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A wonderful cycling holiday through Slovenia, from stunning Lake Bled in the Julian Alps to the pretty port of Piran on the Adriatic Coast. Slovenia may be a relatively small country but it packs a lot of history, culture and natural beauty within its borders and this cross-country cycling holiday is a great way to see some of its highlights.
Enjoy the picturesque setting of Lake Bled with its unique island church and alpine backdrop. Freewheel into the beautiful Bohinj valley, past tiny alpine villages before spending the night on the shores of beautiful and pristine Lake Bohinj. Climb to the Jelovica plateau and then recover with a cooling ride through a green forest and a night in the enchanting medieval town of Škofja Loka.
Predjama Castle near Postojna
Cycle to Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital, and spend the night in this vibrant and laid back city before riding on across open marshland and nature reserves. Go underground in Postojna to marvel at the extensive caves and visit the once impenetrable Predjama Castle. Cycle to Lipica to admire the world-famous Lipizzaner horses and watch them in training.
As you near the Adriatic make a quick detour across the border for a gelato and a walk around the Italian port town of Trieste before riding on along the coast to your final stop, the medieval port of Piran.
This cycling holiday consists of mainly rolling or flat terrain however on three separate days you will encounter slightly more hilly sections.
This cycling holiday consists of mainly rolling or flat terrain, however on three separate days you will encounter more hilly sections.
Check into your hotel and then get out to explore this beautiful area. The glacial lake is ringed by green forested hills with an alpine backdrop. Bled Castle stands guard on a bluff overlooking the lake and the view from the terrace is well worth the 15 minute steep climb. You can also ask one of the boatmen to row you out to the charming island church in the centre of the lake where tradition states that if a groom can carry his bride up the 99 steps then the couple are assured of a happy life together.
You’ll first be transferred by mini-bus up to the nearby Pokljuka plateau (12 km) from where you mount up for an enjoyable cycle ride down into the beautiful Bohinj Valley. Cycling along the valley floor you’ll pass through a succession of tiny alpine villages. At the end of this stunning valley you reach Lake Bohinj and the village of Ribčev Laz. The view across the lake from the lovely old bridge is something to savour. At this point you can opt for an additional, bolt-on ride around the lake to the Savica waterfall. Along the way you can also stop and ascend Mount Vogel by cable car for stunning views across the forested valley to Mount Triglav, the highest of the Julian Alps. From Ribcev Laz it's an easy and scenic ride along the gently descending valley to the pleasant town of Bohinjsa Bistrica where you will spend the night.
This morning the day starts with an uphill ride to the Jelovica high plateau* where your efforts are rewarded with a cooling ride through a shady forest. After a while you reach the alpine hamlet of Sorica the birthplace of Ivan Grohar, a famous Slovenian painter who’s work is on display in a small gallery. There’s a perfect spot for a picnic stop near the statue of the painter just after the church – the view is wonderful!
Continue down the pleasant valley alongside a mountain stream to Železniki a town that used to be known for its iron smelting works – an old furnace is still on display paying homage to the town’s past. Another 12 kilometers easy cycling down the valley brings you to the charming medieval town of Škofja Loka. If you still have some energy you could take on the climb to the castle overlooking the old town. In the evening the ancient narrow streets are a delight to explore on foot.
*Important: It's possible to book a lift to the top of the Jelovica high plateau with your bike if you think the climb might be too tough for you. The cost is 30 Euros per person and must be booked through our local representative on your arrival in Bled.
Today you have an easy scenic ride through farmland, forests and small villages to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. After settling into your hotel we recommend a visit to the old town to admire the ornate old mansions. Take a stroll up to Ljubljana Castle for a commanding view over the city. In the evening head for the triple bridge area in the heart of the city where outdoor bars and cafes line the bank of the green Ljubljanica river creating a street-party-like atmosphere. Ljubljana is a fun and vibrant city and you’re sure to enjoy your stay here.
After leaving Ljubljana you enjoy another easy across a large area of marshland called the Ljubljansko Barje. Once an immense lake, the region is now home to a wide variety of waterfowl and other bird life. If it's hot you might consider stopping for a swim the small lake atr Podpec and in Borovnica you can take in the remains of the worlds highest railway viaduct. Just before Vrhnika you can stop at Bistra Castle to see an interesting exhibition of Marshal Tito’s extensive collection of cars. Vrhnika is a charming old town on the banks of the Ljubljanica river.
Today you have a more demanding cycle ride along forest roads and over undulating hills. There is also a highly recommended short detour option to the remarkable Predjama Castle. This medieval fortress, which looks like it is sprouting out of a huge cave, used to be the home of a daring knight who’s noble tale has a rather unfortunate ending. You will spend the night in the town of Postojna.
Shortly after setting off this morning we recommend a stop at the extensive and impressive Postojna Cave system - The 1 hr 30 mins tour unveils a beautiful subterranean world of colourful stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the unique and mysterious “human fish” that lives in dark pools inside the caves. In the afternoon the route leads through the vineyards of the Vipava region.
Cycle along a pleasantly undulating valley passing through small villages to the botanical garden at Sežana. From here you cycle on to Lipica, home to the famous Lipizzaner horses whose sleek white coats and skillful dressage have earned them world-wide fame. Visit the stud farm where you can watch the horses go through their paces and see them close-up in their stables. Afterwards, en-route to Divača, you may also want to stop at the excellent War Museum in Lokev. Spend the night in the town of Divača.
If you missed the caves at Postojna you can visit the nearby, less famous but still impressive Škocjan caves before cycling on towards the coast. The route then delivers you to Socerb Castle. From its elevated position you can enjoy stunning views west across the Bay of Trieste and north towards the Julian Alps. From here it's a relaxing freewheel down to the coast to your accommodation in lovely old italian port town of Muggia. Be sure to take stroll through the charming old town or perhaps head to the beach for a swim.
Today’s cycle ride is easy and highly enjoyable as you follow a dedicated cycle path around the coastline to the beautiful, Venetian town of Piran. On the way you will pass coastal villages and be treated to wonderful sea views, perhaps take an optional detour to the Seca salt pans. We recommend a visit to delightful Portorož for a coffee and a stroll around before making a triumphant entrance into the beautiful old town of Piran for the final night of your holiday.
After breakfast its time to checkout and head for home or your next adventure
Regular bikes provided are modern alloy framed models with 21 speeds. Each bikes is equipped with one side pannier. One long lock and repair kit is provided with each pair of bikes. The repair kit includes one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tyre levers and a basic puncture repair kit.
Electric bikes are also available.
Helmets are provided free of charge locally however we always recommend bringing your own if possible to ensure the best fit. Please note that it is compulsory to wear a helmet in Slovenia.
Superior: Good quality 3 and 4 star hotels and guest houses.
Local taxes
Some hotels have started to charge a local/tourist tax. These taxes are not included in the sale price of the tour and must be paid directly by you at check-in or checkout at the hotels. This fee varies and is ever changing but as a guide, you may be asked to pay between €1-€4 per person per night.
Fly to Ljubljana or Trieste
Research flights from the UK here
Transfers from/to Ljubljana or Trieste airport to/from your first hotel in Bled or last hotel in Piran can be arranged for a supplement.
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