INTRODUCTION

Slovenia is often overlooked as a holiday destination – overshadowed on occasion by its better known neighbours, and that is certainly a shame. Those who overlook this small nation are truly missing out on a lot. This is a lush, green country with intense natural beauty, a country of grand mountains and rolling hills, dotted with picturesque castles and villages, farms and vineyards. Slovenia has been declared a global green destination and Ljubljana, the capital, was 2016's European Green Capital, and not just for its literal, leafy shade. Slovenia takes the environment seriously and has made great strides towards sustainable tourism. That makes this green country the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy an eco-friendly holiday.

Slovenia has a lot to offer, whether you are interested in the landscapes, outdoor pursuits, city escapes, history, culture, hospitality, food; a lively program of events throughout the year means that there is always something going on here and yet this place is not dictated to by tourists. This is a quiet, authentic country getting on with its own, tranquil existence while the world whirls around it, while Ljubljana can also hold its place proudly amongst contemporary European capitals and has its finger firmly on the pulse of modern life at the same time as celebrating its long and august history. Slovenia centres on its capital and after visiting lovely Ljubljana, the eyes of most visitors are drawn to the west of the country, to the caves and the coast and to the drama and beauty of the Soca Valley and the Julian Alps. This guide will take you to all those places. But you will also go beyond, to enjoy some of the less well known parts of Slovenia, over to the east. This guide describes a 9 day tour that can be easily extended to form a two week stay in the country. In fact, you will likely wish you had much longer to get to know all the hidden spots and local haunts throughout Slovenia. If you do not have as long however, you could consider to choose a portion of the tour to enjoy on a shorter stay. This Slovenia Tour begins with a walking tour of Ljubljana. You will then head south west to delve deep below the surface of the country and will end your day on the beautiful coast. Next, you will travel broadly northwards, exploring a little of the country's industrial and natural history as you make your way to the breathtaking Soča Valley. It is highly recommended that you take at very least a day or two to enjoy outward bound activities on the Soča River and in the breathtaking Julian Alps before you continue on your tour around the country. Next, you will cross the awe-inspiring Vršič Pass and visit two of the most famous beauty spots in the country, Lake Bohini and Lake Bled, as well as a whole host of beauty spots as you make your way back towards central Slovenia and find yourself back in the vicinity of Ljubljana.

Next, you will do what far fewer tourists do and venture east of the capital. You will head to Slovenia's second city, Maribor, seeing plenty of fascinating historic sites en route. Next, you will spend a day enjoying a walking tour of this less well known Slovenian city, before heading east once more, skirting the borders and enjoying some off-the-beaten-track exploration on a round about route to the historic town of Ptuj. Finally, via yet more fascinating and little known attractions, you will make your way back to Ljubljana. There will always be more to see and do, but this route should give you a good sense of all the various factors that have made this country what it is today and you should also feel that you have come to understand a little more about the friendly people who live here. Enjoy being surprised by Slovenia as you get to know her stunning secrets.

• Total distance: 1190 km