Super Slovenia

We have just returned from a holiday in Slovenia. What a fantastic country! Hot sunshine, towering mountains, pretty villages, friendly people, good food. What more could you ask for?

This our second holiday in Slovenia, the first one was to Lake Bled, followed by Piran, on the coast. This time we flew into Maribor, (near the Austrian border) with Ryanair for 2p, yes that's right 2p, no taxes or anything extra! http://www.ryanair.com/

We stayed in the Pohorje mountain area, at Aparthotel Pohorje, which was a 20 minute drive up the mountain. http://www.aparthotel-pohorje.com/ . A lovely place, I would recommend it to anyone. I think it is mainly a ski hotel during the winter, it was very quiet when we were there. However, the apartment was fine, lovely comfy beds. We also booked half-board at the hotel, and the food was fantastic. It said in our guide book that it was the best place to eat in the area, and they were right. Compliments to the chef! The staff were also very friendly, if you go there say hello to Tomaz, the waiter, from the apple juice drinkers!

Near the hotel is the cable car, which is handy for getting into Maribor if you don't want to take your car. Just hop on the cable car and catch the local bus No.6 into town. Maribor is nice, with a pretty old town area by the river, and it boasts the oldest vine in the world, over 400 years old and still producing great grapes for wine. It's still very uncommercialised, Ryanair had only been flying in for a fortnight.

There are lovely castles to visit, ruined monasteries, vineyards, etc. But the best things were the thermal spas. Great fun! We like the one at Ptuj best, the water was warmer than my bath at home!

All in all a great destination for a relaxing holiday and your money goes a long way too!