Overview
What to expect
Cycle southwards through Slovenia from the romantic village of Bled, through karst mountain scenery, to the coastal town of Piran. Touring across diverse terrain for ten days, be prepared for a few gentle inclines. Flatter sections and easy downhills let you ease off in between.
The scenery of rocky limestone peaks, waterfalls and river rapids is astounding – and, towards the middle of the tour, you’ll step inside the most visited cave system in the world. As you cycle beneath forested slopes and along green valley floors, you’ll stop off to swim in clear mountain lakes, pass tiny alpine villages and see spectacular castles. The rich city culture in Slovenia’s capital adds an extra dimension and Piran's blue Mediterranean waters make an alluring place to finish.
At a glance
- Spectacular castles and captivating culture in Bled and Ljubljana
- Dramatic karst scenery, green valleys, caves and glistening lakes
- Diverse terrain with both gentle inclines and flatter sections
- Alpine villages and idyllic towns show an authentic slice of Slovenia
The Trip
Route
Itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrive in Bled
Discover the beautiful town of Bled, on the shore of a glacial lake. Visit the castle which dates back to 1111 and the island chapel. Go for a trip in a traditional rowing boat, or relax in a cafe with a delicious Slovenian cream cake.
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Day 2:
Bled - Bohinjska Bistrica (Bohinj)
17 miles (27km) + optional 10 mile (16.5km) detour to waterfall
Transfer to the Pokljuka high plateau before descending past spruce trees to the beautiful Bohinj Valley, stopping off at tiny alpine villages, such as Ribcev Laz.
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Day 3:
Bohinjska Bistrica (Bohinj Valley) - Škofja Loka
30 miles (49km)
Set off on flat terrain before climbing slowly up to Jelovica Plateau* (or opt for the transfer at €20pp). Ride down into the beautiful open Selška Dolina Valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. Pass through Železniki village, a former iron smelting centre where the remains of old furnaces can still be seen. Visit the picturesque hillside village of Sorica, birthplace of the impressionist painter Ivan Grohar. Arrive in Škofja Loka, one of Slovenis's oldest towns, and stroll around the charming medieval centre.
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Day 4:
Škofja Loka - Ljubljana
20 miles (31km)
Enjoy a long downhill ride followed by an easy crossing through the Sora flatlands. Pass through Železniki village, a former iron smelting centre where the remains of old furnaces can still be seen. Arrive in the capital of Ljubljana and admire the stunning hilltop castle of this small city.
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Day 5:
Ljubljana - Vrhnika
24 miles (39 km) + optional 11 miles (18km) to Iski Vintgar Valley
Cross the flatlands of Ljubljansko Barje, stopping off for a short walk into the Iski Vintgar Gorge, which is characterised by a rapid river, sandbanks, river pools and steep walls of rock. Continue to Vrhnika, passing Borovnica village and a karst landscape of sinkholes, underground caves and waterfalls. Don't miss the extensive collection of Tito's cars in the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle!
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Day 6:
Vrhnika - Postojna
20 miles (32km) + 7 miles (12km) optional detour to nature reserve
Prepare for some hillier sections, as well as flat terrain across typical karst fields. This is real Slovenia, away from the tourist routes and off the beaten track. For a picnic lunch, stop off in Rakov Škocjan nature reserve.
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Day 7:
Postojna - Štanjel
26 miles (42km) + optional 4 miles (6km) detour to Predjama Castle
Discover the Postojna Caves – the most visited cave system in the world, with a unique habitat that’s home to the world’s only flesh coloured fish. Take an optional detour to Predjama Castle – a beautiful Renaissance building in the mouth of a cave. Stay in beautiful Stanjel – a picturesque Karst settlement with beautiful old houses and artist studios.
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Day 8:
Štanjel - Lipica - Divaca
30 miles (48km)
Cycle along mostly flat terrain with some rolling sections. Stop off at the botanical garden in Sežana and the unusual war museum in the village tower at Lokev. Arrive in Lipica village and discover the area’s famous horses, taking a tour in a traditional carriage or watching them perform.
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Day 9:
Divaca - Ankaran
29 miles (46km) + optional 12 miles (19km) detour to Trieste
If you missed the Postojna caves, stop off at the less frequented Skocjan Caves. Otherise continue on the rolling terrain before enjoying a long downhill from the Karst Plateau to either reach the former port of Trieste to visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square, or to ride directly to Ankaran for an afternoon on the beach.
Please note - 2018 departures will go from Divaca to Muggia, an Italian seaside town 24 miles (38km)
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Day 10:
Ankaran - Piran
18 miles (29km) + optional 7 miles (11km) detour to saltpans
Cycle along the coast enjoying wonderful views of the Slovenian coast and the bay of Trieste. Stop off at the fashionable resort of Portoroz before reaching the small and pretty Venetian harbour of Piran.
Please note - 2018 departures will go from Muggia to Piran 23 miles (37km)
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Day 11:
Depart from Piran
Make your way home from Piran, take the train back to Ljubljana or extend your stay with extra nights in Piran, Ljubljana or the seaside settlement of Ankaran.
Alternatively, take the ferry from Piran to Venice. A regular service operates between May and September and one-way or return tickets can be booked in advance. Please contact us for details.
Accommodation
3 & 4* Hotels plus one 5* Hotel
We use a pool of 3 and 4* hotels and one 5* spa hotel to maximise our availability for this tour, so regardless of the time of year we do our best to secure your dates of choice. The accommodation often has a lovely local flair, with a chance to experience local life with an authentic flavour of your destination.
- 9 nights in 4* & 3* hotels plus 1 night in a 5* hotel
- Breakfast included, half board available
- Secure bike storage
- Luggage transferred each day
Dates & Prices
Please click on a departure date for price options at a glance - 2018 dates on sale*
Price includes
- 9nights in 4* & 3* hotels and 1 night in 5* spa hotel
- Board basis: Bed and breakfast
- Luggage transportation (one bag per person (max 20kg) & additional bags at extra cost)
- Maps and route information
- Welcome meeting
- Transfer to the Pokljuka high plateau on day 2
- Local contact number for assistance
- Free parking at first hotel on request only - must be confirmed at time of booking
Child reductions
- Child (0-2yrs) sharing with 2 full paying guests (100%)
- Child (2-6yrs) sharing with 2 full paying guests (50%)
- Child (7-12yrs) sharing with 2 full paying guests (30%)
- 3rd adult sharing with 2 full paying guests (10%)
Price excludes
- Flights and transfers
- Bike hire
- Cycle helmets
- Transfer to top of the Jelovica Pass on day 3 - 20 Euro per person to pay locally
*2018 itinerary differs from 2017 itinerary - please see extra notes in itinerary
Bike Hire & Extras
Bike hire
One pannier and cycling odometer per bike. One small repair kit, pump, spare inner tube and a lock per room all included at no extra cost.
21 geared hybrid bike
Extras
You can add these when you price your trip
Transfers
Board upgrade (B&B included)
Extra nights
How to Get There
Getting there
Fly to Ljubljana
Buses run from Ljubljana airport to Bled with one change and take approximately 2 hours. Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for you.
Getting back
Take the bus from Piran to Trieste or Ljubljana.
Fly from Trieste or Ljubljana
News, Reviews & FAQs
FAQs
Simply click on a question to reveal the answers
Why are the hotels not listed in the itinerary?
We use a pool of hotels to maximise availability for you.
News
Cycling in Slovenia with Freedom Treks
15th August 2013 In May 2013, I travelled to Slovenia to find out why cycling in this country is so enjoyable. READ POSTCustomer reviews
What other customers have said
Been on this tour? Add your review!
A great first time cycling trip. It has enthused us to do more. Beautiful countryside and a great way of seeing the country from a very natural angle. Perhaps a little more cycling on busy roads than expected.
Rachel Gowshall, June 2017This was our first cycling holiday and was really good fun. There were just 2 of us and we got lost, caught in a thunderstorm, had some great hospitality, enjoyed some lovely food. The saddle time was about 3-4 hours each day but we took our time and got on and off to take photos and take in the scenery .... oh and stop for refreshments. A great way to see a country, everyday was very different. We went from mountains and pine forests, through ski resorts, passed clear blue lakes, cycled alongside rivers, open planes, tree lined avenues, vineyards and eventually the coast. We cycled on quiet roads, tracks, cycle paths and went around our first cycle dedicated roundabout! The Hisa Posebne Sorte (Guest House) deserves a special mention for its bar (which they open for us when we arrived) home cooked food, wine tasting and the pride of the owers! We would certainly recommend and do it again (padded shorts advised)!
Stephanie Wainwright, June 2017
