Cycling down to the coast in 7 days!
This popular cycling tour takes you through Slovenia's most famous historical attractions amid a stunningly diverse landscape. From the cultural capital through the undulating landscape of the limestone karst, riddled with caves and dotted with castles and churches, to the sparkling Adriatic Sea; there is something for everyone.
As a pre-trip, have a look at our Lakes & Cities Short Tour starting at Lake Bled!
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LJUBLJANA
The Slovene capital: visit the historic old town and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture 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 the city and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a meal in the old town and then round it off with a beer beside the Ljubljanica River, or on a riverboat ride.
Day 2: LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA (↔ 39 km; 57 km with a side trip, ↑ 220 m, ↓ 230 m)
Your first cycling day will be a gentle ride across an immense 160-sq km marshy plain: the Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje). The lovely Krim Mountain will dominate your view here. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for an amazing panoramic view of Slovenia. Just before arriving in the lively little town of Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum, in Bistra Castle, where there's an exhibition of Tito’s cars.
Day 3: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (↔ 34 km; 44 km with a side trip, ↑ 590 m, ↓ 350 m)
Today you'll experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lakes of Cerknica and Planina, 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 AREA (↔ 40 km, ↑ 410 m, ↓ 790 m)
Today will start with a visit to the beautiful Postojna caves, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, through a world of large and colorful 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 vivacious and daring knight. Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing 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 AREA– LIPICA – DIVAČA (↔ 48 km, ↑ 630 m, ↓ 370 m)
Today you'll cycle to the stud farm of Lipica where you can visit 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 an old Venetian tower.
Day 6: DIVAČA – MUGGIA (↔ 38 km, ↑ 280 m, ↓ 700 m)
If you missed Postojna caves no worries, 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; 48 km with a side trip, ↑ 320 m, ↓ 330 m)
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: 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 or Bike and Boat tour of Kvarner bay.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Low season: March 25 to May 6 and September 16 to October 14, 2023: 895 EUR
High season: May 7 to September 15, 2023: 925 EUR
(Currency converter)
Price includes:
• accommodation in hotels 3*/4* and country guesthouse in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• luggage transport between hotels (one piece per person, max 20 kg / 45 lb). Every additional piece 10 EUR, payable on the spot
• tour desription and maps in electronic form
• personal welcome meeting, detailed briefing upon arrival and bike handover
• GPS data
• local tourist and other taxes
• backup service (hotline) during the trip
Optional extras:
• single traveler 290 EUR
• single room 155 EUR
• upgrade to city historic center 4* hotel 80 EUR per person per night in a double room, 120 EUR in a single room
• bike rental 90 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: 18 EUR per bike. Additional odometer 20 EUR, payable on the spot. Bike rental period starts at 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day 7
• electric bike 220 EUR
• helmet rental 12 EUR per tour
• printed information package including route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival 30 EUR
Additional nights:
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana (mid-ring) 75 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 130 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana (city historic center) 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 180 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Muggia 70 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B- Single room 100 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Piran old town 80 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 140 EUR
• 3* Hotel in Štanjel area 65 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 90 EUR
Discounts:
• children up to 12 years when sharing room with parents up to 40% discount on basic price
• third adult in the room 10% discount on basic price
Not included: entrance fees, lunches, drinks with meals, saunas and massages in hotels
Transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana
1–3 persons: 50 EUR
4–8 persons: 65 EUR
Trieste Airport to Ljubljana
1–3 persons: 170 EUR
4–8 persons: 210 EUR
Piran to Trieste City
1–3 persons: 80 EUR
4–8 persons: 110 EUR
Piran to Trieste Airport
1–3 persons: 135 EUR
4–8 persons: 170 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana City
1–3 persons: 170 EUR
4–8 persons: 210 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana Airport
1–3 persons: 190 EUR
4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Other transfer routes prices on request
Route profile
Total Length: xxx km
Total vertical up: xxx m
Terrain: xx% asphalt, x% unpaved
Tour takes you through capital city, Ljubljana, to the coast, where you finish in Piran, small coastal city. Throughout the tour you will be able to enjoy Primorska landscapes, while also encountring Kras area. Ljubljana area is nice and mostly flat, while to other days will be a bit more challeging, with ascends and long and demanding downhill areas. Cycling mainly on side roads with low traffic, just some short areas are on the main roads.
Suitable for cyclist of average fitness.
Accommodation
Helia supports responsible travel. On our trips we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character operated by locals or their families. Here you can find the list of standard accommodation we primarily use on the trip. The actual hotels may differ from this list, depending on time of booking and rooms availability.
Day 1 4* Hotel M Ljubljana
Day 2 3* Hotel Mantova Vrhnika
Day 3 4* Hotel Kras / Hotel Jama Postojna
Day 4 4* Guesthouse Hiša posebne sorte Kodreti
Day 5 3* Hotel Malovec Divača
Day 6 4* Hotel San Rocco Muggia
Day 7 4* Hotel Piran Piran
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 - please ask us for a favorable quote.
By bus: several Flixbus lines stop in Ljubljana
By train: Ljubljana is the main railway hub of Slovenia, well served from all directions. Our standard first hotel is two km away.
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- please ask us for a favorable quote. Next is Ljubljana (LJU). You can return to Ljubljana by bus, train or our transfer - please ask us for a favorable quote.
By bus: a few Flixbus lines depart from Koper, 18 km from Piran.
By train: Koper railway station is 20 km away from Piran. Trains leave from here to Ljubljana. If you wish to travel onward to Rijeka (Croatia) you need to change in Pivka, however, only a few trains cross the border! There are no train connections into Italy, you'll need to travel first to Trieste.
By boat: check out ferries to Venice. There are also ferries operating to Greece and seasonal sailings along the Slovene coast to Croatia.
By car: if your car is in Ljubljana, you can return there by bus or train. Our transfer - please ask us for a favorable quote.
Your bike
Helia bikes are available in different sizes in unisex model:
Touring bike 27-gear Shimano Deore
SCOTT E-bike 4 electronic gears / 9 mechanical gears Shimano
Features:
- aluminium frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle
- anti-puncture Continental tires
- ergonomic bicycle grips
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- cycle computer
- Vaude one-sided saddlebag
- combination bike lock
Only for self-guided tours: one repair kit per two bikes: one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, two allen keys and tyre levers
First hand experience
We stayed at Hisa Posebne Sorte with our cycle tour of Slovenia (we went with Helia - fantastic by the way). This charming guesthouse is nestled in a tiny village in the heart of wine country, the accommodation is large, comfortable, clean, and every need catered for. The views are outstanding. What makes this place truly special is two things, firstly, the hospitality truly is outstanding. The hosts have a wonderful personal touch, and we are truly grateful to them. Secondly the restaurant, lovingly handmade, and then the food, exceptional. In fact, it was so special that we got engaged here! It is a very popular location for weddings, so we may be back. Highly recommend for a weekend away, a relaxing stay, or a wedding!
