Current as of: June 12, 2026 - 13:28
Secrets of Slovenia Cycling Trip Notes
- Ways to Travel: Self-Guided Holidays
- Destination: Slovenia
- Programmes: Cycling
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Activity Level:
3 out of 7 - Moderate
- 8 Days: Land Only
- Ages: 12+
- Trip Code: C07SN
- Carbon Footprint: 24kg CO2e
Trip Overview
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 Kanal 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.
The places where you will stay vary from a large lakeside property in Bled, to a renovated homestead in Smartno, and the Maestoso Hotel in Lipica, where you’ll find the Lippizaner stud farm.
Is This Trip for You?
This self-guided cycling holiday is ideal for independent travellers who enjoy exploring at their own pace, with the reassurance of pre-arranged accommodation, route guidance and local support. Previous cycling experience is recommended, but no technical cycling skills are required.
Cycling at a Glance
Trip Style: Self-guided
Cycling Days: 6
Average Daily Distance:40km (25 miles)
Terrain & Route: The suggested cycling mainly follows tranquil lanes and traffic-free cycle trails. Distances vary, and parts of the countryside are fairly hilly, so you can take your time on the steeper climbs and admire the wonderful long distance views. Routes mainly follow tranquil lanes and traffic-free cycle trails. There are some short sections on busier roads and on gravel tracks and on some sections there is a choice of route depending on your preference.
Activity Level: 3 (Moderate)
For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
Navigation: Headwater Navigation App
How Your Self-Guided Holiday Works
This self-guided trip is operated by our sister company, Headwater. You’ll travel independently and at your own pace using the Headwater Navigation App, which provides expertly curated routes and directions, along with a 24-hour emergency assistance number should you need support. As there is no tour leader or organised group, you’ll enjoy the flexibility to travel at your own pace while following the planned itinerary. Headwater are specialists in self-guided active holidays with more than 40 years of experience.
Adult min age: 12
Itinerary
Land Only
- Start City: Bled
- End City: Koper
Land Only Itinerary
Arrive in Bled
Arrive at your 4 star hotel on the promenade of Lake Bled. Enjoy some of the hotel facilities before heading into Bled for dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel Park
Lake Bled Circular Cycle
Today’s ride takes you on a circular route from Bled passing through pretty Slovene villages. There is an optional detour to visit Grad Kamen Castle. The route then brings you back into Bled along the shores of the Lake.
Accommodation: Hotel Park
Lake Bled (Kanal) 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 Kanal 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.
Accommodation: Hisa Marica
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.
Accommodation: Hisa Marica
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.
Accommodation: Hotel Maestoso
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.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Koper
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.
Accommodation: Grand Hotel Koper
Leave Koper
The tour ends after breakfast in Koper.
Accommodation
Hotels in Slovenia
Hotel Park, Bled (4*)
Overlooking Lake Bled, Park Hotel – Sava Hotels & Resorts features a wellness centre with a large indoor pool and a gym. All rooms have balcony with either lake view or park view.
Facilities include: Pool, Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Mastercard, Visa
Hisa Marica, Smartno (3*)
Set in a traditional stone house, Hisa Marica is decorated in rustic style with wooden beams, all rooms are fitted with solid wooden furniture. There is a restaurant serving traditional cuisine and a bar with charming terrace.
Facilities include: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Aircon
Hotel Maestoso, Lipica (4*)
Hotel Maestoso is set in the heart of the Lipica stud farm, home to over 300 Lipizzaner horses. The hotel blends naturally with the traditional elements of Lipica and has modern rooms as well as a restaurant. Your evening meal is included here and is usually a varied buffet.
Facilities include: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Aircon, Mastercard, Visa
Hotel Grand Koper, Koper (4*)
Situated in the Old Town of Koper, on the seafront, Grand Hotel Koper has been recently renovated. Rooms feature a seating area, a TV, and a phone and overlook the town or the sea. The hotel also has a bar and à-la-carte restaurant with a spacious terrace.
Facilities include: Hairdryer, WiFi, TV, Minibar, Aircon, Safe, Mastercard, Visa
Single supplement from USD 691
Food & Drink
All continental breakfasts and 1 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 & Seasonality
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.
Joining Instructions
Transfer Details
What To Take
Essential Equipment
Waterproofs
Warm jumper/fleece
Suncream
Water bottle (1 litre) you will be able to refill each day at the accommodation.
Optional Equipment
Please note that cycling helmets are compulsory in Slovenia for all customers under 15yrs. As we are unable to provide these, we strongly recommend that you bring your own.
GPS Route Navigation
We’ve teamed up with RideWithGPS to provide our carefully researched and checked itineraries in a convenient format, similar to a car satnav, with turn-by-turn instructions all along your route.
Before you travel we’ll send you everything you need to download your route notes and the free RideWithGPS app. It’s available for iPhone and Android and the routes can also be used on any regular GPS device such as the Garmin Edge bike computers or Forerunner fitness devices.
For more details and to watch the demonstration video, please visit our GPS Route Navigation page.
If you prefer the familiarity of your own bike, you may, of course, bring it along. Please advise us at the time of booking and you will receive a discount on the price of the holiday, as specified above. You will be responsible for any extra baggage charges, please speak to your sales representative for individual airline fees. Please note, this does not apply to trips within the UK, for which local bike hire is not included.
You will also be responsible for assembling and disassembling your bike as well as bringing along spare parts and any tools specific to it. It is also your responsibility to ensure your bike is roadworthy and suitable for the type of cycling undertaken. If in doubt, the model of local bike hire available should act as a guide and details of terrain, ascent and descent are available both in the itinerary and in the ‘Is this trip for you?’ sections. Our cycling team only carry the relevant spares for the hire fleet. Any clients bringing their own bike should ensure they have adequate cover for loss, damage or theft under their travel, home contents or a specialist insurance policy. If Exodus is confident we have taken all reasonable care to ensure the safety of your bike, in the rare event of loss, damage or theft, you will need to claim under your own insurance policy.
Extra bike accessories
You may like to bring your own pedals and saddle (excluding the seat post) or gel saddle cover to fit to the hire bikes. We encourage this, if it is your preference. However, please note that you are responsible for your own equipment, and removing your saddle/pedals at the end of the trip. We cannot guarantee the return of any bike parts left behind.
Recommended Cycling Clothing
Padded cycling shorts (with loose ‘over-shorts’ where recommended), breathable clothing, and a lightweight waterproof/windproof top. Shoes with relatively stiff soles are better for biking, but are not essential unless you are cycling long distances. Most people want to carry certain items with them during the day while cycling, for this we recommend a large bum bag (fanny pack) or small close-fitting daysack.
Exodus Policy on Cycling Helmets
Wearing a helmet is mandatory for anyone taking part in any guided Exodus cycling holiday. Group members must bring their own helmets, as they are not available for hire, even if they are hiring a bike from Exodus.
For self-guided cycling holidays wearing a helmet is highly recommended. Customers who choose to ignore our advice do so entirely at their own risk and on the understanding that it may affect the validity of their travel insurance. It should also be noted that in some countries, wearing a helmet is a legal requirement.
Cycling of all kinds has its dangers and accidents can happen from time to time. Please ensure that you are properly prepared for the riding you are going to undertake.
Practical Info & Visa
Visa
Slovenia
Travellers from the UK, US and EU normally do not need a visa to enter Slovenia. Please note, visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore, we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination(s), including any countries you may be transiting or transferring through.
Some local governments provide guidance on what visas their citizens need. To help, we’ve gathered a selection of useful links below.
- Australia: www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/europe/slovenia
- Canada: www.travel.gc.ca/destinations/slovenia
- United Kingdom: www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/slovenia/entry-requirements
- USA: www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/international-travel/International-Travel-Country-Information-Pages/Slovenia.html
Vaccinations and Health
Slovenia
There are no required vaccinations. However, you may want to consider vaccinations for tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE). Please confirm with your doctor or travel clinic.
Local Time
Slovenia's time zone: Europe/Ljubljana (UTC +02:00)
Electricity
Slovenia's electricity:
Plug types C (two round pins) and F (two round pins) – 230V, 50Hz
Money
Slovenia's currency: Euro (EUR)
ATM Availability
ATM machines can be found in Ljubljana and Bled. Most places will accept credit cards however we would recommend that you take some Euros with you for use in the mountain huts.
Extra Expenses & Spending Money
Allow from £15 (approx. US$25) per day for extra expenses whilst trekking: soft drinks, lunches and alcohol. Also allow £10-12 (approx. US$15-20) per meal, for dinner and drinks whilst in Bled.
Sustainability and Impact
As a certified B Corp, we’re on a mission to improve our social and environmental impact across all our adventures.
We do this through our innovative Thriving Nature, Thriving People plan.
This ‘nature positive’ approach is designed to help nature and communities thrive in harmony through practical solutions, such as reducing carbon and waste on our trips, supporting conservation projects through the Exodus Adventure Travels Foundation, and rewilding 100 square metres for every Exodus traveller.