Secrets of Slovenia Cycling
Description
Summary
Description
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day cycling tour that takes you through the heart of Slovenia's picturesque landscapes, charming villages, and historic towns. This multi-day tour is a perfect blend of nature, culture, and gastronomy, offering you a chance to explore the stunning Lake Bled, traditional Slovenian villages, the medieval town of Radovljica, the sun-kissed wine country of Goriška Brda, and the coastal town of Koper. You will also have the opportunity to visit the famous Lipica Stud Farm, home to the white Lipizzaner horses, and the UNESCO World Heritage site, Škocjan caves. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or a casual rider, this tour promises an adventure of a lifetime.
Included
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!
Management by your local Headwater-appointed agent
GPS route directions and maps
Headwater navigation app
Standard transfers On flight inclusive packages transfers included from Ljubljana airport at 14:10, and back to Ljubljana airport at 10:15.
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.
Destinations
Bled
Poreč
Piran / Pirano
Koper / Capodistria
Sežana
Jesenice
Radovljica
TriestMap
Attractions
Virje Falls
Lipica
Škocjan CavesDaily Itinerary
Day 1 – Day 1: Bled
- Bled - Arrival day
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Kickstart your tour in the beautiful city of Bled. Spend the day at leisure, exploring the city's attractions or simply relaxing and preparing for the adventure that lies ahead.
Day 2 – Day 2: Bled - Mlino - Selo - Lancovo - Radovljica - Begunje - Bled
- Radovljica
- Bled
- Jesenice
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- Lake Bled
- Roman Wall
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Today, you'll cycle along the shore of Lake Bled and 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. Your journey will then take you to the picturesque village of Begunje, famous as the birthplace of Slavko Avsenik, a legend of Slovenian folk music. After a day filled with scenic beauty and cultural insights, you'll return to Bled.
Day 3 – Day 3: Bled - Avče - Goriška Brda
- Bled
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- Virje Falls
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Start your day early with a scenic train journey along one of the most picturesque railway lines in the area. 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. Here, you'll have the opportunity to taste local wines and culinary delights.
Day 4 – Day 4: Exploring Goriška Brda
Day 4: Exploring Goriška Brda
Spend the day exploring the Brda wine-growing region. Follow the so-called 'peach' route, cycling through the charming landscape covered with vineyards, orchards, and olive groves. The small hilltop villages and renaissance manors along the way offer perfect spots for a lunch break with a view.
Day 5 – Day 5: Goriška Brda - Štanjel - Lipica
- Štanjel
- Lipica
- Sežana
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- Škocjan Caves
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After breakfast, we'll take you to the village of Štanjel, a place of countless unique stories and 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. If you wish, extend your day by cycling to the Škocjan caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Day 6 – Day 6: Lipica - Trieste - Poreč - Koper
- Lipica
- Koper / Capodistria
- Triest
- Poreč
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- Lipica
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Before setting off, take a guided tour of the Lipica Stud Farm, home to the white Lipizzaner horses. As you cycle, the scenery changes from the Karst region to the open view of the Adriatic Sea. You'll briefly head into Italy and join the famous Parenzana coastal trail, which runs between the Italian city of Trieste and Poreč in Croatia. Your final two nights are spent in the medieval town of Koper, which was linked to the Venetian republic until the end of the 18th Century.
Day 7 – Day 7: Koper - Portorož - Piran - Koper
- Koper / Capodistria
- Piran / Pirano
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The Parenzana trail runs along the coast, through vineyards, and partly through tunnels. It will take you through Portorož, a lively tourist town with a sandy beach, to Piran. This worldly town, which developed under the influence of Venice, is considered to be one of the most authentic and photogenic towns on the Adriatic coast. After a day of exploration, return to Koper.
Day 8 – Day 8: Koper
- Koper / Capodistria - Departure day
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Your memorable tour ends after breakfast in Koper. Take this time to reflect on the unforgettable experiences you've had and the wonderful memories you've created during this multi-day tour.
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