On the occasion of the International Tourist Guide Day, we invite you on Saturday, 22 February 2025 to join various free guided tours. Under the guidance of experienced local guides, you will have the opportunity to discover the rich historical, cultural, and natural heritage of Piran, Izola, Koper, and Ankaran. All tours will take place on Saturday. Check what’s happening at each destination!
Hidden Gardens of Piran: Do you know where they are? – FULLY BOOKED
The old town of Piran is wrapped in a green embrace of olive groves, vineyards, fields, and gardens that have flourished above the town for centuries. This rural landscape, an invaluable historical and scenic treasure, still represents a source of self-sufficiency for the people of Piran. The colors, scents, and tastes of leaves, flowers, and fruits allow the inhabitants of this compact medieval town to enjoy a high quality of coexistence with nature.
During the guided tour, you will discover a hidden courtyard with a cistern, the terraced slope known as Orti Battifreddo beneath the Piran walls, and the oldest vegetable gardens on the terraces under the arches of St. George’s Church.
- Meeting point: Tartini Square
- Time: 10:00–12:00
- Number of available spots: 25
- Organizer: Portorož Tourist Association
- Guide: Romana Kačič
The Sea Soul of Izola: Guided tour of the old town and Izolana – FULLY BOOKED
The old town of Izola is marked by a rich heritage of fishing, seafaring, and Venetian architecture, intertwining stories of the past with the lively pulse of a modern coastal town. Once an island, now connected to the mainland, Izola still carries the spirit of tradition reflected in its narrow cobbled streets, historic palaces, and harbor where fishermen have anchored their boats for centuries. The scent of salt and sea fills every corner, blending traces of Venetian influence with the fishing industry.
During the guided tour, you’ll visit the Izolana – House of the Sea museum, which preserves the town’s rich fishing and maritime heritage and tells the stories that shaped its character. The museum visit will be followed by a guided walk through the old town, exploring Izola’s key historical and architectural landmarks as well as its hidden corners that still tell the tale of the former fishing port.
- Meeting point: Izolana – House of the Sea, Alme Vivode Street 3
- Time: 15:00–17:00
- Number of available spots: 40
- Organizer: Izola Tourist Association
- Guide: Gregor Benčina
Green Treasures of Ankaran: Coastal Experience of the Salty Meadow and the Shell Cemetery
In Ankaran, the tour will start in front of the Ankaran Tourist Information Center (TIC). The guide will welcome the group, and the route will lead from the center to the Park of Memories. After a short stop, we’ll descend to the beginning of the path to the Salty Meadow, where an explanation will follow. Along the educational walkway, we’ll pass through the meadow to St. Catherine and the outdoor gym, then continue to the Shell Cemetery before returning together to the center of Ankaran.
- Meeting point: TIC Ankaran, Regent Street 4a
- Time: 15:00–16:30
- Number of available spots: 40
- Organizer: Municipality of Ankaran
3 Famous Points of the Old Town – FULLY BOOKED
Discover three famous landmarks of Koper’s old town. During the guided tour, we’ll visit one of the oldest buildings, view a valuable painting, and climb to a viewpoint offering the most beautiful view of the city and its surroundings. The guide will share interesting stories and anecdotes about the town.
The guided tour includes free entry to the renovated bell tower, a viewing of the restored altarpiece “Madonna and Child on the Throne with Six Saints” by the Venetian Renaissance master Vittore Carpaccio—now once again adorning the Koper Cathedral—and a visit to the rotunda of St. John the Baptist, one of the oldest buildings in the city.
- Meeting point: Tito Square
- Time: 16:00–17:00
- Number of available spots: 30
- Organizer: Institute for Youth, Culture and Tourism Koper
Advance registration required!
All tours are free, but registration is mandatory! Registrations will be open until 21 February at 12:00 noon or until all spots are filled. The registration form is available here: Registration Form
Don’t miss the opportunity for an unforgettable exploration of the Slovenian coast with expert guides!
