The fairytale Lake Bled

Slovenia's Julian Alps are Europe's undiscovered jewel. The snow-capped mountains, placid lakes, raging rivers and dense forests are as picturesque as anything you'll find in the Swiss Alps. Still, with the prices lower and the crowds thinner, there's far more bang for your buck to be had here. 

The Triple Bridge leads to Ljubljana magnificent old city.

Ljubljana is the loveliest, most laid-back capital in Europe. 

Since the fall of Yugoslavia, Ljubljana has really come into its own as a chic and vibrant city. 

Piran's beautifully-preserved old town.

Perched on a pensinsula on the Adriatic coast, Piran is so close to Venice - geographically and physically - you'd be forgiven for thinking you were in Italy.