Cycle Slovenia

Zivjo! Welcome to Slovenia. Known as ‘Europe in Miniature’, this country may be tiny, but its diversity makes it a top-notch destination for cycling, with each day bringing something different. Your adventure begins in the country’s capital, Ljubljana, with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, you might like to take a walk around this leafy city at your own pace, checking out the beautiful buildings, bridges and museums on foot. After your meeting, maybe head out as a group for a welcome dinner at a traditional restaurant – your leader will know the best spots.

Say goodbye to Ljubljana this morning and drive to Bled – a scenic resort town on Lake Bled. Here, you’ll have a bike fitting and safety briefing to set you up for the journey ahead. Then it’s time to get your wheels in motion! From Bled, you’ll pedal gradually uphill through the mountains, following the low-traffic forest paved road. This route offers plenty to look at – mountain views, scenic stops along the way and a loop around the beautiful Lake Bled. Your final stop of the day is a flower and tree-filled valley, where you can refuel at a popular mountain house. The rest of the day is free for your own discoveries – you may like to explore Triglav National Park, check out the Vintgar Gorge or visit Bled Castle. (B)

Leave Bled early this morning and cycle the scenic route beside the Sava River. Half of the route is a cycling path, and the other part covers the paved roads of Triglav National Park, passing mountains, ravines, lakes, canyons, caves, rivers, forests and Alpine meadows. Your ride today is a gradual uphill until you reach the alpine resort of Kranjska Gora, your final stop for the day. When you arrive, enjoy lunch with a view as you tuck into a barbecue feast on the ski slope – the perfect chance to unwind and appreciate the spectacular scenery. (B/L)

Your journey continues with a drive this morning, avoiding a long and steep uphill climb. The support vehicle will take you up the Julian Alps to the Vrsic Pass, known as the ‘Russian Road’, as it was built by Russian prisoners during the first World War. Take a moment to soak up the amazing views, then hop on your bike for a freewheeling descent through winding switchbacks and alpine scenery, down to the emerald waters of the Soca River. Check your speed as the road flattens out and you ride along the valley floor in one of the most beautiful valleys in this part of Europe, following the river as it flows west. Take in the views at the two-tiered Boka Waterfall, then complete your ride at the mountain town of Bovec. With your free evening, you can put your feet up or walk the nearby Walk of Peace trail for a fascinating insight into life in the trenches in WWII. (B)

Start the day early and drive south to the fortified hilltop village of Smartno. Nestled between the Julian Alps and the Adriatic, this village is the perfect place to start today’s ride. Cycle the loop through the hills and vineyards – this part of Slovenia is considered a cradle of white wines and is often called Slovenia’s Tuscany. For those craving an espresso break, you’re in luck – today's route also ducks across the border into Italy! Finish the day with an included wine tasting at a local winery and raise a glass to the gorgeous surroundings. (B)

Begin cycling directly from your hotel, crossing once again into Italy and descending to the valley floor. Follow the gentle Vipava River east past green fields, vineyards and small villages before arriving at the small town of Vipava, where you'll enjoy an optional picnic beside the river. Hills are never great on a full stomach, so you'll board the vehicle and drive up the steep 10 km (6 mi) climb (you'll thank us later!) before remounting your bike and enjoying a mostly downhill ride all the way to red-roofed town of Postojna. When you arrive, you might like to rest up after the longest ride of the trip. Alternatively, you can choose to explore – maybe visit the Notranjska Museum, discover the nearby Predjamsk Castle or stroll through the Postojna's old town centre. (B)

Today begins with a visit to the stunning Postojna Cave, said to be the most biodiverse cave in the world, home to fairytale-like labyrinths of stalagmite and stalactite-filled tunnels. After your visit, board the vehicle and drive to the small village of Vanganel, the starting point for your last ride.  This picturesque route is mostly on cycling ways, following Parenzana’s old railway tracks now turned cycling paths. Enjoy sea views on one side and mountain views on the other. Finish the ride in the seaside town of Piran – once part of the Venetian empire, the town has kept its historic charm and the Old Town is among the best-preserved anywhere in the Adriatic. After your ride, wander the maze of narrow streets past Venetian architecture, Tartini Square and the pier. Tonight, maybe hit one of the many cafes or restaurants in town and swap stories over an optional farewell dinner. (B)

There are no activities planned after breakfast today and your adventure comes to an end. You're free to leave at any time after checking out. If you'd like to extend your stay, just get in touch with your booking agent ahead of time to organise additional accommodation. You can catch the bus (approximately 2 hours and included) back to Ljubljana or spend some more time exploring Piran.