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

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 Itinerary:

Day 1. Arrival to Ljubljana
Main attractions: Slovene capital, old town center, and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Mighty fortress above the city.
We liked: relaxing with a drink on the bank of Ljubljanica river. Evening walk, enjoying lights and sounds of the city.
Accommodation in 4* hotel.

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.
Cycling distance: 39 km , Uphill : 220 m , Downhill: 230 m

Day 3. Vrhnika - Postojna
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.
Accommodation in 4* hotel.
Cycling distance: 34 km (+10 km optional side trip to nature reserve Rakov Skocjan); Uphill: 590 m. , Downhill: 350 m.

Day 4. Postojna - Stanjel Area
Hilly, one long descend afterward. In the morning 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 3* guesthouse.
Cycling distance: 42 km (+6 km optional side trip to Predjama Castle); Uphill : 410 m. , Downhill : 790 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.
Cycling distance: 48 km, Uphill: 630 m. , Downhill : 370 m. 

Day 6. Divaca - Muggia
Initially rolling terrain, then a long downhill. If you skipped 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.
Accommodation in 4* hotel.
Cycling distance: 38 km, Uphill : 280 m. , Downhill : 700 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.
Cycling distance: 37 km (+11 km optional side trip ); Uphill : 320 m. , Downhill: 330 m. 

Day 8. Departure from Piran.
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

 

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Price Includes:
Accommodation in double room with private facilities and breakfast included in standart hotels (Day 1; 2; 3; 5; 6; and 7) and guesthouse (agriturismo) on day 4
Breakfasts (Day 2 -8 )
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

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Not Included:
flight tickets
drinks and meals not mentioned in the program
bikes
helmet rental 15 EUR per week
transfers
insurance
personal expenses
tips
entrance fees

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Additional Services:
Bike rent 125 EUR (clasic touring bikes with 21 gears and pannier bag and helmet. One repair set per couple / pair of bikes – includes: one long lock,one spare inner tube,one set of Allen keys,tyre levers and a basic puncture patch set. )Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 7
E-bike rent: 255 EUR
Transfers: on request
Additional nights in Ljubljana and Piran: on request
This tour can be arranged with 1 person only ,single traveler fee: 575 EUR and mandatory single supplement
Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting upon arrival : 40 EUR

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Gallery

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