The Slovenian Mediterranean is enclosed by three bays: The Bay of Piran, the Bay of Strunjan and the Bay of Koper. Thick strata of marl and sandstone in the Bay of Strunjan create the highest flysch cliff of the whole Adriatic coast, towering up to 80 metres above the sea. The Strunjan Cliff is protected as a nature reserve and, together with the saltworks, forms part of the Strunjan Nature Park.
The coastal town with the longest tradition of tourism is Portorož, a tourist resort with comfortable hotels and modern swimming pools, and a wide choice of restaurants and events. Portorož is a popular centre for conferences and meetings, with several conference halls capable of holding up to 1,500 guests. The town also has a casino, a modern marina and a natural health resort with its own wellness centre. An international airport is located nearby. Portorož offers a wide choice of entertainment, sports activities and relaxation.
Ljubljana is a city of culture, home to numerous theatres, museums and galleries, and also boasts one of the oldest philharmonic societies in the world. Over 10,000 cultural events take place in Slovenia's capital each year, including several international festivals. Ljubljana has been chosen by UNESCO as the 2010 World Book Capital.
Life on the banks of the Ljubljanica, in the warmer months of the year, many cafés and restaurants spread out into the open air, to the banks of the Ljubljanica and the squares of the Old Town. Here residents and visitors alike meet over a morning coffee, after the almost obligatory Saturday visit to the central market, or the Sunday flea market, or for an evening chat with friends. The pulse of the city is lively yet at the same time relaxed, in part because so many young people live in Ljubljana. Students, roughly 50,000 of them, account for almost a fifth of the population
The resort town of Bled, with a tradition of tourism dating back several centuries, stands on the shores of Lake Bled. Bathing establishments, hotels with swimming pools and conference halls, footpaths, a golf course and a casino are just a small fraction of what this picturesque resort has to offer. Bled is also famous for a distinctive dessert: the Bled cream slice or Cremeschnitte.
In the vicinity of Lake Bohinj, Slovenia's largest glacial lake, which lies in the heart of the Triglav National Park, there are several towns catering for tourists. The largest of them is Bohinjska Bistrica. It is situated close to the ski centres of Kobla and Vogel. The Bohinj Valley is the starting point for many climbing expeditions, while the lake and the Sava Bohinjka are ideal for water sports and fishing enthusiasts. As well as unspoilt nature, the Bohinj Valley has a rich local heritage and many interesting cultural and religious sights.
Several natural features give north-eastern Slovenia its particular character. Among the largest are the Pohorje massif, the hills of Slovenske Gorice and the plains of Pomurje. The medieval city of Celje, where Slovenia's only noble family once lived in the castle above the town, lies in a natural basin.
Maribor, soon to become the European Capital of Culture, boasts the oldest vine in the world. Ptuj is Slovenia's oldest town. The rivers Drava and Mura, which wind across the region, are two of Slovenia's most important rivers.
George Bernard Shaw was enchanted by this beautiful city, about which he said "those who seek paradise on Earth should come to Dubrovnik and see Dubrovnik", as well as, famously, describing it as "the pearl of the Adriatic". Dubrovnik truly is a stunning city with its amazing Old Town, which became a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1979. But whatever we and others say, our words do not give justice to this dazzling place. So come soon and see it with your own eyes!
As mentioned, the Old Town and its many sights (including the well-preserved city walls along which you can walk) is the main sight of Dubrovnik. If you are visiting in the summer, do not miss the world-renowned Dubrovnik Summer Festival, with music, theatre and dance performances. The version of Hamlet on Lovrijenac Tower is magical..
11 days/10 nights
7 days/6 nights
9 days/8 nights