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Slovenia, is truly one of Eastern Europe's most beautiful hidden gems. It has some of the most spectacular countryside in Europe with steep forested mountains and crystal clear lakes. Nearly half of the countryside is covered by forests, making Slovenia one of the most forested countries in Europe. Areas that are not forested are covered with lush grasslands, gardens, vineyards and orchards.
Croatia is the meeting point where the Mediterranean, the mountains and the Pannonian plains come together in a unique harmony of natural beauty. Within a day you can encounter many different landscapes including the turquoise water of the Dalmatian Coast, charming fishing villages and exquisite hidden islands. There are 1,185 islands and islets in Croatia. As well there are some of the most fabulous medieval cities such as the walled city of Dubrovnik.
Official Name: Republic of Slovenia
Population: 1.93 million
Capital City: Ljubljana (pop 330,000)
People: Slovenian 88%, Croat 3%, Serb 2%
Languages: Slovenian, Croatian, Serbian, German & English
Religion: Roman Catholic (72%), atheist (4.3%), Eastern Orthodox Christian
(2.4%), Muslim (1%), Protestant (1%)
Currency: Slovenian Tolar
Time: GMT/UTC +1 (daylight savings observed)
Electricity: 230 volt, 50 Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Service-based, industrial (shipbuilding), and agriculture
Official Name: Republic of Croatia
Population: 4.42 million
Capital City: Zagreb (pop: 777,000)
People: Croatian (78%), Serbian (12%), Slavic Muslim (Bosniac), Hungarian,
Slovenian & Italian
Languages: Croatian, Serbian, Italian, Slovenian &Hungarian
Religion: Roman Catholic, Eastern Orthodox, Islam
Currency: Croatian Kuna
Time: GMT/UTC +1 (Central European Time)
Electricity: 230 volt, 50 Hz (http://www.kropla.com)
Major Industries: Service-based, industrial (shipbuilding), and agriculture
Citizens from Canada and the USA require a valid passport to enter both Slovenia and Croatia. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Slovenian and/or Croatian Embassies for entry requirements. You must have a valid passport for at least 6 months beyond the conclusion of your trip in order to enter both these countries.
If travelling on a Canadian or American passport, a visa is not required to enter Croatia and Slovenia. Citizens of other nations should check with their nearest Slovenian and/or Croatian Embassies for entry/visa requirements.
Slovenia is temperate with four distinct seasons, but the topography creates three individual climates. The northwest has an alpine climate with strong influences from the Atlantic as well as abundant precipitation. Temperatures in the Alpine valleys are moderate in summer but cold in winter. The coast and western Slovenia as far north as the Soca Valley has a Mediterranean climate with mild, sunny weather much of the year, though the burja, a cold and dry northeasterly wind from the Adriatic, can be fierce at times. Most of eastern Slovenia has a continental climate with hot summers and cold winters. Slovenia gets most of its rain in March and April and again in October and November. January is the coldest month with an average temperature of –2’C and July the warmest at 21’C.
The climate in Croatia varies from Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast to continental inland. The high coastal mountains help to shield the coast from cold northerly winds, making for an early spring and late autumn. In spring and early summer a sea breeze called the meastral keeps the temperature down along the coast. Winter winds include the cold bura from the north and the humid siroko from the south. The sunny coastal area experience hot, dry summers and mild, rainy winters, while the interior regions are cold in winter and warm in summer. Because of a warm current flowing up the Adriatic coast, sea temperatures never fall below 10’C in winter and are as high as 26’C in August. You can swim in the sea from mid-June until late September.
Slovenian cuisine has been influenced by Austrian, Italian, south Slavic and Hungarian kitchens and is therefore a mix of tastes and textures. A typical main meal includes meat (beef or chicken), beef or chicken soup, green salad, and to finish off, apple, cherry, or cheese strudel with coffee. No matter the season, Slovenes serve a daily green salad with vinegar-and-oil dressing. Potatoes, onions, cabbage, celery, carrots, bananas, apples, and walnuts round out the dietary staples. The forests provide a variety of mushrooms, berries and nuts.
The Croatian diet is influenced by its varied climate, landscape, and neighboring cultures. The Adriatic coast is renowned for the variety of seafood dishes, including shellfish and mixed fish stewed with rice. Dishes made from chicken, beef, pork, and lamb are common throughout Croatia, especially inland and in rural areas. An inland specialty is strukli (a salt or sweet-cheese strudel, boiled or in a casserole.) Wine is the most popular drink with a meal. Also popular are beer, mineral water and fruit drinks.
There are no mandatory vaccinations required to enter Slovenia and Croatia. There are some recommended vaccinations however; these are tetanus & diphtheria, hepatitis A and typhoid. Health requirements can and do change regularity so we advise that you check with your doctor or public health official regarding travel to Slovenia and Croatia. A good place to check for up to date information is the Centre for Disease Control at www.cdc.gov/travel/.
Lonely Planet Slovenia – by Steve Fallon
Sunflower Landscapes Slovenia: A Countryside Guide (Landscapes) – by David Robertson, Sarah Stewar
Slovenia (Enchantment of the World, Second Series) – by Tamra Orr, Martin Hintz
Independent Slovenia: Origins, Movements, Prospects – by Jill Benderly
Slovenia: From Yugoslavia to the European Union – by Mojmir Mrak
Lipizzaner: The Story of the Horses Lipica – by Milan Dolenc
Lonely Planet Croatia – by Jeanne Oliver
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