Castles of Slovenia

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN MARIBOR. 4* HOTEL.
Slovenia’s second largest city, Maribor is located beside the Drava River and is home to one of the country’s few town castles. The castle's prime attraction is the only Slovene fashion museum, which boasts an excellent collection of costumes and uniforms; the most prestigious being a military uniform worn by Tito, the long serving president of Yugoslavia. You can also take some time out to see the oldest vine in the world in the riverside area of Lent.

DAY 2: MARIBOR – PTUJ (30 KM).
Cycling along the Drava River / vineyards and orchards.
Accommodation in centrally located 4* hotel.
Your route will take you along the Drava River as it flows southeast across the vineyards and orchards of the Drava Plain and passes through Ptuj, the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Slovenia. Soak up the 2000 years of history as you make your way through the rich, ornate architecture guarded by the incredibly well preserved Ptuj castle. The castle dates as far back as 69AD and houses a wonderful collection of musical instruments and an exposition on Turkish raids in the 15th century.

DAY 3: PTUJ - ROGAŠKA SLATINA (43 KM).
An easy ride across the Ptuj plain, then a low pass (200m).
Accommodation in 4* hotel.
To start your day you can stop at the fascinating Mithra Shrines just 1km outside of town. The town of Rogatec is home to an open-air museum and the Palace Castle Strmol. We recommend having lunch here before cycling on to your ultimate destination, Rogaška Slatina. A visit to Rogaška Crystal, on the outskirts of town, is a must. Here you can see firsthand the skill that goes into crafting their beautiful glasswork. The abundance of natural springs surrounding the town, believed to heal everything from a bad stomach to obesity, has resulted in the town becoming a Mecca for health, relaxation and beauty spas. So spend the evening pampering yourself.

DAY 4: ROGAŠKA SLATINA - BIZELJSKO (48 KM).
Easy route going through the Sotla River Valley.
Accommodation in winemakers villa - 3* guesthouse.
The lush green scenery of the Sotla River Valley awaits you today, on the border with Croatia. Vineyards and farmland are dotted over an area of dense forests and rolling hills. You then hop across the border and visit the castle of Poklek Mijana, a beautifully refurbished centuries-old mansion. After a stop in Kumrovec, the birthplace of Tito, you'll cross back into Slovenia. Tito's birth house now makes up part of an open-air village museum. (Please note that the section through Croatia is currently only possible for EU and EFTA citizens, others will need to follow a route entirely on Slovene territory, having a chance to visit the Castle of Bizeljsko).

DAY 5: BIZELJSKO - MOKRICE (25 KM).
Accommodation in 4* Castle hotel Mokrice.
A short ride brings you to the town of Brezice, where another of Slovenia’s few town castles stands. Its grand hall is renowned for having the best acoustics by far. If you arrive at the right time, you may even catch a summer musical performance. Your final destination of the day is the mighty Mokrice Castle. First mentioned in 1444, it was rebuilt in the 16th century and again in 1941. After World War II it was made into a hotel with restaurants, and in 1988 a golf course was built on the castle grounds. In the same year, English pop band the Pet Shop Boys used this castle to film the video for their single "Heart“.

DAY 6: MOKRICE - OTOČEC (56 KM).
Accommodation in 5* Castle hotel Otočec
Today, as you head along the base of the Gorjanci Hills separating Slovenia with Croatia, your eyes will be filled with yet more wonderful attractions. You'll cycle beside the Krka River back towards its origins in the Krka Valley, stopping at Kostanjevica na Krki; Slovenia’s smallest town, and also one of its oldest. Visit the open-air art gallery at Kostanjevica Castle, and the 2km-long Kostanjevica Cave. Continuing west you’ll come to Pleterje Monastery, set in a tranquil narrow valley surrounded by vineyards and lush green hills. Your journey will end in Otočec, where a spectacular castle sits on a tiny island in the middle of the Krka River. You’ll stay here in the castle, now a luxurious 5* hotel.

DAY 7: OTOČEC & SURROUNDINGS ROUND TRIP (45 KM)
Accommodation in 5* Castle hotel Otočec
Local food and wine for your last day. Weaving your way along the Krka River, you’ll pass through villages nestled among fertile landscape and glistening vineyards. The local wine “Cvicek” is unique to this region. It’s made from a mix of red and white grapes, and has a relatively low alcohol content, which might help you avoid riding around in circles afterwards! There are many typical village bars along the route where you can sample this wine along with some great local food. From here you’ll head to a stunning viewpoint above the Krka plain, where you can relax, stretch your muscles and pamper yourself at the Smarjeske Spa before returning to your castle hotel.

Day 8: departure from Otočec.