"Cross countrytour" has an emphasis on all main Slovene
historical places and many natural points of interest. It is suitable
for those with more visiting time and cyclists of average fitness.
Daily
programme:
Day 1: BLED
Individual arrival to Bled and meeting with Helia representatives.
Your chosen hotel is in the town centre. Bled is known for it’s
beautiful setting, lake, castle on the rock above the lake and a
pilgrimage church on the island. Welcome drink, bike delivery and
testing. (4* hotel).
Day 2: BLED – RIBČEV LAZ (BOHINJ) – ŠKOFJA
LOKA (84 km).
b
(Bus) transfer to Pokljuka high plateau. From here you cycle
descending down to Bohinj valley,
place of unique beauty of nature and tiny villages in Alpine valley.
Cycling downhill, at the foot of Mount Triglav, then a slow climb up
to Jelovica high plateau, pass of 750 m / 2400 ft.
CWe liked: Bohinj valley
is a peaceful area of deep woods, touching monuments from WW2 and
old farm houses; one has been transferred into a museum, which was
visited by Prince Charles! A snack in the local pub. Sorica – tiny
little village, set in the heart of hills. Birthplace of a famous
Slovene painter – visit a gallery. (3* hotel).
Day 3: ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA
(72 km; 89 km with a detour).
b
Flat crossing Sora field, Tour goes
across Ljubljansko Barje, large flatland, former marsh area
surrounding the capital; flat. (4* hotel).
CWe liked: Železniki
village with remains of old high furnaces. (Snack idea – great trout
in a village inn on the way). The old centre of Škofja Loka – worth
a stroll. Time to explore the capital. A short walk into Iski
Vintgar gorge nature reserve, remains of the world highest railway
viaduct in Borovnica, Technical Museum of republic of Slovenia –
there’s a great hunting collection and an exhibition on Titos’ cars.
Day 4: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL (79
km).
b
Hilly day, side roads. Flat sections
cross typical Carst fields. (2* country inn).
&Main attractions: some
real Slovenia - away from main tourist routes and off beaten track.
Postojna caves
- world famous attraction - so far nearly 30 million visitors!
Beautiful limestone formations, not forgetting to mention the
unique “human fish”!
CWe liked: a picnic lunch
in the nature reserve Rakov Škocjan - underneath some beautiful
landscape forms. a detour possibility to Predjama castle. The last
Slovene knight once owned it. Learn about his romantic destiny.
Day 5: ŠTANJEL – LIPICA – KOPER (81 km).
b
Mostly flat, one longer but gradual
climb. Long downhill from Carst high plateau to Trieste. (3* hotel).
&Main attractions:
botanical garden in Sežana, stud farm of Lipica. Unusual but very
interesting “war museum” set in a village tower of Lokev. Trieste -
once an important port with its worldly flair and atmosphere. All
world cultures have once left a mark in this city. Visit the castle,
cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. Koper – an “island” town
above Adriatic.
CWe liked:
Lipicaner
horses - known
from Vienna Spanish riding school. Got to see their show, or go for
a ride with a carriage. Cappuccino in Trieste old-fashioned cafes.
Alternatively you can skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the
beach!
Day 6: DEPARTURE FROM KOPER.
An easy return trip is possible by train to Ljubljana. Additional
nights may be booked in Koper.
Price per person:
550 EUR(Currency converter
here)
Price includes:
Accommodation in the
above mentioned hotelsand country
inns in two bedded room with WC and shower, on basis of bed &
breakfast.
Luggage transport between the hotels (one piece per person).
Information package including detailed route description (one
per booking party).
Free entry to
swimming pools in Koper hotel (pools are in partner hotel)
Wine tasting in
Hruševica (2 sorts of wine, wine liquer and cheese).
A welcome drink and a visit of Helia
representative on the arrival evening.
Supplements:
Half board 70 EUR (includes 3 dinners in hotels, dinners in Škofja
Loka and Vrhnika are in local inns).
Single room 110 EUR.
Bike rental 72 EUR for 4 days (touring
bikes are equipped with
a lock, pannier
and a basic repair set.
Price includes delivery and pick up).
Helmet rental 10 EUR.
Personal transfer from Koper to Ljubljana 55 EUR (minimum 2 persons);
needs to be ordered when booking the trip.
Detailed maps with marked route can be rented locally upon arrival.
Rental price is 15 EUR. Clients have to state their credit card
details when they get the maps. Maps need to be returned to Helia at
the end of the trip.
To book
additional nights in Koper, Ljubljana or Bled go
here.
Discounts:
Children up to 12 years when sharing room with parents -30% on the
basic price.
Third adult person on an extra bed (sharing) in a double room: -10%
on the basic price.
Not
included:
Entrance fees.
There is free but unguarded parking lot in the port of Koper.
Bike insurance: bikes are insured against minor breaks
and normal wear (up to a damage of 10 EUR). They are not insured
against theft or frame break. Insurance is available against these
events at the rate of 2 EUR per bike per day.
Transfers to and from Trieste (Ryan
air) and Ljubljana (Easy jet)
airport are available here.