Crossing Slovenia: From the Alps to the Mediterranean

BLED

Arrive in Bled and check into your hotel. Bled is one of Europe’s most beautiful alpine resort destinations, thanks to its lake and medieval clifftop castle. Bled could be a representation of paradise, and is a world-famous tourist gem. Located next to the Triglav National Park, it has been nominated as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Bled stands out for its mild climate, healing properties and thermal springs supplied by lake water.

From BLED to BOHINJSKA BISTRICA 43km 330m

A bus takes you to the Pokljuka high plateau. From here, you can enjoy breathtaking views before descending into the nearby Bohinj valley. You pedal through the many small alpine villages dotted around the valley until you reach the small village of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass), situated next to the beautiful Lake Bohinj. Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the National Park. It is surrounded by majestic mountain peaks. The view from the Ribčev Laz bridge is incomparable. Cycle around the lake to the Savica waterfall, then take the cable car up to Mount Vogel for spectacular views of the Bohinj valley and Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Explore the forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the region’s cosiest villages.

From BOHINJSKA BISTRICA to ŠKOFJA LOKA 49km 900m

Leaving the Bohinj valley, you cycle to the charming village of Bohinjska Bistrica. You then climb and gain altitude to the Jelovica plateau (a lift to the top of the pass is available). From the summit, the route takes you through deep forest down into the Selška Dolina valley and finally to the Škofja Loka hills. During this stage, discover the small alpine village of Sorica, set amidst lush green hills. It is the birthplace of the famous Slovenian painter, Ivan Grohar. As you enter the village, you are greeted by his statue and can visit a gallery dedicated to him. Your day continues with a visit to the historic town of Železniki. You arrive in the wonderful town of Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia’s oldest cities. We recommend you cycle up to the castle on the hill overlooking the town. A last effort for a unique panorama of the town.

From ŠKOFJA LOKA to LJUBLJANA 31km 170m

You pedal through Slovenia’s beautiful countryside, discovering picturesque villages. Your itinerary takes you to the country’s capital, Ljubljana. This is a very pleasant city, and we recommend you visit its historic corners. Observe the ornate, ancient architecture and beautiful fin-de-siècle mansions. To crown your visit, take in the magnificent Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill and standing guard over the city center. From its tower, you have a breathtaking view of the heart and soul of the capital.

From LJUBLJANA to VRHNIKA 41km 150m

This easy, pleasant stage takes you through the sumptuous plains surrounding the capital. The Ljubljansko Barje marsh was once a large lake until it evaporated 6,000 years ago, leaving behind an incredible 160 square kilometers of diverse, marshy landscape. Today, it’s a beautiful natural area where many birds nest. Along the way, you can enjoy a short stroll through the picturesque Iški Vintgar gorge. You can also visit the remains of the world’s highest railroad viaduct at Borovnica.

From VRHNIKA to POSTOJNA 43km 760m

Away from the beaten tracks and tourist routes, you ride through the Slovenian countryside on small, undulating roads, through the pleasant forested hills typical of the region. Your bike takes you to the magnificent Slivnica mountain and to the shores of Lake Planina, which features a vast world of limestone rocks. You can stop for lunch at the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve. Here, the Rak stream has built a dazzling gorge, creating incredible natural landscapes, including two natural bridges.

From POSTOJNA to ŠTANJEL 32km 240m

To start the day, we highly recommend a visit to Postojna Cave, Slovenia’s largest. Explore a maze of galleries with enormous, colorful stalactites and stalagmites. In a vivarium, you can observe the famous protoea anguillata, also known as the “human fish”, an animal with a life expectancy of a hundred years. A few kilometers further on, you can continue your cultural visits with the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle. Nestled in a 123-metre-high cliff, the fortress features an exhibition on the legend of the rebel knight Erasmus.

From ŠTANJEL to DIVAČA 50km 630m

Pedal your way to the charming botanical garden of Sežana. Then on to the Lipica stud farm, where you can visit the magnificent Lipizzaner horses. Their gleaming white coats and graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. Take a ride in a traditional horse-drawn carriage and admire them up close in their stables. You can also visit the unusual “War Museum” housed in a pretty Venetian tower.

From DIVAČA to MUGGIA 39km 350m

For one day and one night, you leave Slovenia for Italy and its eastern tip. On the way, we recommend the Škocjan caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The sea air makes itself felt as you approach the famous Italian port of Trieste. Stop off here for a pizza or cappucino. Before setting off again, you can visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita d’Italia.
The route ends in Muggia, south of Trieste. You can take your time now to enjoy an ice cream in the historic center of the coastal city.

From MUGGIA to PIRAN 35km 230m

This stage offers an easy route along the coastal road, following the old railroad line. Enjoy panoramic views of the Slovenian and Italian coasts. Between 2 pedal strokes, pause for a coffee in one of Portorož’s chic hotels. Your day ends in the beautiful Venetian-style port village of Piran. At sunset, a stroll along the shore reveals a magical panorama. The day ends over a glass of local wine, enjoying the warm atmosphere of this town where time seems to stand still. Dinner is served on a terrace overlooking the sea, where fresh fish and local specialties such as grilled calamari delight the taste buds. Piran captivates with its Mediterranean charm and timeless atmosphere.

PIRAN

End of stay after breakfast.

Piran, the jewel of the Slovenian coast, offers an unforgettable final getaway. Early in the morning, a stroll around Tartini Square offers a chance to admire the Venetian architecture and the peaceful bustle of the port. The cobbled streets lead to the church of St. George, from which the view of the Adriatic is breathtaking.