Slovenia and Croatia General Information
Note: The information presented here is an abbreviated version of our formal General Information for Tours to Slovenia and Croatia. Its purpose is solely to give readers a sense of what might be involved if they took this tour. Although we do our best to make sure what follows here is completely accurate, it should not be used as a replacement for the formal document which will be sent to all tour registrants, and whose contents supersedes any information contained here.
TRAVEL TO LONDON: This tour is organized by our British company, Sunbird, and starts and ends in London. The cost of the group flights between London and Ljubljana are included in the tour cost. We strongly recommend that you join the tour in London as it removes a range of possible problems that might occur if you attempt to meet the group in the tour country. You can choose, however, to make your own travel arrangements to Vienna. You would receive a corresponding discount in the tour cost should you decide to do this. Please read the Important Travel Information for Participants on Sunbird Tours.
ENTERING SLOVENIA & CROATIA: United States citizens will need a valid assport. A visa is not required. Citizens of other nations should contact the nearest Slovenian and Croatian consulates for entry requirements.
MAP AND COUNTRY INFORMATION: You can view maps of the Slovenia and Croation in the University of Texas series here and here. Click on the map’s lower right corner to asdjust the size. You can review the U.S. Department of State background notes on Slovenia and Croatia here and here
CLIMATE: It is usually pleasantly warm and sunny with temperatures in the 20s (°C), however we will be climbing to a considerable height on some days where day-time temperatures may be as low as 10°C whilst on the coast a maximum of 30°C is possible. The coast and lowlands are likely to be dry, some rain is possible in late spring in the mountains and ancient forests.
PACE OF TOUR AND DAILY ROUTINE: Although the days are full, there are plenty of opportunities for opting out so in general the tour will follow a gentle pace. Our walks will be quite short (between half mile and two miles) and mostly on even ground. Some longer and more strenuous walks (though still not more than two miles) may be necessary for a chance of Ural Owl and White-backed Woodpecker. Breakfast is often at 07.00. We will usually have a sit-down restaurant lunch (or occasionally a picnic), and evening meals are usually between 7 and 8 pm.
HEALTH: There are no specific health requirements in Slovenia or Croatia. No vaccinations are required. Tap water is generally safe to drink but bottled water is available. Mosquitoes can be a problem in some of the woods and fish ponds that we visit so insect repellent is advised (preferably with a high percentage of diethyltoluamide - DEET). It may be impossible to obtain any special medication during the tour, so bring all you are likely to need.
ACCOMMODATION: The hotels we use are comfortable and every room has its own facilities.
DRESS: Will be informal throughout the tour.
TRANSPORT: During the tour we’ll be travelling in a small bus with a local driver. We will rotate the seating each day.
SMOKING: Smoking is not allowed in the vehicles or when the group is gathered for meals, checklists etc. If you are sharing a room with a non-smoker, please do not smoke in the room. If you smoke in the field, we ask that you do so well away and downwind from the group if possible. If any lodge, accommodation or location where the group is staying or is gathered has a more restrictive smoking policy than WINGS’ policy, the more restrictive policy will prevail.
GENERAL INFORMATION & CONDITIONS OF WINGS & SUNBIRD TOURS: Please take a moment to read the WINGS General Information & Conditions. This section contains important information about how we conduct tours, e.g., what is included in the tour price, refund and cancellation policies, pace of the tours and other information that will help you prepare for the tour.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: A more complete General Information for Tours to Slovenia and Croatia will be sent to each registrant on receipt of their booking. Final information with instructions for meeting the group, hotel addresses, etc., will be mailed about three weeks before trip departure. Other news will be communicated as necessary.
Updated: October 2007