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Splendors of Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour

On this tour, experience diverse landscapes of Slovenia and Croatia, from the limestone plateau to the scenic Istria Peninsula. Start in vibrant Ljubljana, voted Europe's best destination in 2022, and journey through the lush Vipava valley and Karst region, exploring the breathtaking Skocjan Caves. Ride the stunning country roads in Slovenia before reaching the charming seaside town of Piran. Cross into Croatia's Istria Peninsula, pedaling through rolling hills and picturesque villages, concluding in the coastal gem of Rovinj. If you're an active food lover, this unforgettable trip promises to be a topic of conversation for years to come!

Start

Ljubljana | 14:00 hrs

Finish

Ljubljana | 13:00 hrs

Lodging

casual

Level

moderate

Avg. dist. cycled

50km or 30mi

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 14

Highlights

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Stunning diversity

Experience Old Towns, Wine Country, Caves & the Adriatic Sea

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

DayPlacecasual Inns or similarMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1LjubljanaCity HotelD15km / 9micycling
DAY 2Lake BledCity HotelB,L50km / 30micycling
DAY 3Vipava ValleyOdlicnaB,L40km / 24micycling
DAY 4Vipava ValleyOdlicnaB,L50km / 36micycling
DAY 5Motovun, CroatiaVilla BorgoB,L35km / 21micycling, hiking
DAY 6MotovunVilla BorgoB,L,D40km / 24micycling
DAY 7RovinjLa GrisaB,L50km / 30micycling
DAY 8LjubljanaB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Ljubljana

Welcome to the enchanting beauty of Slovenia! Upon arrival in Ljubljana, immerse yourself in the charm of this delightful European capital. Take the time to wander through its streets and squares, soak in the lively atmosphere, and ascend to the castle for a breathtaking view.

After lunch, around 2:00 pm, the group will gather to check the bikes and equipment before going on a warm-up ride, exploring the verdant surroundings of Ljubljana.

In the evening, your knowledgeable guide will provide a comprehensive presentation, acquainting you with all the details of your upcoming adventure, ensuring you are fully prepared for the journey ahead.

Meals: D
Cycling Distance: 15km / 9mi
Accommodation: City Hotel
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Day 2: Lake Bled

In the morning, a short 20-minute drive will take you to the starting point of today's ride. Pedal through charming alpine villages and scenic countryside, immersing yourself in the beauty of the surroundings. Take a delightful break in the medieval town of Radovljica for a refreshing cup of coffee. Conclude your ride at the breathtaking Lake Bled, where you'll indulge in a leisurely lunch and savor the mesmerizing views of the iconic Lake Bled island.

For those seeking more adventure, you have the option to extend your ride through a picturesque alpine valley nestled at the base of the majestic Julian Alps.

In the afternoon, our guide will meet you and transport you back to Ljubljana, where you can enjoy another exciting evening in the vibrant capital city.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: City Hotel
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Day 3: Vipava Valley

After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will depart and drive southwest for approximately 40 minutes to reach the starting point of today's invigorating bike ride. Prepare to uncover the hidden treasures of the Vipava Valley, a rapidly emerging destination on Slovenia's wine and culinary map. Pedaling along the scenic backroads, we will traverse the undulating hills adorned with vineyards and traverse charming limestone villages. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to meet passionate local winemakers and savor delectable cheeses that showcase the region's culinary prowess. A delightful lunch in this serene setting will serve as the perfect prelude to the upcoming adventures.

As the day progresses, we will go on a challenging uphill journey towards the Karst plateau. Our welcoming abode for the next two nights is a charming organic hotel operated by a delightful family. Here, the values of sustainability and reverence for nature are held in high regard, ensuring a truly remarkable and eco-conscious experience.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Odlicna
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Day 4: Vipava Valley

Today, our exploration takes us to the mesmerizing Karst region, as we set out on a gorgeous loop ride starting right from our hotel's doorstep. The Slovenian Karst unveils a breathtaking landscape sculpted by the renowned Bora wind, adorned with vineyards, limestone formations, enchanting oak forests, and awe-inspiring vistas. The warm and genuine hospitality of the locals in this region is unparalleled, adding to the charm of our journey. While not an overly long ride, we will make several well-deserved breaks along the way to delve into the geography, history, and gastronomic delights that define this remarkable area.

During our adventure, we will have the opportunity to visit a local stonemason in his workshop and explore the picturesque village of Stanjel, renowned as one of the most enthralling karst settlements. Of course, we won't miss the chance to indulge in the exceptional karst prosciutto, a true culinary gem of the region.

As we immerse ourselves in the atmosphere, you may find that the Karst region bears a striking resemblance to Italy. It's no wonder, considering its proximity to the border and its historical ties to Italian influence in the past.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 50km / 36mi
Accommodation: Odlicna
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Day 5: Motovun, Croatia

This morning, we start with an extraordinary adventure to one of Slovenia's most remarkable and precious treasures: the Skocjan Caves, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We join on a 2-hour walking tour, delving into the intricate labyrinth of this mesmerizing cave system adorned with an abundance of stunning dripstones and other gripping limestone formations. The sheer magnitude of the caves, the mesmerizing underground river canyon, and the awe-inspiring trails that were bravely crafted by the first explorers are simply awe-inspiring. This incredible display of Mother Nature's immense power stands as one of the true highlights of our journey.

Following a satisfying lunch and a brief drive, we will arrive at the starting point of today's exhilarating bike ride. Once again, we hop on our bikes and traverse the idyllic Istrian sideroads, crossing the border into Croatia. Concluding the day's ride, we will encounter a fulfilling descent and a challenging uphill stretch that will lead us to the charming and picturesque town of Motovun, where we will be warmly welcomed for the next two nights, providing a delightful and comfortable sanctuary during our stay.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 35km / 21mi
Accommodation: Villa Borgo
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Day 6: Motovun

Immerse yourself in the stunning landscapes of the Istrian countryside as we do a captivating loop ride starting from the hotel. Get ready for an exhilarating experience as we traverse rolling hills along tranquil roads, passing through picturesque towns enveloped by olive groves and vineyards. Take your time to soak in the charm of old hilltop villages, indulge in a cup of coffee with breathtaking views, or treat yourself to a delightful gelato, savoring every flavor.

Our bike ride will encompass a mix of low-traffic local asphalt roads and sections on the renowned Parenzana trail, which includes some gravel paths. This combination promises a diverse and rewarding cycling experience through the Istrian countryside.

Meals: B,L,D
Cycling Distance: 40km / 24mi
Accommodation: Villa Borgo
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Day 7: Rovinj

After a brief transfer, our route will lead us through the charming and often underrated town of Bale, where we'll pause for a delightful lunch. Rejuvenated and ready for more adventure, we'll venture onto the gravel side roads that will guide us to the breathtaking coastal town of Rovinj, considered one of Croatia's most picturesque gems.

Upon arrival, settle into your hotel nestled within the old town, where you can immerse yourself in the enchanting atmosphere of Rovinj. Wander through its narrow cobblestone streets, soak up the vibrant ambiance, and savor the final evening of your journey by the mesmerizing Adriatic Sea. Let the beauty of Rovinj create lasting memories as you bid farewell to this beautiful coastal paradise.

Meals: B,L
Cycling Distance: 50km / 30mi
Accommodation: La Grisa
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Day 8: Ljubljana

Indulge in a leisurely morning as we prepare for our return journey to Ljubljana. A transfer will be arranged, ensuring a comfortable and convenient trip back to the capital city. We anticipate reaching Ljubljana around 1:00 pm, with an estimated travel time of approximately 2.5 hours.

For your convenience, the nearest airports to consider for your departure are Pula, which is a mere 30 minutes away, Trieste (2 hours), Ljubljana (2 hours and 30 minutes), Zagreb (2 hours and 45 minutes), and Venice (3 hours). Choose the option that suits your travel plans best and bid farewell with fond memories of your incredible bike tour.

Meals: B
Accommodation:

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Accommodation

Each hotel has been thoughtfully selected to ensure an exceptional and memorable experience for guests. Should the listed hotel be unavailable, we will ensure an alternative of similar quality.

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City Hotel

City Hotel Ljubljana, nestled in the heart of the charming Slovenian capital, offers guests a unique opportunity to experience the vibrant essence of Ljubljana through captivating photo wallpapers in each room, showcasing the city's magic captured by the renowned photographer Žiga Koritnik.

Dates and Prices

Members get an estimated 10% off when booking at least 6 months in advance.

$75/yearLearn more

Single Supplement

From US $700

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $235



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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

trip leader

Expert Trip Leader(s) who look after your every need and add meaning to your vacation.

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

shuttle

A Van support follows the group of riders and carries all belongings.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

refreshments

Refreshments and mineral water while cycling.

entrance

Entrance fees to most of the monuments and temples.

E-bikes

E-bikes are available (subject to availability) on this trip at a surcharge.

Exclusions

Airport pickup and drop

We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.

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Scott Sub Cross 20 or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

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Scott Sub Cross eRide 10 or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Weather

The best time for Slovenia and Croatia bike tour is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to October) months.

  • Spring (April to June): This period offers mild temperatures, blooming flowers, and lush green landscapes. The weather is usually pleasant for cycling, and the tourist crowds are relatively low compared to the summer months.
  • Summer (July to August): While summer can be a great time for a bike tour in Slovenia, especially for those who enjoy warmer weather, it's also the peak tourist season. Expect more crowds, particularly in popular tourist destinations. However, the long daylight hours provide ample time for exploring.
  • Autumn (September to October): Similar to spring, autumn offers mild temperatures and fewer crowds compared to summer. The foliage starts to change colors, creating picturesque landscapes. It's an excellent time for cycling, especially if you prefer cooler weather.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Good

May

Best

June

Best

July

Mixed

August

Mixed

September

Best

October

Good

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

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