Slovenia
a slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia sloven nia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slov venia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia sl
venia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia sl nia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slov a slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia slovenia sloven
The destinationfor formeetings meetingsfarfar The destination beyond your beyond your expectations expectations
od leta 1986 BLED - LJUBLJANA SLOVENIJA
Professional Congress Organiser & Destination Management Company
Index Index Slovenia
Slovenia - Access
2 Basic Information 3 Useful Information Population Time zone Currency Taxes Credit cards Tipping Climate Emergency telephone numbers Telephone and mobile calls Internet Electrical appliances
14 Access
Slovenia - Meeting destination 7 8 9 10
Ljubljana Bled Portoro탑 Other locations
Slovenia - Accomodations 12 Accomodations
Slovenia - Social programmes 17 Culture 20 Tourism 24 Gastronomy
Albatros Bled - Ljubljana 26 Congress support Venue and accomodation information The site inspection visit Support from local institutions Web-page creation and congress links (congress application) Printed material with congress information Budgeting Negotiating Information and registration desks Technical support Social programs and activities Accounting 29 References
Albatros Bled Ljubljana Albatros Bled - Ljubljana
od leta 1986 BLED - LJUBLJANA SLOVENIJA
Professional Congress Organiser & Destination Management Company
A
lbatros, Congress and Tourist Service, is the leading independent Professional Congress Organizer (PCO) and DMC in Slovenia, providing a complete financial management of international congresses, conferences, meetings and other events, their coordination, technical equipment and supervision all over Slovenia and abroad. As a PCO, we manage the entire technical organization of the event in the name and on the behalf of the organizers and safeguard their interests. The quality of our services is based on: t PWFS ZFBST PG FYQFSJFODF JO PSHBOJ[JOH JOUFSOBUJPOBM DPOHSFTTFT DPOGFSFODFT TZNQPTJVNT developing and delivering special tourist programmes, etc., t XPSLJOH XJUI FYQFSJFODFE IJHIMZ TLJMMFE DPNQFUFOU BOE TFMFDUFE MPDBM QBSUOFST t SFGFSFODFT BOE SFDPNNFOEBUJPOT GSPN USVTUFE QBSUOFST t HFUUJOH UIF FYQFDUFE WBMVF t QFSTPOBM BQQSPBDI BOE TFOTF PG EFUBJMT t FYDMVTJWJUZ t JOUFSOBUJPOBM RVBMJUZ
Individual approach to create perfectexperiences! expeciences! Individual approach to create perfect 25
Congress support Congress support Local organizing committee along with appointed PCO will assist in the following: t DPPSEJOBUJPO PG UIF TJUF JOTQFDUJPO WJTJU t HBUIFSJOH TVQQPSU PG MPDBM JOTUJUVUJPOT t F NBJM DBNQBJHO t XFC QSJOU BOE QSFTT QSPNPUJPO t JOGPSNBUJPO CSPDIVSFT BOE HBUIFSJOH PUIFS OFDFTTBSZ NBUFSJBMT
Venue and accomodation information
We will provide all the necessary information about the venue for your meeting and provide recommendation on most convenient hotels.
The site inspection visit
We will coordinate your site inspection visit to Slovenia and your meeting destination. We are ready to prepare and organize all aspects of your visit at the dates that are most convenient for you.
Support from local institutions
Thanks to the previous record of successful events organized in Slovenia we have established direct contacts with numerous institutions in order to facilitate all the necessary procedures and communications between congress organizers and local organizations.
W
eb-page creation and congress links (congress application) We can create a link to your existing web-page or create a new one, through which possible participants will be informed about the meeting, the venue and the whole programme. Through this link participants will be able to register directly and arrange whatever is necessary for the meeting following simple steps (registration fee and payment, accommodation, transportation, etc.). As an organizer, you will be able to check the status
26
Congress support Congress support of your meeting online in real time – each check- in will let you know about the current numbers and figures for your meeting.
P
rinted materials with congress information Our trusted partners will design and print all necessary materials needed for a successful meeting (invitations, information brochures, book of abstracts, etc.).
Budgeting
We will create a financial summary with all the prices and services required to organize your meeting and make it successful. After that we will familiarize you with all the costs and make sure that we will target your budget line.
Negotiating
We have been cooperating with our trusted partners for over 25 years. Consequently, we can achieve the best quality, conditions and better rates for all the services needed.
Hotel reservations, catering and logistics
We will purchase and reserve a contingent of hotel rooms, follow- up reservations, send confirmations and deal with the correspondence. We can arrange all food and beverage needs for the meeting and help you with the selection of menus. Transportation services and flight reservations can also be made through our agency.
Information and registration desks
Registration desks will be provided upon the arrival of participants at the meeting location where the skilled staff will provide all the necessary information and documents. They will also give local information and ideas on what to do in free time and share knowledge about the area.
27
Congress support Congress support Technical support
We offer great technical support for your meetings. Our technical staff’s expertise has a long list of references; they can work with a huge variety of technical appliances and can adjust well to any given condition. Together with technical support we can also arrange simultaneous translations at your meetings with professional translators skilled in multiple foreign languages.
Social programs and activities
We can provide additional programs that will make your meeting special and unique. These can include excursions, sport activities, social and cultural events, theme evenings, team buildings, parties, etc. If special tickets to some events are needed, we can arrange those as well.
Accounting
We will take care of all the accounting regarding your meeting, including the VAT issues. We will keep you upto-date with the accounts before, between and after the meeting and prepare a final financial report.
28
References References
29
References References
30
References References
31
Slovenia Slovenia
Gorgeous scenery, historic towns, winesand and Gorgeous scenery, historic towns, finefinewines cosmopolitan cuisine – that's Slovenia. cosmopolitan cuisine – that's Slovenia. – Robin Anderson, Forbes magazine 1
Basic Information Basic Information
S
lovenia is among the most charming destinations in Europe. It lies at the crossroads of Slavic, Germanic and Romanic worlds and offers a great mixture of these different cultures. For its size it is extremely varied, from rustic countryside, into the magic underworld, and from small and quaint alpine villages into healing waters, fascinating cities and off to the short Mediterranean coastline. These unforgettable experiences can be spiced up with delicious culinary specialities, which vary in their diversity as much as the country's landscape. Slovenia's bonuses are also its location in the middle of Europe, on most important transit routes; it is easily accessible, it is not overcrowded with tourists, offers great ambience and is more than ideal for your next meeting. 2
Useful Information Useful Information Population
Slovenia's 2 046 976 people are 83% ethnic Slovenes who speak Slovene. There is a small percentage of Serbs, Croats and Muslim Bosniaks. Almost 60% of the country is Catholic. Together there are 43 religious communities registered in Slovenia. The biggest city in Slovenia is Ljubljana (280 000 inhabitants).
T
ime zone Slovenia is in the Central European Standard time zone CET. GMT + 1 hour
Currency
Slovenia uses the euro currency. Low denomination coins are cents. Small businesses prefer that you pay your bills in cash. ATM machines, usually located outside a bank, are the standard way to get local currency. Current exchange rate (January 2013): USD 1 = 0,75 EUR GBP 1 = 1,21 EUR
T
axes VAT (mostly 20%) is included in the price of all products and services. The VAT rate is shown on the receipt. Non-EU visitors are entitled to a refund of the tax paid on goods, provided that they have made a purchase above a certain amount at a store participating in the VAT refund scheme.
C
redit and debit cards Visa and Mastercard are more commonly accepted than American Express and Diners. Most credit cards can be used at larger hotels, restaurant and shops.
3
Useful Information Useful Information Tipping
Tipping is not obligatory, but if the service provided exceeds your expectations it is considered appropriate to tip about 5-10%.
Geography
Slovenia has four extremely different terrains: the warm Mediterranean coastline, the snow-capped forested alpine mountains in the northwest; the moderate-climate, central limestone plateau that includes Ljubljana and the cave-filled Karst region; and to the east, a corner of the Great Hungarian Plain. The climate is diverse, from Alpine and Continental to Mediterranean. This affects also the landscape of the country. The highest mountain is Triglav (2864 m) and the longest river is the Sava (221 km).
E
mergency telephone numbers Police - 113 Fire Department - 112 Ambulance - 112
Telephone and mobile calls
Country code for Slovenia is +386. Slovenia has full coverage provided by three mobile operators: Mobitel – www.mobitel.si SiMobil – www.simobil.si Tuš mobil – www.tusmobil.si
Internet
Internet access is widely available throughout the country, especially in the hotels. Internet cafes are common in Slovenia and a great number of them provide free WIFI to their customers. Internet country code is .si.
4
Useful Information Useful Information Electrical appliances
Slovenia has a voltage of 220 volts, and a frequency of 50 Hz. Plugs have two round prongs like those used in Western Europe. For 110 volt appliances you will need a converter and adapter plug.
Food and drink
Tap water is safe to drink. Bottled water is popular and easily available. Slovenia is a producer and exporter of high quality mineral water brands: Radenska and Donat Mg. Local wines and beers are very good and inexpensive. Imported drinks are also served at most cafes and restaurants. Most restaurants and hotels offer traditional national cuisine; you can also find international and ethnic restaurants. All restaurants have special dishes for vegetarians and can adapt to guests with different food allergies.
Banks and post offices
Most banks and post offices are open from 8 am to 7 pm on weekdays and from 8 am to 12 on Saturdays.
Shops
Shops typically open at 8 am and close at 7 pm. Shopping centres opening hours are longer, mainly till 9 pm. On Sundays, most shops are closed – except bigger shopping centres.
5
Slovenia Meeting Destination Slovenia - Meeting Destination
Unique venue specialevents. events. Unique venue for forspecial 6
Ljubljana Ljubljana
L
jubljana is a lovely Central European city and one of Europe's brightest and most engaging small capitals. Situated in the southern part of the Ljubljana basin, at the juncture of the Alps and Dinaric mountain ranges, pretty much everything converges here: all major transport links, industry and commerce, culture, politics and power. The city’s tremendously compact centre is perfect to discover on foot. While the city boasts a number of enjoyable museums and galleries, the city's real charm lies outdoors. Its central core is a showcase of princely Baroque and Secessionist edifices, while the legacy of magnificent buildings, bridges and pathways belongs to the greatest Slovene architect Jože Plečnik. The city’s churches reveal a dazzling artistry, from Francesco Robba's extraordinary altar sculptures to Quaglio's splendid frescoes. Fundamental to the city's layout and history is the slender river Ljubljanica, a once navigable waterway, but now sprinkled with several fine-looking bridges. On both the left and right banks the city's Roman and medieval past can be detected, splendid Baroque townhouses and maze-like streets of the majestic Old Town are lorded over by the landmark castle on top of Castle Hill. The splashes of greenery give just a hint of what lies beyond the city's boundaries. Above all though, Ljubljana is a sociable city, place to come and meet people, dip in and out of its enchanting riverside cafes or delicious restaurants and engage in the nightlife. Owning to both - the country's size and the city's central location, it lies at a perfect location and offers great capacities to organize international and national conferences, meeting and events. Recommended number of participants according to the existing conference facilities in Ljubljana: up to 2000 delegates.
A capital cool capital greatmeetings. meetings. A cool for for great
7
Bled Bled
O
ne thousand years old in 2004, Bled is by far the country’s most popular destination, thanks to its placid fairytale lake and island, dramatically sited castle and snow-tipped mountains. The lake was created some 14 000 years ago when water flooded the depression left by a receding glacier. It is a natural and spontaneous playground, deluged with skaters during the winter and bristling rowing boats, gondolas and swimmers during the spring and summer months. The town dates from 1004, when the German emperor Henry II bestowed the castle and the land between the two Sava Rivers to the bishops of Brixen – who would subsequently rule for the next 800 years. The first visitors to Bled were medieval pilgrims from Carniola and Carinthia, who came to pray at the island church, although mass tourism didn’t take long to find its feet thanks in no small measures to Arnold Rikli, a Swiss born physician who opened a bathing resort and associated accommodation facilities here in 1855. Between the two World Wars the resort became a popular hideaway for politicians and royalty, with both the Yugoslav royal family and later Tito, spending much time here during the summer. Even today Bled is the place high-ranking officials and diplomats are ushered to when visiting Slovenia. It is also a convention centre with numerous hotels offering various meeting possibilities. The location, close to the capital city and a stone-throw away from major international airports is an additional bonus. Recommended number of participants according to the existing conference facilities in Bled: up to 550 delegates.
Imagoparadisi. paradisi. Imago
8
Portoroz Portoroz
S
ituated in its own sunny sheltered bay is Portorož, Slovenia’s major beach resort. It is a likeable and enjoyable place, the beaches are clean, safe and well-maintained and there is enough going on to keep activity seekers happy. The town’s modern appearance belies a history dating back to the 13th century, when Benedictine monks from the nearby monastery of St Lawrence cured a range of diseases using the local mineral-rich brine and mud from the saltpans, the same health-inducing properties that led to the development of Portorož as a popular resort in the 19th century. The resort’s first hotel, originally intended to accommodate the military, went up in 1830, followed by the once magnificent Palace Hotel in 1912, built in the honour of the visit of Emperor Franz Josef. Whilst the town remains a popular health and treatment centre, a lot of visitors today come as guests on international meetings. The meeting amenities are exclusive and they offer a wide range of hotels to choose from as your business destination. Of special interest is also the location – natural beauty, historic towns, magnificent underground, rich wine growing regions and world known Lipizzaner horses are all a short distance away. Portorož is located close to most international airports, an hour’s drive from the capital city – its advantage is also the vicinity of borders with Croatia and Italy. Recommended number of participants according to the existing conference facilities in Portorož: up to 1100 delegates.
Alwaysinspiring. inspiring. Always
9
Other locations Other locations
S
lovenia is the only country in Europe that has the Alps and the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain and the mysterious Karst. The changeability of the landscape will surprise you time and time again. You can see the sea, and yet there are the mountains behind you. You climb a forested slope, and below you is a green plain. You stand in a mountain pasture and below you is the gorge of a river. Even Slovenia’s largest cities are small in international terms; but even Slovenia’s smallest towns are big when it comes to experiences in medieval squares and charming marketplaces, by rivers, in narrow streets lying in the shadow of castles and churches. Behind the remains of town walls, the green countryside that blends so naturally with urban scenes is easily accessible. Lively towns offer interesting events, fascinating legends and sights, and the heritage of different periods that combines with the cultural and natural sights of the surrounding area. Everything you need to organize, even major international events, is waiting for you in Slovenia, and at the same time a wealth of opportunities for the activities in the vicinity of the event venue. In the heart of Europe you will find professionalism combined with a relaxed attitude, security and good organization, and the hospitality of people who speak multiple foreign languages. Besides major conference locations you can organize your meetings also at any other destination throughout the country – each place is having its own characteristics and can adapt to individual needs of the customers.
Precious. Green. Attractive. Different. Precious. Green. Attractive. Different.
10
Slovenia Accomodation Slovenia - Accomodation
Honestlyidyllic. idyllic. Honestl 11
Accomodation Accomodation
S
lovenia offers a variety of different accommodations depending on what the customers need. It can be a luxury hotel or a luxury farm stay, it can be traditional and old-fashioned, or modern and hip, it can be surrounded with forests or encircled by a city life, it can offer rejuvenation after the meetings or inspirations before. The accommodation types vary as much as the landscape of the country – but we assure you that we will find something to your taste and make your meeting special. Hospitality remains the essence. Slovenia has hosted many distinguished visitors over the centuries – you know many of them, but you will never hear about the others unless they tell you about their experiences themselves since here you can still maintain your privacy.
Tourist capacities in Slovenia: Type of tourist accomodation Hotels Motels Pensions Guest houses Overnight accomodation Appartments and holiday villages Tourist farms Private rooms, appartments, houses Other (camps, youth hostels, alpine huts, etc.) Total
Number of beds 39 871 400 3 191 3 412 1 465 5 678 4 342 15 067 44 521 117 947
(Source: STO, 2011)
12
Slovenia Access Slovenia - Access GERMANY
SALZBURG 286km
AUSTRIA GRAZ 195km
KLAGENFURT 85km
ITALY
HUNGARY
LJUBLJANA ZAGREB 143km
TRIESTE 101km
VENICE 245km
CROATIA
ADRIATIC SEA
Where of Europemeets. meets. Where all ofall Europe 13
Access Access
Flying in
Slovenia’s only airport lies about a 30-minute drive from both Ljubljana and Bled, and about 1.5-hour drive from Portorož and most other places in the country. The airport goes by three names: Ljubljana airport, Brnik or Jože Pučnik Airport (www.lju-airport.si). Most flights are operated by Slovenia’s national airline, Adria Airways, but additional flights are run by Air France, Easy Jet, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, etc. The vicinity of some other European cities offers more possibilities – especially for long distance flights. Check out the airports of Venice (www.veniceairport.it), Trieste (www.aeroporto.fvg.it), Graz (www.flughafen-graz.at), Zagreb (www.zagreb-airport.hr), Klagenfurt (www.klagenfurt-airport.com) and Salzburg (www.salzburgairport.com).
O
n tracks You can reach Slovenia with direct services from Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, The Czech Republic, Germany, Switzerland and Serbia. Slovenia is a part of the Eurail Global Pass network, which means that you can travel with a single ticket valid in over 20 countries. Main stations for the meetings would be Ljubljana, Lesce-Bled and Koper. For detailed train schedules check the following webpage: www.bahn.com or www.slo-zeleznice.si. 14
Access Access
By wheels
You can enter Slovenia from Italy, Austria, Hungary or Croatia. Slovenia is a member of the EU, so entry from the EU Member States is rapid and easy under Schengen Agreement. For your car you need to buy a vignette – a sticker that pays for the road taxes on country’s highways. More information on www.dars.si There is also a wide range of bus possibilities – for schedules check www.ap-ljubljana.si.
B
y sea You can come to Slovenia aboard a cruise ship or with your own boat, landing at one of the piers of the international border crossings on the Slovenian coast. Koper and Piran entry points are open year round, while the Izola border crossing is only open in summer. Open these links for more information: www.marinap.si, www.marina-koper.si and www.marinaizola.si.
15
Slovenia Social programmes Slovenia - Social programmes
A green sensations. A green landlandof ofsensations. 16
Culture Culture
S
lovenes have one of the most persistent national histories in Europe. More than anything, the present-day national state was shaped by their headstrong persistence with the national language. Even though the language is very diverse and has 46 listed dialects, it is the only thing that was and still is present from the first foundations of the country in the 7th century. Almost every Slovenian is by nature a writer, painter, cook, dancer, wine-maker, musician, director, actor, blogger or engraver. Slovenians know how to create art out of everything they love. In addition to artists with various skills and crafts that have been handed down from generation to generation, Slovenians are also successful in many modern art forms accessible to all generations. Cultural events are unbelievably well attended – various festivals, especially in the summer months, thrill visitors who come from near and far. Theatres and concerts are popular; Slovenians love to read and are proud of their cultural tradition. For more on Slovenian culture you can visit: www.slovenia.si or www.culture.si
17
Culture Culture Dr. France Prešeren
The poet France Prešeren created not only the first example of a highly developed literary language, but laid the spiritual foundations of modern Slovenian identity with his liberal world view. With him Slovenes became an integral part of high European culture. He is also the author of the Slovenian national anthem, Zdravljica. The anthem appeals for the coexistence of nations and is a toast to all people of good heart.
God's blessing on all nations, Who long and work for that bright day, When o'er earth's habitations No war, no strife shall hold its sway, Who long to see That all men free No more shall foes, but neighbours be. Text of the Slovenian national anthem (7th stanza of Zdravljica – A Toast by France Prešeren)
18
Culture Culture Jože Plečnik
The famous architect Jože Plečnik left a special mark on the capital, Ljubljana and a few other smaller towns and villages. Previously working in Vienna and Prague, Plečnik knew how to combine Classicism with Modernism. From libraries, office buildings, cemeteries and stadiums to landscaping, riverside embankments and market halls, Plečnik left his mark everywhere. In his art he thoughtfully incorporated people, nature, the Slovenian heritage, town vistas and symbolism into his works.
Slavko Avsenik
Slavko Avsenik is a Slovenian composer and musician. His career accomplishments place him at the worldwide pinnacle of success among ethnic popular musicians in over 40 years. His ensemble’s original “Oberkrainer” sound became the primary vehicle of ethnic musical expressions for Slovenia, Germany, Austria, Switzerland and Benelux countries, spanning hundreds of Alpine orchestras in the process. Selling over 30 million records, they have earned 31 Gold, 2 Diamond and 1 Platinum record. With his brother Vilko, they produced nearly 1 000 original compositions. The most popular song of their sound is polka titled “Na Golici” or “Trumpet Echoes” in English, which is the most played instrumental song in the world.
19
Tourism Tourism its size, Slovenia is extremely diverse. The landscape changes almost all the time due to its climate F orposition. The added bonus is also the clash of ethnicities, which adds a flavour to this small country on
every corner. Travelling through Slovenia from W to E and N to S doesn’t take longer than 3 hours – but it feels like you have been all over the world. The areas like mountains and lakes, cities and medieval towns, magnificent underground world and Mediterranean coastline, wine roads and farm villages, together with numerous spas take your breath away. Beside that, the country is also the second most forested country in Europe, and as much as 58% is covered in green forests. This feature is not taken for granted so each year there is over 1.2 million tree seedlings planted. Flora and fauna are full of surprises too – as many as 3 000 species of ferns and seed- bearing plants have been recorder so far. About 36% of Slovenia’s surface area falls within protected zones. We are proud of our magnificent Triglav National Park, three regional parks and 40 landscape parks. Slovenia is also the only member of European Union that has protected its native bee known as the Carniolian grey bee. This is the land of water - in addition to 27 000 km of watercourses and numerous thermal springs, two mineral springs also rise in Slovenia. And you can drink water right from the tap. Slovenia surely is worth a visit – and there are places and things you shouldn’t miss.
Europe’s keptsecret. secret. Europe’s bestbestkept
20
Tourism Tourism The Karst: dry- stone villages and a mysterious subterranean world of rivers, streams and caverns. Logarska Valley: impossibly picturesque glacial valley carpeted with meadows and forests and hemmed in
by the raw peaks of the Kamniške- Savinje Alps.
Gibanica: stuffed with cottage cheese, poppy seeds, walnuts and apples, this irresistible sweet pie from
Prekmurje, is the ultimate Slovene dessert.
Wine: from the sunny Goriška Brda hills in the west to the beautiful Ljutomer – Ormož vineyards in the
east, Slovenia possesses some terrific wine growing regions. The oldest grapevine in the world has been preserved here – a more than 400-year-old black velvet. Through the three wine-growing regions of Slovenia and their characteristic wines run more than 20 wine roads.
L
jubljana’s Old Town: enjoy fabulous Baroque and Habsburg architecture, a hilltop castle and leafy riverside cafes in the enchanting Slovene capital.
Franja Partisan hospital: once a clandestine World War II hospital, this is now a fine memorial museum. Pršut: the delicious dry-cured ham from the Karst goes down a treat with a drop of the local Teran wine. Soča valley: snow-dusted peaks, a magical river and a raft of historical sites combine to make this a truly
memorable place.
Lake Bohinj: encircled by majestic mountains, Bohinj is the pearl of the Alpine lakes, less visited and more
serene than Lake Bled.
21
Tourism Tourism Lake Bled: fairytale lake complete with island church and atmospheric, millennium old castle – take a dip,
a stroll or just kick back on a pletna boat.
Škocjan caves: carved out by the thrashing Reka River, the world’s largest underground canyon is Slovenia’s most amazing natural wonder.
Postojna caves: Slovenia’s oldest and most visited caves with spectacular cave formations and some of world’ largest stalagmites and stalactites.
P
tuj Kurent Festival: Slovenia’s most vibrant and entertaining winter spectacle, featuring spooky masked figures dressed in chunky costumes, parading through town.
Hiking in the Julian Alps: one of Europe’s most stunning and least spoilt mountain ranges, these mountain wilds are Slovenia’s prime hiking region, with trails to suit walkers of all abilities.
Skiing: take your pick from over twenty ski resorts, with slopes and facilities to suit all abilities. Or enjoy
the winter spectacles by attending the World Cup races in either Kranjska Gora or Maribor.
Lent Festival in Maribor: two vibrant weeks of music, theatre and art around the squares, streets and waterfront district of Slovenia’s second largest city.
P
iran: an atmospheric coastal resort strewn with gorgeous Gothic-Venetian architecture, pretty little churches and quaint squares.
C
ycling: from the tough-going mountain climbs across the Julian Alps and Koroška, to the less demanding trails in Dolenjska and Prekmurje, Slovenia’s countryside presents endless cycling possibilities.
22
Tourism Tourism Ptuj and other medieval towns: Slovenia’s oldest and most appealing town Ptuj is run through with over
two thousand years of history. Other towns worth exploring are Škofja Loka, Radovljica, Kamnik, Celje, Kranj, etc.
Predjama castle: dramatically sited castle with labyrinth of rooms, secret passages and underground caves. Planica ski - jumping: enjoy daring feats, beer and music at one of world’s great ski- jumping venues. Adventure sports on the Soča: this fabulous, foaming river is a first-rate venue for any number of adventure
sports, from white-water rafting, kayaking and canoeing to hydro speed.
Lipica stud farm: see where Lipizzaner horses come from and enjoy in the magnificent show of these
majestic animals.
A
rts and crafts of Slovenia: explore the secrets behind blacksmithing, shepherding, beekeeping, gingerbread making, making laces, decorating Easter eggs, brandy cooking, herb and flower picking, mushrooming, glass blowing, etc.
23
Gastronomy Gastronomy I
n a country where you can quench your thirst in a stream, where healthy vegetables grow in the gardens, where old varieties of apples still grow in orchards, where animals graze in the open air, people are used to eating well. Slovenia’s 24 distinct gastronomic regions are the result of the blending of local flavours with foreign experiences. All 176 traditional Slovenian dishes are perfectly accompanied by wines from Slovenia’s three wine regions. Spring water, natural fresh juices and fruit and herb brandies also go well with good food. Slovenian food features elements of Mediterranean, Austrian, Pannonian and Balkan cuisines, but there remains a strong native cuisine, based on age-old peasant recipes. Most of Slovenia’s oldest traditional dishes are made with flour, buckwheat or barley as well as potatoes and cabbage. Meals are an important part of Slovenian family life and enjoying a snack or a glass of wine at a café with friends is a typical social activity.
Food. Wine. Excellence. Food. Wine. Excellence.
24
www.albatros-bled.com