|
 Day 1 Arrive Ljubljana.
Arrive in the capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana with its mediterranean temperament, a touch of Nordic reserve coupled with the Slav charm and sincerity. The market is open every day except Sundays, but it is on Saturdays that it has an atmosphere that can be described as "Ljubjanesque" because everybody has more time to spare. You may like to visit the castle, perched on a hill above the city or just relax with a drink by the riverside.
Day 2 Ljubljana to Vrhnika 25 or 36 miles.
Your cycling starts by going across Ljubljansko Barje, large flatland, former marsh area surrounding the capital. On the way to Vrhnika you can take a short walk into the Iski Vintgar Gorge. A scenic gorge of the Iška river it has an interesting appearance, characterised by a small rapid river, numerous sandbanks and river pools, and steep walls of rock. Immediately behind the village of Borovnica begins the karst landscape with sinkholes, underground caves and waterfalls.
Day 3 Vrhnika to Postojna 21 or 27 miles.
Today is slightly hillier with some flat sections across typical Karst fields. This is real Slovenia, away from the tourist routes and off the beaten track. You may like to stop for a picnic in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve.
 Day 4 Postojna to Štanjel 28 or 34 miles.
With over 30 million tourists since 1819 the Postojna Caves are among the most famous and most visited caves in the world. The cave system is a unique habitat and the only home in the world for the ‘human fish’. You may like to include a visit to the nearby Predjama Castle. Only this dramatic setting could do justice to the fantastic tale of Erasmus, Slovenia’s finest knight. Long ago, the Slovenian Robin Hood was under siege for many months in his home Predjama. Little known to the besiegers, a tunnel connected this magnificent castle to the outside world, through which Erasmus obtained supplies. He mocked his enemies by throwing meat and cherries from the battlements. Sadly, he was finally given away by a traitorous servant and killed by cannon fire. His besiegers were able to aim their canons precisely at the spot where he was performing his bodily functions.
Day 5 Rest day in Štanjel or round trip 19 miles.
Stanjel is a picturesque Karst settlement with its well kept old houses. A popular sightseeing of the fortified settlement is also the Ferrari garden which was designed by famous architect Maks Fabiani. You can also visit a local artist and maybe buy one of his paintings.
 Day 6 Štanjel to Lipica 23 miles.
Today is mostly flat with one longer but gradual climb. On the way to Lipica there is the botanical garden in Sežana and an unusual but very interesting “war museum” set in a village tower of Lokev. You may be able to see the show of the The Lipicaner horses - known from Vienna Spanish riding school, or go for a ride with a carriage. For more details see the Lipica website.
Day 7 Lipica to Trieste to Koper 37 miles.
After the hills of the previous days you are rewarded with a long downhill from the Karst high plateau to Trieste. Once an important port, all world cultures have left a mark in this city. You can visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square, or take a cappuccino in one of Trieste's old-fashioned cafes. Alternatively you can skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the beach at Koper – an “island” town above the Adriatic.
Day 8 Depart from Koper.
An easy return trip is possible by train to Ljubljana. Additional nights may be booked in Koper or Ljubljana |
Freedom Holiday 
You arrive in the Slovenia capital of Ljubljana with its mighty fortress above the city. In the evening you can relax with a drink on the bank of the Ljubljanica river. The cycling starts with a ride across Ljubljansko Barje, a large flatland former marsh area surrounding the capital. You can enjoy a visit to the Iski Vintgar gorge nature reserve. The route takes you into some ‘real’ Slovenia, away from main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You may like to stop for a picnic in the nature reserve of Rakov Škocjan. On your way to Štanjel you can visit the world famous Postojna caves with their beautiful lime stone formations, not forgetting to mention the unique “human fish”! Also there is a possibility for a detour to Predjama castle, which was once owned by the last Slovenian knight. Learn about his romantic destiny. From Štanjel there are some wonderful views as well as a village of well-maintained old houses, now a museum. You can visit a local artist in a typical Karst village and try the local ham and wines. On the way to Lipica you can stop to see the famous Lipicaner horses known from Vienna Spanish riding school. Go to see their show, or go for a ride with a carriage. The last day you can enjoy a cappuccino in one of Trieste’s old-fashioned cafes. Alternatively you can skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the beach of the Adriatic at Koper.