Found at the top of the Balkan peninsula with a toe dipped in the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia is an inviting mix of Mediterranean and Central European cultures. Magnificent mountain ranges dominate the northwest, notably the snow-capped Karavanke and Julian Alps, while the limestone Karst highlands in the west feature one of the world’s largest subterranean cave systems. Then there’s the sliver of Adriatic coastline, reminiscent of Italy, where seaside towns bask in a Mediterranean climate and vineyards thrive in the hills. Slovenia’s history is as intriguing as its landscape. Early settlers lived in pile dwellings dating from the fifth century BC but recorded history begins with the Romans, who established Emona, now known as Ljubljana. In later centuries society was controlled by foreign dynasties such as the Habsburgs, who built castles all over the country; the subsequent Counter-Reformation encouraged the Italian-Baroque style still evident in many towns. Following the Great War, the country merged with its neighbours to form the Kingdom of Yugoslavia then, after years of external influence, the Slovenes gained independence in 1991. Our base for this unforgettable holiday is the picturesque capital, Ljubljana, situated on a bend of the willow-lined Ljubljanica River. Set on a wooded hill is the city’s most recognisable landmark, Ljubljana Castle, offering unrivalled views of the rooftops below. The city was the European Green Capital of 2016 and has dedicated car-free zones, making it a joy to explore its maze of cobbled streets. During our excellent walks with specialist guides, you’ll discover Slovenia’s most spectacular natural attractions. Lake Bled is every bit a fairy tale brought to life: a pretty church sits on an islet while a medieval castle looms atop a rocky cliff, all set against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Then there’s Lake Bohinj, perhaps Slovenia’s best-kept secret as it’s every bit as breathtaking as Lake Bled yet mainly enjoyed by locals. Located within the country’s only national park, Bohinj is home to the magnificent A-shaped Savica waterfall and a string of idyllic villages. Slovenia’s tiny slice of Adriatic coastline is the location of the captivating town of Piran, almost within touching distance of Italy, to which it belonged until 1954. If you’ve been to Venice you may experience déjà vu in Piran’s main square when you glimpse the bell tower of Saint George’s Cathedral, clearly inspired by the Campanile of San Marco. We briefly cross the Italian border before re-entering Slovenia at the village of Lipica, where we tour the Lipica Stud Farm for a performance by the regal Lipizzaner horses.