Cave networks used by medieval knights, sunlit rolling hills filled with family run vineyards and towns atop vast wine cellars – Slovenia’s landscape offers a rich cultural tapestry to explore.

The view across the valley was the perfect excuse to stop my bike and catch a breath. The walled village of Smartno, with the bell tower acting as sentinel, beckoned atop cascading vineyards.

8. Slovenian Wine There are three distinct wine regions in Slovenia. I'd be remiss not to include wine as traditional ...