Slovenia - The Emerald Route Bike Tour 2018 Guided or Self-Guided Tour 8 days / 7 nights Our classic bike tour takes you through Slovenia's most famous historical attractions and the best that Mother Nature has to offer. From the cultural capital through the undulating landscape of the limestone karst, riddled with caves and dotted with castles and churches, to the sparking Adriatic Sea, there is something for everyone. Cycling tour highlights: Visit the famous sights of the capital, Ljubljana Experience immense limestone caves Take a walk on the Italian side in Trieste Sip typical Teran wine in a world of limestone Sample great local food in Karst villages
Itinerary Day to Day Day 1: Arrival to Ljubljana The Slovene capital: visit the historic old town and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture and lovely fin de siecle mansions all sitting in the shadow of the Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city centre. From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana s heart and soul. dolomite plateau, and visit 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 Tito s cars. Day 3: Vrhnika Postojna 32 km + 12 km with optional side trip to nature reserve Rakov Skocjan 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 will experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the intermittent lake of Planina, and marvel at the wonders of this vast world of limestone. 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. Day 2: Ljubljana - Vrhnika 39 km +18 km with a side trip to Iski Vintgar Valley A nice easy first day across the historic and richly diverse plains surrounding the capital. c 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 take a short walk into the picturesque Iški Vintgar gorge nature reserve, carved deep into a stunning limestone
Day 4: Postojna Štanjel / Kodreti 42 km + 6 km optional side trip to Predjama Castle 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. 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. Day 5: Štanjel Lipica Divača 48 km 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.
Day 6: Divača Muggia 38 km 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 day trip 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. Day 7: Muggia Piran 37 km +11 km optional side trip to saltpans Seca 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 harbour village of Piran. Day 8: Departure from Piran After breakfast your tour ends.
Route Technical Characteristics: Tour Profile: Suitable for cyclists of average fitness. Distance: 236-283 km Travel Dates: Self-Guided tours: daily departures from March 17 to October 13, 2018 High Season: March 17 May 11; September 22 October 13 Low Season: May 12 September 21 Guided tours: Departures May 5; June 2, July 7; August 4; September 1 and September 19, 2018
Price per person: Individual Tour Guided Tour Low Season Double occupancy B&B 610.00 995.00 High Season Double occupancy B&B 630.00 Supplement Single Room 130.00 Upgrade to 4* Hotel 1 st night in Ljubljana Center Double Occupancy 50.00 Upgrade to 4* Hotel 1 st night in Ljubljana Center Single Occupancy 90.00 Half Board (x 6 dinners, dinner in Postojna is served in neighbouring restaurant 125.00 Bike rental 80.00 E-Bike 190.00 Helmet rental 12.00 Additional Nights 3* Hotel in Ljubljana Double Occupancy 55.00 Additional Nights 3* Hotel in Ljubljana Single Occupancy 80.00 Additional Nights 3 course dinner in Ljubljana 15.00 Additional Nights 4* Hotel in Ljubljana Double Occupancy 80.00 Additional Nights 4* Hotel in Ljubljana Single Occupancy 120.00 Additional Nights 4 course dinner in Ljubljana 20.00 Additional Nights 3* Hotel in Piran Double Occupancy 65.00 Additional Nights 3* Hotel in Piran Single Occupancy 95.00 Additional Nights 3 course dinner in Piran 15.00 Included: Self-Guided: Accommodation in hotels 3*/4* and country guesthouse in two bedded room, on a bed & breakfast basis Luggage transfer one piece, max 20 kgs (every additional item 10 EUR, payable on spot) Information package in English, German, French or Dutch including route notes and corresponding maps (one per booking). Every additional set 20 EUR Personal welcome meeting and detailed briefing upon arrival Backup service (hotline) during the trip Guided: Accommodation in hotels 3*/4* and country guesthouse in two bedded room, on a bed & breakfast basis Luggage transfer one piece, max 20 kgs (every additional item 10 EUR, payable on spot) Information package in English, German, French or Dutch including route notes and corresponding maps (one per booking). Every additional set 20 EUR English / German speaking tour guide who cycles with the group. He / she takes care of tour organization, bikes, luggage transfer, organizes visits and picnics. Personal welcome meeting and detailed briefing upon arrival Backup service (hotline) during the trip Support vehicle which follows the group at distance and is available for help, lifts, carries luggage and serves as technical support
Bikes Hybrid touring bikes are equipped with 21 gears, cyclometer, lock, one pannier, one spare tube, set of Allen keys and basic puncture repair kit. Ladies Hybrid Bike Mens Hybrid Bike E-Bike Assisting people in realizing their touring dreams worldwide is our passion. www.okcycletours.com THIS IS A PARTNER TOUR FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT OK Cycle & Adventure Tours Inc. 666 Kirkwood Ave - Suite B102 Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1Z 5X9 Toll Free 1-888-621-6818 Local 613-702-5350 TICO Ontario Registration No: 50022848