The Slovene capital: visit the historic old town and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture sitting in the shadow of the Ljubljana Castle perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city centre. From its tower, you get a commanding view of the city and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a meal in the old town and then round it off with a beer beside the Ljubljanica River, or on a riverboat ride.
Itinerary
This popular cycling tour takes you through Slovenia's most famous historical attractions amid a stunningly diverse landscape. Suitable for cyclists of average fitness. From the cultural capital through the undulating landscape of the limestone karst, riddled with caves and dotted with castles and churches, to the sparkling Adriatic Sea; there is something for everyone.
Tour program
ARRIVAL in LJUBLJANA
Start point
Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA (41 km)
Your first cycling day will be a gentle ride across an immense 160-sq km marshy plain: the Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje). The lovely Krim Mountain will dominate your view here. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for an amazing panoramic view of Slovenia. Along the way, you can see the remnants of the world's highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. Before you arrive at your destination, be sure to visit the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.
VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (43 km)
On this day, the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. 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 utilising 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.
POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL AREA (32 km)
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. In the afternoon you head to first vineyards of Vipava region.
ŠTANJEL AREA – LIPICA – DIVAČA (50 km)
Today you'll cycle to the stud farm of Lipica where you can visit 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 visit them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set inside an old Venetian tower.
DIVAČA – MUGGIA (39 km)
If you missed Postojna Caves, don't worry – this morning, you have the chance to explore the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO-listed natural monument known for their stunning beauty and tranquility. Next, head to Socerb Castle, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Bay of Trieste, the Friulian Plain, and even the Julian Alps. Your day trip concludes in the charming town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. After a day of cycling, unwind with a delicious gelato in the town's historic center or relax on one of its inviting beaches. If you arrive early, consider a quick bus or boat trip into Trieste, a vibrant Italian city renowned for its rich history, cosmopolitan vibe, and captivating atmosphere.
MUGGIA – PIRAN (35 km + side trip SALTPANS 11 km)
For your last day you'll cycle along the coastal road on a new cycling path following the old railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovenia's modest, yet lovely coast, and Trieste Bay. A stop in the trendy resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian harbour town of Piran.
DEPARTURE from PIRAN
After breakfast your tour ends.
End point
Piran/Pirano, Slovenia
Tour Details
accommodation
Accommodations in hotels 3* or 4* and guesthouse in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis.
flights
Flights are not included.
guide
This is a self-guided cycling trip.
insurance
meals
Breakfast.
optional
- Bike rental 110 EUR classic touring bikes are equipped with 24 gears, one side pannier per bike, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair kit per couple / pair of bikes. Every additional day: 25 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts at 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day 7
- Electric bike 270 EUR
- Printed information package in English or German, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR.
others
- Luggage transport between hotels, one piece per person, max 23 kg / 50 lb. Every additional piece 60 EUR, payable on the spot
- Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form
- Welcome meeting and bike handover
- Local tourist and other taxes
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip
Additional Transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana: 1–3 persons: 65 EUR, 4–8 persons: 80 EUR
Trieste Airport to Ljubljana: 1–3 persons: 190 EUR, 4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Piran to Trieste City: 1–3 persons: 95 EUR, 4–8 persons: 130 EUR
Piran to Trieste Airport: 1–3 persons: 150 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana City: 1–3 persons: 195 EUR, 4–8 persons: 240 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana Airport: 1–3 persons: 220 EUR, 4–8 persons: 270 EUR
Good to know
Currency
Slovénie