For the time-poor, Slovenia is an ideal destination, offering mountains, orchards, coast, savannah and caves within a manageable area along with some very good wine.
The mountain ranges of the west and northern borders attract amateur and enthusiast hikers to its old trails, the Slovene Mountain Transversal being the best known. There are many comfortable mountain lodges operating in the Alpine region throughout the summer and village farmhouses offering accommodation for those who really want to experience the gentle pace of rural life.
The mountains are home to ibex and chamois and, in winter, an influx of keen Slovenian skiers.
There are more than 9000km of trails, and the country is a lovely one to explore on foot. A grassy plain extends towards Hungary, while wooded hills roll on towards Croatia.
Oak forests, vineyards, cherry and peach orchards cling to the undulating slopes. The villages are beautifully tidy and the landscape seems manicured, but it is the invisible world beneath the surface that features on UNESCO's list of heritage sites and attracts the biggest number of visitors.
The Karst region comprises a network of limestone caves. The number varies from 600 to 1000 depending on the source, but the scale and wonder of the best-known is indisputable. The first mention of the Postojna Cave dates back to 1213. It now holds the honoured position of being Europe's most popular cave, attracting more than 26 million visitors since the count began. The Skocjan Caves include a river canyon, 150m deep, and 1400m long, making them an essential stop on every tour itinerary.
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