Emerald Tour of Slovenia’s Gems

Day 1: Arrival in Ljubljana

After arriving in Ljubljana, Slovenia's capital, make sure to visit the old town center, which features lovely 'fin de siecle' mansions, as well as the mighty fortress towering over the city. Relax, drink in hand, on the banks of the Ljubljanica River, or take an evening stroll to enjoy the sights and sounds of the city at dusk.

Overnight in Ljubljana.

Day 2: Ljubljana – Vrhnika
25 miles/41 km

A nice, easy first day across the historic and richly diverse plains surrounding the capital. As the morning sun begins to rise, you'll 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.

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 president Tito’s cars.

Overnight in Vrhnika.

Day 3: Vrhnika – Postojna
27 miles/43 km

Today, the route takes you away from the main tourist areas and off the beaten path. You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, wedged tightly into a crevasse halfway up a 123 m cliff face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight named Erasmus who kept a whole army at bay using the secret passageways in the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies, including freshly picked cherries, which he threw at his adversaries to taunt them. Take a tour and learn how Erasmus met his untimely demise in less than poetic circumstances, as he was literally caught with his pants down.

Overnight in Postojna.

Day 4: Postojna – Stanjel Area
20 miles/32 km

Today the route takes you to the famed Postojna cave on the way to Stanjel. Nearly 30 million tourists have experienced the underground formation with is beautifully carved into the depths of limestone. stretching a whopping 13 miles (21 km), this is considered the most extensive system of caves within the country. On this tour, you will visit the pools of water within the caves and see the mysterious "human fish" and a world filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Overnight in Štanjel.

Day 5: Štanjel – Lipica – Divača
31 miles/50 km

Today's first stop is the lovely botanical garden in Sežana. From there, it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit the 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.

Overnight in Divaca.

Day 6: Divača – Muggia
24 miles/38 km

If you skipped the Postojna Caves, this morning gives you the opportunity to visit the Škocjan Caves. These karst caves are no less interesting (they are a UNESCO natural monument!) but far less frequented. Next, head to Socerb Castle, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Bay of Trieste, the Friulian Plain, and even the Julian Alps.

You can take a slight diversion into the Italian-style town of Trieste - once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Take a city transport boat that connects Trieste with the outskirts at Muggia where your hotel awaits. Visit the castle, cathedral, and Piazza Unita central square in Trieste, which was once part of Slovenia whilst under the rule of the Austrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in the many old-fashioned cafes that grace this atmospheric town.

Today's route ends in the town of Muggia. After a day's cycling, it's time to enjoy gelato in the old town center or relax on the beach!

Overnight in Muggia.

Day 7: Muggia – Piran
22 miles/35 km or 29 miles/46 km with side trip to salt pans Seca

Cycle along the coastal road on a new bike path that follows the former railway line, enjoying great vistas of the Slovenian coast and Trieste Bay. A coffee stop in the fashionable resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian harbor village of Piran.

Overnight in Piran.

Day 8: Departure

End of tour after breakfast.