Best Of Slovenia

Day 1: BLED (4* family hotel).
Our Salzburg to Lake Bled cycling tour would also be a good option to take before this tour.
You will start in Bled, a cute little town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. Characterized by its unique island church protruding from this immense body of water, backed by the towering Karavanke Alps, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. Take some time on your first day to visit the island church by boat and hike up to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint at the western side of the lake. You won't regret it.

Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA
(27km / 43km with side trip). (4* hotel).
Starting on the high plateau at Pokljuka, you'll glide down through alpine villages to Lake Bohinj, the jewel of the Triglav National Park. Encircled by shimmering mountain peaks, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park. Visit Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view into the Bohinj Valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps.

Day 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – ŠKOFJA LOKA
(49km). (3* hotel).
Leaving Bohinj you cycle to the largest town in the valley: Bohinjska Bistrica. Then it’s up 750m/2400ft to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to the top of the mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at a supplement of 20 EUR per person). From the top the route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into a wilderness valley, leading to the lush green Škofja Loka hills. Stop in the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki before arriving in one of Slovenia's oldest and most charming towns, Škofja Loka.

Day 4: ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA
(31km). (4* city hotel).
Today you'll ride to the Slovene capital: Ljubljana. Here you can take a short ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the old town. From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul. As the sun goes down you can choose between relaxing with a drink in the many outdoor bars/cafes beside the Ljubljanica River, or take an evening stroll or riverboat ride.

Day 5: LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA
(39km (57km with a side trip)). (3* hotel).
Your first day will be a gentle ride across the immense 160-sq km Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje). This incredible landscape is home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Visit the picturesque Iški Vintgar gorge, carved deep into a stunning limestone plateau, and the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find an interesting exhibition of Tito’s cars.

Day 6: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA
(32km (44 with a side trip)). (4* hotel).
Today you'll experience the real western countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lake of Cerknica. Stop at Slovenia's oldest landscape park for a picnic lunch: a stunning limestone gorge containing some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges.

Day 7: POSTOJNA – KODRETI / ŠTANJEL
(45km). 3* family guesthouse (agritourism).
Today will start with a visit to the beautiful Postojna caves, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, through a world of large and colourful stalactites and stalagmites, and the unique “human fish”. Then head to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, in a crevasse halfway up a 123-metre cliff-face. Once home to a cunning knight, Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the caves underneath the castle to sneak out for supplies. Take the tour and learn how Erasmus met his untimely demise in less than poetic circumstances, as he was literally caught with his pants down.

Day 8: KODRETI / ŠTANJEL – LIPICA – DIVAČA
(48km) (3* family hotel).
First stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then cycle on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizzaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have made them famous worldwide. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and visit them up close in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have time for a couple of side trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in a Venetian tower.

Day 9: DIVAČA – MUGGIA
(38km). (4* hotel).
If you skipped Postojna caves this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves, equally fascinating but without the big crowds; even listed as a UNESCO natural monument! You can take a diversion into the Italian town of Trieste - once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. Trieste was once part of Slovenia whilst under the rule of the Austrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in the many old-fashioned cafes. The day ends in Muggia south of Trieste, where you can treat yourself to a gelato in the old town or relax on one of the beaches.

Day 10: MUGGIA – PIRAN
(37km +11 km optional side trip to saltpans Seca)
(3* charming old town hotel).
For your last day you'll cycle along the coastal road on a new cycling path following the old railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovenia's modest, yet lovely coast, and Trieste Bay. A stop in the trendy resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian harbour town of Piran.

Day 11: DEPARTURE. After breakfast your tour ends. However, you can prolong your stay in Piran, take a one-way boat trip or day-cruise to Venice or continue cycling by taking our Croatia Istrian Coastal Tour down to Pula.