Best Of Slovenia Self Guided… (trip)

Best Of Slovenia Self Guided Cycling

  • Ljubljana airport, Slovenia
  • Active & Adventure
Croatia, Slovenia, Europe

from €1,490* per person8 DaysApril-October
Comfort accommodations Exertion level: 4
Operator: Pure Adventures 16 people max
What country, of the former Yugoslavian states, is the only member of the European Union currently? And, what country of the former Yugoslavia did not engage in the Balkan War at any measurable level? The answer is the same - Slovenia! Look on Wikipedia and what stands out among the many interesting traits of this small and relatively unknown country is the 'nature' or natural beauty and diversity of geography. Known as being "green", this mostly refers to the various shades of green found in the natural environment; from green grasses, to forests but also the people's commitment to preserving their natural assets. Slovenia also happens to have a very outdoors and active culture. Being a small country it is easy for people to find skiing in the high mountains of the Slovenian Alpes, as well as treking, hiking, canyoneering, rock climbing, kayaking, canoeing, and of course; cycling! In this tour we have once again tapped expert local knowledge to bring out the best: quiet routes, scenic towns, excellent hotels, extraordinary beauty, and local culture from country village to big towns - the capital Ljubljana is a gem but only about 300,000 population! Throughout your exploration here you will continue to be amazed and will get in on something still unknown! Slovenia won't stay a secret for long!

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Locations visited/nearby

Croatia, Slovenia, Europe

0 testimonials about this trip.

1 testimonial about the provider, Pure Adventures:

  • Reviewer: Dave located in Baker City, OR U.S.A.
    We have taken 2 cycling trips through this company, one to do the TDF climbs in the Alps and one for the TDF climbs in the Pyrenees. Both were great. These are self guided trips with good directions from the operator. Just got back from the Pyrenees. The cycling was challenging but that's why I went. The accomodations in Argeles were great. Centrally located(most of the climbs started within 1 mile from the hotel), beautiful grounds, extremely hospitable owners, very nice room, great meals [...] I can't say enough good things about the hotel(the Miramont), the owners and the organization of the trip as a whole. A cyclist has to be committed and in shape to do this trip.

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Special information

  • This is a custom departure, meaning this trip is offered on dates that you arrange privately with the provider. Additionally, you need to form your own private group for this trip. The itinerary and price here is just a sample. Contact the provider for detailed pricing, minimum group size, and scheduling information. For most providers, the larger the group you are traveling with, the lower the per-person cost will be.
  • Self-guided (includes hotels, maps, luggage transfer, etc but no guide).

Itinerary

Day 1 | Ljubljana airport – transfer to Kranjska Gora; after arrival to Ljubljana airport. (1hr 45 min) Transfer to Kranjska Gora in the NW Alpine part of Slovenia famous for yearly Ski World Cup. a beautiful village is surrounded by mighty Alpine peaks and just a short distance away from Italian (9km) and Austrian (7 km) borders. This is where we start our bike tour. Welcome dinner and a trip overview orientation at the hotel after arrival. Accommodation close to Kranjska Gora.

Accomodations: Hotel Spik 4*

Day 2 | Kranjska Gora – Bled lake. One of the highlights of today is an isolated Valley of Radovna, a marvel for anybody in love with nature, with blueberries hidden in the green meadows, herds of cows grazing and cold streams gurgling. Finish the day by the fairytale Lake Bled where the bell tower of a medieval church rises proudly from a tiny islet in the midst of the lake guarded by the castle on the cliffs. Due to its picture postcard perfection Bled is inevitably a place for an inquisitive eye. Try the famous "Kremsnthe cake.

Accomodations: GH Toplice 5*
Distance 40.32 kms, Ascent 278 meters, Descent 595 meters Start Elevation 802 meters, Finish Elevation 484 meters

Day 3 |Bled lake – Bohinj lake. From Bled Lake enter the canyon of Sava river which brings you to wonderful area of Bohinj. Bohinj is a network of picturesque villages situated near the lake and perfect places to admire the mountains of Triglav National Park, also known as "The Kingdom of the Golden Horn". The area hides numerous waterfalls and two emerald valleys which are connected together by the crystal-clear lake. Take a stroll to the local beach, canoe on the mirror like lake surface, and in the evening, you can visit the best local restaurant in the village serving organic products from the valley. Accommodation in Bohinj. (B)

Accomodations: Hotel Jezero 4*
Distance 31.18 kms, Ascent 274 meters, Descent 230 meters Start Elevation 487meters, Finish Elevation 531 meters

Day 4 | Bohinj – Kobarid. Avoiding the highest Slovenian mountain pass you shall cross the Alps underground. Catch a 15min train ride to the western side of the Julian Alps where you are enclosed by the gorge of the turquoise river Soca which is considered to be one of the most wild and attractive rivers in Europe. This is the western most part of Triglav national park where the battles of WWI took place, and are vividly described in Ernest Hemingway's novel: "A Farewell to Arms". During WWI all of this area was playing an important role as a supply route for the Isonzo front. Further down the valley we stay the night at a delightful villa Franko where you can indulge yourself in gourmet extravaganza – all under the watchful eye of one of the best Slovenian chefs Ana Ros. Accommodation in Kobarid.(B)

Accomodations: Hisa Franko 4*
Distance 62.52 kms, Ascent 491 meters, Descent 775 meters,

Day 5 | Kobarid - Gorizia. Leaving the Alps behind we continue down south. An uphill warm-up ride leads us to the untouched Plateau of Cepovan. A charming ride through dense forest (Slovenia is the most forested country in Europe) and remote villages finishes in the town of Nova Gorica - right on Italian border. It is situated just below the hills of Goriska Brda, a region renowned as one of the best winegrowing areas in Slovenia. Spend a night in a splendidly restored palace on the Italian side. Accommodation in Gorizia (IT) (B)

Accomodations: Hotel Entourage 4*
Distance 55.37 kms, Ascent 304 meters, Descent 456 meters
Start Elevation 240 meters, Finish Elevation 88 meters

Day 6 | Gorizia - Komen. In the early morning depart from Goriza and bike to Karst Plateau rising above the Adriatic sea. Hospitable villagers, amazing rock formations, pleasant climate and superb cuisine give the region a special charm. Venture through tiny villages of limestone landscape in hinterland of the Italian (formerly Austro-Hungarian) port of Trieste. These villages used to be important salt trading post on the route between Trieste and Vienna. Stroll along the narrow stone enjoy a glass of an excellent Terrano wine in the evening. Accommodation in Komen. (B)

Accomodations: Pension Spacapan 3*
Distance 46.25 kms, Ascent 547 meters, Descent 346 meters
Start Elevation 89 meters, Finish Elevation 290 meters

Day 7 | Komen – Lipica – Koper - Ljubljana. Slovenian Karst is the mother of all Karst and gave name to the landscape as far away as Guilin in southern China, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Viñales in Cuba. Cycle across rolling hills in the direction of Lipica, famous for breeding white Lipizzaner horses. The finest horses were the pride of the Austro-Hungarian emperor back in time and had been recently given as a gift to Queen Elizabeth. From Lipica we come to the end of the Karst plateau where craggy limestone cliffs overlook the coast. The landscape has changed completely from your first day. You have just entered the Mediterranean part of Slovenia. End up your tour in the capital town of Slovenia Coast Koper. Transfer from Koper to Piran, medieval coastal town known for its famous composer Tartini and fantastic Venetian historic atmosphere. Contemplate on your adventure relaxing among the walls that still remember the age of pirates. In the afternoon transfer back to Ljubljana. Accommodation in Ljubljana. (B)

Accomodations: Hotel Lev 5*
Gorizia – Lipica – Koper ( on this day we need a transfer, where you can end the ride after 30 km in Lipica, 40 km at Skocjan caves or ride all the way to Hrastovlje or Koper 76 km)
Distance 75.63 kms , Ascent 570 meters Descent 851 meters
Start Elevation 287 meters Finish Elevation 5 meters

Day 8 | Ljubljana, departure. The Slovenian capital has become one of the hippest cities in Europe. It is a reminiscent of Prague - without the crowds. It is so small you can explore most of the town´s sights on foot and yet so cosmopolitan you can hear variety of languages walking along lovely Ljubljanica river. Lively with bars, cafes and art galleries the green city of Ljubljana is a great hideout from big and crowded European capitals.

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