Five centuries of Venetian rule have left a distinguished mark on Koper, Slovenia. The port city’s narrow streets and small squares recall those of Venice, Italy. This attractive MSC Mediterranean Cruises destination is also a popular starting point for excursions to Ljubljana and inland Slovenia. In town, explore Titov Trg square, the 15th-century Praetorian Palace, and the medieval old quarter.
 
MSC Cruises excursions offer plenty of exciting things to see including:
 
• Ljubljana 
• Lake Bled and Island Cruise 
• Postojna Caves
 
Enjoy a memorable MSC Cruises excursion across Ljubljana, the magnificent capital of Slovenia. The centre is the most charming part of the historical city, through which flows the Ljubljanica River. See the characteristic Triple Bridge which crosses this body of water, before exploring the Roman castrum of Emona, the towering medieval castle, and leafy Tivoli Park. Stroll through the city’s many squares, resplendent with Baroque and Art Nouveau architecture, or drop by the open-air market and the medieval town hall with its Baroque Robba Fountain. After a graceful riverboat cruise, enjoy lunch in a traditional Slovenian restaurant. Finally, spend some free time discovering the city's cafes and shops where you can pick up souvenirs. 
 
Lake Bled, in the Julian Alps, makes a magnificent MSC Cruises excursion. The tour begins with a relaxing 2-hour coach ride through the verdant landscapes of postcard-perfect Slovenia. In Bled, you’ll take a 30-minute pleasure cruise on a wooden 'pletna' boat, encircled by grand mountains and forests. Next, arrive at a fairy-tale island in the centre of the lake where you’ll see the 17th-century Church of St. Mary. Lastly, enjoy a couple of hours at your leisure tasting authentic cream cake at a local cafe, or extend your tour to the cliff-top castle, the amazing Blejski Grad.
 
If you’re keen on geological wonders, book an MSC Cruises excursion to the incredible Postojna Caves. This is the second-largest karstic cave system in Slovenia, featuring spectacular tunnels, stalagmites and stalactites, and vast open spaces. A train (launched in 1872) takes you underground into the caverns, where you have some time to explore the lit chambers on foot. The caves are also home to the endemic olm, the biggest troglodytic amphibian in the world!

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