Self-Guided Cycling
Slovenia
Secrets of Slovenia Cycling
Trip code: C07SN
Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(19 verified reviews)
- Self-Guided Cycling
- 7 nights hotel-to-hotel
- Moderate
- CO₂ rating 1/5
- Headwater Navigation app
Trip highlights
Trip details
Discover the ‘Secrets’ of Slovenia, cycling through scenic countryside which changes with every turn of the pedal. From the turquoise waters of Lake Bled and the white peaks of Julian Alps to the emerald Soča river and green Karst vineyard, finishing at the blue Adriatic Sea.
I loved discovering the towns and villages, each with its own unique character and charm. The food was wonderfully varied and consistently delicious, adding to the experience every day. Cycling through such stunning scenery on an e-bike was an absolute pleasure, making it easy to soak in the landscapes. Lake Bled was undoubtedly a highlight – breathtakingly beautiful and every bit as magical as I had imagined.
What's included
Included
- 7 nights in 3-star and 4-star accommodation
- All breakfasts and 1 evening meals
- Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
- Headwater navigation app
- Bike hire included
- Luggage transfers between hotels
- Train transfer Day 3; Car transfer Day 5
Not included
- Flights
- Local taxes/fees
- Travel insurance
Hand-picked for the route, hire included
KTM, Life or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier.
Travel options
Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099
Itinerary
Day 1 · —Arrive in Bled
Arrive at your 4 star hotel on the promenade of Lake Bled. Enjoy some of the hotel facilities before heading into Bled for dinner.
You stay at Hotel Park
Hotel Park
Bled
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Minibar
- Safe
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Overlooking Lake Bled, Park Hotel – Sava Hotels & Resorts features a wellness centre with a large indoor pool and a gym. All rooms have balcony with either lake view or park view.
Day 2 · 30km/18.6miLake Bled Circular Cycle
Today’s ride takes you on a circular route from Bled passing through pretty Slovene villages. There is an optional detour to visit Grad Kamen Castle. The route then brings you back into Bled along the shores of the Lake.
Elevation
Day 3 · 33km/20.5miLake Bled (Kanal) to Smartno
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 Kanal 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.
Elevation
You stay at Hisa Marica
Hisa Marica
Smartno
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Television
- Wifi access
Set in a traditional stone house, Hisa Marica is decorated in rustic style with wooden beams, all rooms are fitted with solid wooden furniture. There is a restaurant serving traditional cuisine and a bar with charming terrace.
Day 4 · 19km/11.8miAt Smartno
Today you’ll be staying in Šmartno, a beautifully preserved medieval village at the heart of the Brda wine region. Spend the day exploring this renowned wine-growing area, following the so-called ‘Peach Route’ through a landscape of rolling vineyards, orchards and olive groves. The route winds through charming hilltop villages and past elegant Renaissance manors, with plenty of enticing spots to stop for lunch with a view. Back in Šmartno, take time to wander its narrow streets and historic square before enjoying another evening surrounded by the vineyards of Brda.
Elevation
Day 5 · 41km/25.5mi or 60km/37.3miSmartno (Stanjel) to Lipica
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.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Maestoso
Hotel Maestoso
Lipica
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Hotel Maestoso is set in the heart of the Lipica stud farm, home to over 300 Lipizzaner horses. The hotel blends naturally with the traditional elements of Lipica and has modern rooms as well as a restaurant. Your evening meal is included here and is usually a varied buffet.
Day 6 · 40km/24.9miLipica to Koper
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 (book and pay locally). 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.
Elevation
You stay at Hotel Grand Koper
Hotel Grand Koper
Koper
- Air conditioning
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Minibar
- Safe
- Television
- Visa cards
- Wifi access
Situated in the Old Town of Koper, on the seafront, Grand Hotel Koper has been recently renovated. Rooms feature a seating area, a TV, and a phone and overlook the town or the sea. The hotel also has a bar and à-la-carte restaurant with a spacious terrace.
Day 7 · 38km/23.6miAt Koper
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.
Elevation
Day 8 · —Leave Koper
Extending your holiday
Grand Hotel Toplice
Bled
- Air conditioning
- American Express
- Bank
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Minibar
- Swimming pool
- Television
The hotel has a pleasing open aspect looking out over Lake Bled, there is a lakeside promenade accessed directly from the hotel.
All rooms have a balcony.
Grand Hotel Union
Ljubljana
- Air conditioning
- American Express
- Bank
- Hairdryers
- Mastercard
- Swimming pool
- Television
- Wifi access
The Grand Hotel Union is one of Ljubljana’s most prestigious hotels. Built at the turn of the century it was considered one of the finest hotels in Europe at this time with its lift, central heating and telephones (a rarity in 1905). Its hall was used as the city’s concert hall for many years and its clientele has traditionally been associated with the arts. The hotel has hosted many famous pianists and singers over the years.
The rooms are all furnished in a contemporary style with satellite television, telephone and air-conditioning. The hotel has a swimming pool on the top floor that has an appealing glass roof dome.
What our travellers say
Item 1 of 1
Positive impact
Carbon score for this trip
24.0
Kg CO₂e
per person, per night
Relative to other Headwater trips
We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more
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