Despite its small size, Slovenia is quite varied in terms of landscape. Between the Alps and the sea, you’ll find the broad belt of the Slovenian Karst, which is part of the great Dinaric mountain range. This is a mainly limestone area notable for a special karstic phenomena, both visible in its topography and underground. Take an approximately one hour drive from Koper to the Karst region which hides a unique underworld beneath this beautiful landscape. This is a unique opportunity to explore the subterranean filled with natural surprises. An electric train will take you to Postojna Cave for a 1 1 /2 hour visit. Well-kept paths comprise the greater part of the cave so it does not present any difficulties for most visitors.

Your trail begins at the cave’s railway station and will take you to the first natural passage, known as the “Upturned Ship”. Visit Gothic Hall rich in stalactite decoration, where the remains of Ice Age animals have been found and the Conference Hall, previously known as the Ballroom, has been the venue for dances and concerts for 180 years. While you admire these natural sculptures, the train takes you to Great Mountain where the tour of the caves continues on foot in groups led by guides. The trail takes you past characteristic cave formations to the Russian Bridge and the Beautiful Caves, then into the White Hall, the Red Hall, the Tiger Hall and the Winter Hall, all the way to the Brilliant Passage, the most famous stalagmite of all and the symbol of Postojna Cave. At the Predjama Castle photo stop, a former hideout for the brazen knight named Erazem of Predjama, evidence indicates that this steep and imposing cliff has been fortified since at least the 13th century. Reboard your train by the Conference Hall to return to the surface and to your waiting ship in Koper.

In the picturesque Karst region of Slovenia and just a stone’s throw from the Slovenian-Italian border lies the Lipica Stud Farm - the cradle of the Lipizzaner horse. You'll visit the stud farm, which was founded in 1580 and, today, it is a jewel among the cultural and historical monuments of the Republic of Slovenia. For over four centuries, the Lipica Stud Farm has nurtured the tradition of breeding and selecting thoroughbred horses. In the period after World War II, Lipica established its own classical riding school and has successfully performed with its horses at various equestrian events all over the world. The riding school was established during the Austrian Empire in 1572, and is the oldest of its kind in the world. Records show that a wooden riding arena was first commissioned in 1565, but it wasn't until 1729 that Emperor Charles VI had the architect Fischer von Erlach build the white riding hall used today. For a time, the riding hall was used for various private ceremonies, but it is now open to the public, who may witness the training and performances by the stallions. The Spanish Riding School was named for the Spanish horses that formed one of the bases of the Lipizzaner horse exclusively used at the school. Today the horses delivered to the Spanish Riding School are bred in a court stud in Piber in western Styria, Austria, though they originally came from the stud in Lipica, which also gave name to the race. Note: We recommend that you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and drink a lot of water. Guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. less

Piran is the oldest town in Slovenia and one of the best preserved in the country. The town itself with its interesting layout and cultural heritage attracts many visitors during the entire year. Discover the ancient heritage of the salt makers and a Venetian-era museum town. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Koper enjoyed a monopoly on salt and here you can discover the history of salt workers and their lifestyle in the ancient town of Piran. Both Greeks and Romans used a small rock outcrop nearby to light beacons for ships sailing into Koper, and Piran's name derives from the Greek word for fire, pyre. Today, this elegant seaside town is virtually an open-air museum, famous for its Venetian architecture and also as the birthplace of the Renaissance composer, Guiseppe Tartini. Savor its rich cultural heritage as you visit this undiscovered corner of Europe. During the walking tour around the winding streets of Piran, you’ll be introduced to the authentic taste produced in the nearby salt fields. Salt, referred to as the crystal gold, made this town rich and a very important part of the Venetian republic. Enjoy some free time exploring the lively Tartini Square or the promenade along the sea, before returning to your ship. Note: We recommend that you dress in layers, wear comfortable shoes, a hat, sunglasses and drink a lot of water. Guests must be able to walk over various surfaces with approximately 80 steps. less

The coastal bike tour approximately 8 miles (14km) follows the tracks of the narrow-gauge Parenzana Railroad, which once ran from Trieste to Porec. For 34 years, the Parenzana Railroad was the main transport route between Istria and Central Europe. Italian, Slovenian, and Croatian mayors of the municipalities through which the line had passed decided to establish this new route. The name symbolizes the friendship between the three nations and is now an opportunity for everyone who wants to keep fit. About a hundred years after the Parenzana first started puffing steam along the tracks, all health-conscious people, hikers, cyclists, runners, and other sportsmen and sportswomen, tourists or locals, can experience a new way of getting to know interesting places. The route takes you through old towns and villages, to the sea, through vineyards and olive tree plantations, through short tunnels, across valleys, and up into hilly land. It ends in the tourist town of Portoroz, where you’ll take a return transfer to the pier. Note: Participants must be at least 12 years of age and weigh less than 330 lbs.(150 kg) and be in good health/physical condition. less