Sunday 11 September
Upon arrival, it’s a transfer to the picturesque Kranjska Gora – renowned for its stunning alpine scenery and abundance of outdoor activities. It’ll be late by the time we get to the hotel, so it’s a quick supper and short briefing – leaving time to prepare for the early start and bike fitting in the morning.
Monday 12 September Kranjska Gora to Lake Bled ∙ Cycle 42km
After a hearty breakfast, our ride begins with a gentle descent on asphalt cycle paths, where we’re riding along the Sava river, crossing backwards and forwards over the water using old railway bridges until reaching Mojstrana , ready to face a long ascent on local asphalt roads all the way to the Zgornja Radovna Valley. This is followed by a steep descent into the valley with gorgeous views of the Krma Valley and the surrounding meadows. After a short gravel section, our cycling continues on asphalt roads through Radovna, all the way to Krnica. An uphill ride to the plateau above Zgornje Gorje, we cross the main roads to Pokljuka before finally descending in the direction of Bled for a perfect ending on the shore of the lake. Lake Bled, with its blue-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops, Bled is one of Slovenia's highlights. Optional evening tour to visit the Church of the Mother of God on the island.
(63km – 630m elevation gain/960 loss)
Tuesday 13 September Ride Bled to Bonhinj ∙ Cycle 44km
Another day of stunning views as we wake to a gentle circuit of the southern shore of Lake Bled. But it’s not all plain sailing, as passing the railway station, it’s an undulating cycle along the valley floor, though the deep forests along scenic bike paths across pastures in the direction of Lake Bohinj. Different from the picture postcard Lake Bled, Bohinj is set in a wild natural landscape, but there’s a short punch of a climb up to our sports orientated/activity hotel to look forward to, where there’s plenty to do – if the energy is still there! Bohinj is a paradise valley embraced by the Julian Alps, the most extensive and highest mountain range in Slovenia. Its most recognizable natural site is the gorgeous Lake Bohinj – an open invitation to the various water activities available.
(45km – 990m elevation gain/950 loss)
Wednesday 14 September Train Bohinj to Most na Soči ∙ Most na Soči to Šmartno ∙ Cycle 51km
We've a different sort of start to the day as we hop aboard for a 45min scenic train ride out of the valley to Most na Soči. From here, its back on the bikes to continue our incredible Slovenian adventure. Riding on the bank of the Soča river - following local asphalt roads - we are soon passing Plave, where we switch to a beautiful bike path that runs high above the right bank of the Soča, all the way to the Solkan bridge. After crossing the famous bridge, we follow a cycle path, briefing crossing the state border into Italy. A short gravel ascent into the village of Znorišče (Conigo) and we’re descending on a winding road in the direction of Sabotin and back to Slovenia. Through the pretty villages of Hum, Kojsko and Gonjače, there’s a short descent into Šmartno, our final destination of the day.
(51km - 1350m elevation gain/1280m loss)
Thursday 15 September Šmartno to Lipica ∙ Cycle 75km
Today's ride begins cycling through the typical hilly landscape of Goriška Brda. On the way through Kozana and Vipolže, we're surrounded by the stunning views of the local vineyards. Short ascents and descents take us to Italian Gorizia with lovely plazas, streets and cafes before cycling through a tunnel under the Gorizia castle to return back into Slovenia. It’s a relatively flat stretch on asphalt roads and dedicated bike paths through Šempeter and Miren, where we cross the gleaming Vipava river and we begin to get views of the typical Karst landscape opening up. We finish the day in Lipica, close to the border with Italy and one of the main areas of Slovenia’s karst region - also know for the Lipica Stud Farm, the origin of the Lipizzan horse.
(Approx 76km – 900 elevation gain/750m loss)
Friday 16 September Lipica to Portorož ∙ Cycle 62km
The final day of riding on our incredible Slovenian adventure! An early start for our final push to our finish line at the Adriatic Sea and the picturesque historical coastal town of Portorož. This classic stage takes us from Lipica across the Italian border to Bazovica. The route continues on local asphalt roads to the tiny village of Drage, where we switch to the picturesque bike path along the old railway route from Trieste to Kozina. We follow the beautiful gravel road through the tunnels and above the Glinščica Valley, eventually arriving to the village of Boršt. From here we descend to the main road which leads to Boljunec and the mostly flat asphalt route all the way to Portorož, Slovenia’s Adriatic seaside resort and spa town. Tonight we celebrate our achievement with a special gala dinner.
(Approx 70km – 780m elevation gain/1160 loss)
Saturday 29 October Day of leisure – free day in Portorož
Free time to enjoy the beach, local spas or opt for a guided walking tour in Piran-Portorož and Salins National Park.
Sunday 18 September Transfer to Ljubljana. (1hr 20min transfer) or Trieste (50min transfer) for our flight back to London.
NB This itinerary is complex and subject to change. Strava links and route profiles with confirmed distances will be provided in the New Year.