This outstanding cycle tour takes you from the Slovene capital Ljubljana to the Adriatic Sea. It's a classical Slovene bike tour that takes you along most known historical attractions of Slovenia and many natural points of interest. Highlights include the Slovene capital of Ljubljana with its old town center and mighty fortress, Postojna caves, Stanjel, village with its museum of well-kept old houses, the Lipizzaner stud farm of Lipica, Trieste, and Koper, an “island” town above Adriatic.
Day 1: Ljubljana
Main attractions: Slovene capital, old town center, and lovely “fin de siècle” mansions with the mighty fortress above the city. We liked: relaxing with a drink on the bank of Ljubljanica River. Make an evening walk and enjoy the lights and sounds of the city.
Day 2: Ljubljana > Vrhnika, ~41 km (25 miles)
A nice easy first day across the historic and richly diverse plains surrounding the capital. As the morning sun begins to rise high in the sky, you will be cycling across an immense 160-square kilometer marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape that is now home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Along the way you can take a short walk into the picturesque Iški Vintgar gorge nature reserve, carved deep into a stunning limestone dolomite plateau, and visit the remnants of the world’s highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. In hot summer months you can even freshen up in a typical Carst Lake of Podpec. Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in totra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of Tito’s cars.
Day 3: Vrhnika > Postojna, ~43 km (27 miles)
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 utilizing 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 .
Day 4: Postojna > Štanjel area, ~32 km (20 miles)
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.
Day 5: Štanjel area > Lipica > Divaca, ~50 km (31 miles)
The romantic village Štanjel perched on the Karst plateau. Home to the world famous white Lipizzaner horses - through sleepy villages and welcoming vineyards you reach Lipica. History buffs can visit the impressive war museum in the tower of Lokev.
Day 6: Divaca > Muggia, ~39 km (24 miles)
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.
Day 7: Muggia > Piran, ~35 km (29 miles)
Gorgeous cycling along the coast to Izola. From there, follow the new bike path of the former railway line „Parenzana„ the connection from Trieste to Porec - past the glamorous Portororož with fancy hotels you get to your tour destination - the old Venetian town of Piran on the south western tip of Slovenia.
Day 8: Unfortunately departure from Piran
