Slovenia is a real “Europe in miniature”, it is also called “Switzerland of the Balkans”, offering you a wide range of geographical diversity at a glance: high mountains overlooking beautiful lakes near the magnificent karst caves, the welcoming coastline beckons you before you immerse yourself in the lively urban centres, while in the East, a gentle landscape of plains, rivers, hills and vineyards unfolds.

At the crossroads of the Alps, the Mediterranean and the Pannonian Plain, Slovenia offers a surprising number of natural attractions in a compact area. It proudly preserves and maintains its rich cultural heritage. Its lively cities are home to many treasures of past eras, from prehistory to the XXI century, and offer exciting events, legends and fascinating places to visit.

Ljubljana

The ancient romantic capital of the Illyrian Provinces with the charm of baroque and art nouveau.

Ljubljana is one of the smallest European capitals. As an economic and cultural hub of Slovenia, it has a lot to offer all year round. It is surrounded by parks and areas of protected nature and is also known as the green capital of a green country. Stunning buildings, picturesque bridges and the central market owe a lot of its appearance to the great architect Jože Plečnik. Car traffic is restricted in the city centre, leaving the banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River free for pedestrians and cyclists. Cafes and restaurants set up outdoor seating along the river, perfect for a stroll and maybe dinner with live music in the background. Standing on a hill above the city for about 900 years, is Ljubljana’s main attraction – The Ljubljana Castle. Don’t miss Prešernov trg Square, which is a great starting point to see most of this charming city’s attractions. Museums, galleries and numerous parks are just a short walk away.

Bled

 Glamourous Bled, with its lake and its magical island, the only one in the country.

Bled is often described as “The Alpine Pearl” or an image of paradise. This tourist gem on the edge of the Triglav National Park is distinguished by a mild, healing climate and thermal springs of lake water. The town features a little white church on an island in the center of an emerald green mountain lake, with Bled Castle perched high above, amidst the Julian Alps. This beautiful white and red castle enclosed by a Romanesque wall with dates to the 17th century. You can take a boat (Pletna) ride to the island. Don’t miss tasting the delicious dessert “the Bled cream cake” that makes your visit in Bled complete.

Postojna

Postojna is a town in the traditional region of Inner Carniola known mostly for its castle and caves, the most visited in Europe.

The Predjama Castle is a must-see attraction – an 800 year old medieval miracle, perched in the middle of a rocky cliff.  It is known as as the biggest cave castle in the world.

Not far from the castle is the world-renowned Postojna Cave. A 3.7-km-long journey on Postojna Cave’s underground train in a fascinating subterranean paradise shaped by tiny droplets over millions of years is something you will never forget. It is the only place where you can see the most precious brilliant in the form of a cave formation and also meet the baby dragons.

Maribor

A festival city, famous for the oldest vine in the world.

Maribor is a charming Slovenian city with rich historic and cultural roots set amid wine-region hills on the Drava River. It is surrounded by the green forests of Pohorje, a sunny wine-growing region and the Drava River that runs through the city.  Maribor is famous for its rich wine tradition, the oldest vine in the world, which is found in the city centre, as well as the wine roads in the vicinity. Activities like hiking and cycling, adrenaline descents on the white slopes of the Maribor Pohorje with superb culinary selection and a great number of festivals make it a great destination for all types of travelers.

Piran

A Mediterranean city in the Venetian style, the birthplace of the great composer and violinist Giuseppe Tartini and the picturesque jewel of the Slovenian Adriatic coast.

The old port town is a must see for its architecture, history, events, culinary offerings and its Mediterranean character. It is protected as a cultural and historical monument and is considered to be one of the most authentic and photogenic towns on the Adriatic coast. Charming narrow streets with closely constructed houses descending from the hill and its beautiful church will make you stay “just a bit longer” and take “just some more photographs” to capture its beauty. Visit the Maritime Museum, Piran Aquarium or nearby Salt pans. The Piran salt pans were the reason why this picturesque walled town flourished and where the world-class fleur de sel (flower of salt) is still produced today using age-old methods.

Soča

The emerald river of adventures and activities.

The River Soča has a distinct emerald green colour and is considered to be one of the most beautiful and photogenic rivers in Europe. Its water flows across waterfalls and cascades as well as through narrow rocky gorges and carved canyons and pools.  A renowned fish lives in the River Soča – the Soča Trout, which attracts fishermen from all over the world. The mountainous landscape above the River Soča was the scene of the largest mountain battle in history during World War I. Today, the river and its surroundings attract and excite the lovers of natural beauty and adventurous water sports enthusiasts. The Soča Valley offers various possibilities of an active holiday, activities such as wildwater kayaking, rafting, canyoning, hiking etc. If it’s for the holiday bustle of the small alpine town Bovec, culinary pleasures in Kobarid or the festival events in Tolmin, visiting this valley will not be a regret.