Travel 2 km to the north and the stunning medieval port of Piran sits on the tip of a long peninsula. Narrow cobblestone streets amidst Venetian inspired architecture make this town a true delight. Izola is a busy little fishing town quickly becoming an important tourist destination popular for its beaches and historical core. Koper, which is 20km from Trieste, is Slovenia's largest coastal town and also chief maritime port.

Karst region - Stretching from the Soca River in the northwest to the Kolpa River in the south east this area is surely the most bizarre! Limestone and water have created 'karst phenomena' such as sinkholes, chasms and many underground caves.

The most well known are at Postojna and Skocjan. The largest known permanent cave-dwelling vertebrate known to man (Proteus Anguinus) inhabits these caves. At Lipica visit the stud farm established in 1580 - home of the 'Lipizzaner' horses. Do not miss Lake Cerknica one of Slovenia's most remarkable natural phenomena often referred to as the 'disappearing lake.' Other attractions featured in this region are Krizna Water Cave and
Predjama Castle.

Dolenjska and Bela Krajina - Dolenjska is the largest of the southern regions of Slovenia. Historical sites abound: Sticna and Pleterje monasteries, Otocec Castle (now an elegant 5 star Hotel), Bogensperk and Zuzemberk castles and Soteska Manor. The Kolpa and Krka river valleys offer amazing scenery and superb walking, cycling and kayaking opportunities.
The largest town in the area is Novo Mesto - a handy base from which to explore the region's attractions. Travel 3 km southeast across the River Sava to Catez and you will reach Slovenia's largest and most popular spa centre. Founded in 1797 it is now much more a recreational park as it is a therapeutic and treatment centre.

Discover Kocevjksi Rog - a forested karst landscape extending 35km. Important to keep to the trails, otherwise not only will you certainly get lost but, large numbers of brown bear inhabit these parts! Bela Krajina has two main towns : Crnomelj and Metlika. The region is home to many vineyards and has numerous wine villages. Drasici is most convenient for an overnight stay and an enjoyable wine tasting session.

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