Ljubljana, Slovenia

1. New boutique hotel opens in Ljubljana
2. New ‘Friendly countryside’ guide highlights Slovenia’s rural attractions
3. Runners and kayakers invited to participate in two Ljubljana marathons
4. Ljubljana International Film Festival takes place in November

1. New boutique hotel opens in Ljubljana.

The Allegro Hotel has recently opened in the old town square in Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana. The location is just minutes away from cafés, restaurants, bars and tourist sites.

The three-star boutique hotel has 12 rooms, including a single room, doubles, twins and rooms with extra beds for larger groups or families. Each room is individually decorated with a different colour theme and distinctive period furnishings. All rooms are equipped with en-suite bathrooms, wireless Internet access, air conditioning and television. Rooms facing to the south have balconies and views of St Jacob’s Church while other rooms have views of the city.

Prices start from €130 per night, including a buffet breakfast and based on two sharing.

For more information visit www.allegrohotel.si.

2. New ‘Friendly countryside’ guide highlights Slovenia’s rural attractions

The Slovenian Tourist Board has produced a new ‘Friendly countryside’ guide to showcase how tourists can make the most of the country’s beautiful nature and rural hospitality.

Each year, Slovenia’s countryside regions produce 90-90 million litres of wine, 400 tonnes of olive oil and support 140,000 bee colonies, giving rise to three of the most popular souvenirs for visitors. Sampling local products within characteristic regional dishes is just one way to ‘taste the countryside’, but with over 400 farms open to visitors, there is also the chance to stay overnight and take part in daily farm chores. Tourist farms are renowned for their warm welcome that will allow visitors to get to the heart of Slovene customs and traditions.

The ‘Friendly countryside’ guide includes information on almost 200 of these tourist farms, listing their sizes; facilities; and attractions and activities in the local area. Each farm is rated on a system of one to four apples, indicating its level of amenities.

As well as the extensive listings for farms offering accommodation and meals, the countryside guide offers an introduction to Slovenia’s varied landscapes and outdoors activities, including its vast underground caves, gorges and thermal springs.

The Friendly Countryside Guide is available to view online at the Slovenian Tourist Board website, www.slovenia.info. Follow this link: www.slovenia.info/pictures/publication_language/2009/STO_-_Katalog_Turisticne_kmetije_-_ANG__pub.pdf. A printed version of the guide is also be available at tourist information offices throughout Slovenia.

3. Runners and kayakers invited to participate in two Ljubljana marathons

Entries are being accepted until 20th October 2009 for the Ljubljana Marathon, which takes place on 25th October.

Local and foreign runners will take to the streets for the 14th year with the choice of three courses – a full marathon, half marathon, or a 10.5km fun run. In 2008 more than 13,000 runners took part in the event.

The marathon route takes runners through Ljubljana’s Old Town and the green outskirts of the city. Numerous spectators line the route to support and encourage the runners taking part.

Prospective competitors can find full details including entry costs and a route map on the website www.ljubljanskimaraton.si.

While runners gather their strength at ‘pasta banquets’ on the eve of the marathon, water sports enthusiasts will be putting themselves to the test on 24th October in the 3rd International Kayaking Marathon. Kayakers and canoeists will test their strength on various courses between the city centre bridges on the River Ljubljanica. The longest course measures almost 20km, while recreational canoeists can choose between courses of 5km and 9km.

Previous entrants to the Ljubljanica kayak marathon have included medal-winners from the canoeing world championships. For information and entry forms for this event, contact the Kayak Association of Slovenia by emailing kajak.zveza@siol.net.

4. Ljubljana International Film Festival takes place in November

The 20th annual Ljubljana International Film Festival (LIFFe) takes place from November 11th-22nd 2009, offering cinemagoers a selection of contemporary films from around the world.

As well as screenings of international films, visitors to the film festival will be able to participate in features workshops, interactive multimedia projects and talks.

They will also have the opportunity to vote for their favourite film in the Dragon Audience Award, the winner of which will be granted distribution in Slovenian cinemas. Audiences can vote as they leave the screening or via text message.

The full film festival line-up will shortly be available at www.liffe.si where tickets can also be purchased online.

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