An Insiders View on Slovenia

Maja 

Slovenia, very green and diverse country between the Mediterranean and the Alps, boasts all the beauties of the Old World. When you want to learn about Europe in one stroke, come to Slovenia. In just 20,273 square kilometers there are wonderful Alps, charming coastline, pristine lakes, breath-taking crystal clear rivers, thermal springs, beautiful valleys, magnificent Karst cave world, antique castles, medieval cities, ancient villages, and countless vineyards with top quality wines. Here in this small and easily covered area one can find 4 geographic regions, 3 climate regions and 3 wine growing regions. This is Slovenia, compact and astonishing, a diversity of Europe in miniature. More diverse experiences await you all year round.

What makes Slovenia an ideal travel destination for all?

Not many countries can offer such a wide variety of amazing possibilities like Slovenia can. It is an ideal travel destination, among the most biologically diverse countries in the world and stunningly beautiful nature, small distances, one of the cleanest countries in Europe, excellent culinary & wine.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to Slovenia? 

Slovenians are respectful of the rules in public places and appreciate the kindness and good manners from others. Slovenians also recycle and try to keep the country clean. Also very important: tap water is clean and drinkable. Most of Slovenians speak English and are kind to tourists.

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they are travelling?

To bring euros and some sports shoes because there is a lot of places in nature to discover, especially away from the capital.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Slovenia?

Vintgar Gorge, Velika Planina, Logarska Dolina, Soca valley, Krizna cave, Postojna Cave, Skocjan Cave, Bled.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Locals try to have the best quality of life, working hours are from 8 am until 4 pm or from 9 am to 5 pm which leaves almost all afternoon free for different activities in nature or just to spend quality time with the family and friends. When the weather is nice, locals also like to spend time in the city centre, just having a drink in one of the bars along the Ljubljanica river. During weekends, people like to have a short getaway in one of the different places in Slovenia, because everything is about one hour to two hours away from the capital.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try and where Slovenia?

Local wine in different regions of Slovenia, Kranjska sausage, struklji (composed of dough and various types of filling), Potica (a dessert, rolled dough cake with different fillings, most common is nut filling), Bled cream cake, jota (a stew with sour cabbage and beans).

What are things which one must buy when in Slovenia?

Licitar heart, olive oil from different Slovenian producers, honey from different Slovenian producers, lace from Idrija, salt or chocolate with salt or different products from Piran saltpans, Slovenian schnapps (from blueberry or plum or similar).

Which is the most romantic places to visit in Slovenia?

Bled, Piran.

Which are the local festivals one must come to attend in Slovenia?

There are a lot of culinary events and wine events throughout the year in whole Slovenia. For example, Cherry Festival in Goriska Brda, Fish fest on Slovenian coast, Beer & flower festival in an Eastern part of Slovenia, Ljubljana Festival, Ethnomusic festival in Bled.

The things that guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Some things should remain unpublished for guests to discover them on their own during their visit.

According to you what is the best thing about Slovenia?

That everything is close, you can go to the mountains and to the coast on the same day. There is a lot of nature which gives you a sense of freedom. Water is clean and drinkable. Slovenia is also very diverse and one can do so many different things, there is something for everyone.

Check out our latest package on Slovenia 

Insiders View on Armenia

By Hakob Kpryan

What makes Armenia an ideal travel destination for all?

Armenia What does this name stand for? A country, a state, nation, lifestyle, insight? Great history and culture? Unique art, fascinating landscape? huge diaspora, famous cognac? All items mentioned are probably parts and parcels of the answer to the question posed. On the other hand, none of the definitions is sufficient in itself to provide an answer. Armenia is a whole world of thousands of wonderful fragrances, colors and feelings. It is a world of open-hearted people and open doors, where guests are treated with happiness and joy as if they were a part of the family. It is a world of age-old wisdom and fresh ideas headed towards the future – an amazing world, Armenia is the poetry of eternity.

Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to Armenia? (An insider tidbit)

From millennia-old monasteries to crumbling cathedrals, Armenia is scattered with Christian places of worship: they don’t call this the “land of churches” for nothing. It’s impossible to identify the best basilica in the land, but one of our favorites is the 9th-century Tatev Monastery; a stunning building in an area of unremitting beauty.

Which are the most surreal places to visit when in Armenia?

One must visit the Tatev Monastery, Zorats Karer Observatory,
Khndzoresk cave city, Noravank Monastery, Tatev Cable car, Nagorno Karabakh, Forests of Dilijan and Garni basalt

Any essentials that one needs to carry when they travelling?

Carry a pair of proper walking shoes cause there’s a lot to explore on foot.

Can you tell us a little about the life of the locals?

Local people are very nice and hospitable. Most of the people work in agriculture and tourism. As the average income of the whole country is not high, most locals have a second profession.
That is why especially in the touristic areas one can see a lot of people selling their homemade products.
While hiking in the mountains, you can be invited to a farmer’s house for some drinks or snacks. It would be great if you could get some presents for these people as they don’t accept money as gratitude.

What are the local delicacies/drinks which one must try when in Armenia?

Homemade fruit Vodka, Ararat Brandy and Pomegranate wine are some lip-smacking drinks one must try when in Armenia.

What are things which one must buy when in Armenia?

One must buy handmade pottery, jewellery (gold, silver), scarves, brandy and homemade fruit vodka.

Which are the most romantic places to visit in Armenia?

Shaki waterfall is a beautiful place one must visit and other places like
Lake Sevan, Jermuk Waterfall and Tatev Complex are some romantic places one must visit.

What are the local festivals which one must come to attend in Armenia?

Yerevan wine days, Areni Wine festival, EPIC music fest
Barbeque festival and Beer festival are some festivals a traveller must visit.

The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about?

Yerevan is a City of Fountains,
Small fountains of spring water called “pulpulak” can be seen at every step in Yerevan, the capital of Armenia. These fountains have long been one of the most recognized symbols of the city. There are over 1,500 pulpulaks in Yerevan. The word “pulpulak” refers to the gurgling of the water flowing out of the fountain.
The water in Armenia is considered one of the most delicious and purest in the world. Indeed, the water here is supplied from the pure natural sources and it can be drunk straight from the tap without boiling, without fear for the health. Armenians have a special attitude to water: they honor this gift of nature, compose stories and legends about it.

According to you what is the best thing about Armenia?

Armenia is one of the world’s oldest countries, with the extensive history to prove it. Also one of the least explored places in the world.