Ljubljana

A capital of just 300,000 or so people, Ljubljana is a diminutive gem, situated close to Italy on the sunny side of the Alps. For a small city it packs a big punch, with plenty to see and do for a weekend or even longer (although you may not want to do much more than sip beer by the river!). It’s also the gateway to the rest of Slovenia… with its mountain ranges, wine regions and beautiful lakes.

Rog is undoubtedly the most famous brand of bike in Slovenia. And there's a simple reason for that, says Tevs, founder of Watermelon Bike Tours and my guide for the day. From 1951 to 1991 it was the only brand of bike in Slovenia. "When we were part of Yugoslavia..."