Self-guided cycling tours in Slovenia

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LJUBLJANA. 4* city hotel.
As a pre-trip, we suggest Lakes & Cities starting at Lake Bled!
The Slovene capital: visit the historic old town and the ornate, old-world architecture and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions all sitting in the shadow of the Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city centre. From its tower, you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul. For sunset, visit the Neboticnik building and enjoy panoramic views from the top-floor terrace cafe across to the castle, south to the moors and north to the Alps.

Day 2: LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA 39 km
(57 km with a side trip). 3* hotel
Your first day will be a gentle ride across a 160-sq km marshy plain: the Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje), home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Cycle up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for the best views all around. Just before arriving in the lively little town of Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle and see an exhibition of Tito’s cars.

Day 3: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA 32 km
(44 km with a side trip). 4* hotel
Today you'll experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lake of Cerknica, and marvel at this vast world of limestone. You can stop for a picnic lunch amid some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges, at the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve.

Day 4: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL / KODRETI
48 km. 3* 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. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight. Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilising the Predjama Caves 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 5: ŠTANJEL – LIPICA – DIVAČA
48km. 3* hotel
First stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s 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 earned them a worldwide reputation. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and visit them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set inside a lovely Venetian tower.

Day 6: DIVAČA – MUGGIA
38 km, 4* hotel
If you skipped Postojna caves don't fret, this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves; no less interesting but far less frequented. They are 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 Miramare castle, the 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 enjoy a gelato ice cream in the old town.

Day 7: MUGGIA – PIRAN
37 km (+11 km optional side trip to Sečovlje Saltpans).
4* town centre 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 8: PIRAN – UMAG
35 km. 3* hotel
If you didn't opt for the side trip the day before, today you will get a second chance as you cycle past the saltpans of Sečovlje. Get there early enough to catch the beautiful morning light. From here you head across the border to Croatia and into the heart of Istria, across slightly hilly terrain to the village of Umag. Once a Roman colony, within its town walls and across its gated drawbridge lies a town steeped in history. Take a tour through the medieval centre and visit the beautiful city tower.

Day 9: UMAG – POREČ
41 km. 3* hotel
Once again you cycle across some low hills to Novigrad (Cittanova), another medieval walled town. As well as its rich history, Novigrad is also renowned as one of Istria’s top gourmet destinations. Your final destination is Poreč, where you can visit the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, a diverse mix of baroque, Gothic and Romanesque buildings.

Day 10: Departure from Poreč.

Price

Price per person based on two people sharing:

Low season: 14.3. to 8.5. and 19.9. to 10.10.2020: 895 EUR
High season: 9.5. to 18.9.2020: 945 EUR

(Currency converter here)

Price includes:
•    Accommodation in hotels 3*/4* and country guesthouses in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis.
•    Luggage transfer, one piece per person.
•    Information pack including roadbook and corresponding maps (one per booking).
•    Welcome meeting and briefing upon arrival.
•    GPS data.
•    Local tourist and other taxes.
•    Backup service (hotline) during the trip.

Optional extras:
•    Single room 195 EUR.
•    Bike rental 130 EUR classic touring / trekking bikes are equipped with 21 gears. One back, side pannier per bike. One cycling odometer, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair kit per couple/pair of bikes. Every additional day: 15 EUR per bike. Additional odometer 20 EUR, payable on the spot. Bike rental period starts at 9:00 on day two of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day nine.
•    Electric bike 260 EUR.
•    Upgrade on first night to 4* city centre hotel in Ljubljana, 80 EUR per person, B&B in a double room. Single room supplement 40 EUR. Dinner supplement 15 EUR.
•    Transfers. Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana downtown 20 EUR. Trieste airport to Ljubljana 70 EUR.
•    Additional nights: 4* hotel in Ljubljana just outside city centre: 65 EUR per person in standard double room, B&B. Single room: 85 EUR. 3-course dinner 12 EUR. 3* Hotel in Poreč 95 EUR per person, single room 135 EUR. 3-course dinner 18 EUR.

Travel options

Starting point of this trip is Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital.

Getting there...
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it. From the airport you can travel to Ljubljana by minivan shuttles, by bus or book our transfer - Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana Downtown or vice versa 20 EUR per person; one way, two-person minimum.
By train: Ljubljana is the main railway hub of Slovenia, well served from all directions. Our standard first hotel is two km away, so you'd best take a taxi.
By car: The city of Ljubljana is centrally located in Slovenia and all motorways go there.

.... and away
By plane: closest airport is Trieste, 50 km NW (served by Ryanair from many origins). We can best arrange you a transfer, price is 65 EUR per person, two-person minimum. Next is Ljubljana (LJU). You can return to Ljubljana by bus, train or our transfer, price is 50 EUR per person, two-person minimum.
By train: Koper railway station is 60 km away from Poreč. Trains leave from here to Ljubljana. If you wish to travel onwards to Rijeka (Croatia) you need to change in Pivka, however, only a few trains cross the border! There are no train connections to Italy, you'll need to travel first to Trieste.
By boat: there are ferries operating from Poreč to Venice.
By car: if your car is in Ljubljana, you can return there using our transfer. Price 85 EUR per person, one way, two-person minimum.[/yjsgstabsgroup]

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