Cycling down to the Adriatic coast in seven days!
This popular self guided cycling tour guides you through Slovenia's top historical sites, offering a mix of cultural and natural beauty. Beginning in the vibrant capital, the route takes you across the rolling hills of the Karst region, famous for its caves, castles, and churches. The journey culminates at the shimmering Adriatic coast, offering diverse landscapes and experiences for all travelers.
As a pre-trip, have a look at our Lakes & Cities Short Tour starting at Lake Bled!
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO LJUBLJANA.
Your journey begins in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. After settling into your hotel, take a stroll through the old town center with its beautiful bourgeois houses from the late 19th century, take a funicular ride to the city castle, or relax in a café by the Ljubljanica River that winds through the city.
Day 2: LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA (↔ 41 km, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 160 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. Along the way you can see the remnants of the world's highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. Before you arrive at your destination, be sure to visit the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.
Day 3: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (↔ 43 km, ↑ 760 m, ↓ 510 m)
On this day the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama castle, wedged tight into a crevasse halfway up a 123-meter cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight. Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the secret of the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies, which included freshly picked cherries which he used to throw at his adversaries to taunt them. 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 4: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL AREA (↔ 32 km, ↑ 240 m, ↓ 630 m)
So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills. This is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometers. The 1½ hour tour will take you through a fairy tale world full of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, not forgetting the unique “human fish”, a mysterious creature that lives in dark pools inside the caves. In the afternoon you head to first vineyards of Vipava region.
Day 5: ŠTANJEL AREA– LIPICA – DIVAČA (↔ 50 km, ↑ 630 m, ↓ 360 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 (↔ 39 km, ↑ 350 m, ↓ 780 m)
If you missed Postojna Caves, don't worry – this morning, you have the chance to explore the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO-listed natural monument known for their stunning beauty and tranquility. Next, head to Socerb Castle, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Bay of Trieste, the Friulian Plain, and even the Julian Alps. Your day trip concludes in the charming town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. After a day of cycling, unwind with a delicious gelato in the town's historic center or relax on one of its inviting beaches. If you arrive early, consider a quick bus or boat trip into Trieste, a vibrant Italian city renowned for its rich history, cosmopolitan vibe, and captivating atmosphere. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)
Day 7: MUGGIA – PIRAN (↔ 35 km; 46 km with a side trip, ↑ 230 m, ↓ 240 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.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Season A: 29.3. to 2.5. and 5.10. to 11.10.2025 935 EUR
Season B: 3.5. to 14.8.2025 and 20.9. to 4.10.2025 995 EUR
Season C: 15.8. to 19.9.2025 1.055 EUR
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
Price includes:
• Seven nights accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels and guesthouses in two bedded ensuite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast.
• Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Lufthansa airline dimensions. Every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on spot.
• Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form; one download per room.
• Personal welcome meeting and bike handover
• Local tourist and other taxes.
• Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
Optional extras:
• Single travelers season A 365 EUR; season B 380 EUR; season C 395 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
• Single room season A 275 EUR; season B 295 EUR; season C 315 EUR. Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
• Hotel in Ljubljana City center – price at request.
• Standard touring bike rental 110 EUR. Bikes have 27 gears. Included are: one pannier per bike, helmet. One repair set per pair of bikes – includes: one long lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tire levers and a basic puncture patch set. Every additional rental day: 25 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 7.
• Electric bike rental 270 EUR. Every additional day 50 EUR.
• Printed information package in English or German, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR.
Additional nights:
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana (city middle ring): season A 90 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR. Season B 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 160 EUR. Season C 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 170 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana (historic center) at request
• 3* Hotel in Štanjel area: season A 65 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 95 EUR. Season B 70 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 100 EUR. Season C 80 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 110 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Muggia: season A 70 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 110 EUR. Season B 85 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B. Single room 125 EUR, season C 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Piran (old town): season A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 165 EUR. Season B 120 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 180 EUR. Season C 125 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 185 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: lunches, dinners, entrance fees, saunas and massages in hotels
Route Profile
Total Length: 239 km
Waytype: 80% regional country roads, 15% cycleways, 5% main road (city approach sections).
Surface: 95% asphalt and paved, 5% unpaved
Difficulty: medium - for those who, for example complete daily trip to the market by bike in nice weather and consider cycling should be fun but not training. Gentle hills or stretches on gravel paths do not cause any difficulties. Average daily elevation gains between 100 and 500 meters
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* M-Hotel in Ljubljana
Day 2 3* Hotel Mantova in Vrhnika
Day 3 4* Hotel Kras in Postojna
Day 4 4* Guesthouse Hisa Posebne Sorte in Stanjel area
Day 5 3* Hotel Malovec in Divaca
Day 6 4* Hotel Marina San Rocco in Muggia
Day 7 4* Hotel Piran in Piran
Travel Options & Local Transfers
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.
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.
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.
Available local transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana: 1–3 persons: 65 EUR, 4–8 persons: 80 EUR
Trieste Airport to Ljubljana: 1–3 persons: 190 EUR, 4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Piran to Trieste City: 1–3 persons: 95 EUR, 4–8 persons: 130 EUR
Piran to Trieste Airport: 1–3 persons: 150 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana City: 1–3 persons: 195 EUR, 4–8 persons: 240 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana Airport: 1–3 persons: 220 EUR, 4–8 persons: 270 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:
Touring bike 24-gear Shimano Deore
Touring Ebike 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:
- Vaude one-sided saddlebag
- combination bike lock
Only for self-guided tours: per two bikes - one repair kit, one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, Allen keys and tire 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!
