Set against a backdrop of the glorious Julian Alps, Bled is a captivating little Slovenian town on the edge of glacial Lake Bled. The area’s natural beauty is best seen on a hike into the mountains, offering sweeping views of spruce forests, snow-covered alpine pasture and farmland. For a different perspective, glide across Lake Bled in a traditional, locally crafted pletna boat to visit the little island on the lake home to the 17th-century baroque Church of Mary the Queen. The alpine region above the town is dotted with pretty hill towns and villages such as bee-keeping capital Radovljica. 

Slovenia’s Adriatic coast is small by European standards, but its palm-fringed oceanfront, fresh catch of the day and sail-stirring winds ensure it’s not one to be skipped. Piran’s pedestrian-only Old Town is lined with Venetian and medieval architecture, whilst the UNESCO World Heritage site Skocjan Caves is all limestone stalactites and endemic salamander. Piran’s pedestrian-only Old Town serves up seafood and sailing opportunities.