SLOVENIA - YOUR HOST COUNTRY Slovenia is situated in Central Europe, where different regions and climates meet: the Alps along its northwestern part, the Mediterranean with the Adriatic sea, and the Pannonian plain in the east. Between the boundaries of this rather small country there are hundreds of miles of rolling hills and valleys with castles and monasteries, medieval towns, vineyards, underground caves, and crystal-clear rivers. BLED - YOUR HOST TOWN Bled lies at the foot of the Julian Alps, 501 m above sea-level in the northwestern part of Slovenia. It is a harmonic blend of extraordinary natural beauty, a mild climate with fresh mountain air, and warm hospitality of the people. The jewels in Bled’s crown are the island in the lake and the castle placed on the top of the cliff rising steeply from the lake.    Detailed information about Slovenia can be found at http://www.slovenia-tourism.si. TRANSPORTATION Bled is easily accessible throughout the year. The Lesce-Bled railway station (4km) lies on the Villach – Jesenice – Ljubljana – Belgrade - Istanbul – Athens railway line some 45 km from the border with Austria (Wurzenpass – Korensko sedlo) and Italy (Fusine Laghi – Rateče). The nearest international airport, Ljubljana Airport, is 36 km away at Brnik. Bled is connected with all larger towns in Slovenia by regular bus routes. There is a regular bus service from Brnik to Kranj and from Kranj to Bled.   Please note: Transfer by bus will be provided from Ljubljana Airport to Bled and back. CURRENCY The Slovenian currency is SIT (Slovenian Tolar). 1 EURO is equivalent approximately to 238 SIT.  Foreign currency may be exchanged at banks, exchange offices, travel agencies, hotels, airports, and railway stations. All major credit cards (American Express, Diners, Master Card/Eurocard and Visa) are widely accepted in hotels, larger stores and restaurants.   MEALS Coffee/tea with refreshments and lunch will be served during breaks, free of charge.   RESTAURANTS Restaurants offer national and international dishes (à la carte, Italian, pizzerias, snack bars) and are within a walking distance from the Grand Hotel Toplice.   Cream cakes have been the symbol of Bled cuisine for almost five decades, and the best ones are made at the Grand Hotel Toplice.   THE CLIMATE Mild, healthy sub-alpine climate. The ridges of the Julian Alps and Karavanke protect Bled from chilly northern winds. During the tourist season there is no fog. The temperatures in September are between 20 - 25°C. A light coat or/and umbrella are recommended.    ELECTRICITY OUTLETS Voltage: 220 V, 50 Hz.   TIME One hour ahead of Greenwich Mean Time (+1 GMT).