Secrets of Slovenia Cycling

8 days

from

$3,845

incl. taxes

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Cycling

Activity level:

Moderate

Trip code:

C07SN

Way to Travel:

Self-Guided Holidays

Activity:

New Cycling Tours

Ages:

12+

Discover the 'Secrets' of Slovenia, cycling through scenic countryside which changes with every turn of the pedal. From the turquoise waters of Lake Bled and the white peaks of Julian Alps to the emerald Soča river and green Karst vineyard, finishing at the blue Adriatic Sea.

Cycle through traditional villages around Lake Bled before taking a scenic railway journey to Avče from where you'll reach Goriška Brda, the 'Tuscany' of Slovenia. Explore the local vines and wines before discovering the Karst region and visiting the hilltop village of Štanjel, a medieval stonemason settlement with narrow, stone alleys that wind among the buildings built on terraces and the UNESCO-listed Škocjan caves. Next stop is Lipica, home of the original Lipizzaner horses with the stud farm dating from 1580 to the time of the Hapsburg. It is possible to join a guided tour to see the horses before cycling on to the edge of the border with Italy for views out to the coast towards Trieste in Italy and your destination. the city of Koper. A scenic path takes you along the Parenzana railway line to Koper from where you cycle on to Piran - looking back to the distant mountains gives you a great feeling of achievement.

Highlights

Turquoise Lake Bled, emerald Soča river, white peaks of the Julian Alps
Goriška Brda, the 'Tuscany' of Slovenia; hilltop villages, orchards and vineyards
Medieval stonemason settlement of Stanjel
UNESCO Škocjan caves and Lipica, cradle of Lipizzaner horses
Venetian coastal towns of Koper and Piran

Key information

7 nights hotel-to-hotel accommodation in a mix of 3-star and 4-star hotels
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
E-bike hire available on request (supplement applies)

Countries visited: Slovenia

What's included

All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals
GPS route directions and maps
Headwater navigation app
High Quality Bikes
Luggage transfers between hotels

What's not included

Visas and vaccinations
Travel insurance
Single supplements

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Enquire Today

Live Chat

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Days of Cycling

Terrain:

The suggested cycling mainly follows tranquil lanes, with the occasional busier section of road and traffic-free cycle trails

Day by day breakdown

Day 233.0km/21.0miles

Day 336.0km/22.5miles

Day 419.0km/12.0miles

Day 560.0km/37.5miles

Day 640.0km/25.0miles

Day 738.0km/24.0miles

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Every time we travel, we are part of a global movement that creates jobs, builds more sustainable societies, encourages cultural understanding and safeguards common natural and cultural heritage. To learn more about what Responsible Travel means to Exodus click here…

Itinerary

Expand all

Bled

Koper

Day 1
Arrive in Bled
Day 2
Lake Bled Circular Cycle
Cycle along the shore of Lake Bled and then through the traditional Slovenian villages of Mlino, Selo and Lancovo. Continue along the clear waters of the river Sava to the medieval town of Radovljica. Continue to the picturesque village of Begunje, famous as the birthplace of Slavko Avsenik, the legend of Slovenian folk music before returning to Bled.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 3
Lake Bled (Avce) to Smartno
An early start today with a scenic train journey along one of the most picturesque railway lines in the area with 28 tunnels, five galleries and 68 bridges. Your cycle route starts in Avče and soon you'll be joining a newly built cycle path, following the emerald crystal clear Soča river to the sun-kissed wine country, Goriška Brda. The local wines and culinary delights will help you get your strength back after a lovely trip.
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 4
At Smartno
You'll spend the day exploring the Brda wine growing region. Following the so-called 'peach' route you will be cycling through the charming landscape covered with vineyards, orchards and olive groves. Cycling through small hilltop villages and past renaissance manors will tempt you for lunch with a view.
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 5
Smartno (Stanjel) to Lpica
After breakfast. we take you (45 min transfer) to the village of Štanjel. Štanjel is a place of countless unique stories, where you'll become acquainted with stonemason Karst architecture. This region is the home of Teran ruby wine and tasty air-dried Karst prosciutto. Your destination for today is Lipica - home of the famous Lipizzaner white horses. Extend your day by cycling to the Škocjan caves, considered to be one of the most beautiful underground gems and a UNESCO World heritage site.
A shorter cycle is also available.
Meals included: Breakfast Dinner
Day 6
Lipica to Koper
Before you set off, take the opportunity of a guided tour of Lipica Stud farm, a unique green estate home to the white Lipizzaner horses. Once you set off cycling the scenery changes as you leave the Karst region behind and the view opens up to the Adriatic sea. You'll head into Italy for a short time today and join the famous Parenzana coastal trail which runs on the former narrow-gauge between the Italian city Trieste and Poreč in Croatia. Your final two nights are spent on the coast in the medieval town of Koper, linked to the Venetian republic until the end of the 18th Century.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 7
At Koper
The Parenzana trail runs along the coast, takes a turn among vineyards and partly runs through tunnels. It will take you through Portorož, a lively tourist town with sandy beach, to Piran. This worldly town, which developed under the influence of Venice, is considered to be one of the most authentic and most photogenic towns on the Adriatic coast. Return to Koper.
Meals included: Breakfast
Day 8
Leave Koper
Meals included: Breakfast

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes

Show map

Essential Info

Visas

Slovenia

Most European nationals, and nationals of Australia, New Zealand, USA and Canada do not require a visa for Slovenia.

For further Brexit travel advice please visit https://www.abta.com/tips-and-advice/brexit-advice-for-travellers

Vaccinations

Slovenia

There are no specific health risks.

Eating and Drinking

All continental breakfasts and 3 evening meals.

Slovenia’s cuisine reflects its rich heritage. Neighbours Austria, Italy and Hungary influence most dishes on the menu. In the mountains, Austrian style salamis (klobasa) prevail. You’ll often find them seasoning the hearty soups served in the Alpine huts. Kruha juha is the best - you get to eat the bowl too as it’s made out of bread! The Hungarian influence is seen in the spicy meat dishes. Pleskavica (steak with herbs and paprika) is a good one to try. On the coast, you’ll find Italian fayre, like rizota (risotto) with fresh mussels or zkilofri (Slovenian ravioli). And if you are still hungry, indulge yourself in a slice of potica (a creamy Swiss roll with walnuts).

Slovenia has been making wine since pre-Roman times, and boasts the oldest vine in the world, that has grown for four centuries. In the Vipava Valley, the stone villages are full of velbani hrami (vaulted wine cellars) where you can taste Teran (a heavy red best drunk with the local prsut or ham) or Rebula (a dry, crisp white). In the mountains look out for the bewildering variety of schnapps made from wormwood, blueberries, honey and even pine needles!

Weather

Slovenia has a mixed alpine climate with summer temperatures in the range of 18 to 25ºC. In the mountains cool mornings are normally followed by warm pleasant days. During summer months afternoon showers of rain cool down the humidity, giving way to clear skies and pleasant temperatures.

Is this trip for you?

Cycling Conditions

Classification: Self-Guided
Average daily distance on move on days: 40km (25 miles).
No. of days cycling: 6
Terrain and route: The suggested cycling mainly follows tranquil lanes and traffic-free cycle trails.
Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace. A representative will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on call throughout the trip should you need.

It is important that you are happy reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible and they are regularly checked.

As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you, but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies, the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.

Throughout, there is a very distinct and multi-cultural feel, evident in the local language, culture and cuisine. A richly preserved regional heritage reveals a complex and tumultuous past; visit colossal archaeological sites like Aquileia, with its remains of a Roman city and early Christian cathedral; mediaeval Udine, full of artistic masterpieces, and the restored fortress town of Venzone, reflecting the Renaissance Utopian ideals of a bygone era.

The area is one of outstanding natural beauty too. With the dramatic limestone peaks of the Julian Alps providing a formidable backdrop to your route, it's picture-postcard views all the way through lush forests, rolling meadows and pretty hamlets hemmed in by well-tended vineyards and shimmering mountain streams. On your final cycling stretch, the Adriatic seascape opens before you as you make a dramatic descent across the lagoon and on to the sun-kissed island of Grado with its sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters.

Call for general departures:

1 800 267 3347

Call for private group trips:

1 800 267 3347

Enquire Today

Live Chat

Request a Brochure

Trip Notes

Click on the button below for detailed Trip Notes containing all the particulars about this trip, including kit lists and practical information.

Note: these can vary by departure; you can check out the specific Trip Notes for your chosen adventure on the dates & prices page.

View Trip Notes