All Alps & the Adriatic Sea
Slovenia, a young country, nevertheless has seen many difficult years: It was the first republic to leave the Yugoslav confederation and gain independence, and scarcely averted being dragged into a civil war. But in 2004, Slovenia joined the European Union, followed by the introduction of the Euro three years later; Slovenia, the since fast-growing economic power, has truly arrived in Europe's center, and can no longer be considered an "East European" state. Thanks to its beautiful and diverse countryside, it is also quite appealing for tourists. The Julian Alps, which lie in Slovenia's northwest, and the Karawanken mountain range invite wide-ranging hikes and strolls through breath-taking landscapes. Still, it is only a short hop to the Adriatic Sea from these southern foothills of the Alps. The harbor city of Piran, with its wonderful southern atmosphere, is a must. Even though Slovenia's Adriatic coast is only about 25 miles (40 kilometers) long, it forms a sort of bridge between Italy and the largely Croatian peninsula of Istria. Slovenia's pulsing attitude toward life is definitely inspiring and is best enjoyed in the tiny (but precious) urban capital of Ljubljana.
