Slovenia: Bike from the Alps to the Adriatic
Challenging Route
A challenging eight-day bike ride, from beautiful mountains, through vineyards and olive orchards in progressively warmer climates, to the warm Adriatic Sea.
Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian Plains and the Karst Plateau, but this is a delightfully less-developed country than much of Europe. You will experience amazing contrasts during this week of cycling. Beginning at the pristine Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, and the Bohinj Lake countryside, you will enjoy breathtaking climbs and marvelous descents, with views of snow-capped mountains, and valleys whose clear skies are popular hangouts for parasailers and hang gliders. You too will enjoy the vitality that comes from mountain travel, clean air, and perhaps the healing waters of the Soca Springs, as you descend through the limestone labyrinth of Karst, following the same trails upon which Napoleon led his army. Wild beauty is everywhere. In fact, day four’s challenging climb to the Vrsic Pass is considered one of the most beautiful mountain roads in all of Europe! From there, your descent takes you through old-growth forests and winegrowing hills, and eventually to where you can swim on the Adriatic shore of the Mediterranean before returning to Ljubljana. Slovenia is rich in resources, naturally gorgeous, and beautifully peaceful. It is simply a pleasure to explore the countryside and affluence of this country on the sunny side of the Alps, and to fathom its roots in the Habsburg Empire and the Venetian Republic. We hope you can join us for this fabulous ride; an adventure for all senses!
Day 1: Meet in Ljubljana
Meet in Ljubljana at your hotel on the edge of the vibrant old city. Galleries, museums, and other entertaining and historical sites are pleasant distractions for those who arrive early. Most notable include Ljubljana Castle, the Triple and Dragon Bridges, and the fashionable Stari trg. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Hotel GH Union, www.gh-union.si; or
Hotel Angel, Ljubljana, www.angelhotel.si
Day 2: 65km/40 miles. Ascents: 977m. 3200ft.
Transfer from Ljubljana to Skofja Loka to begin cycling. Skofja Loka is a charming town with medieval origins. After a short walk along the cobbled lanes and old houses, you will continue to the Alpine part of Slovenia. Country roads lead you to the pass of Sorica, from where you can see Mt. Triglav, the highest mountain in Slovenia, at 2864m. A downhill ride brings you to the crystal-clear, refreshingly cool lake. In the evening, try shepherd's delicacies at the local restaurant. BLD
Hotel Jezero, Bohinj, www.bohinj.si/alpinum/jezero/hotel_jezero_en.html
Day 3: 68km/34 miles. Ascents: 315 m. 1010ft.
In Triglav National Park, your first stop is Bled Lake. With its small isle in the middle, it is Slovenia’s internationally recognized image. Try the famous Kremsnita cake, and then continue cycling through the isolated alpine valley of Radovna, a nature-lover’s dream. Blueberries grow in lush green meadows with clear, cold streams. Now you are truly in the heart of the Alps. Rest in Kranjska Gora, illuminated at day’s end by the last moments of beautiful light reflected off the Spik mountain range. Today’s ride includes approximately 8km of unpaved roads. BL
Hotel Prisank, Kranjska Gora, www.hit.si
Day 4: 68km/34 miles. Ascents: 891m. 2900ft.
In the early morning, begin cycling up the Vrsic pass, on a mountain road considered one of the most beautiful in all of Europe. You will be rewarded with the best views of the trip, and a 15km exhilarating downhill ride into the Soca Valley. Stopping to taste the pure and healing water of the spring that feeds the river, you will begin to understand the nature of Slovenia. The untamed Soca River is one of the few unspoiled rivers in the entire European Alps. You will see the most beautiful section of the river, and can stop to visit its unique narrow basins, whose enchanting colour defies description. Bovec is an adventurer’s paradise and the center of the upper Soca Valley. Your warm country inn waits in the small town of Kobarid, just downstream from the adventurer’s paradise of Bovec. BLD
Hisa Franko, Kobarid, www.hisafranko.com
Day 5: 62km/37 miles. Ascents: 469m. 1535ft.
Today you will explore the villages of the Tolmin area, whose culture and people are uniquely affected by the area’s remoteness, and the influences of other nearby countries. Incredibly hospitable, the people are proud of their skills and traditions. You will be cycling through the heart of the WWI Isonzo Front, described in Ernest Hemingway's novel A Farewell to Arms. From Tolmin, ride south to Solkan, near Nova Gorica, through the Valley of Cepovan. This hilly region along the Italian border produces Slovenia’s best wines, some of which you may choose to sample at your special dinner served in a medieval chateau. Today’s ride includes approximately 10km of unpaved roads. BLD
Hotel Entourage, Gorizia, www.entouragegorizia.com
Day 6: Distance: 45km/30 miles. Ascents: 354m. 1160ft.
Ride from Solkan to where the Karst Plateau rises above the Adriatic Sea. Hospitable villagers, amazing rock formations, pleasant climate and superb cuisine give the region a special charm. You will visit Stanjel, a tiny village in the hinterland of the Italian (formerly Austro-Hungarian) port of Trieste, at the centre of the Karst. The village used to be an important salt trading post en-route between Trieste and Vienna. You can stroll along the narrow stone alleys, visit the traditional Karst stone house, and perhaps enjoy a glass of wine. BLD
Pension Špacapan, Komen.
Day 7: 69km/43 miles. Ascents: 314m. 1020ft.
From Komen, ride to the end of the plateau, where craggy limestone cliffs overlook the coast, and the Mediterranean region of the country has its own slow pace. Finish cycling at the church of Holy Trinity in Hrastovlje. Transfer to Piran for a late lunch and a swim in the warm Adriatic, followed by an early evening transfer back to Ljubljana. BLD
Hotel Lev, Ljubljana, www.hotel-lev.si
Day 8:
Your trip concludes this morning after breakfast. If you did not spend time exploring this beautiful city, we highly recommend an extra day or two afterwards. Ljubljana is a good place to shop for antiques, or to watch people as you linger in one of the cafes along Ljubljanica River. B
| Start: | Ljubljana, 17:00 day one |
| Finish: | Ljubljana, 12:00 day eight |
| Guided Cost: | $3595 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps, route notes, taxes) |
| Self-Guided Cost: | $2995 (per person, includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, relevant van transfers, luggage handling, maps, route notes, taxes) |
| Single Occupancy: | $625 |
| Bicycle Rental: | Hybrid: $225. Racing bikes are not currently available. |
| 2012 Guided Dates: | Aug 25 to Sept 1. Add your own dates (learn more) |
| Self-Guided Dates: | You choose! Best times are June to September. |
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
