Slovenia Bike Tour

Meet your guides in the capital city of Ljubljana for a transfer into the otherworldly Slovenian Alps. It’s hard to imagine, but this lovely landscape of still pastures and alpine villages was once a refuge for Resistance fighters during World War II. Consider the region’s duality as we ride to a classic Slovenian restaurant where locals order the traditional potato ravioli known as žlikrofi—and a glass of wine, of course. Finish lunch and check in at our first refined hotel in the riverside village of Spodnja Idrija. Dinner is right on the property, and it’s a perfect first introduction to the handmade style of Slovenian cuisine.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Leskovika, Hotavlje, Spodnja Idrija
Accomplished: 24 miles / 39 km, elevation gain: 1,764 feet / 537 meters
Longer Option: 27 miles / 43 km, elevation gain: 2,493 feet / 760 meters
Accommodations: Kendov Dvorec

Today we ride across the ancient Duchy of Carniola—as the heartland of modern Slovenia was once known. Begin from the meadows of Idrija and pass through scenery that’s so idyllic it could be the setting for a Slovenian fairytale. We’ll descend to the banks of the Vipava River and meet our friend Matej for lunch; the climate takes a surprising turn towards the Mediterranean, and as a result Vipava’s architecture is more terra cotta than timber. After, pedal through the vineyards that encircle the town to reach our unique hotel, a place where holistic health and sustainable practices make for a thoughtful and relaxing retreat. This evening, there’s time to explore the town and fortress of Štanjel before a vibrant, nutritious dinner with our hosts.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Dole, Vipava, Štanjel
Accomplished: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 2,998 feet / 914 meters
Longer Option: 25 miles / 41 km, elevation gain: 1,968 feet / 600 meters
Accommodations: St. Daniel

Set off for a food-focused exploration of the Karst, a limestone plateau that defines the border between Italy and Slovenia—and a region recognized for protected products like red wine and cured ham. We’ll ride into the Vipava Valley where locals turned their attention to winemaking after the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. The results are surprisingly good: taste some Pinot Noirs for yourself at lunch with a producer. Our culinary-centric day continues with dinner at a family-run restaurant that serves only what it produces onsite, including some of the best Karst prosciutto.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Šmarje, Branik, Komen
Accomplished: 30 miles / 48 km, elevation gain: 3,264 feet / 995 meters
Shorter Option: 16 miles / 26 km, elevation gain: 1,670 feet / 509 meters
Accommodations: St. Daniel

Begin the day riding through an area that saw some of the most intense fighting of World War I. Between 1915 and 1917, Italy and Austria-Hungary engaged no less than 12 battles along the Isonzo River until the eventual collapse of the Italian Front (immortalized in Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms). To illustrate the impact, we’ll explore an intact section of tunnels and bunkers that changed hands several times in those two years. Today, it’s a far more blissful transition as we cross the border and ride into Italy for lunch at a Slow Food restaurant dedicated to preserving local dishes and heirloom ingredients. After lunch, it’s back over the border into Slovenia. Check in at our last hotel of the trip, a castle that stands above the vineyards of this picturesque valley. Tonight you may choose to dine on the hotel’s inviting terrace, or ask your guides to recommend a more casual osteria or wine bar for dinner on your own.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Lipa, San Martino del Carso, Cormons
Accomplished: 32 miles / 51 km, elevation gain: 2,001 feet / 610 meters
Longer Option: 46 miles / 74 km, elevation gain: 3,411 feet / 1,040 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Gredič

From our castle hotel, the views of Italy and Slovenia are seriously moving—be sure to take a moment to appreciate it all over your morning coffee. The shared scenery of the two countries sets the tone for our ride today as we cross back and forth over their borders. Begin along the vine-clad ridges that lead to Cividale on the Italian side. This town can trace its roots back to Julius Caesar, and the main piazza is a perfect place to stop for a mid-ride espresso and a little people-watching. Then it’s back into Slovenia in time for lunch at a winery: the glassfuls you’ll sip come from grapes grown on both sides of the border. We’ll return to the hotel for some downtime this afternoon, then head up to the village to dine with our friend Simona. At her farmhouse restaurant, she welcomes us with a glass of wine which we’ll enjoy while watching the sunset. A home-cooked feast follows, and we’ll share meats, tender vegetables, seasonal fruit, and wine—all grown and produced right here.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Prepotto, Cividale, Medana
Accomplished: 29 miles / 46 km, elevation gain: 1,394 feet / 425 meters
Longer Option: 38 miles / 61 km, elevation gain: 2,355 feet / 718 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Gredič

Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or take a final spin through the vineyards: there’s no wrong way to enjoy your final morning in Slovenia. Your guides will transfer you to the Trieste airport where you can catch a train to Venice or wherever your travels may take you next.

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Monfalcone