Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia: Your Ultimate Companion for a Perfect Trip
Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia Free Downloadl
If you are looking for a concise, full-colour travel guide that combines lively text with vivid photography to bring an enchanting country to life, then you should check out Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia. This travel guide is available for free download as an eBook or an app, and it also comes with a handy pull-out map that makes on-the-ground navigation easy.
Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia Free Downloadl
In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia, why you should visit Slovenia, and how to use this travel guide to plan your perfect trip.
What is Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia?
Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia is part of Insight Guides, a pioneer of full-colour guide books with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design.
Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia features:
A free eBook and app that you can download on your phone or tablet and access all the information and features of the travel guide offline.
A pull-out map that shows every major attraction and how to get there, as well as a metro map for Ljubljana.
12 tailor-made itineraries that cover all the key sights and attractions in Slovenia, from its charming capital, Ljubljana, to spectacular scenic spots like Lake Bled.
Historical and cultural insights that delve into the country's rich history and culture, and learn all about its people, art and traditions.
Practical full-colour maps that help you explore each destination with ease and confidence.
Key tips and essential information that cover topics such as transport, tipping, culture, language, safety and more.
Why visit Slovenia?
Slovenia is a diverse and varied country, with some of Europe's most pristine and dramatic landscapes. From its friendly capital city, Ljubljana, to its snowcapped mountains, azure lakes, dense forests and fragment of jagged coastline, Slovenia has much to offer.
Some of the reasons to visit Slovenia are:
It is a small country that can be easily explored in a short time, but it has a lot of diversity and charm.
It has a rich cultural heritage that reflects its history as a crossroads of different civilizations and influences, from Roman ruins to Gothic churches to Baroque palaces.
It has a vibrant and creative capital city that boasts a lively cultural scene, a picturesque old town, a castle on a hill and a river that runs through it.
It has some of the most stunning natural attractions in Europe, such as Lake Bled with its fairy-tale island and castle, the Soca Valley with its emerald river and alpine scenery, and the Postojna Cave with its spectacular stalactites and stalagmites.
It has a variety of activities and experiences for every taste and interest, such as hiking, biking, skiing, rafting, kayaking, wine tasting, spa relaxing, museum visiting and more.
It has a friendly and hospitable people who are proud of their country and eager to share it with visitors.
How to use Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia?
To make the most of Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia, you should follow these steps:
Downloading the free eBook and app
The first step is to download the free eBook or app on your phone or tablet. You can do this by scanning the QR code on the back cover of the travel guide or by visiting the website www.insightguides.com/pocket-slovenia. You will need to register with your email address and create a password. Once you have downloaded the eBook or app, you can access all the information and features of the travel guide offline, without using any data or wifi. You can also bookmark pages, add notes, share content and more.
Planning your trip with the itineraries
The next step is to plan your trip with the 12 tailor-made itineraries that cover all the key sights and attractions in Slovenia. You can choose an itinerary based on your interests, preferences, budget and time. Each itinerary includes:
A summary of what to expect, how long it will take, how to get there and where to stay.
A map that shows the route and the main points of interest along the way.
A detailed description of each destination, with highlights, insights, tips and photos.
Some examples of the itineraries are:
Ljubljana in One Day: A perfect day itinerary that covers the best things to do in the capital city, such as visiting the castle, strolling along the river, exploring the old town, admiring the architecture, enjoying the culture and more.
Lake Bled: A half-day or full-day itinerary that takes you to one of the most scenic spots in Slovenia, where you can enjoy boating, hiking, swimming, sightseeing or relaxing around the lake.
Piran: A half-day or full-day itinerary that takes you to the charming coastal town of Slovenia, where you can discover its medieval heritage, architecture, culture and attractions.
Exploring the destinations with the maps and insights
The next step is to explore each destination with the maps and insights that help you navigate them with ease and confidence. Each destination includes:
A full-colour map that shows every major attraction and how to get there.
background information and context for each destination.
A key tip or essential information that gives you practical advice or useful facts about each destination.
Some examples of the destinations are:
Ljubljana
Ljubljana is the capital and largest city of Slovenia, as well as its cultural, political, economic and educational center. It is a vibrant and creative city that boasts a lively cultural scene, a picturesque old town, a castle on a hill and a river that runs through it. Ljubljana has a rich history that dates back to Roman times, and its architecture reflects various styles and influences, from Gothic to Baroque to Art Nouveau. Some of the attractions you can visit in Ljubljana are:
The Ljubljana Castle, a medieval fortress that offers panoramic views of the city and hosts various exhibitions and events.
The Triple Bridge, a landmark that connects the old town with the modern part of the city across the Ljubljanica River.
The Prešeren Square, the main square of the city that is named after the national poet of Slovenia and features his statue and the Franciscan Church.
The Dragon Bridge, a symbol of Ljubljana that is decorated with four dragon statues and represents strength and courage.
The National Gallery, the largest museum of art in Slovenia that displays works by Slovenian and European artists from various periods.
Insight: Ljubljana was designed by the famous architect Jože Plečnik, who also worked in Vienna and Prague. He left his mark on many buildings and monuments in the city, such as the National Library, the Central Market, the Žale Cemetery and more.
Tip: Ljubljana is a bike-friendly city that offers free bike rental service called BicikeLJ. You can use it to explore the city at your own pace and convenience.
Lake Bled
Lake Bled is one of the most scenic spots in Slovenia, and one of its most popular tourist destinations. It is a glacial lake that is surrounded by mountains and forests, and features a fairy-tale island with a church and a castle on a cliff. Lake Bled is a place of natural beauty, history, legends and activities. You can enjoy boating, hiking, swimming, sightseeing or relaxing around the lake. Some of the attractions you can visit at Lake Bled are:
The Bled Island, a small island in the middle of the lake that can be reached by a traditional wooden boat called pletna. On the island, you can visit the Church of St. Mary, which dates back to the 17th century and has a wishing bell that grants your wishes if you ring it three times.
The Bled Castle, a medieval fortress that stands on a rocky cliff above the lake. It is the oldest castle in Slovenia and hosts a museum, a restaurant, a wine cellar and a printing shop.
The Vintgar Gorge, a natural wonder that is located near Lake Bled. It is a 1.6 km long gorge that is carved by the Radovna River and features wooden bridges, waterfalls, rapids and pools.
The Bled Cream Cake, a local specialty that is made of puff pastry, custard cream and whipped cream. It is served at many cafes and restaurants around Lake Bled and has a protected designation of origin.
Insight: Lake Bled was formed by the retreat of the Bohinj Glacier after the last Ice Age. The island was once a pagan temple dedicated to Živa, the goddess of love and fertility.
Tip: Lake Bled is an ideal destination for all seasons. In summer, you can swim or sunbathe on its shores, in autumn, you can admire its colorful foliage, in winter, you can skate or sled on its frozen surface, and in spring, you can witness its blooming flowers.
Piran
Piran is a charming coastal town in southwestern Slovenia, on the Adriatic Sea. It is one of the best-preserved historical towns in Slovenia and has a rich medieval heritage, architecture, culture and attractions. Piran is a place of romance, art and music, where you can stroll along its narrow streets, squares and walls, and enjoy its views, atmosphere and cuisine.
The Tartini Square, the main square of Piran that is named after the famous violinist and composer Giuseppe Tartini, who was born in Piran. The square features his statue, the Town Hall, the Venetian House and the Church of St. Peter.
The St. George's Cathedral, a 12th-century church that dominates the Piran skyline and offers panoramic views of the town and the sea. The church has a Romanesque style and a bell tower that resembles the one in St. Mark's Basilica in Venice.
The Piran Walls, a fortification system that was built to protect Piran from Ottoman invasions. The walls date back to the 15th century and have seven gates and three towers. You can walk along the walls and enjoy the views of the town and the sea.
The Sergej Mašera Maritime Museum, a museum that showcases the maritime history and culture of Piran and Slovenia. The museum is housed in a former palace and displays exhibits, models, maps, paintings and more.
Insight: Piran was once part of the Venetian Republic and later the Austro-Hungarian Empire. Its influence can be seen in its architecture, language, cuisine and culture.
Tip: Piran is a car-free zone, so you have to park your car outside the town and take a free shuttle bus or walk to the center. You can also rent a bike or a boat to explore the town and its surroundings.
Postojna Cave
Postojna Cave is one of the most visited caves in Europe and one of the largest karst caves in the world. It is located in southwestern Slovenia, near the town of Postojna. It is a geological wonder that features spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, columns, curtains, halls, galleries and more. Postojna Cave is also home to various animals, including the human fish, a rare amphibian that lives only in dark underground waters. Postojna Cave is a place of adventure, discovery and education. You can tour, explore and learn about the cave and its inhabitants. Some of the attractions you can visit at Postojna Cave are:
The Cave Train, a unique electric train that takes you on a 3.7 km long ride through the cave. The train was built in 1872 and has been upgraded several times since then. It is an exciting and comfortable way to see the cave's wonders.
The Great Mountain Hall, a huge chamber that is 120 m long, 40 m wide and 30 m high. It is one of the most impressive parts of the cave and has a large collection of stalagmites of different shapes and sizes.
The Concert Hall, a spacious hall that has excellent acoustics and can accommodate up to 10,000 people. It is used for various events, such as concerts, weddings, exhibitions and more.
The Vivarium Proteus, a laboratory and exhibition center that showcases the life in Postojna Cave. It displays various animals that live in the cave, such as bats, spiders, crabs, snails and more. The most famous one is the human fish, which can live up to 100 years without food or light.
Insight: Postojna Cave was discovered in 1818 by a local lamplighter named Luka Čeč. He was the first to explore its depths and became its first guide. He also carved his name on one of the stalagmites in 1819.
Tip: Postojna Cave is open all year round and has a constant temperature of 10C (50F). You should wear warm clothes and comfortable shoes when visiting the cave. You should also book your tickets online in advance to avoid queues.
Other destinations
Slovenia has many other destinations that are worth visiting or exploring further if you have more time or interest. Some of them are:
Triglav National Park, a protected area that covers most of the Julian Alps in northwestern Slovenia. It is named after Mount Triglav, the highest peak in Slovenia and a national symbol. The park offers stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna, hiking trails, waterfalls, lakes and more.
events, and natural attractions.
Koper, the largest city and port on the Slovenian coast. It has a rich history that dates back to ancient times and a diverse culture that reflects its Italian, Slovenian and Croatian influences. It has a charming old town with a Venetian-style architecture and a cathedral with a bell tower.
Celje, the third-largest city in Slovenia and one of its oldest. It is located on the Savinja River in central Slovenia. It is known for its medieval castle that was once the seat of the Counts of Celje, the most powerful noble family in Slovenian history. It also has a museum, a gallery, a park and a spa.
Conclusion
Slovenia is a small but diverse and varied country that has a lot to offer to travelers who are looking for natural beauty, cultural heritage, friendly people and diverse activities. Whether you want to explore its charming capital, its scenic lakes, its coastal towns or its caves, you will find something to suit your taste and interest.
But to make your trip even more enjoyable and memorable, you should download Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia for free and start planning your trip with it. This travel guide will provide you with everything you need to know about Slovenia, from where to go, what to do, how to get there, where to stay and more. It will also give you historical and cultural insights, practical tips and essential information that will help you navigate Slovenia with ease and confidence.
So what are you waiting for? Download Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia for free today and discover this enchanting country for yourself!
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia or traveling to Slovenia in general.
How can I download Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia for free?
You can download Insight Pocket Guide Slovenia for free by scanning the QR code on the back cover of the travel guide or by visiting the website www.insightguides.com/pocket-slovenia. You will need to register with your email address and create a password. Once you have downloaded the eBook or app, you can access all the information and features of the travel guide offline.
When is the best time to visit Slovenia?
Slovenia is a year-round destination that has something to offer in every season. However, some seasons may be more suitable for certain activities or attractions than others. For example, spring and autumn are ideal for hiking, biking and sightseeing, as the weather is mild and the nature is colorful. Summer is great for swimming, boating and sunbathing on the lakes or the coast, as well as enjoying festivals and events. Winter is perfect for skiing, skating and sledding on the mountains or enjoying thermal spas.
What are some of the typical dishes of Slovenian cuisine?
Slovenian cuisine is influenced by Mediterranean, Alpine and Eastern European cultures and varies by region. Some of the typical dishes of Slovenian cuisine are:
Potica, a rolled cake filled with various ingredients such as walnuts, poppy seeds, cottage cheese or chocolate.
Štruklji, boiled or baked dumplings stuffed with cheese, apple, walnut or tarragon.
Jota, a hearty stew made with sauerkraut or sour turnip, beans, potatoes and smoked pork.
Kranjska klobasa, a smoked sausage made with pork and bacon.
pork, venison and potatoes.
Idrijski žlikrofi, a dish of small boiled dumplings filled with minced meat and onion, served with a bacon sauce.
What are some of the best wines of Slovenia?
Slovenia has a long and rich wine tradition that dates back to ancient times. It has three main wine regions: Primorska, Podravje and Posavje, each with its own subregions, varieties and styles. Some of the best wines of Slovenia are:
Rebula, a white wine made from a native grape variety that grows mainly in Brda. It is a dry, crisp and aromatic wine that pairs well with seafood, cheese and salads.
Teran, a red wine made from a local variety of Refošk that grows mainly in the Karst. It is a full-bodied, acidic and tannic wine that has a deep ruby color and a distinctive mineral taste. It pairs well with meat dishes, especially prosciutto.
Furmint, a white wine made from a grape variety that is also known as Šipon in Slovenia. It grows mainly in Podravje, especially in Jeruzalem-Ormož. It is a dry, elegant and complex wine that has floral and fruity aromas and a high acidity. It pairs well with poultry, fish and cheese.
Modra Frankinja, a red wine made from a grape variety that is also known as Blaufränkisch in Austria. It grows mainly in Posavje, especially in Bizeljsko-Sremič. It is a medium-bodied, spicy and fruity wine that has a dark purple color and a velvety texture. It pairs well with game, lamb and pasta.
What are some of the best travel tips for Slovenia?
Slovenia is a safe, friendly and easy-to-travel country that welcomes visitors from all over the world. However, to make your trip even smoother and more enjoyable, you should keep in mind some of these travel tips for Slovenia:
The currency of Slovenia is the euro (EUR). You can exchange money at banks, post offices or exchange offices. You can also use ATMs or credit cards at most places.
The official language of Slovenia is Slovene, but many people also speak English, German or Italian. You can learn some basic phrases in Slovene to communicate with locals and show respect for their culture.
The power plugs and sockets in Slovenia are of type F (two round pins). The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You may need an adapter or converter if your devices have different specifications.
The tap water in Slovenia is safe to drink and of high quality. You can also buy bottled water at supermarkets or convenience stores if you prefer.
The public transport system in Slovenia is efficient and affordable. You can use buses or trains to travel between cities or regions. You can also rent a car or bike to explore more independently or off the beaten track.
The best way to experience Slovenia is to go outdoors and enjoy its natural beauty and diversity. You can hike, bike, ski, raft, kayak or boat on its mountains, lakes