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, ~39 km (24 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, ~34 or 44 km with a trip to nature reserve Rakov Škocjan (21 or 27 miles)
Hilly day, side roads. A slightly more demanding day over gentle hills, forest roads and a typical Carst polje (field). On this day the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You can stop for a picnic lunch in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve, where the Rak River has carved out a stunning gorge containing some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges. 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.
Day 4: Postojna > Štanjel area, ~42 or 48 km with a side trip to Predjama Castle (26 or 30 miles)
Hilly, one long descend afterward. 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. 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 5: Štanjel area > Lipica > Divaca, ~48 km (30 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, ~38 km (24 miles)
If you skiped Postojna caves - this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves - no less interesting but way less frequented Karst Caves - even listed as UNESCO natural monument! You can take a 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 daytrip ends in Muggia - south of Trieste. After days' cycling it is time to enjoy a gelato in old center of town or relax on one of beaches.
Day 7: Muggia > Piran, ~37 or 48 km (23 or 30 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