Koper

The passenger port is located about 300 meter from the main town square with its cathedral, cafes, restaurants and main tourist attractions. Sometimes shuttles are provided, but it is only a 5 minute walk. A futuristic elevator across the street will take you to the center of town.

On saturdays and sundays during the cruise season a small little tourist train will transport you for free every half an hour around the perimeter of old town right from the cruise dock. Great for passengers with light mobility problems.

On arrival you will receive a list of any events in town, from the stands outside de cruise dock. Also free maps will be handed out.

Printable map to take along.

Koper's main sight of interest is its Venetian-era old city, aptly named Old Town. Its main street, Cevljarska is no more than two or three meters wide in some places and is always busy. Cevljarska will lead you towards the town's main square, Titov Trg (Tito Square), which is dominated by the bell tower (204 steps, 3 Euro) of the St. Mary's of the Assumption Cathedral. Perhaps the most astonishing building on the square is the hacienda-like Praetorian Palace, the seat of the city's governor during the Venetian Republic.

Overall Koper is a very pleasant place to spend a few hours, most stores will be open when a cruise ship is visiting.

Tip: Especially when more than one cruise ship is docked, try to avoid returning to your ship for lunch between 1pm and 3 pm as lines can get very long at the port security station. Plan your day accordingly.

Koper's Old City can easily be covered on foot.

At the port many tour operators will offer many tours. It's recommend to disembark early so you can make reservations for a tour of your liking.

There is also a narrated bus making a loop through Izola, Portoroz and Piran, all three beautiful seaside towns. The fare is 22 Euro. Check at the port kiosks. The earlier you go the more time (1.5 hours), you can spend in each town.

Ljubljana Besides having everything that all the other modern capitals have, Ljubljana succeeded in maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of a small city. This picturesque and very vibrant city is full of surprises.

Attractive local gifts include bobbin lace, crystal glass and specialty wines.

There are also 2 large shopping malls: Mon - Fri 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sat 8:00 AM - 9:00 PM Sun 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Slovenia entered the Eurozone on January 1st, 2007 and now utilises the euro (€, EUR) as its currency.

American Express, Diners, Eurocard, MasterCard and Visa are accepted at up-market establishments; elsewhere cash is preferred.

Slovenian, the national language, is spoken as mother tongue by 91% of the population. Most people you come into contact with as a tourist, especially younger ones, will speak English.

At the port there is a list available with all WiFi and internet connections in town.

Shopping hours Mon-Fri 0800-1900, Sat 0800-1300. All shops, except the large malls, are closed on Saturday afternoon and Sunday except when a cruise ship is docked.

Slovenia