Our group of four adults came off our cruise ship and picked up our four E bikes that we had privately prebooked. The Istranka stall was easy to find on the port site. We were provided with four new bikes which were very easy to use. The gentleman in charge provided maps and explained the best routes for us to cycle. These turned out to be excellent route descriptions. The roads had cycle lanes everywhere and this made our cycling stress free. The route took us along the coast and into the country to neighbouring towns. We had the bikes for six hours and the total cost was very reasonable. No deposit and payment was on return. We all had an excellent days cycling which revealed the beauty of Slovenia.

I don’t appreciate being told to write that many words I think it’s too much work we the people in order to assure domestic tranquility

This was our second day with Instranka Tours and with our guide, Tjasa, this time a private excursion from Koper to Predjama Castle and Postojna Cave. It was so nice to know exactly who we were meeting the second day and to be able to trust that everything would go smoothly. Though it was even easier to find Istranka in Koper with their yellow umbrella at the port. While the cruise sponsored trip to Postojna was still loading the bus, we were in Tjasa’s comfortable car on the way to Predjama Castle. The cruise sponsored excursion for four people cost almost as much as our private one and they didn’t go to the castle, which was the best part. Like the first day, Tjasa entertained us on the drive with history of the castle and caves and stories about life in Slovenia. It felt like a very short trip. According to her, we went there first because all the big bus tours go to Postojna Cave first thing in the morning. Sure enough, the castle was almost empty. She also explained to us that the castle had compiled the best stories from local tour guides to create an excellent audio guide that was included in admission. We had plenty of time to thoroughly explore the castle listening to every stop on the audio tour (even my school hating 15 year old son didn’t skip a single one), all the way back to the original cave-castle, a truly unique sight. After, we had time for a quick drink and a slovenian pastry before heading over to Postojna Cave. They don’t allow private tour guides inside there either, but Tjasa walked us up to the entrance and told us all the tricks to avoid crowds and exactly how to get straight to the English speaking guide. We walked right to the train at 11:45. The train ride to the center caves lasts 15-20 minutes and following Tjasa’s instructions we quickly found the English speaking guide. The tour was large, but that was fine, it allowed us to linger in the back to take pictures. We weren’t very interested in the talk since it was mostly about geology. It was a leisurely walk through the caves, just over an hour. Tjasa was waiting for us at the exit to take us back to Koper. She dropped us off right outside old town, across from the open air market and around the corner from the beach, with instructions on how to get to each and information about the best sights. All in all it was a fantastic day. Well worth the money. We loved Tjasa and are glad we went with Instranka.

The tour bus was very easy to find just stepped off the ship & the tour bus was there, it was a lovely panoramic journey, I really enjoyed it.

Our guide Poilez, was right outside our ship ready to take us. He spoke great English and was very informative. He suggested an itinerary to maximize our time. Everyone had a great time and we were back at the ship in plenty of time! Would definitely recommend this tour group.

Istranka's tour made it possible for us to see both Lake Bled and Ljubljana during our cruise stop in Koper - our cruise ship could provide excursions to one or the other but not both. We had great pre-tour email communications with Ivan, who quickly and smoothly confirmed our reservation and whose kiosk was as promised impossible to miss as we left the cruise terminal, and Marco was a terrific driver and guide who was perfectly flexible with us as we visited Lake Bled and Ljubljana. Our group of two retired couples was very comfortable in the minivan, and our strolls at both tour stops (and nice breaks for coffee and a local lunch) were delightful, with time to enjoy the beautiful lake scenery and a surprisingly gorgeous city, and great commentary and advice (like don't miss the local specialty, cream cake :}) from Marco. Very well done!

We booked after disembarking, we hadn't made any plans for Slovenia. So glad we got in this tour at the last minute. First, the drive through the countryside was gorgeous. Little villages, like postcards, popping up along the two hour drive. Then we arrived at Bled. While quite touristy, it's so worth going. Lake Bled is spectacular with it's green hue and surrounding hillsides, surrounded by mountains that make you want to break out in song. The views from the castle were just breathtaking. The castle itself is a hike to get to, but worth every effort. The artifacts throughout and stories to accompany take you back in time. And the views, wow. After we hopped into the van and drove down to the lake for the local cake and views. Yum and glad we got so close to the lake. Back in the van to Lubjlana and the old town. It's like a fairytale, we expected princesses to step out of the buildings. Little shops, restaurants, churches, it has it all. I could depend hours wandering, but alas, one on our tour got lost in Bled for nearly and hour (and yes, we waited) so it cut out time down to a quick tour. No time for lunch or shopping or else miss the tour. We opted for the tour and glad we did. The area wasn't bombed during prior world wars, so buildings are largely intact. They do experience regular earthquakes and have had to rebuild, but the integrity from 100s of years ago is still there. And it's overlooked by another castle. Picturesque for sure. Our guide was incredible, local man who clearly loves the land. If in Slovenia, get out and explore. Ship excursion was twice as much, book local.

Istranka Tours was only 10 meters from the exit of the ship and the tour bus was clean, air conditioned with seat belts. The drive to Piran was scenic. Piran was wonderful great people, shopping, sights and food. Tour guide and driver friendly and informed

We stopped in Koper as part of a Marella Cruise. On disembarking we booked the 3-1/2 trip to Piran, with 2-hours free time. The cost of €23 each was very good value and I would highly recommend the tour. The guide, Dominika, was friendly and knowledgeable.

The cave was magnificent, the cave guide good, and the tour well run. We actually had a private tour with this agenda with transportation to/from the port in Koper for 4 of us in a family (age 16 to 79). My only comment is that I, as the 79 year old, was significantly "taxed out" from the amount of walking and stairs. This tour is not for someone who is not in great shape.

We arrived at the port and the tour we had booked by Viator stood us out. @Ivan from Istranka Tours helped us by reallocating one of his guides to take the four of us to an excellent private tour to Lubiana and Koper — @IgorMackrovsek (sorry for not having the right letters) was excellent — knowledgeable, discreet, friendly, pleasant, great driver, excellent in several languages and proud of his country. Thanks to Istranka and Igor what would be a frustration be me a great time!

Istranka Tours arranged a private custom tour for our group of 5 adults. We really wanted to visit both Piran and Predjama castle while in port from our cruise ship and no one offered the two of them together. Thank you for working that out for us!! Istranka also provided us with a great guide (Marco) with excellent English and a wealth of knowledge about both locations and a comfortable vehicle. I highly recommend this company!

Last minute decision to take this trip. So glad we did. Lovely to see around the area and plenty of spare time for us to explore Piran. Excellent guide accompanying us with a very interesting commentary.

We signed up for this tour when our ship docked at Koper. The cost was 24 Euros per adult. The bus was clean and the driver was excellent. Our guide was also excellent; speaking both on our way and return from Piran. I would highly recommend this tour.

Koper was one of our ports of call on a cruise in august. When we got off the ship in the morning we had a little wander in Koper and decided that we’d like to see a bit more so we headed back to the port and had a chat with one of the very friendly tour staff members about a trip down to Piran. The bus tour was 22 euros pp and was very well organised on an air con coach. The guide in the coach was very informative and we had a short stop on the way to Piran at Izola for a lovely photo opportunity. We had a couple of hours in Piran - could have spent all day there but it was nice to have a little visit nonetheless. On pick up we took the road through Portoroz which was beautiful. The guide gave a bit of insight of this area on the way back too and was exceptionally knowledgeable.