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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided/Guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 26 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: Apr 7- Oct 13, 2012 Guided: Saturdays: May 5; Jun 2; Jul 7; Aug 4; Sep 1, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €590 (self-guided) €710 (guided) |
| Start city: | Ljubljana, Slovenia |
| End city: | Koper, Slovenia |
On this classical Slovene bike tour, you will visit the most known Slovene historical attractions and natural points of interest. The tour starts in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. After exploring the capital's old town center and mighty fortress, you cyle across the Karst region on the way to the Adriatic Sea. Along the way you will pass Postojna Caves, the small village of Stanjel and Predjama Castle. You will even have the option to cycle into Italy and visit Trieste or spend a day on the beach. Koper, an “island” town above Adriatic, is the final stop of this tour of Slovenia's gems.
On this classical Slovene bike tour, you will visit the most known Slovene historical attractions and natural points of interest. The tour starts in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. After exploring the capital's old town center and mighty fortress, you cyle across the Karst region on the way to the Adriatic Sea. Along the way you will pass Postojna Caves, the small village of Stanjel and Predjama Castle. You will even have the option to cycle into Italy and visit Trieste or spend a day on the beach. Koper, an “island” town above Adriatic, is the final stop of this tour of Slovenia's gems.
Day 1: Arrival to Ljubljana
After arriving in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, make sure to visit the old town center, lovely “fin de siecle” mansions and mighty fortress above the city. Relax with a drink on the bank of Ljubljanica river or take an evening walk, enjoying the lights and sounds of the city.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
Day 2: Ljubljana - Vrhnika (25 miles/40 km; or 36 miles/58 km with a detour)
A nice easy first day of cycling travels 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 61 square mile (160-sq km) marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6,000 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. Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of Tito’s cars.
Overnight in Vrhnika.
Day 3: Vrhnika – Postojna (21 miles/34 km; or 28 miles/44 km with a detour)
Today is a slightly more demanding day over gentle hills, forest roads and a typical Carst polje (field). On this day the route takes you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You will experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lake of Planina, and marvel at the wonders of this vast world of limestone. 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.
Overnight in Postojna.
Day 4: Postojna – Štanjel (21 miles/34 km; or 27 miles/44 km with a detour)
So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited the 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 13 miles (21 km). The 11 and a half hour tour will take you through a fairytale 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 433 feet (123 m) cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. The castle was home to a vivacious and daring knight, Erasmus, who 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.
Overnight in Stanjel.
Day 5: Day off in Štanjel or Round Trip (19 miles/30 km)
Today you can choose from a day of no cycling, or a short trip to neighboring villages. Spend the day in a typical Carst village, Štanjel, in the heart of vineyard country, where you will see a museum of well-kept traditional houses built entirely from the surrounding limestone. The nearby region was once host to the World War I Battle of Isonzo, with many touching monuments here. You will also visit a local artist and painter. Try the food in the local hotel, including delicious Carst ham (pršut) and tasty wine from one of the many nearby domestic cellars. Enjoy the great vistas from Štanjel village, a nice picnic area in a special garden, or a visit to the lovely Štanjel Castle.
Overnight in Stanjel.
Day 6: Štanjel – Lipica – Divaca (29 miles/47 km)
Today's route is mostly flat with just one long, but steady uphill climb. The first stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. The history of the Lipica horses is closely linked to the Vienna riding school. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, watch them perform and visit them close up in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have the time for a couple of side-trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in the village tower of Lokev, and the breathtaking Škocjan Caves, which are not as large as Postojna but just as fascinating.
Overnight in Divaca.
Day 7: Divaca – Lipica – Trieste – Koper (38 miles/60 km)
Today ride follows a long downhill route from the Carst high plateau to Trieste. However, there are two options for the route.
Tour A: This route passes through Slovenia (37 miles/60 km), descending into the valley of Hrastovlje, where a church featuring an interesting "death dance" fresco can be visited. This variant goes through quiet countryside.
Tour B: This route goes through Italy (34 miles/55 km) and the lively port of Trieste, once an important port with its worldly flair and atmosphere. All world cultures have once left a mark in this city. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. You can also skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the beach!
If you skiped Postojna caves, this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves, which are no less interesting but way less visited than the Karst Caves. They are even listed as an UNESCO natural monument! For your last day you take a slight 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 tour ends at Slovenia’s port town, Koper, the largest ‘island’ town on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, and, time-permitting, you can cycle along the coastal path and visit the gorgeous Venetian architecture in the little harbor village of Piran. Alternatively you can skip Trieste altogether and spend all your time on this small, but beautiful and diverse strip of Slovenian coast. There is a long downhill from Carst high plateau to Koper.
Overnight in Koper.
Day 8: Departure from Koper
An easy return trip is possible by train to Ljubljana. Additional nights may be booked in Koper.
Day 1: Ljubljana
After arriving in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, make sure to visit the old town center, lovely “fin de siecle” mansions and mighty fortress above the city. Relax with a drink on the bank of Ljubljanica river or take an evening walk, enjoying the lights and sounds of the city.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
Day 2: Ljubljana - Vrhnika (25 miles/40 km; or 36 miles/58 km with a detour)
A nice easy first day of cycling travels 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 61 square mile (160-sq km) marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6,000 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. Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of Tito’s cars.
Overnight in Vrhnika.
Day 3: Vrhnika – Postojna (21 miles/34 km; or 28 miles/44 km with a detour)
Today is a slightly more demanding day over gentle hills, forest roads and a typical Carst polje (field). On this day the route takes you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You will experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lake of Planina, and marvel at the wonders of this vast world of limestone. 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.
Overnight in Postojna.
Day 4: Postojna – Štanjel (21 miles/34 km; or 27 miles/44 km with a detour)
So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited the 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 13 miles (21 km). The 11 and a half hour tour will take you through a fairytale 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 433 feet (123 m) cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. The castle was home to a vivacious and daring knight, Erasmus, who 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.
Overnight in Stanjel.
Day 5: Day off in Štanjel or Round Trip (19 miles/30 km)
Today you can choose from a day of no cycling, or a short trip to neighboring villages. Spend the day in a typical Carst village, Štanjel, in the heart of vineyard country, where you will see a museum of well-kept traditional houses built entirely from the surrounding limestone. The nearby region was once host to the World War I Battle of Isonzo, with many touching monuments here. You will also visit a local artist and painter. Try the food in the local hotel, including delicious Carst ham (pršut) and tasty wine from one of the many nearby domestic cellars. Enjoy the great vistas from Štanjel village, a nice picnic area in a special garden, or a visit to the lovely Štanjel Castle.
Overnight in Stanjel.
Day 6: Štanjel – Lipica – Divaca (29 miles/47 km)
Today's route is mostly flat with just one long, but steady uphill climb. The first stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. The history of the Lipica horses is closely linked to the Vienna riding school. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, watch them perform and visit them close up in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have the time for a couple of side-trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in the village tower of Lokev, and the breathtaking Škocjan Caves, which are not as large as Postojna but just as fascinating.
Overnight in Divaca.
Day 7: Divaca – Lipica – Trieste – Koper (38 miles/60 km)
Today ride follows a long downhill route from the Carst high plateau to Trieste. However, there are two options for the route.
Tour A: This route passes through Slovenia (37 miles/60 km), descending into the valley of Hrastovlje, where a church featuring an interesting "death dance" fresco can be visited. This variant goes through quiet countryside.
Tour B: This route goes through Italy (34 miles/55 km) and the lively port of Trieste, once an important port with its worldly flair and atmosphere. All world cultures have once left a mark in this city. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. You can also skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the beach!
If you skiped Postojna caves, this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves, which are no less interesting but way less visited than the Karst Caves. They are even listed as an UNESCO natural monument! For your last day you take a slight 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 tour ends at Slovenia’s port town, Koper, the largest ‘island’ town on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, and, time-permitting, you can cycle along the coastal path and visit the gorgeous Venetian architecture in the little harbor village of Piran. Alternatively you can skip Trieste altogether and spend all your time on this small, but beautiful and diverse strip of Slovenian coast. There is a long downhill from Carst high plateau to Koper.
Overnight in Koper.
Day 8: Departure from Koper
An easy return trip is possible by train to Ljubljana. Additional nights may be booked in Koper.
Saturdays: May 5; Jun 2; Jul 7; Aug 4; Sep 1, 2012
Daily: Apr 7- Oct 13, 2012
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Day 1: Hotel M Dericeva, Ljubljana
www.m-hotel.si
This hotel is easy accessible and close to the city centre, just a 15-20 minute walk.
Day 2: Mantova, Vrhnika
www.mantova.si
A small hotel in centre of Vrhnika, Mantova features friendly personel and fantastic home made ice cream.
Day 3: Šport Hotel, Postojna
www.sport-hotel.si
The Sport Hotel is a cycling friendly hotel in a perfect location, just a short stroll to Postojna caves.
Day 4 and 5: Pension Grca, Stanjel
www.turizemgrca.wordpress.com
Our most liked accommodation, located near Štanjel city, is a small family tourist farm, featuring excellent wine and prosciutto.
Day 6: Hotel Maloveck, Divaca
www.hotel-malovec.si
A new hotel, Hotel Maloveck is in a fantastic location, close to Lipica and Škocjan caves.
Day 7: Hotel Koper, Koper
www.terme-catez.si/si/obala/namestitev/koper
Hotel Koper has beautiful surroundings on the shore of Adriatic sea, close to Koper's city center and railway station.
Day 1: Hotel M Dericeva, Ljubljana
www.m-hotel.si
This hotel is easy accessible and close to the city centre, just a 15-20 minute walk.
Day 2: Mantova, Vrhnika
www.mantova.si
A small hotel in centre of Vrhnika, Mantova features friendly personel and fantastic home made ice cream.
Day 3: Šport Hotel, Postojna
www.sport-hotel.si
The Sport Hotel is a cycling friendly hotel in a perfect location, just a short stroll to Postojna caves.
Day 4 and 5: Pension Grca, Stanjel
www.turizemgrca.wordpress.com
Our most liked accommodation, located near Štanjel city, is a small family tourist farm, featuring excellent wine and prosciutto.
Day 6: Hotel Maloveck, Divaca
www.hotel-malovec.si
A new hotel, Hotel Maloveck is in a fantastic location, close to Lipica and Škocjan caves.
Day 7: Hotel Koper, Koper
www.terme-catez.si/si/obala/namestitev/koper
Hotel Koper has beautiful surroundings on the shore of Adriatic sea, close to Koper's city center and railway station.
The rental bikes on the tour are hybrid touring bikes. Special rentals include road bikes, mountain bikes and special long distance trekking bikes. Tag-along bikes, child carriers, children's bike and electrically assisted bikes are also available.
All bikes are equipped with a saddle bag, repair kit, pump, allen keys, spare tube, lock, cycle computer and plastic map holder.
Price includes delivery and pick up. Every additional day costs 10 Euros per bike (the bike rental period starts on day 2 and ends on the evening of their return to Maribor on day 7).
The rental bikes on the tour are hybrid touring bikes. Special rentals include road bikes, mountain bikes and special long distance trekking bikes. Tag-along bikes, child carriers, children's bike and electrically assisted bikes are also available.
All bikes are equipped with a saddle bag, repair kit, pump, allen keys, spare tube, lock, cycle computer and plastic map holder.
Price includes delivery and pick up. Every additional day costs 10 Euros per bike (the bike rental period starts on day 2 and ends on the evening of their return to Maribor on day 7).
The terrain on this tour is flat and downhill from Ljubljana to Postojna, from where it then gets a bit hilly. However, there are no big hills, the road just goes slightly uphill. From Stanjel, the cycling is downhill on the way to the coast.
Approximately 70% of the tour is on quiet roads, 25% on roads shared with traffic, 3% on dirt or gravel roads and 2% on dedicated bicycle paths. The tour is appropriate for hybrid and road bikes.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
The terrain on this tour is flat and downhill from Ljubljana to Postojna, from where it then gets a bit hilly. However, there are no big hills, the road just goes slightly uphill. From Stanjel, the cycling is downhill on the way to the coast.
Approximately 70% of the tour is on quiet roads, 25% on roads shared with traffic, 3% on dirt or gravel roads and 2% on dedicated bicycle paths. The tour is appropriate for hybrid and road bikes.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Ljubljana, Slovenia or, further away, Trieste airport in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Nearest train station: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tour End
Nearest airport: Ljubljana, Slovenia or, further away, Trieste airport in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Nearest train station: Koper, Slovenia
Transfers available (per person/way, minimum of 2):
- Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana downtown: €25
- Koper to Ljubljana Airport: €60
- Koper to Trieste downtown: €35
- Koper to Trieste Airport: €65
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Ljubljana, Slovenia or, further away, Trieste airport in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Nearest train station: Ljubljana, Slovenia
Tour End
Nearest airport: Ljubljana, Slovenia or, further away, Trieste airport in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy
Nearest train station: Koper, Slovenia
Transfers available (per person/way, minimum of 2):
- Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana downtown: €25
- Koper to Ljubljana Airport: €60
- Koper to Trieste downtown: €35
- Koper to Trieste Airport: €65
Slovenia's location in Eastern Europe allows you to travel from the Alps to the Mediterranean without crossing any borders. Natural wonders include Lake Bled, Mount Triglav, and Postojna Cave. A tour between Slovenia's many castles can be a great way to navigate the country, or you can plan to stop at the many white wine vineyards. Whether you want to sunbath or hike, bird watch or listen to a philharmonic, tiny Slovenia carries a sizable impact for visitors.
More on bicycling in Slovenia >
View all Slovenia bike tours >
Slovenia's location in Eastern Europe allows you to travel from the Alps to the Mediterranean without crossing any borders. Natural wonders include Lake Bled, Mount Triglav, and Postojna Cave. A tour between Slovenia's many castles can be a great way to navigate the country, or you can plan to stop at the many white wine vineyards. Whether you want to sunbath or hike, bird watch or listen to a philharmonic, tiny Slovenia carries a sizable impact for visitors.
More on bicycling in Slovenia >
View all Slovenia bike tours >
Helia Travel Agency is the leading bicycle and multisport adventure tour operator in Slovenia. Based in Lake Bled, a famous resort in the northwest part of the country, they have been offering adventure travel in our homeland since 2002, expanding their cycling and hiking tours in Slovenia every year.
Helia deal with clients on personal level. Their good selection of tours enables clients to discover Slovenia and its specialities. They make sure they are alwasy prepared and available for clients if anything is needed through the entire process from the pre-tour preparations to the tour itself. As Helia says: "Discover our beautiful country from bike or hike: welcome to Slovenia!"
Helia Travel Agency is the leading bicycle and multisport adventure tour operator in Slovenia. Based in Lake Bled, a famous resort in the northwest part of the country, they have been offering adventure travel in our homeland since 2002, expanding their cycling and hiking tours in Slovenia every year.
Helia deal with clients on personal level. Their good selection of tours enables clients to discover Slovenia and its specialities. They make sure they are alwasy prepared and available for clients if anything is needed through the entire process from the pre-tour preparations to the tour itself. As Helia says: "Discover our beautiful country from bike or hike: welcome to Slovenia!"
Cancellation Conditions
Cancellations must always be made in writing and are applicable only on the day received by Helia Travel.
The following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to 56 days prior to holiday start date = 20% of total holiday cost
- 35-55 days prior to holiday start date = 40% of total holiday cost
- 28-35 days prior to holiday start date = 70% of total holiday cost
- 1-27 days prior to holiday start date = 90% of total holiday cost
Cancellation costs are calculated in percentage of final payment amount on invoice issued. No cancellation fee will be applied to bike hire.
Additional info
Helia covers damage on rented bikes (normal wear and tear) up to value of 10 EUR per bike. Bikes are not insured against theft. Clients are invited to take out travel insurance covering such events. As of 1.1.2011 in Slovenia helmets are obliged for cyclist. From Januray 1, 2012 this law will strictly be enforced by Slovene police. Clients may hire helmets from Helia or bring their own.
Cancellation Conditions
Cancellations must always be made in writing and are applicable only on the day received by Helia Travel.
The following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to 56 days prior to holiday start date = 20% of total holiday cost
- 35-55 days prior to holiday start date = 40% of total holiday cost
- 28-35 days prior to holiday start date = 70% of total holiday cost
- 1-27 days prior to holiday start date = 90% of total holiday cost
Cancellation costs are calculated in percentage of final payment amount on invoice issued. No cancellation fee will be applied to bike hire.
Additional info
Helia covers damage on rented bikes (normal wear and tear) up to value of 10 EUR per bike. Bikes are not insured against theft. Clients are invited to take out travel insurance covering such events. As of 1.1.2011 in Slovenia helmets are obliged for cyclist. From Januray 1, 2012 this law will strictly be enforced by Slovene police. Clients may hire helmets from Helia or bring their own.
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