Version A: 11 Day Tour – 95% asphalt and paved, 5% unpaved roads – Moderately Difficult – for those who think 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.

Day 1: BLED 4* hotel
You will start in Bled, a cute little town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. Characterized by its unique island church protruding from this immense body of water, backed by the towering Karavanke Alps, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. Take some time on your first day to visit the island church by boat and hike up to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint at the western side of the lake. You won’t regret it.

Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA, 4* hotel, Distance: 27 km / 43 km with side trip, Ascent: 110 m
An easy descent into the valley. You will be taken by bus up to the high plateau at Pokljuka. From here you can marvel at the stunning views before gliding down into the neighboring Bohinj Valley, the jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. You will cycle through the many small alpine villages scattered across the valley until reaching the small settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass) lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Wedged into the corner of this dead end valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, and is surrounded by shimmering mountain peaks. The view across this lake from the bridge at Ribčev Laz is unrivaled. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view into the Bohinj Valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Explore the forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the cosy village pubs and trying the local home made honey brandy. Cycling downhill, at the foot of Mount Triglav. Triglav National Park, very peaceful area.

Day 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – ŠKOFJA LOKA, 3* hotel, Distance: 49 km; Ascent: 980 m
Leaving Bohinjska Bistrica, it’s up 750 m/2400 ft to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to the top of the mountain pass is available for an additional charge of 30 Euros). From the top the cycling route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into a wilderness valley, leading to the lush green Škofja Loka hills. The first stop is at the little alpine village of Sorica, set among low green hills. This is the birthplace of the famous Slovene painter, Ivan Grohar. As you ride into the village his statue will greet you. Visit his gallery where you’ll find a limited collection of his work. The next stop is at the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki, where you will find the remains of an old blast furnace dating from 1826. Stop in one of the village inns along the way and try the delicious trout. Finally you arrive in the wonderful town of Škofja Loka, one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. If you are not too tired you can cycle up to the castle on the hill overlooking town. Spend the rest of the evening wandering through the old streets of this historic medieval town.

Day 4: ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA, 4* hotel, Distance: 30 km, Ascent: 170 m
Flatlands, an easy biking trip. Once settled into your hotel, you will visit the historic old town of Ljubljana and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Then it’s a short walk or ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city center. From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul. As the sun goes down you can choose between relaxing with a drink in the many outdoor bars/cafes beside the Ljubljanica River, or take an evening stroll, enjoying the lights and vibrant sounds of the city and its charismatic people. Or perhaps do both!

Day 5: LJUBLJANA – VRHNIKA, 3* hotel, Distance: 39 km, Ascent: 220 m
A nice easy first day across the historic and richly diverse plains surrounding the capital. As the morning sun begins to rise high in the sky, you will be cycling across an immense 160-square kilometer marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape that is now home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Along the way you can see the remnants of the world’s highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. In hot summer months you can even freshen up in a typical Carst Lake of Podpec. Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.

Day 6: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA, 4* hotel Distance: 32 km, 44 with a side trip to nature reserve Rakov Škocjan, Ascent: 590 m
Hilly day, side roads. A slightly more demanding day over gentle hills, forest roads and a typical Carst polje (field). On this day the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You can stop for a picnic lunch in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve, where the Rak River has carved out a stunning gorge containing some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges. 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.

Day 7: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL AREA, 3* guesthouse Distance: 42 km; 48 km with a side trip to Predjama Castle, Ascent: 410 m
Hilly, one long descend afterward. 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. 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 8: ŠTANJEL AREA – LIPICA – DIVAČA, 3* hotel, Distance: 48 km, Ascent: 630 m
Rolling terrain with flat sections. First stop is perhaps at the botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. The history of the Lipica horses is closely linked to the Vienna riding school. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, watch them perform and visit them close up in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have the time for a couple of side-trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in the village tower of Lokev

Day 9: DIVAČA – MUGGIA, 38 km, 4* hotel
If you chose not to see Postojna caves the other day you can visit Škocjan Caves, equally fascinating but without the big crowds; even listed as a UNESCO natural monument! A diversion into the Italian town of Trieste is highly recommended – once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Visit the castle, 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 treat yourself to a gelato in the old town or relax on one of the beaches.

Day 10: MUGGIA – PIRAN, 4* hotel, Distance: 37 km, 48 km with a side trip Ascent: 320 m
Easy waterfront trip. Cycling along the coastal road on new cycling path following former railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovene coast and Trieste Bay. A coffee stop in fashionable resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous Venetian little harbor village of Piran.

Day 11: 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. We can also assist in arranging transfers to the airport in Trieste or Ljubljana or the train station in Trieste.

Version B: 8 Day Tour – FOR EXPERIENCED RIDERS – 100% ASPHALT ROADS,

Day 1: BLED 4* hotel.
Arrival in Bled. Your hotel is in a quiet part of town, above the lake. Bled is renowned for its beautiful setting: glacial lake, clifftop castle and a pilgrimage church on an island. Arrive early enough and you can take a boat out to the church and ring the bell of wishes, head up to the castle for a great view across the valley, or take a circular walk around the lake and hike up to Mala Osojnica for the best view of all.

Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA , 4* hotel Distance: 54 km, Ascent: 1,000 m
Your cycling day starts with a climb up to the high plateau Pokljuka (700m / 2300ft over 12km). From mountain meadows, you will then descend to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Wedged into the corner of this dead end valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the Triglav National Park, and it is surrounded by glistening alpine mountain peaks. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view into the Bohinj Valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps.

Day 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA , 4* hotel Distance: 80 km, Ascent: 1180 m
Leaving Bohinj you cycle up 750 m / 2400 ft to the Jelovica high plateau, which then drops off into a lush wilderness valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. Stop in the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki and one of Slovenia’s oldest and most charming towns, Škofja Loka, before finally arriving in Ljubljana, the Slovene capital. Visit the Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the old town and city center. From its tower, you get a breathtaking view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul and of the mountains you have just cycled from.

Day 4: LJUBLJANA – VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA 4* hotel Distance: 65 – 88 km (with side trip) Ascent: 750 m
To start the day, a gentle ride across the beautiful 160-sq km Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje), home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for the best views. Then cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lake of Cerknica. Stop at Rakov Skocjan, Slovenia’s oldest landscape park: a stunning limestone gorge containing two natural bridges.

Day 5: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL 34km + 9km side trip, 3* guesthouse Distance: 50 km, Ascent 550 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 the side of a 123m-cliff. Here lived 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 6 : ŠTANJEL – LIPICA – DIVAČA, 3* hotel Distance: 50 km, Ascent: 610 m
First stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these 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 see them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in a lovely Venetian tower.

Day 7: DIVAČA – MUGGIA – PIRAN 4* hotel Distance: 77 km, (94 km with side trip) Ascent: 630 m
If you skipped Postojna caves, don’t worry, because this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves – just as interesting but far less crowded. Then, if you like, head into the Italian town of Trieste. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita. Stop for a cappuccino or a gelato in the old harbor town of Muggia. There is a new cycling path following the old railway line that runs along the coast. Enjoy great vistas of Slovenia’s modest, yet lovely coastline. A stop in the Slovenian Riviera of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian harbor town of Piran.

Day 8: DEPARTURE from Piran. After breakfast your tour ends. However, you can prolong your stay in Piran, take a one way boat trip or day cruise to Venice. We can also assist in arranging transfers to the airport in Trieste or Ljubljana or the train station in Trieste.