Duration
14 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • 13 nights in 3 star hotels and B&Bs
Meals
  • 13 Breakfasts

Price

$CAD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: SOG8502

Trip highlights


  • Discovering the lakes, mountains, rivers and caves of Slovenia by bike, raft and on foot
  • Cycling the length of the Parenzana historic rail route from Trieste to Porec
  • Exploring interesting towns brimming with character and history
  • Delighting in the fine cuisine and hospitality of your accommodation providers

Slovenia encompasses a wealth of stunning natural features from the high peaks of the Julian Alps to the incredible limestone caves, mountain lakes and traditional countryside. This cycle journey has been carefully designed to take in all of these highlights and then continue along an old disused railway line now catering to cyclists and walkers, the Parenza Rail Trail, from Trieste in Italy to Porec in Croatia. From the delightful lakeside town of Bled, the cycle route takes you around the Julian Alps before swapping pedals for paddles with a white water rafting experience on the vivid blue waters of the Soca River. In the Karst region visit the massive Skocjan Caves with its impressive underground gorge and fascinating landscapes before cycling to Trieste and the start of the Parenzana (derived from Parenzo, the Italian name for Porec) which will take you past olive groves and vineyards on your way to the ancient Roman town of Porec on the stunning Croatian coast. Along the way there is time to appreciate the unique culture and culinary delights in every country you visit.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Arrival at Bohinj, Triglav National Park. After check-in, an introductory briefing will be held at the accommodation, where you will receive all needed info and gear. Afternoon free to relax, explore the town on foot, cycle around the lake or rent a canoe and explore on water. Accommodation at hotel*** in Bohinj, breakfast included.

Meals:  Nil

Bohinj Lake is 2 kilometres wide and 6 kilometres in length, with the path that circles it 12,5 kilometres long. It lies in the centre of the Triglav National Park and occupies a dramatic position surrounded by a spectacular mountain ridge. We recommend you take a walk (3 hours) or a cycle (approx 1 hour) around the lake for a nice and easy warm-up to your cycling tour. You can also cycle to Ukanc from where you can choose two options: 1. An easy hike to Savica Waterfall. 2. A cable car ride up to Mt Vogel (1500 m) and enjoy the views of the lake from up above. Accommodation at hotel*** in Bohinj, breakfast included.

Meals:  B

This morning you cycle on a pleasant cycling lane between Lake Bohinj and Bohinjska Bistrica, passing small towns en route. You take a train from Bohinjska Bistrica to Lake Bled and upon arrival, cycle to your accommodation. After check-in, the day is free for sightseeing. This lovely alpine town is immersed in natural beauty. It is worth hiring a wooden boat or taking traditional Pletna boat ride to visit the Island. You can cycle around the lake and take in the breathtaking Vintgar Gorge or over 1000-year-old Bled Castle. If the weather is good it is well worth hiking up to the viewpoint on Osojnica hill, where many of the classic images of Bled lake and castle are taken. Accommodation at hotel*** in Bled, breakfast included.

Meals:  B

First day of cycling will take you through breathtaking Radovna valley towards Mojstrana and further on a former railway route to Kranjska Gora – a small Alpine town, located at the foot of the mighty Julian Alps. From Kranjska Gora a private transfer will take you to Trenta valley, across Vrsic Mountain Pass, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia (1611m). You will continue cycling through Trenta valley, along the emerald SoÄ a river to the town of Bovec, the adrenaline capital of Slovenia. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Bovec, bed&breakfast.

Meals:  B

In the morning you will go white water rafting on SoÄ a river. At the end point of rafting, your bikes will be waiting for you to start this day’s cycling tour. The route will take you through small villages located by the SoÄ a river. In the town of Kobarid you will have a chance to stop and visit the well-known WWI Museum, or do a short hike to Kozjak waterfall – one of the most magical waterfalls in Slovenia. From Kobarid you will cycle towards Tolmin. In the afternoon you will be able to visit another nature’s wonder – The Great Tolmin Gorge. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Tolmin, bed&breakfast.

Meals:  B

The cycling route continues following the river. You will cycle past well-known Most na SoÄ i and Kanal, from where you will ascend towards well-known GoriLAka Brda, a region famous for producing some of Slovenia’s finest wines. Overnight at a tourist farm in Medana with dinner and wine tasting. Accommodation: Tourist farm in Medana, bed&breakfast.

Meals:  B

In the morning a private transfer will take you from GoriLAka Brda to a small town of L tanjel. You will cycle from L tanjel to L kocjan Caves (UNESCO), where you will visit these breathtaking caves, before cycling further on towards Trieste, Italy. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Trieste, bed&breakfast.

Meals:  B

Free day to explore this beautiful city with a rich history and culture, and it's considered one of Europe's most cultured seaside getaways.

Meals:  B

You will take a short boat ride from Trieste to Muggia, where your first day of cycling on the Parenzana Trail will begin. Soon you will cross the border with Slovenia and continue along the coast towards the town of PortoroLž. In the afternoon, an optional visit of a small, medieval town of Piran, located on a tiny peninsula. Accommodation: Hotel*** in PortoroLž, bed&breakfast. 35 km | +245m | 3-4 hours Tarmac 100%

Meals:  B

Another free day to explore this beautiful resort town on the Adriatic Coast. It has many things to see and do, including beaches, spas, and museums. Some say it's the Hollywood Hills of Slovenia.

Meals:  B

As you start cycling today, just outside of Portorož, you can stop for a visit of SeÄ ovlje Nature Park – the biggest and the oldest salt pans in Slovenia, where salt is still produced in a traditional way, based on a 700-year-old method. After crossing the Croatian border you will cycle on the most scenic part of the Parenzana. The path will take you through medieval hilltop towns of Buje, GroLžnjan and Motovun. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Motovun, bed&breakfast. Original stage: 52 km | +450m | 5-6 hours | Original Parenzana trail Easy: 50 km | +390m | 5-6 hours | Tamrac and good gravel section from Buje to Livade. Gravel 80%, Tarmac 20% (Original stage) Note: You will change the hybrid Trek bikes for mtb Trek Marlin 7 (29') for cycle Parenzana trail.

Meals:  B

On your last day of cycling, you will cycle on the last part of Parenzana – from Motovun downhill towards the beautiful coastal town of Porec . Enjoy a relaxing afternoon at the Coast, take a walk on the beach and watch a breathtaking sunset. Accommodation: Hotel*** in Porec , bed&breakfast. 35 km | +180m | 4-5 hour | Original Parenzana trail Gravel 70%, Tarmac 30%

Meals:  B

Another great free day to explore Porec. especially for those who want to experience a charming city with a variety of attractions. Porec is a summer resort town on the Istrian Peninsula in Western Croatia. It's known for its beautiful beaches, rich culture, and nightlife, and has many things to offer for travellers of all ages.

Meals:  B

After breakfast your trip concludes. A private transfer will pick you up and take you to your Ljubljana hotel.

Meals:  B


Inclusions

  • 13 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea
  • 1 dinner in the Brda wine region
  • 13 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
  • Transfer from Kranjska Gora to Bovec
  • Transfer as per the ititnerary
  • Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
  • Hybrid bike with panniers & helmet.
  • White water rafting on Soca River
  • Škocjan cave entrance fee
  • Tourist tax
  • Return transfer to Ljubljana hotel-
  • Emergency hotline
  • Daily luggage transfers

  • Travel to and from Ljubljana
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
  • A supplement will apply if you book a single room
  • Entrance fees not listed included
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Handlebar phone holder – to follow the route easier using the app / GPX files
  • Items of a personal nature

Bike information


Grading

moderate  

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This trip is designed for keen cyclists with a few challenges. A good level of fitness is required and preferably experience road cycling with light traffic is advisable. There are numerous ascents and descents with a couple of sustained ascents to test your thighs! The route is on a combination of narrow mountain roads and rural roads where you will encounter some light traffic – drivers in Slovenia tend to be polite when passing cyclists. Some days you will cycle in main towns such as Nova Gorica and Ljubljana. The cycle along the Parenzana is mostly on dedicated cycle paths with more gradual inclines and descents. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable cycling in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of exercise 2-3 times a week.


Departure dates


Notes

BP
Base Price
O
Option

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$CAD

Options & Supplements*
  • E-bike supplementCAD$720
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


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Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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