Slovenia

Slovenia became independent for the first time in its history in 1991 when it left the faltering Yugoslavia, and has rapidly transformed itself into one of the most successful and prosperous of the countries of "New Europe". Set at the edge of the Alps, as they give way to the limestone karst plateau, Slovenia is blessed with natural beauty in abundance. The most visited tourist spots are Lake Bled, with its pretty church set on an island in the lake, and the dramatic limestone caves at Postonja. The capital, Ljubljana, has some delightful art-nouveau architecture (a legacy of Austrian rule) and an imposing castle to explore, along with a thriving cafe scene made possible by the mediterranean climate.