Slovenia

Slovenia, officially the Republic of Slovenia, is a coastal Alpine country bordering Italy and the Adriatic Sea. Slovenia has been part of the Roman Empire, the Duchy of Karantania, the Holy Roman Empire, Austria-Hungary, the Kingdom of Serbs, Croats and Slovenes, and the Socialist Federal Republic of Yugoslavia from 1945 until gaining independence in 1991.

The boundaries of Slovenia today are as they were as a Socialist Republic prior to independence, but a series of border disputes arose between Slovenia and its neighbor Croatia. Slovenia joined the United Nations on May 22, 1992. Historical ties to Western Europe made Slovenia a strong candidate for accession to the European Union, which occurred on May 1, 2004, while the other Yugoslav Republics had to remain outside the union. Just a few weeks earlier - in March 2004 - Slovenia became a member of NATO.

The Slovenian tolar became part of the European Exchange Rate Mechanism in 2004. Slovenia joined the European Monetary Union and adopted the Euro as its currency on the January 1, 2007, as the first of the new member countries.

HIGHTLIGHTS

LJUBLJANA，is capital city of Slovenia and also its largest city. During antiquity, it was the site of a Roman city called Emona. With a population of 300,000, it is one of the smallest capital cities in Europe. Most interesting places can be reached by foot. In the central part is a main square Prešernov trg with statue of Slovenia`s important poet. Square is located by the Ljubljanica river and alongside are lined many cafes.Across the river is the old town. One of the most iconic structures are Triple bridge (Tromostovje), Dragon Bridge (Zmajski most), and Ljubljana castle on the small hill above the city. You can walk up or take the Funicular Railway. Other interesting places to see are: Roman ruins, Tivoli park, Botanic garden, Metelkova city and many museums and galleries. Every Friday from spring till autumn many restaurants come to Ciril-Metodov trg for popular food market called Open kitchen (Odprta kuhna) with more than 100 stalls offering diverse, original, fresh and quality dishes from all over Slovenia and various countries of the world, complemented by an exquisite offer of wines, cocktails, beers and other drinks.
BLED is probably the most picturesque place and most popular resort in Slovenia. City is located on the shore of the emerald-green lake, with an island and church on it. On the rocky cliff is an medieval castle dating from 11th, but mostly built in 16th and 17th century. Most of the time can be seen some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke, usually covered with snow. From castle is a great view, and there is also a museum, restaurant and wine cellar. Wooden `pletna` boats are typical for Bled and you can reach island with one of them and walk exactly 99 steps to the church. Bled is popular place for weddings and old tradition was, that the groom had to carry his bride up the stairs.
Beside the lake is Vila Bled which was a summer mansion for Tito, a Yugoslavian leader. Now is a luxury hotel.Be sure to have cremeschnitte, a local custard cream cake which is made since 1953.
Close to bled is Triglav Nationa park and Vintgar gorge.
KOPER is Slovenian port city visited by cruise ships.
Name originates from Roman town of Caprea. Koper was part of Venetian republic and later since 1797 part of Austria and from 1918 part of Italy and then Free Territory of Trieste, later Yugoslavia and now Slovenia. Some streets are from Venetian era. Most known building is Pretorian Palace, dating back to 15th century, which is now city hall and popular wedding place. The main square in the old city is Tito Square (Titov trg), located on the square is Cathedral of the Assumption and Campanile- which you can climb for great views of the city. Buildings of Foresteria and Armeria date back to the 15th and 16th century.
PIRAN is a town in southwestern Slovenia on the Gulf of Piran on the Adriatic Sea. Piran was part of the Venetian empire from the late 13th century to the end of the 18th century and then part of Italy from 1918 til 1947. In the main square is statue of Giuseppe Tartini, composer and virtuoso violinist who was born in a house just close to the square. The square was once a harbour for fishing boats. At the entrance of the square are Stone Flag Poles made in the 15th century. Their original place was in front of the old Town Hall. The town flag (a red cross on a field of white – the symbol of St. George) used to be raised there. On the square you will notice a red building- Venetian House. It is a fantastic example of gothic Venetian architecture and the oldest building on the square. Built by a rich Venetian merchant to house his mistress, spot the inscription between the upper windows: it says Lassa pur dir, or "let them talk". City has also Maritime Museum. Nearby is Sečovlje Salinasa where the salt is produced.festival of salt is organized every year on St. George’s Day, the patron saint of Piran.
PORTOROZ  is a Slovenian Adriatic seaside resort with spa and wellness centre, and thre Casinos. It is a gambling place for more than a century. SPA offers swimming pool with sea water and 42,000 year-old Prehistoric Sea water coming to the surface from a depth of 700 meters.
City was formed in roman times and is spa resort since 13th century when monks from the Monastery of St. Lawrence treated people with seawater and brine. Hotel Palace in the centre of the town was once one of the most important resorts for the Austro-Hungarian monarchy.
From 1918 and 1947 was part of Italy. On the hilltop near Hotel Bernardin from which is also a nice view on sea, you can visit ruins og the church from 15th century.
POSTOJNA CAVE and its exciting interior will take you on a fantastic journey beneath the surface of the Earth. Thus, it is no wonder that it has, during the 200 years since it was opened to the public, hosted over 36 million visitors from all over the world. In addition to the two world-famous attractions, the Postojna Cave Park offers a number of other experiences, perfect for an all-day trip that you will remember for years to come.