Slovenia is hands down Europe's best-kept secret. Small yet majestic, dreamy and unspoiled, everything from its vibrant capital of Ljubljana, to its serene countryside, picturesque medieval villages, and breath-taking Mountain views seems locked in a bygone era. This destination has it all.

Take in the wonders of western Slovenia's alpine scenery, from the awe-inspiring Julian Alps to the Soca River bedecked in glowing turquoise, to the fairy tale castle on Lake Bled. There is no better time than the present to explore one of the last of Europe's undiscovered jewels.

The Julian Alps are part of the Alps that stretch from north-eastern Italy to Slovenia, where they rise to 2864 metres at Triglav. They are named after Julius Caesar and are part of the Southern Limestone Alps. A large part of the Julian Alps is included in the Triglav National Park.

There are many peaks in the Eastern Julian Alps over 2,000 m high, and they are mainly parts of ridges. The most prominent peaks are visible by their height and size. There are high plains on the eastern border like Pokljuka, Mežakla and Jelovica.

The main peaks within The Julian Alps

· Triglav 2,864 m (9,396 ft) - the highest mountain and the coat of arms of Slovenia ᄿ

· Škrlatica 2,740 m (8,990 ft) ᄿ

· Mangart 2,679 m (8,789 ft) ᄿ

· Jalovec 2,645 m (8,678 ft) ᄿ

· Razor 2,601 m (8,533 ft) ᄿ

· Kanjavec 2,568 m (8,425 ft) ᄿ

· Prisojnik 2,546 m (8,353 ft) ᄿ

· Prestreljenik 2,500 m (8,202 ft) ᄿ

· Špik 2,472 m (8,110 ft) ᄿ

· Tosc 2,275 m (7,464 ft) ᄿ

· Krn 2,244 m (7,362 ft) ᄿ

The Ten Essentials

For safety, survival and basic comfort:

1. Navigation

Map (with protective case)

Compass

2. Sun protection

Sunscreen

SPF-rated lip balm

Sunglasses

3. Insulation

Check out my clothing option list below

4. Illumination

Headlamp or flashlight

Extra batteries

5. First-aid supplies

First-aid kit

6. Fire

Fire-starting gear:

A lighter or matches in a waterproof container

Fire-starting material

7. Repair tools and kit

Knife or multi-tool

Repair supplies

8. Nutrition

Food for the day, plus extra food

9. Hydration

Water bottles or hydration reservoir

Water filter or other treatment system

10. Emergency shelter

Tent, tarp, bevy or reflective blanket

Clothing

Avoid cotton and adjust each layer based on the forecast; always prepare, too, for the chance that conditions will turn colder, wetter and windier.

Wicking T-shirt or long-sleeve top

Wicking underwear or long-underwear bottoms (women's, men's)

Socks

Quick-drying pants or shorts

UPF-rated shirt

Sun hat and/or rain hat

Insulating hat or headband

Insulating fleece or soft-shell jacket or vest and pants

Bandana or Buff

Mosquito net clothing

Rain jacket

Rain pants