia. The Church of St. Rupert (5), soon after its erection in the 15th century, was converted into a fortress against the invading Turks, its windows converted into defensive positions.
After dinner in Šentrupert drive on to Šmarješke Toplice to spend the evening and night.

Day 2:
Spend the morning enjoying the green surroundings of the famous Otočec Castle (6), the only remaining island castle in Slovenia, erected on an island in the middle of the Krka River. The river flows towards Brežice, where it flows into the Sava. If you follow the river upstream after a few kilometers you will come to Novo mesto - the picturesque capital of Dolenjska sited among seven hills above the Krka. A visit to the Dolenjska Museum (7) will serve as a wonderful prelude to a later walk through the old city center.
Visit Glavni trg (Main Square) with its arcaded houses and well. Visit the Franciscan monastery and the Chapter Church of St. Nicholas with the altar painting by the Venetian painter Tintoretto. After lunch in Novo mesto, continue on towards Dolenjske Toplice and beyond under the slopes of Kočevski Rog. Follow the signs to Baza 20 (8), where during World War II the Slovenian National Liberation Movement had its political and military headquarters in the midst of this thick, protective forest.
A gradual ascent through former Kočevje villages will take you to up to a pass from which you will have a panoramic view of Bela krajina. Descend into the hub of the region, the largest Bela Krajina town of Črnomelj, and spend the evening and night there or on one of the nearby tourist farms. In summer camping is also an option.

Day 3:
Take the morning to look around Črnomelj. This town, situated on a promontory above the Dobličica and Lahinja Rivers, has a picturesque town center containing a former command post of the Teutonic Knights, the castle, the Church of St. Peter, and the Church of the Holy Spirit. Črnomelj Castle houses the city museum collections as well as a collection of works by Božidar Jakac, while archeological artifacts are on exhibit in the Pastoral Center next to the rectory (9). Not far from Črnomelj you can enjoy beautiful natural scenery.
The Lahinja River catchment area with its unique landscape features is encompassed in Lahinja Regional Park between the villages of Pusti Gradac and Veliki Nerajec.
The park offers scenic walks through unspoiled natural areas, opportunities to learn about the local archeology and ethnology, and a visitor center in Veliki Nerajec where you can buy local crafts and souvenirs.
After lunch continue on to the Kolpa River, which marks the border with Croatia, and go in the direction of Metlika to the village of Žuniči. In the neighboring villages live the descendants of the so-called "Uskoki," who fled from the Turks in the 16th century and settled parts of Bela krajina.
Continue going in the direction of Metlika and take the turnoff for Rosalnice when you get to the town. This village is known for its three 15th century Gothic pilgrimage churches, known as the Tri fare (10), or Three Parishes.
After supper at a local restaurant, cross the Gorjanci hills and head back towards Novo mesto and home.