Slovenia - Eastern Europe - page 676

to the protection of UNESCO. So, no intrusive miniature trains or Disneyland
adventure-park atmosphere; here there's a real sense of exploration. Moving through
the 3km (1 3 ⁄ 4 -mile) subterranean system (which includes rigorous stairways), you
almost sense the voidlike drama of Silent Cave, and become increasingly aware of the
subdued roar of the Murmuring Cave, coming from the underground Reka River.
Besides spectacular stalactites, stalagmites, and rim limestone pools (resembling those
in Pamukkale in Turkey), Sko c jan includes what is believed to be the world's largest
underground canyon, as well as awesome bridges and drop-away galleries where the
vastness of the subterranean world (at one point you're told the parking lot is
140m/459 ft. above your head) undoes everything you think you know about the
earth. ( Tip: While you wait for your tour to begin, don't miss the Belvedere View-
point, overlooking a magnificent gorge with a small waterfall.)
Park Skocjanske jame, Skocjan 2, Divaca. & 05/708-2100 or 05/763-2840. www.park-skocjan-jame.si. Admission
22 ($5.25) children, free for children under 6. Purchase

tickets 30 min. before tour. June-Sept hourly guided tours daily 10am-5pm; Nov-Mar guided tours Mon-Sat 10am
and 1pm, Sun and public holidays also at 3pm; Apr-May and Oct guided tours daily 10am, 1pm, and 3:30pm.

€ ($14) adults, 7.50 € ($9.40) seniors and students, 4.15 €

Lipica Stud Farm & Riding Center Lipizzaners, bred here since 1580, are
arguably the most intelligent horse breed; certainly their combination of strength and
agility has turned them into excellent “dancers,” able to perform a number of leaps
and pirouettes in choreographed formations to the beat of music. Enthusiasts can visit
the stables and watch a dressage performance (you'll need to call ahead to check
when these happen) or arrange to ride one of these magnificent beasts.
Lipica 5, Sezana. & 05/739-1580. www.lipica.org. Stable and farm tours Nov-Mar 11am, 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm;
Apr-June and Sept-Oct hourly 10am-5pm except at noon; July-Aug hourly 9am-6pm except at noon.
PIRAN & THE ISTRIAN COAST
Piran is 120km (74 miles) SW of Ljubljana
Piran is easily the loveliest place along Slovenia's tiny slither of Istrian Coast, drawing
inevitable comparisons with Venice which—after 500 years of rule—it echoes in many
ways; only here there are no canals—the entire city is built on dry land, rising to a low
hill, along which defensive walls are built. Within walking distance of Piran is the
modern seaside playground of Portoro z , with its strutting crowds and concrete resort
hotels. Popular with pleasure-seekers and always crowded during the peak summer
months, it may be a worthwhile clubbing spot if you grow weary of Piran's more
restrained nighttime tavern activity. North you'll find two more Italianate ports,
Koper and Izola, neither of which are nearly as nice of Piran.
ESSENTIALS
While it's an easy drive along the highway from Ljubljana, getting into Piran itself can
be a nuisance. If you're driving, you'll need to leave your car in the town's parking lot,
just beyond the city limits, which is controlled by boom gates; from here there's a reg-
ular shuttle bus to transport you between the parking area and the town center. (You
can enter Piran with your vehicle, but you're charged rather heavily for the time you
spend on its few cramped roads, and you can forget about finding parking.)
Buses to Piran terminate at the bus station (Dantejeva ulica), located just outside
the town proper; a short walk around Piran Port, along Cankarjevo nabre z je, takes you
to Tartinijeva trg, at the town center. Trains from Ljubljana terminate in Koper, 10km
(6 1 ⁄ 4 miles) northeast of Piran. Piran's helpful Tourist Information Office is in the