Tour Overview
Known for its sunny climate and stunning scenery, Slovenia is rich in natural resources and a great destination for any touring cyclist. This itinerary covers some truly spectacular parts of the country, starting on the picturesque shores of Lake Bled and drawing to a close in the bustling capital of Ljubljana, with plenty of opportunities to sample delicious local foods and wines en route.We cycle through dramatic gorges lining the aquamarine waters of the Soca River, sprawling vineyards in the Goriska Brda region and visit pretty, mediaeval villages scattered across the Karst region. A free day provides the chance to relax and rest our legs, with an optional visit to see a dressage show of the famous 'dancing' Lipizzaner horses. A guided visit to the awe-inspiring Skocjan caves is the perfect culmination to a week of cycling in this truly spectacular country.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1Start in pretty lakeside resort of Bled.
Day 2
Today will be a gentle start to the week giving us a chance to warm up our cycling legs and make any necessary adjustments to our bikes. We will ride a circular route around the picturesque Lake Bled, home to the only natural island in Slovenia and surrounded by the magnificent backdrop of the Julian Alps. After lunch we have the option to take a boat ride out to the island and castle perched on the edge of the Lake, have a swim in the lake itself or simply enjoy the gift shops that can be found sprinkled throughout Bled.
Day 3
Our day begins with a short bus transfer and train journey deep through the mountainside to Podbrdo. From here we cycle the undulating roads that follow the beautiful Soca River, known for its stunning aquamarine waters and exhilarating rapids. We pass Most na Soca, a small town located on a rocky crest above the confluence of Soca and Idrijca rivers before arriving in Tolmin, the larget settlement in the region. For those with the energy there is an optional trip to the dramatic Tolmin gorge found 3km from our hotel.
Day 4
This is a slightly tougher day, although the actual distance we ride is shorter than the day before, we will be challenged by a 10km climb uphill. Our route follows the valley from Tolmin, heading uphill to the ridge of Cepovan and on to the village of Lokve. Our support vehicle will be on hand for those who prefer not to cycle and our reward will be spectacular views of Mount Krn and the Julian Alps. Our day ends as we reach the summit of the plateau and head into the heart of the Trnovo Gozd forest. Here we will find our comfortable hotel.
Day 5
We enjoy a gentle start to the day with a leisurely cycle down to the riverside town of Kanal. Here we will enjoy a coffee in the sunshine before heading on to the beautiful wine region of Goriska Brda. Cycling through the neatly terraced vines and traditional farmhouses we will reach our accommodation for the night, with the opportunity to enjoy the delicious locally-produced wines and food on offer.
Day 6
Our free day can be spent exploring the local area on foot or simply relaxing by the hotel pool. In the afternoon there will be an optional excursion to see a dressage show by the famous Lipizzaner horses, known for there immaculate white coats and graceful 'dancing'.
Day 7
To reach a safe cycling point we will take a short 45 minute bus transfer, passing the Solkan Bridge with the biggest stone arch in the world. Mounting our bikes we pick up the smaller roads outside Goriska Brda and cycle to Komen to enjoy lunch before heading on to Stanjel. With narrow stone roads and houses typical of the region, Stanjel is known as the 'jewel of the Karst region' and sits on a hill majestically overlooking the surrounding countryside, providing great photo opportunities. Our final cycle is an enjoyable, mostly flat ride through the vineyards and villages before reaching Storje for our final evening.
Day 8
Our day will begin with a bus transfer to visit the Skocjan caves. These caves are a must see for any visitor to Slovenia. This UNESCO protected site is awe-inspiring and the local tour guide will show us the best of the limestone stalagmites and stalactites found deep within the caves. After our tour we board the bus and head for the capital of Slovenia – Ljubljana for a brief visit, stopping for lunch on route. End Ljubljana.
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