Introduction
Slovenia since its break up from the Yugoslavian territory has prospered a lot as a nation. The best time to visit Slovenia is in September, as the climate turns ideal for hiking and climbing. Skiers can find here a perfect haven from December to March. The spring is a good time to be in the lowlands and valleys giving the tourists an opportunity to see full bloom.

Ljubljana is Slovenia's largest and most densely populated city - a clean, green and self-contented town. The city got the nickname 'White Ljubljana' when the Habsburgs in the 14th century built many pale-coloured churches and mansions. The city is located on the banks of the Ljubljana River. The Municipal Museum with a collection of Roman artifacts, the National Museum and Museum of Modern Art are other landmarks and tourist places in the city. The other museums occupy the Old Town also feature cafes, baroque churches and quaint bridges. Tivoli Park with a recreation centre (bowling alleys, tennis courts, swimming pools and a rollerskating rink) within the park is another must visit in the city.

There are several bustling beach towns along Slovenia's short Adriatic coast. The charming town of Piran is a true reflection of Gothic architecture with narrow streets. Its name is derived from pyr - the Greek word for fire - referring to fires lit at Punta, the very tip of the peninsula, to help the ships navigate to the Koper port. The Maritime Museum is an exclusive museum in the city. The best beach along the coast is Fiesa. From clean sands to the boat-restricted waters, the tourists can see the splendid Trieste's Miramare Castle.

Julian Alps is ideal for trekking with a small museum within peaks having a collection of swords and armour. A white 15th century belfry with a 'bell of wishes'on Bled Island at the western end of the lake is said to fulfil the wish of anyone who rings the bell. The Lake Bohinj, with high rising mountains amidst a basin-shaped valley forms Savica Waterfall.

The large underground Skocjan Caves lie below the land of the Karst region. The first section of the caves is called Paradise filled with stalactites, stalagmites and flowstones; the second part is called Calvary, which was once the riverbed. Silent Cave ends at the wide and high jungle of dripstones and deposits. The caves are home to 250 floral species and five types of bats.

Rogaska Slatina is Slovenia's oldest and largest spa town. The town is set among scattered forests in the foothills of the Macelj range. The two highest peaks, Boc and Donacka Gora, of the rogion are visible from the city centre. In the 16th century, the curative powers of the Slatina springs were discovered making the town one of the biggest spa towns. The Soca Valley in the Soca River is one of the most beautiful and tranquil places in Slovenia. Slovenia also has 14 distinct wine-growing areas.

Skiing is the most popular sport in Slovenia where every fourth Slovene is an active skier. The skiing can be done from December to March in the well-equipped ski resorts in the Julian Alps, especially at Vogel. Hiking is the next popular Slovenian sport. There are 7000km (4340mi) of marked hiking trails and 165 mountain huts. The veteran mountaineers can explore the Slovenian Alpine Trail, which crosses all the highest peaks in the country. The white-water rafting on the Soca River and the cycling trails around Bled, Bohinj and Otocec fulfil your adventurous spirit.