Slovenia – The green Treasure of Europe:
What is really wonderful about Slovenia is that no matter where you are it is never boring. Here the Alps descend abruptly through thick woods to the Adriatic, and the world changes with every step. Warm southerly-winds constantly blend with fresh fragrances of the mountain forests, this is not only good for your health, but also adds a little extra rain if necessary. If anywhere, it is here that in a single day you can trudge through timeless snow in the morning and bathe in the warm waters of the Adriatic in the afternoon.

Slovenia is a green and diverse country that lies between the Alps, the Mediterranean, and the Pannonian plain, it embraces all the beauties of the Old Continent. It may sound like an exaggeration, but Slovenia is truly colourful. To be small is beautiful, and Slovenia, on the sunny side of the Alps is beautiful. Come, discover it and remember large treasures come in small packages.

Slovenia Facts:
• The total area of Slovenia is 20.265 km2 – just about the size of Wales or Israel.
• Neighboring countries are: Italy, Austria, Hungary and Croatia.
• Population: 2 million.
• The capital is Ljubljana, meaning “beloved “ in the Slovene language.
• 82 % of the population are Roman Catholic, the remainder are Protestant, Muslim, Jehovah witnesses, etc.
• The climate is Alpine, Continental and Mediterranean.
• Time zone: Central European Time; GMT + 1.
• Political system: multiparty parliamentary democracy.
• Slovenian Currency is EUR (from 1.1.2007).
• Slovenia has a coastline of 46,6 km.
• The highest mountain in Slovenia is Mount Triglav, 2864 meters.
• The largest lake in Slovenia is Lake Bohinj.
• Slovenia is the home of the famous Lipizzaner horses.

Facts for the travellers:
Border Formalities - are minimal and correspond to European standards. To cross the border, a valid passport will suffice for a visit not longer than three months.
Health Care for Foreign Visitors - The level of health care in Slovenia can easily match European standards. Pharmacies are generally open from 7:00 to 20:00, and for urgent needs, certain pharmacies are open all night. With certain countries (Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Rumania and The Netherlands), Slovenia has signed conventions for the guarantee of emergency medical assistance or treatment if the visitor submits the appropriate forms. In such cases, the medical assistance is free. Citizens of Great Britain only need a valid passports. Other nationalities whom conventions do not cover are also guaranteed emergency medical assistance; however, they must bear the costs of such services themselves.

Holidays:
January 1 and 2 New Year's
February 8 Prešeren Day, Slovene cultural day
Easter Sunday and Monday
April 27 Day of Uprising against the Occupation
May 1 and 2 May Day holiday
Pentecost
June 25 Slovenia Day
August 15 Feast of the Assumption
October 31 Reformation Day
November 1 All Saint's Day
December 25 Christmas
December 26 Independence Day

Banks:
The local currency in Slovenia from 1.1.2007 is EUR. Most banks are open from 9:00 – 12:00 and 14: - 17:00, Saturdays and closed on Sundays. Every bank will also have an ATM machine outside where you can easily withdraw money with your credit cards (Visa, Eurocard, Maestro and Cirrus).

Exchange rates:
Exchange rates calculated according to middle rates on domestic market.
You can find daily currency exchange rates on the website of the Bank of Slovenia:
http://www.bsi.si/html/eng/financial_data/daily/tecajna_lista.asp

Shops:
Working hours are mostly throughout the day without lunch time closing.
- Weekdays: 8:00 to 19:00
- Saturdays: 8:00 to 13:00
- Sundays and holidays: On duty pharmacies, etc., and some private stores
Payment in supermarkets and most shops can only be done in tolars; most stores accept credit cards: AMERICAN EXPRESS, DINERS, MASTER CARD- EUROCARD, and VISA.
Post Office
Times of opening vary during the high and low seasons in most tourist resorts. Usually they are open between 7:00 - 20:00 and on Saturdays between 7.00 - 13:00. The letter boxes look yellow and can be found on many places. The post office is the place where in Slovenia one can: email letters, send faxes, telegrams, buy postcards, stamps, maps of the area, phone cards for public phone boxes, exchange money, etc.

Telephone Calls
The best way to call home is from the post office or by using the phone-boxes (note: phone-cards only). Phone-cards are available at the local post offices or tobacco shops. The dialing codes are are:
UK - 00 44
Republic of Ireland - 00 353.
Do remember to omit the first zero of the STD code. Calls are slightly cheaper after 7pm as the rate goes down.
international outgoing call prefix: 00
International calls to Slovenia prefix: 386

Drinking Water
The water is safe and drinkable throughout the country. Please note that restaurants will often serve bottled water for which you are expected to pay for.

Electricity
Current is 220 V, 50 Hz.
CREDIT CARDS
Most shops accept credit cards although do check before buying. The stores, hotels or restaurants usually have signs at the entrance which will tell you which credit cards they accept. The usual ones are Visa, Amex, Mastercard, and Diners. If you wish a cash advance on your credit card (Visa or Mastercard) you will find that the ATM machines is the quickest way to go about obtaining some Slovenian money.

Emergency Numbers
Ambulance 112
Fire 112
Police 113

Portorose

Portorose

Lovran lakes - Rogla

Beautiful nature

Beautiful nature

Kranjska Gora

Kranjska Gora