A small country in the south of central Europe, Slovenia is packed with unusual and often unique experiences, from primeval forests, Karst limestone caves and thermal springs to the lively and architecturally beautiful city of Ljubljana. Locals are proud to explain why visitors are enchanted with their country – Slovenia is the only country in the world with ‘love’ in its name!
Small Group Tours
Jewels of Dalmatia 2022
Discover the splendour of the Adriatic coastline and its surrounding treasures.
Airfares included
Jewels of Dalmatia 2023
Discover the splendour of the Adriatic coastline and its surrounding treasures.
Airfares included
Alpine Discovery
Explore the stunning European Alps across five uniquely beautiful countries.
Airfares included
Austria, Slovenia & Croatia Christmas Markets
Classic European Christmas markets abound on this small group tour that will make you fall even more in love with Europe.
Croatia & Slovenia
An enchanting small group tour across the south of central Europe calls. Discover the jewels of the Adriatic countries of Croatia and Slovenia.
Northern Italy, Slovenia & Croatia
Explore the stunning natural beauty of Italy, Slovenia and Croatia.
Airfares included
Slovenia Facts & Tips
Did you know?
- Bees are a big industry in Slovenia – there are over 90,000 bee keepers in a population of just under 2 million people!
- Mt. Triglav, the highest peak (2,863 metres) in the Slovenian Alps, is represented on Slovenia's national coat of arms.
- Slovenia's Skocjan Caves, on the World Heritage list, are one of the world's most famous systems of limestone (karstic) caves.
- There are about 260 waterfalls in Slovenia. Boka is Slovenia’s highest waterfall.
- The famous Lipizzaner horses originate from Lipica in Slovenia. The stud farm was established in 1580.
- Slovenia declared independence from Yugoslavia on 25th June 1991.
- Handball is a popular sport in Slovenia.
- Over half of Slovenia is protected land, covered in woods and forests, making it one of the greenest countries on earth.
- Slovenia has just twenty-four miles of coast on the Adriatic Sea! On land, it neighbours four countries: Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.
Visas & Passports
Australian passport holders travelling to Slovenia do not need a visa at this time.
We require that your passport is valid for travel for at least six months from the date you are planning to return to Australia. Your passport must be valid to travel internationally and must be machine-readable. You also need to carry a valid return ticket on you.
Whether travelling on an Australian passport or the passport of another country, all travellers require visas for a number of countries, and it is your responsibility to secure what may be required before departing Australia. You can consult with your travel agent, but it is also recommended that you check the foreign embassy website for your respective destination as it can also provide you with useful information.
The Australian Embassy in Austria is responsible for Slovenia:
The Icon, Gertrude-Fröhlich-Sandner-Str. 2
A1100 Vienna
Ph. +43 1 506 740
Fax. +43 1 506 74185
The Australian Honorary Consulate in Slovenia:
Železna Cesta 14
1000 Ljubljana
Ph. +386 1 234 8675
Fax. +386 1 234 8676
Currency
The official currency of Slovenia is the Euro. Notes come in denominations of €500, 200, 100, 50, 20, 10 and 5.
The recommended currency to take to Slovenia is the Euro. Ensure you change a small amount into small denominations.
Advise your bank of your travel plans so that they can make a note of it, otherwise they may cancel your credit card as a safety measure due to the overseas transactions. Also make a note of the 24-hour emergency contact number of the bank or building society which issued your credit card in the unlikely event that your card is lost or stolen.
Whenever possible use ATMs when the banks are open (Mon – Fri) so that if a machine ‘eats’ your card you can then deal with it straight away. It is always advisable to carry a supply of cash in addition to your credit card.
If you don’t have Euro’s with you on arrival, we advise you to exchange some money into the local currency at the airport even if the exchange rate is not the best, this way you’ll have money to get a drink, snack or give a tip during those first few hours of arrival. Your guide will be able to advise you on the best places to exchange money.
Small change is also useful for paying for toilets while on tour which is customary in many places outside of Australia.
Dining
- The price of a cappuccino in Ljubljana is approximately €2.
- The price of an inexpensive lunch is approximately €10.
- The price dinner in a moderate restaurant is approximately €20.
- The price of a beer in a local pub is approximately €4-€5.
Slovenian cuisine has been greatly influenced by the surrounding countries, such as Austria and Italy. Main meals often consist of soup and a meat or fish dish accompanied by salad and bread. Milk and cheese, especially cottage cheese, are traditional to the Slovene diet. Espresso coffee, herbal and iced teas are also popular. Fruit juices are produced locally. Alcoholic drinks include wine, beer (pivo) and plum brandy (slivovka).
Important: When dining at buffets (i.e. breakfast) please refrain from taking food away with you to ‘save’ for later! If you feel that you’ll need snacks between meals, pack some dried fruit, nuts, muesli bars etc.
If you have specific food allergies and/or preferences, we highly recommend you take every precaution before your tour, including carrying a small card with your food allergy listed in each language of every country you are travelling to show to table staff when ordering. Whilst we take all dietary requirements seriously, due to the serious nature of potential allergic reactions, it is your responsibility to be as prepared as possible.
Weather
Slovenia has a continental climate with warm summers and cold winters (snow falls in the Alps). The climate on the coast is typically Mediterranean.
Getting Around
Want to get out and explore on your own?
Walking is one of the best ways to explore Ljubijana in Slovenia. Ljubijana does not have a metro train or tram system but does have a decent bus system. (Although it does have an intercity train link.)
When catching taxis, have small change on you and choose one with a meter, if it doesn’t have one then negotiate the price before getting in. Also, ask your guide or hotel staff the names of reputable taxi companies.
Shopping
So, you’d love to bring home a special souvenir from Slovenia …
There are several traditional Slovenian purchases available all over the country that might please souvenir hunters. Lace has been produced in the country for centuries and intricately designed pieces are popular gifts to bring back. Rogaska crystal ware comes in various shapes and styles. You’ll find elaborate, traditional vases and minimalist modern wine glasses of this high-quality product in many shops - at more affordable prices compared to other countries. Other handicrafts include carved woodwork, embroidery and pottery, which are sold in shops around the country.
Local Etiquette
As a rule, Slovenes are not too touchy/feely and like to greet with a handshake, unless they are meeting close friends.
As with a lot of places, Slovenes like it when you attempt to speak their language.
Most public places are smoke free.
It’s not unusual for Slovenes to stare at foreigners… don’t be alarmed, it’s just their way.
Celebrations & Public Holidays
During the summer months, Slovenia becomes one big open-air festival. The Ljubljana Festival runs from the end of June through to the end of August and offers patrons music, theatre and dance performances in a unique setting to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Other national public holidays to be aware of include:
- New Year’s Day
- Day After New Year’s Day
- Preseren Day (early February)
- Easter Sunday and Easter Monday
- Resistance Day (April 27th)
- May Day Holiday (May 1st and 2nd)
- Whit Monday (50 days after Easter)
- Statehood Day (June 25th)
- Assumption Day (August 15th)
- Reformation Day (October 31st)
- All Saints Day (November 1st)
- Christmas Day
- Boxing Day
Europe Destinations
Armenia
Walk along Sharambeyan street in Dilijan, marvel at some of the oldest Greek, Persian and Arabic manuscripts in Yerevan, and witness the historic cave monastery of Geghard.
Austria
From the spectacular snow-covered Alps and picture-perfect panoramas, to the quintessential elegance of its larger cities, Austria is a fascinating country to explore
Azerbaijan
A relatively untouched country, there is so much to see in Azerbaijan including the Baku Fire Temple, Burning Mountain and the Palace of Shirvanshahs.
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Discover intriguing history at the old city centre of Sarajevo, Baščaršija and the Museum of Sarajevo and experience the world-famous Stari Most bridge.
Croatia
With its magnificent coastline, 1,185 islands, islets and reefs, Roman ruins and picturesque medieval villages, Croatia is alluring for lovers of fun, sun and fascinating history.
Denmark
From its picturesque capital, Copenhagen, to its windswept coastline and everything in between, Denmark will lure you in with its warmth and welcoming hospitality.
Finland
Watch the northern lights dance across the sky, relax and unwind in a Finnish sauna, cruise Lake Inari and visit Suomenlinna, an 18th-century sea fortress steeped in history.
France
A popular destination with all travellers, you can soak up the glamour of the Eiffel Tower and the Palace of Versailles or sip on a coffee and watch the world go by.
Georgia
Positioned between Europe and Asia, the country of Georgia has one of the most unique cultures in the world.
Germany
Infused with a rich history, Germany offers a fascinating mix of picture-perfect towns, lively festivals, modern, urban cities and beautiful rolling countryside.
Greece
Discover ancient sites like the Acropolis and the Agora in Athens, Delphi on the Greek mainland and delicious Greek cuisine in the glamorous Greek islands of Mykonos, Santorini and Crete.
Hungary
Hungary’s location in the centre of Europe, along with its hospitable attitude, makes it an inviting destination, proudly upholding its Magyar traditions, culture and arts whilst incorporating a fascinating mix of history and the present-day.
Italy
Land of la dolce vita, it is little wonder that Italy is one of the world’s most-loved destinations with two-thirds of the world’s historical, artistic heritage coming from Italy.
Malta
Otherwise known as the jewel of the Mediterranean, Malta is an island located off the Italian coast packed with stunning scenery and a rich culture.
Monaco
Experience jaw-dropping coastal views of the Mediterranean Sea, try your luck at the Casino Monte-Carlo or explore the botanical world of Jardin Exotique.
Montenegro
Discover surreal views and charming villages across the Bay of Kotor, explore the old town of Kotor surrounded with ancient medieval architecture and enjoy some local Montenegrin cuisine.
Morocco
Morocco’s dazzling mosaic of Arab and Berber cultures, with a dash of African and European influence, is at once strange and romantic, alluring and surprising.
Netherlands
From fields of colourful tulips and beautiful canal-lined cities to historic architecture and iconic windmills, the Netherlands is a wonderland for any kind of traveller.
Norway
Known as ‘The Land of the Midnight Sun’ Norway is ideal for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy stunning scenery, while history buffs can immerse themselves in Norway's rich cultural heritage.
Portugal
Portugal has it all; the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve, exclusive golf resorts, medieval hilltop towns, colourful fishing villages, a cosmopolitan capital, the vine-filled valley of the Douro and wild remote mountains.
Spain
Fall in love with Spain’s intriguing history, marvel at the architectural wonders of Barcelona, enjoy a traditional Spanish tapas dinner and people-watch at a terrace café in Madrid.
Sweden
Snowbound winters, meatballs, herring, Vikings and Volvos, IKEA, ABBA and the Hives - whatever your pre-existing notions about Sweden, a visit to this multifaceted country is bound to both confirm and confound them.
Switzerland
With its snow-capped Alps, emerald green forests, fairy-tale castles and shimmering lakes, it’s easy to see why Switzerland has been one of the world’s top tourist destinations for the past two centuries.
Turkey
With its covered bazaars, whirling dervishes, sultans’ treasures and Byzantine mosaics, Turkey is both a cosmopolitan and exotic destination.
Vatican City
Vatican City is the world’s smallest, fully independent city-state and country in the world, surrounded entirely by Rome.