Itinerary

DAY 1 Arrival to Ljubljana

Arrive to Ljubljana and explore around the old part of the city. The quaint, narrow streets along the bank of the Ljubljanica River with its medieval bridges are reminiscent of Prague - without the crowds. The stories of the old - revealed under the 16th century fortification of Ljubljana Castle. Welcome dinner.

Accommodation in Ljubljana.

DAY 2 Ljubljana, Dragatus - Lahinja park - Dragatus

Transfer to Dragatus. Start cycling in the southeast of Slovenia in an enchanting county of Bela Krajina. This is one of the warmest places in Slovenia with very exceptional people who are still holding true to the old customs and rites from the ancient times. Cycle through the natural park of Lahinja and stop by the local mill and join the locals for a cup of beautiful red wine.

Distance: 25 km / 17 miles
Accommodation in Dragatus.

DAY 3 Dragatus - Stari trg ob Kolpi

Leave Bela Krajina and head for Kolpa River, the secluded pearl on the southeastern part of Slovenia right on the border with Croatia. The green Kolpa imparts some of the most attractive scenery unique for its lazy wilderness. Spend a night at a friendly family run farmhouse in a tranquil village where tradition still pervades every corner.

Distance: 35 km / 22 miles
Accommodation in Stari trg ob Kolpi.

DAY 4 Stari trg ob Kolpi - Osilnica

Today cycle through the canyon of Kolpa, enjoy a picnic lunch on the green meadow along the river and refresh yourself in the nicely warm water. In the afternoon, enter the unscathed land of upper Kolpa River homeland of folk hero Peter Klepec.

Distance: 50 km / 30 miles
Accommodation in Osilnica.

DAY 5 Osilnica - Markovec

From Osilnica breakaway from the river and explore an old road, which will bring you to the Loski Potok and further on to the Loska valley. This day gives away a characteristic image of Slovenian countryside: small picturesque villages and piles of hay neatly spread along the green meadows. From one valley, prolong to another until you reach the hunting castle of Sneznik which used to be a summer residence of the Habsburg nobility. Conclude the day in Markovec, small rural community at the end of Notranjska region.

Distance: 40 km / 24 miles
Accommodation in Markovec.

DAY 6 Markovec - Ilirska Bistrica

This day explore the wilderness of never ending green forest around Sneznik mountain. The area used to be vital hideout for the partisans during the WWII and some of the British pilots who were shot down above the Yugoslavian territories were hid safely here until taken back home. Cycling through one of the remotest places in Slovenia you are about to enter a warm Mediterranean region of Slovenia.

Distance: 65 km / 39 miles
Accommodation near Ilirska Bistrica.

DAY 7 Ilirska Bistrica - Komen

Enter the Karst plateau expanding above the Adriatic Sea. This is the mother of all Karst which gave name to the landscape as far away as Guilin in southern China, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Vinales in Cuba. Travel through the small villages with lovely stone buildings and explore the superb local cuisine influenced by the Mediterranean. Absolutely grab a chance to try the prsut (slices of air dried, salted meat), cheese with herbs and other local delicacies.

Distance: 60 kms / 36 miles
Accommodation in Komen.

DAY 8 Komen - Rakov Skocjan

Head back to the inlands of Slovenia. Venturing along the vineyards you will leave the plateau on our way to the medieval Predjama castle, near Postojna. Built in the mouth of a cave roughly halfway up a craggy 123 meter-high cliff, seldom can one see a more dramatic setting. It was once the home of Erazem Predjamski, the Slovenian equivalent of Robin Hood in the 15th century. Continue the journey to discover the natural stone bridges in Rakov Skocjan Regional Park where the Rak River has carved out a series of curious natural features.

Distance: 73 kms / 46 miles
Accommodation in Rakov Skocjan.

DAY 9 Ljubljana

On the last day, take an alternative route to Ljubljana. First, visit the land of Slovenian artists around mysterious Cerknica Lake which occasionally entirely disappears. Just above the lake is Slivnica hill, legendary abode of the witches that fly down the valley each year on a Carnival day. Continue to the pass of Rakitna with a tiny lake offering refreshment. Now it is only a pleasant downhill ride to the Barje marshes opening to the south of the Ljubljana valley. Rich with birds and deer the Barje offers an obvious contrast to the capital of Slovenia - now only minutes away.

Distance: 50 kms / 31 miles

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