Slovenia Tours

Slovenia Travel Guide

Brief history

Slovenia was part of the Holy Roman Empire and then the Austro-Hungarian Empire until 1918, when the Slovenes joined the Serbs and Croats in forming a new multinational state, renamed Yugoslavia. After World War II, Slovenia became a republic of the renewed Yugoslavia, and although Communist, distanced itself from Moscow's rule. The Slovenes succeeded in establishing their independence from Yugoslavia in 1991 after a short 10-day war. Historical ties to Western Europe, a strong economy, and a stable democracy have assisted in Slovenia's transformation to a modern state. Slovenia acceded to both NATO and the EU in the spring of 2004.

Geography and weather

Slovenia is wedged between Austria and Croatia. Often refered to as a microcosim of European geography as a whole, the geography varies from a short coastal strip on the Adriatic, an alpine mountain region adjacent to Italy and Austria and mixed mountains and valleys with numerous rivers to the east. Slovenia experiences a Mediterranean climate on the coast and a continental climate with mild to hot summers and cold winters in the plateaus and valleys to the east.

Our tours mostly operate from late spring (April/May) to early Autumn (in Eastern Europe) when the weather is generally at its best. Temperatures will vary but will still be cool in April/May and again in October. The warmest months tend to be July/August. The further south you are the higher the average temperatures. You can expect snow from December to late March.

Visit www.worldclimate.com to get an idea of what the weather will be like on your tour.

Visas

Many nationalities (including citizens of the UK, Australia, Canada, the US and most of continental Europe) do not need a visa to enter Slovenia. However, visitors must hold an onward ticket, all documents required for their next destination and sufficient funds. If your nationality is not listed please consult your nearest Slovenian embassy or consulate before you travel.

Money

Slovenia is in the euro zone. For up to date exchange rates with your own currency visit www.oanda.com or www.xe.com.

Changing money, credit cards & ATMs

The easiest way to obtain money in Slovenia is to draw it out of an ATM (cash machine) on a credit or debit card (e.g. visa or cirrus). ATMs are widely available throughout Eastern Europe and credit cards are accepted in many restaurants and shops. Another option is to bring cash in euros but we advise against bringing all your money in this form, in case of theft.

Tipping

In a restaurant, round up the bill unless a service charge has already been added or the service was not up to standard. You should also round up bar bills and taxi fares. In Slovenia tipping is not compulsory, but a 10% gratuity in restaurants will always be appreciated.

Security

Generally people find Eastern Europe to be safe and feel confident wandering alone during the day. However if you are unfamiliar with an area it is recommended that you exercise more caution at night and taxi taxis rather than walk, especially if you are a lone female traveller. In some cities bag snatching can occur so always keep a firm hand/eye on your personal items.

Local food and drink

In Slovenia food is heavily based on fish, venison and the dumpling although popular everyday dishes also include cabbage, beans and potatoes. Every Slovenian region has its own various types of bread. Traditional dishes are best tried at an inn (gostilna).

Slovenia has been making wine since the time of the Romans, and it now produces many high quality varieties.

All drinks such as bottled water or soft drinks are at your own expense at all times and are fairly inexpensive. Alcoholic drinks vary in price, with wine and beer generally being the cheapest options. The legal drinking age is 18.

Time Difference

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Voltage

220-240 volts. European-style two-pin plugs are in use.