Cycling The Emerald Route, Slovenia

Experience the unspoiled nature of Northwestern Slovenia. Classical Slovene bike trekking trip takes you along the most known Slovene historical attractions and many natural points of interest – natural parks, cave formations, as well as villages, with an air filled with aromas.

Highlights:

♦ Ljubljana - the capital and largest city of Slovenia
♦ Postojna cave formation - a 20-km long karst cave system, a web of underground passages, galleries and chambers
♦ Štanjel - the jewel of the Karst region

---

 Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival to Ljubljana
Your journey begins in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. After settling into your hotel, take a stroll through the old town center with its beautiful bourgeois houses from the late 19th century, take a funicular ride to the city castle, or relax in a café by the Ljubljanica River that winds through the city. -/-/-

Day 2. Ljubljana - Vrhnika
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 see 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 Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.
Accommodation in 3* hotel. B/-/-
(Cycling distance: 41 km , Uphill : 150 m , Downhill: 160 m)

Day 3. Vrhnika - Postojna
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. Accommodation in 4* hotel. B/-/-
(Cycling distance: 43 km (+10 km optional side trip to nature reserve Rakov Skocjan); Uphill: 760 m. , Downhill: 510 m.)

Day 4. Postojna - Stanjel Area
So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carveddeep 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 andstalagmites, 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.Accommodation in 3* guesthouse. B/-/-
(Cycling distance: 32 km; Uphill : 240 m. , Downhill : 610 m.)

Day 5. Stanjel Area - Lipica - Divaca
Rolling terrain with flat sections. First stop is perhaps at the 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. 
Accommodation in 3* hotel. B/-/-
(Cycling distance: 50km, Uphill: 610 m. , Downhill : 360 m.) 

Day 6. Divaca - Muggia
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. Yourday 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. Accommodation in 4* hotel. B/-/-
(Cycling distance: 39 km, Uphill : 350 m. , Downhill : 780 m.)

Day 7. Muggia - Piran
Easy waterfront trip. Cycling along the coastal road on new cycling path following former railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovene coast and Trieste Bay. A coffee stop in fashionable resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous Venetian little harbor village of Piran. Accommodation in 4* hotel. B/-/-
(Cycling distance: 35 km (+11 km optional side trip ); Uphill : 230 m. , Downhill: 240 m.) 

Day 8. Departure from Piran. B/-/-
Departure from Piran after breakfast.

Luggage transportation: One piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Every additional item 60 EUR, payable on spot.

Good to know: ►The best airport is the one in Ljubljana. It is also possible to fly to Trieste (110 km from Ljubljana) ►Suitable for cyclists with average fitness. Bikes are not insured against theft. Electric bikes are on request

 

---

Price Includes:
7 nights accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels and guesthouses in two bedded ensuite facilities room
meals according the description (B-breakfast: L-lunch: D-dinner)
Luggage transport between hotels (one piece per person)
Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form
Local tourist and other taxes
Backup service (hotline) during the trip

---

Not Included:
flight tickets
welcome meeting
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
bikes
transfers: on request
insurance
personal expenses
tips
entrance fees

---

Additional Services:
Standard touring bike rental 110 EUR. Bikes have 27 gears. Included are: one pannier per bike
helmet. One repair set per pair of bikes – includes: one long lock
one spare inner tube
one set of Allen keys
tyre levers and a basic puncture patch set. Every additional rental day: 25 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 7. Electric bike rental 270 EUR. Every additional day 50 EUR
Printed information package in English or German
including route notes and detailed maps
delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR
Transfers: on request
Additional nights in Ljubljana and Piran: on request
Hotel in Ljubljana City center – price at request
This tour can be arranged with 1 person only
single traveler fee: on request
Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting upon arrival 30 EUR per meeting

---

---

Gallery

---