Slovenia Tour Information
At Journey Beyond Travel, we get lots of questions all the time about Slovenia. We try to keep this list updated so that you can get an understanding about how we run our Slovenia tours. We are different from a lot of other tour operators and pride ourselves on our dedicated staff and deep knowledge of the country. Find out how you can customize your tour for a bespoke experience tailored to your travel needs. Read through these common questions we get as our answers may help you decide if we are the best tour operator for you!
Please reach out and send us an email if you have any questions at all!
What kinds of tours are available?
Wine tours, Alpine hikes, coastal city trips, spa and wellness, cycling, caving, and castle tours.
What transportation options are available?
Well-developed road and rail systems. Buses and trains are reliable, and renting a car is ideal for exploring the countryside.
Is Slovenia safe?
Yes, one of the safest countries in Europe. Petty crime is rare.
Do I need a visa?
Slovenia is in the Schengen Area. Many nationalities (including US, UK, Canada, EU, Australia, etc.) can enter visa-free for up to 90 days.
Is tipping expected?
Not required but appreciated—5–10% in restaurants and for good service.
Best time to visit?
- Summer (May–September) for lakes, hiking, and festivals.
- Winter (December–March) for skiing and alpine charm.
Can I drink tap water?
Yes, it’s clean and safe to drink everywhere in Slovenia.
Some of our Favorite Slovenia Tours
We’ve got some great Slovenia tours we’ve developed over the years. These are some of our favorites. And, while many tour operators have similar routes, it’s really the inner-workings and attention to detail that truly matter and make our Slovenia tours stand out.
Ultimate Slovenia
This Slovenia tour takes you on a journey through the country’s most enchanting landscapes and timeless towns. From the charming capital city of Ljubljana to the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, the dramatic peaks of the Julian Alps, and the rolling wine valleys of Vipava and Goriška Brda, each day offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, rich history, and authentic local culture. Experience vineyard visits, traditional Slovenian cuisine, medieval castles, and serene alpine villages, all thoughtfully curated to immerse you in the very soul of Slovenia.
Slovenia Trip Testimonials
Read what our clients are saying about our tours. We work endlessly to ensure that those who travel to Slovenia with our team have an unparalleled experience. Take a look at the reviews of our private trips. And, if you’d like to talk to one of our past travelers, just let us know!
“Our Spain journey with JBT was even better than we imagined, the perfect complement to our Morocco adventure. From seamless planning in Madrid to Andalusia’s beauty, every detail was cared for. We adored our city guides, and our driver Jebril welcomed us into his home for a delicious couscous meal — a memory we’ll treasure forever. The special touches from Amina and Lucas, from homemade gifts to sharing lunch together, made us feel like family. Truly, it was one of the best trips of our lives, and we can’t wait to explore more of the world with JBT!”
The Durants
“Our Italy trip with JBT was absolutely unforgettable. From the moment Alexei crafted our detailed, personalized itinerary — even pulling off a last-minute hot air balloon ride for my niece — we knew we were in the best hands. Each day was filled with extraordinary experiences, from private tours of Rome and Florence’s greatest treasures to a pasta-making class and a Chianti winery lunch. Our guides were exceptional, our hotels perfectly located and welcoming, and every driver and detail seamless. JBT once again exceeded my expectations, and I wouldn’t hesitate to turn to them for future adventures anywhere in the world!”
Judy F.
“Our Japan adventure with JBT was nothing short of epic! The itinerary Jon crafted was so thoughtfully designed — from a serene start in Hakone to the journey through ancient traditions and modern wonders — and the variety of lodging, from ryokans to a Kyoto townhouse to a glamping tent, made it truly unforgettable. The train instructions were flawless, and having Yuka as our guide and new friend was a gift. After two incredible journeys with JBT, we can honestly say you are the best!”
Kelley and Steve
Slovenia Travel Information
We hope that as you prepare for your personalized Slovenia tour that you’ll be able to use our website as a handy reference. We’ve got all sorts of information to share here with you about Slovenia! Enjoy learning and feel free to check out our journal for more information, articles, and videos to help you prepare for your travels through Slovenia. This information, among other details, will be sent to you in a packet before your Slovenia adventure begins.
Introduction to Slovenia
Slovenia is a small yet stunning country in Central Europe, where the Alps meet the Mediterranean, the Pannonian Plain, and the Karst Plateau. Bordering Austria, Italy, Hungary, and Croatia, and with a short but picturesque Adriatic coastline, Slovenia is a true crossroads of cultures and landscapes. Despite its modest size, it boasts lush forests, snow-capped mountains, crystal-clear lakes, charming medieval towns, and a highly developed infrastructure.
Slovenia is a parliamentary republic with a President as head of state and a Prime Minister as head of government. As of the latest update, Nataša Pirc Musar is the President (the country’s first female president), and Robert Golob serves as Prime Minister.
A former part of Yugoslavia, Slovenia was the first republic to declare independence in 1991 and joined the European Union and NATO in 2004. It now enjoys a high standard of living, excellent education and healthcare systems, and a strong economy based on industry, services, tourism, and green technologies.
Slovenians are known for being friendly, pragmatic, and deeply connected to nature. Slovene (Slovenian) is the official language, though many people speak English, German, or Italian, especially in tourist areas.
The country enjoys a continental climate in most areas, with alpine weather in the northwest and a milder Mediterranean climate near the coast. Winters are cold and snowy in the mountains, while summers are warm and pleasant.
Slovenian cuisine is a delightful blend of Alpine, Mediterranean, and Balkan influences. Signature dishes include potica (a rolled nut pastry), žganci (buckwheat spoonbread), jota (sauerkraut and bean stew), and Kranjska klobasa (Carniolan sausage). Slovenia is also home to award-winning wines and was named the European Region of Gastronomy in 2021.
Slovenia is a paradise for outdoor lovers—offering everything from skiing in the Julian Alps to kayaking in emerald rivers, hiking in Triglav National Park, and relaxing at thermal spas or coastal towns like Piran. It’s also famous for Lake Bled, with its iconic church on an island, and Postojna Cave, one of the world’s largest karst cave systems.
Country Facts
OFFICIAL NAME: Republic of Slovenia (Republika Slovenija)
CAPITAL CITY: Ljubljana
GOVERNMENT: Parliamentary Republic
PRESIDENT: Nataša Pirc Musar
PRIME MINISTER: Robert Golob
GEOGRAPHIC LOCATION: Central Europe; borders Italy, Austria, Hungary, Croatia, and the Adriatic Sea
GEOGRAPHY: Alpine mountains, karst plateaus, valleys, forests, lakes, short coastline
BODIES OF WATER: Adriatic Sea (47 km coastline), Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, Soca and Sava Rivers
POPULATION: Approximately 2.1 million
AREA: 20,273 sq km / 7,827 sq miles
LANGUAGES: Slovene (official); Italian and Hungarian in some regions
ETHNICITY: Predominantly Slovene; also Italian, Hungarian, Bosniak, Serb, Croat
RELIGION: Mostly Roman Catholic, with small Muslim, Orthodox, Protestant communities
LITERACY RATE: Over 99%
CURRENCY: Euro (EUR)
ANNUAL PER CAPITA GDP: Around $30,000–$35,000 USD
ARABLE LAND: Approx. 9%
FORESTS: Cover over 60% of the country
AGRICULTURE: Grapes, cereals, potatoes, vegetables, livestock
NATURAL RESOURCES: Timber, hydropower, zinc, mercury
INDUSTRIES: Automotive parts, pharmaceuticals, electronics, tourism, food processing
NUMBER OF TOURISTS IN 2019: Over 6 million
LARGEST CITIES: Ljubljana, Maribor, Celje, Kranj, Koper
TIME ZONE: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1
TELEPHONE COUNTRY CODE: +386
CLIMATE: Alpine in the north; continental inland; Mediterranean on the coast
HOTTEST CITY: Koper
COLDEST CITY: Ratece or Kranjska Gora (in the mountains)
BEST TIMES TO VISIT:
- May–September for warm weather, hiking, and festivals
- December–March for winter sports
PEOPLE: Educated, environmentally conscious, friendly, proud of their heritage and language
Geography
Slovenia is where four major European geographic regions converge: the Alps, the Pannonian Plain, the Dinaric Alps, and the Mediterranean. Despite its small size, the country offers amazing natural variety.
The Julian Alps in the northwest are home to Triglav, the highest peak (2,864 m) and national symbol. The Karst Plateau features limestone caves and underground rivers. The Soca River is known for its turquoise waters, popular for rafting and fly fishing.
On the coast, the Adriatic Sea touches Slovenia near the towns of Piran, Portorož, and Koper. Inland, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj attract visitors year-round.
Money & Shopping
Slovenia uses the Euro (EUR). Credit and debit cards are widely accepted, and ATMs are easily found. Cash is still useful for rural areas, markets, and small towns.
Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory—rounding up the bill or leaving 5–10% is typical in restaurants.
Local products worth buying include honey, handcrafted wood products, lace from Idrija, wines, liqueurs, and Slovenian salt from the Piran salt pans.
Internet, Phone, Post, and Health
Internet is fast and reliable across Slovenia, even in rural areas. Most hotels, cafes, and restaurants offer free Wi-Fi.
The country code is +386, and the power supply is 230V with European-style plugs.
Local SIM cards (A1, Telekom Slovenije, Telemach) are available with cheap data plans.
Postal services are efficient, and health services are excellent. Pharmacies are well-stocked, and hospitals are modern. EU citizens can use the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), while others should get travel insurance.
Emergency numbers:
- Medical help: 112
- Police: 113
- Fire brigade: 112
If you like reading stellar travel articles, explore our blog for even more great expert information!
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