Secrets of Slovenia Cycling

Secrets of Slovenia Cycling

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8 Days From

$2750

Secrets of Slovenia Cycling

8 Days Starting in Bled and ending in Koper

Visiting: Bled, Lake Bled, Lipica, Koper

Tour operator:

Exodus Adventure Travels

Tour code:

C07SN

Group Type:

Independent

Guide Type:

Self Guided

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

12-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans, Meat, Kosher, Jain, Halal

From: $2750

NB: Prices correct on 14-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

From the turquoise waters of Lake Bled and the white peaks of Julian Alps to the emerald Soca river and green Karst vineyard, finishing at the blue Adriatic Sea. Cycle through traditional villages around Lake Bled before taking a scenic railway journey to Avce from where you'll reach Goriška Brda, the 'Tuscany' of Slovenia.



Explore the local vines and wines before discovering the Karst region and visiting the hilltop village of Štanjel, a medieval stonemason settlement with narrow, stone alleys that wind among the buildings built on terraces and the UNESCO-listed Škocjan caves. Next stop is Lipica, home of the original Lipizzaner horses with the stud farm dating from 1580 to the time of the Hapsburg. It is possible to join a guided tour to see the horses before cycling on to the edge of the border with Italy for views out to the coast towards Trieste in Italy and your destination. the city of Koper. A scenic path takes you along the Parenzana railway line to Koper from where you cycle on to Piran - looking back to the distant mountains gives you a great feeling of achievement.

Highlights

  • Turquoise Lake Bled, emerald Soca river, white peaks of the Julian Alps

  • Goriška Brda, the 'Tuscany' of Slovenia; hilltop villages, orchards and vineyards

  • Medieval stonemason settlement of Stanjel

  • UNESCO Škocjan caves and Lipica, cradle of Lipizzaner horses

  • Venetian coastal towns of Koper and Piran

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrive In Bled

Location: Bled

The tour starts in Bled.

Day 2 : Lake Bled Circular Cycle

Location: Lake Bled

Meals Included: Breakfast

Cycle along the shore of Lake Bled and then through the traditional Slovenian villages of Mlino, Selo and Lancovo. Continue along the clear waters of the river Sava to the medieval town of Radovljica. Continue to the picturesque village of Begunje, famous as the birthplace of Slavko Avsenik, the legend of Slovenian folk music before returning to Bled.

Day 3 : Lake Bled (Avce) To Smartno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

An early start today with a scenic train journey along one of the most picturesque railway lines in the area with 28 tunnels, five galleries and 68 bridges. Your cycle route starts in Avče and soon you'll be joining a newly built cycle path, following the emerald crystal clear Soča river to the sun-kissed wine country, Goriška Brda. The local wines and culinary delights will help you get your strength back after a lovely trip.

Day 4 : At Smartno

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

You'll spend the day exploring the Brda wine growing region. Following the so-called 'peach' route you will be cycling through the charming landscape covered with vineyards, orchards and olive groves. Cycling through small hilltop villages and past renaissance manors will tempt you for lunch with a view.

Day 5 : Smartno (Stanjel) To Lpica

Location: Lipica

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

After breakfast. we take you (45 min transfer) to the village of Štanjel. Štanjel is a place of countless unique stories, where you'll become acquainted with stonemason Karst architecture. This region is the home of Teran ruby wine and tasty air-dried Karst prosciutto. Your destination for today is Lipica - home of the famous Lipizzaner white horses. Extend your day by cycling to the Škocjan caves, considered to be one of the most beautiful underground gems and a UNESCO World heritage site. A shorter cycle is also available.

Day 6 : Lipica To Koper

Location: Koper

Meals Included: Breakfast

Before you set off, take the opportunity of a guided tour of Lipica Stud farm, a unique green estate home to the white Lipizzaner horses. Once you set off cycling the scenery changes as you leave the Karst region behind and the view opens up to the Adriatic sea. You'll head into Italy for a short time today and join the famous Parenzana coastal trail which runs on the former narrow-gauge between the Italian city Trieste and Poreč in Croatia. Your final two nights are spent on the coast in the medieval town of Koper, linked to the Venetian republic until the end of the 18th Century.

Day 7 : At Koper

Location: Koper

Meals Included: Breakfast

The Parenzana trail runs along the coast, takes a turn among vineyards and partly runs through tunnels. It will take you through Portorož, a lively tourist town with sandy beach, to Piran. This worldly town, which developed under the influence of Venice, is considered to be one of the most authentic and most photogenic towns on the Adriatic coast. Return to Koper.

Day 8 : Leave Koper

Meals Included: Breakfast

The tour ends after breakfast in Koper.

What's Included

  • All continental breakfasts and 1 evening meals

  • GPS route directions and maps

  • Headwater navigation app

  • High Quality Bikes

  • Luggage transfers between hotels

What's Not Included

  • Visas and vaccinations

  • Travel insurance

  • Single supplements

Food

All continental breakfasts and 1 evening meals.



Slovenia’s cuisine reflects its rich heritage. Neighbours Austria, Italy and Hungary influence most dishes on the menu. In the mountains, Austrian style salamis (klobasa) prevail. You’ll often find them seasoning the hearty soups served in the Alpine huts. Kruha juha is the best - you get to eat the bowl too as it’s made out of bread! The Hungarian influence is seen in the spicy meat dishes.  Pleskavica (steak with herbs and paprika) is a good one to try.  On the coast, you’ll find Italian fayre, like rizota (risotto) with fresh mussels or zkilofri (Slovenian ravioli). And if you are still hungry, indulge yourself in a slice of potica (a creamy Swiss roll with walnuts).



Slovenia has been making wine since pre-Roman times, and boasts the oldest vine in the world, that has grown for four centuries. In the Vipava Valley, the stone villages are full of velbani hrami (vaulted wine cellars) where you can taste Teran (a heavy red best drunk with the local prsut or ham) or Rebula (a dry, crisp white). In the mountains look out for the bewildering variety of schnapps made from wormwood, blueberries, honey and even pine needles!

Accommodation

The places where you will stay vary from a large lakeside property in Bled, to a renovated homestead in Smartno, and the Maestoso Hotel in Lipica, where you'll find the Lippizaner stud farm.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes a scenic train journey along picturesque railway lines, cycling routes through Slovenian landscapes, and a 45-minute transfer to the village of Štanjel. Luggage transfers between hotels are also provided.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

    During the tour, you will stay in a variety of accommodations, including a large lakeside property in Bled, a renovated homestead in Smartno, and the Maestoso Hotel in Lipica, which is near the Lipizzaner stud farm.

  • Are meals included in the tour package?

    The tour package includes all continental breakfasts and one evening meal. You will have the opportunity to explore local cuisine influenced by Austria, Italy, and Hungary.

  • What kind of cycling routes will I experience on this tour?

    You will cycle along scenic routes including the shore of Lake Bled, traditional Slovenian villages, the emerald Soča river, and the Parenzana coastal trail. The routes vary from picturesque countryside to coastal trails with views of the Adriatic Sea.

  • Is there any luggage support provided during the tour?

    Yes, luggage transfers between hotels are included in the tour package, allowing you to cycle without the burden of carrying your luggage.

  • What is the highlight of the visit to Lipica?

    In Lipica, you will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Lipica Stud farm, which is home to the famous white Lipizzaner horses.

  • Will I have the chance to explore any UNESCO World Heritage sites?

    Yes, you can extend your cycling day to visit the Škocjan caves, which are considered one of the most beautiful underground gems and a UNESCO World Heritage site.

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    If you wish to make any changes to your booking, particularly if you need to alter any flights booked through us, please let us know as soon as possible. There is a booking or flight amendment fee of £40 per change and flight amendments often incur extra airline costs depending on the changes to be made and if the ticket has been issued or not.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    Exodus has been trading since 1974

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Your final joining instructions and flight details, if booked with us, will then be sent out 2 to 3 weeks before departure. If you would like a hard copy posted, or if you require these any earlier, please contact the customer operations team. We advise that if you are booking connecting travel before receiving these, please ensure you leave plenty of time.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Travellers are welcome to opt to share a room with a tour member of the same gender for no additional charge. If you'd like your own room, we can request a single supplement so that you will have your own room throughout.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    You are welcome to meet the group after the tour has departed however there is no reduction in rate for joining a tour after the departure date.

Reviews of this operator

Gergana Racheva  

Very helpful and prompt service

06-Jan-2023

Very helpful and prompt service. I called to check for an already booked trip and once we sorted this, the agent was ready to help me with another booking as well. He actually waited for me to book my flight tickets, answered all my questions, informed me of all my options. Exodus is a tour company I am using regularly due to the quality of their trips, ease of booking and helpfulness of their customer service team

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Tim Hardy  

Stunning walking. Walking the Amalfi Coast

04-Nov-2021

This trip takes you through the most beautiful parts of the Mediterranean walking with a guide and also discovering the wonders of Pompeii and Vesuvius. The hotel had a nice feel as family run, spotless and comfortable rooms, we were well looked after for breakfasts and dinner each day, and the barmen fixed some mean cocktails for us.!

paul green (Google Reviewer)  

Went on a tour of...

14-Jan-2022

Went on a tour of morocco in October and loved it ,mohamed the tour guide was excellent, probably go with exodus to India next year

Paul Green  

It's amazing what you can do in a week! Cycling the Dalmatian Coast.

08-Oct-2021

This holiday was extremely enjoyable. The itinerary is well planned and the route takes you to a variety of destinations. Not having been to Croatia before I didn't know there were so many beautiful small islands and I loved the ferry and catarmaran rides. The coastal route we took was dramatic and the World Heritage sites in Split and Dubrovnik very interesting and worth visiting. The Adriatic Sea was warm, blue and inviting, good for swimming even in October. The hotels we stayed in varied in size from medium to large. I particularly liked the one just outside Dubrovnik as I had a sea view. Tourists were plentiful in Split and Dubrovnik but in the other places we stayed there was an end of season feel and it was quiet on the roads and in the resorts. The food was good and our guide was always able to recommend a nice restaurant for our evening meal. The weather in October was good for cycling - not hot, partly cloudy most days and one day it rained!

Mrs Y Morrison  

Fabulous company and trip

06-Jan-2023

We went overland from Cape Town to Zimbabwe through Botswana and Namibia. What a fantastic trip. Our first time with Exodus although we have travelled extensively around the world. We would highly recommend this company for such a brilliant trip - we got everything and more all at a good price. Thanks to everyone involved. We are looking at our next trip!

Trustpilot
Ann B (Google Reviewer)  

We had a week walking...

08-Oct-2024

We had a week walking and wine in the Duro valley with two local guides Louis and Theresa. They were both exceptional, knowledgeable, professional and funny. Our group of 11 had a great time. This was a premium tour. Our 4 star hotels were both well located clean and with great views. We had several local meals arranged by our guides with local people cooking for us. We did not meet any other walkers during our hikes only two shepherds. I would certainly recommend this tour to anyone interested in the local produce and wine. We both felt as we had learnt a lot about Portugal during this tour. We will use Exodus again. One of our group had done 30 tours with Exodus over the years. Quite an endorsement.

Alison Payton (Google Reviewer)  

I've done 8 trips in...

17-May-2023

I've done 8 trips in the last 14 years with Exodus, and have been rewarded with a 10% discount on all future bookings. I feel very confident that I'll receive pleasant, efficient service, and have the unusual holiday experience that I'm looking for each time. I've trekked to the top of snow-capped peaks, wild-camped in the desert, seen amazing spectacles of nature, visited 4 capital cities in a week, and learned about local culture and experienced local hospitality in a way that I simply wouldn't on a conventional holiday. The quality of the accommodation and guides can vary, but this is mainly down to cultural differences and things that Exodus can't control. I've only ever complained once, my complaint was taken seriously, and I was sent a discount voucher - you can't say fairer than that. I remain a loyal customer.

David (Google Reviewer)  

Exodus are generally a good...

21-Aug-2024

Exodus are generally a good travel company. Things tend to run smoothly and trips well organised. Their customers tend to be at retirement age. Trips are a bit overpriced. I would also avoid trips in Europe, as these often focus on more coffee stops and meals, rather than walking. I would also recommend making sure your guide records any accidents you have, hopefully not applicable. I had one on Sierra de Aitana which the guide saw and knew about, but he and Exodus said it never happened when I followed up after the trip. I wasn’t putting in a claim, just suggested a safety improvement. They have since apologised and acknowledged this as an error. They are a good reliable option for outside of Europe trips.

Jacquelyn Moore (Google Reviewer)  

Food came quickly. Staff very...

07-Mar-2024

Food came quickly. Staff very friendly and polite . However the chef or person preparing the food did not seem to read the menu! If it says a meal should come with vegetables, you should not have to ask for them. They served shepherds pie with garlic bread! The munchies ice cream sundae said it should come in a glass with a flake but came in a little bowl with just a few munchies! When asking the staff were happy to replace and correct but customer should get what they order and what menu says first time round!!

johanna leonor (Google Reviewer)  

If you like to be...

07-Sep-2023

If you like to be mistreated Exodus is perfect for you. If you enjoy terrible choices for hotels and pseudo restaurants Exodus is perfect for you. Careless about their clients and loveless about their propositions. Exodus has been a dissatisfaction and disappointment about every dealing i and my group have had with him. Especially a man called Simone who just cares about the money he can get from you couldn’t care less about service.

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  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Exodus Adventure Travels allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform exodus adventure travels, 43 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Exodus Adventure Travels requires a minimum deposit of 25% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of exodus adventure travels charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

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