Introduction

"Cross country tour" 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).
(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.
We 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).
Flat crossing Sora field, Tour goes across Ljubljansko Barje, large flatland, former marsh area surrounding the capital; flat. (4* hotel).
We 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).
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”!
We 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).
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.
We 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.

Pricing

Price per person: 550 EUR (Currency converter here)

Price includes:

• Accommodation in the above mentioned hotels and 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.

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.

Gallery