Slovenian Highlights: 8-day Road Cycling Tour

Itinerary

Slovenian highlights: 8-day road cycling tour itinerary.

Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LAKE BLED
Arrival in Bled. Bled is renowned for its beautiful setting: glacial lake, clifftop castle and a pilgrimage church on an island. Arrive early enough and you can take a boat out to the church and ring the bell of wishes, head up to the castle for a great view across the valley, or take a circular walk around the lake and hike up to Mala Osojnica for the best view of all.

Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA (↔ 58 km, ↑ 1.090 m, ↓ 1.050 m)
Today\'s cycling adventure commences with a climb up to the elevated plateau of Pokljuka, ascending 700 meters over a distance of 12 kilometers. From these serene mountain meadows, you\'ll then embark on a descent towards the breathtaking Lake Bohinj. Nestled in the corner of this secluded valley, Bohinj stands as the largest and deepest lake within the Triglav National Park, encircled by majestic alpine peaks. Cycle along the lake\'s perimeter to reach Savica Waterfall, the wellspring of the Sava Bohinjka River.

Day 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA (↔ 80 km, ↑ 1.000 m, ↓ 1.210 m)
Leaving Bohinj you cycle up 750 m / 2400 ft to the Sorica Pass, from which you then drop off into a lush wilderness valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. Stop in the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki and one of Slovenia\'s oldest and most charming towns, Škofja Loka, before finally arriving in Ljubljana, the Slovene capital. Visit the Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the old town and city center. From its tower, you get a breathtaking view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul and of the mountains you have just cycled from.

Day 4: LJUBLJANA – VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (↔ 83 km; ↑ 910 m, ↓ 670 m)
To start the day, a gentle ride across the beautiful 160-sq km Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje), home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for the best views. Then head to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, in a crevasse halfway up the side of a 123m-cliff. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight; Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies.

Day 5: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL - KOMEN (↔ 50 km; ↑ 510 m, ↓ 780 m)
Today will start with a visit to the beautiful Postojna caves, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, through a world of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, and the unique “human fish”. Your final destination is a romantic Carst village Komen, know for great wines and gastronomy. (Accommodation in 3* guesthouse)

Day 6 : KOMEN – LIPICA – DIVAČA (↔ 47 km, ↑ 500 m, ↓ 340 m)
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 Lipizzaner horses, whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and see them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in a lovely Venetian tower.

Day 7: DIVAČA – MUGGIA – PIRAN (↔ 74 km; 94 km with a side trip, ↑ 470 m, ↓ 900 m)
If you missed the Postojna Caves, don’t worry—you can explore the Škocjan Caves this morning. They’re just as fascinating but much less crowded. Enjoy a cappuccino or gelato in the charming old harbor town of Muggia. There\'s also a new cycling path along the coast, following the route of the old railway line, offering stunning views of Slovenia\'s modest yet beautiful coastline. Be sure to stop in Portorož, part of the Slovenian Riviera, before concluding your trip in the picturesque Venetian harbor town of Piran.

Day 8: DEPARTURE