Programme

Day 1

Arrival in Ljubljana

Individual arrival in Ljubljana, handing over of bikes (if rented) and tour information. Ljubljana has an interesting old town centre, in Baroque and Art Nouveau style. There is a lot to see. You could go on a tour of the castle on the hill top, admire the picturesque Triple Bridge and Dragon Bridge which pass over the Ljubljanica river and visit the churches of St. Nicholas and  St. Francis.

Overnight stay in a three star hotel

Day 2  

From Ljubljana to Vrhnika (40 or 58 km / 25 or 36 miles) 

Today's route crosses the Ljubljansko Barje flats, a former marshland surrounding Ljubljana, and the Karst Plateau with its rich flora and fauna. You can stop along the way to take a walk into the Iski Vintgar Gorge nature reserve, to see the remains of the world's highest railway viaduct in Borovnica and to visit the Technical Museum in Bistra, which is housed in an ex-monastery. The museum has a rich collection of agricultural and textile machinery and an exhibition of Tito's cars. The gardens of the museum are beautiful, with a pond and a nature trail through the woods. Today's ride ends in Vrhnika, nestling on the left bank of the Ljubljanica.

Your overnight stay is in a four star hotel.

Day 3 

From Vrhnika to Postojna ( 34 or 44 km / 21 or 27 miles)

This is a hilly day. At first you cycle along quiet country roads with some uphill sections, but then on the Karst Plateau (or 'Kras') the terrain levels out. The Kras is well known for its underground network of caves and the small rivers which flow above ground, disappear underground and after kilometres reappear from nowhere. Today you will discover the real Slovenian countryside, far away from the main tourist routes. You will cycle along the Napoleon Road, which as the name indicates dates back to the Napoleonic Age and which, with its 290 lime trees, is the longest tree-lined lane in Europe.

Overnight stay in a three star hotel

Day 4 

From Postojna to  Štanjel (45 or 55 km / 28 or 34 miles)

This morning you will have enough time to visit the caves of Postojna, which are part of a 21km long karst cave system. The caves are especially beautiful because of their natural decoration with the whimsically shaped stalactites and stalagmites. Today's cycling is relaxed and consists of a long descent followed by some easy climbs. You will have an overnight stay in the picturesque Štanjel, well known for its old town centre with Romanesque and gothic houses and alleys which lead to tiny squares with characteristic fountains. You could make a detour to visit Predjama Castle, where the last knight of Slovenia once lived.

Overnight stay in a good two star country Inn 

Day 5 

A rest day in Štanjel or a round trip in the surrounding area (30 km / 18,5 miles)

Today you can have a rest day or go on a short circular trip in the area around Štanjel. Štanjel is of medieval origin and is built on the slopes of the Thurn hill. Of particular interest are the 16th century castle, which houses a historical museum and an exhibition with the paintings of Luigi Spacal, and the parish church, also dating from the 16th century. Don't forget to taste the delicious Karst ham and local wines.

Overnight stay in a good two star country Inn

Day 6 

From Štanjel -Lipica-Divaca  (47 km / 29 miles)

The landscape today is predominantly that of the high plateau. There is only one climb, which is long but gradual. You will pass the botanic gardens in Sežana, home to 198 species of trees and bushes and more then a 100 exotic pot plants. The palmarium, herbarium and the geological and archaeological collection are all worth a visit. The war museum in the village tower of Lokev is unusual and very interesting. Lipica is famous for its stud farming. These light grey horses were brought to fame through the Spanish Riding School of Vienna and are renowned worldwide.

Overnight stay in a three star hotel

Day 7  

From Divaca - Lipica o Trieste - to Koper (60 km / 37 miles)

This day begins with a lovely descent from the Karst plateau to Koper, the most important port of Slovenia. Today you can choose between two routes: route A passing through Slovenia and route B passing through Italy (Trieste). Koper is a special and relatively small town (25,000 inhabitants), situated on the shore of the Istrian Gulf, with a rich history. The most important monuments are the Praetorian Palace from the 15th century, which is in Venetian Gothic style, the 12th century Carmine Rotunda church and the Cathedral of St. Nazarius, noteworthy for its 14th century bell tower (55m tall).

Tour A. Route through Slovenia – 60 km, descend into the valley of Hrastovlje, where a known church featuring an interesting “death dance” fresco can be visited. This variant goes through quiet countryside.

Tour B. Route through Italy (55 km) and the lively port of Trieste. Long downhill ride from the high Carst plateau to Trieste. If you skiped Postojna caves – this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves – no less interesting  but way less frequented Karst Caves – also listed as a UNESCO natural monument! For this last day you take a slight diversion into the Italian town of Trieste - once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. Trieste was once part of Slovenia whilst under the rule of the Austrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in the many old-fashioned cafes. The tour ends at Slovenia’s port town, Koper, the largest ‘island’ town on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, and, time-permitting, you can cycle along the coastal path and visit the gorgeous Venetian architecture in the little harbor village of Piran. 

Overnight stay in a three star hotel

Day 8

Departure after breakfast

From Koper there is a good train connection with Ljubljana, but it is also possible to book a transfer.

self guided

Daily from 7 April till 13 October (last starting date)

Level 2/3

Medium: long stages of flat terrain (high-plain) alternated a landscape with gentle rolling hills. The steeper climbs are short and the longer ones not too steep.  Daily distances between 18 and 34 miles. Cycling along quiet country roads.

Prices 2012

Single room supplement    € 110,00

Supplement half board     € 125,00

bike rental for a week (hybrid touring bikes are equipped with 21 gears, cycling meter, lock, one pannier, one spare tube, set of Allen keys and basic puncture repair set)    € 75,00

Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana downtown – 25 EUR. Koper to Ljubljana Airport – 60 EUR. Koper to Trieste downtown - 35 EUR. Koper to Trieste Airport - 65 EUR. All prices per person, 2 persons minimum, one way.

Participants

self guided: Minimum two persons ( a single person on request)