Hedonistic Biking 13 days / 12 nights - Slovenia, Italy, Croatia
All-inclusive guided biking private tour for small groups. (max. 8)

DAY 1: VENICE AIRPORT – GRADO (I) / No biking

Meet your guide at Venice airport where you’ll be transfered to Grado, nicknamed – The First Venice(I). The Grado lagoon, part of the north Adriatic coastal floodplain, is a unique nature reserve, home to numerous species of aquatic birds and a great variety of vegetation. The island of Grado-First Venice, a port during the Roman era, was settled by refugees fleeing the barbarian invasions of the 5th century, then became an important commercial and political center during medieval times. Grado has a charming historic district, wide swaths of sandy beaches and a long promenade.

Our lodging is the waterfront Laguna Palace Hotel 4* or similar for two nights. Included transfers from Venice airport followed by late afternoon orientation tour of Grado, aperitifs and a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (D)

 

DAY 2: GRADO – AQUILEIA – UDINE (I) / 50 km (32 miles) / Easy

After breakfast we bike across the lagoon to the town of Aquileia– 4^th largest Roman town and still very well preserved. Our local guide will take us on a walk through 1500 years of history that includes the Roman forum, the ancient port, the Basilica and the largest mosaic floor from the ancient world. Afterwards bike trail will take us through the fertile plain to the town of Udine with its elegant and lively historic center. (B)

 

DAY 3: GRADO – MIRAMARE CASTLE – TRIESTE (I) / Biking: 35 km (21 miles) / Easy

This morning we bike to the mainland to reach the Castle Miramare in vicinity of Trieste, also called the upper Adriatic jewel of the Habsburg Empire, was built in the 1850s as a residence for the Austrian Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian, later the ill-fated emperor of Mexico. The castle is a lovely period piece, highlighted by the Duke’s bedroom and office that were modeled on the cabin and stern wardroom of the warship that he commanded to circumnavigate the world.

Our next stop is spectacular Trieste, one of Italy’s most impressive cities. After warring with the Republic of Venice for two centuries, Trieste, in 1382, petitioned the Habsburgs to become part of Austria, of which it remained until annexed by the Kingdom of Italy following the end of World War I, but, in a long and contorted history, did not officially and finally become a part of the Republic of Italy until 1954. Our lodging is the waterfront Savoia Excelsior Palace 4* or similar for three nights. This evening enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant with their own wine production. (B, D)

 

DAY 4: TRIESTE – PIRAN (SLO) / Sailing day

Enjoy some free time in the morning before the afternoon departure to Piran, the dream city. One of the most photogenic cities in the Mediterranean, Piran has preserved its unsurpassed charm. Enter the picturesque Piran, get to know its rich history and culture, and listen to the stories of the people.The proximity to the sea and the rich history, which is mirrored in the architecture, draw magical scenes. We explore Piran and the rest of the Slovenian cost on a board of a 30 feet sailing boat and in a company of experienced skipper. Evening on your own.(B)

 

DAY 5: TRIESTE (I) – KOPER (SLO) – GROŽNJAN (CRO) / Biking: 35 km (22 miles) / Medium

Today we explore one of the best bike trails in Europe, The Parenzana. Parenzana was a narrow gauge railway which connected Trieste with Poreč, operating from 1902 until 1935 and was eliminated due to unprofitability, because of cheaper and faster road transportation. Recently Parenzana was converted in a bike trail and we will ride its most interesting section from Slovenia to Croatia, full of tunnels and bridges. Tonight we try local specialities, like truffles in according to many the best Istrian restaurant.(B,D)

 

DAY 6: TRIESTE – LIPICA – KARST – VIPAVA (SLO) / Biking: 40 km (25 miles) / Medium

We start our morning bike ride with a visit to the oldest stud farm in Europe-Lipica Stud farm, home of a Lipizzaner horses since the 16th century. Afterwards a fantastic road full of old stone villages surrounded by wineyards, will take us to Karst plateau. On the way we stop to admire the hill-top town of Štanjel «Jewel of the Karst«, till we reach our last part of bike-riding for the day, the decent to the Vipava valley. Our lodging for the next two days is small family run green farm Majerija or similar in a charming village of Slap.(B,D)

 

DAY 7: VIPAVA VALLEY (SLO) / Biking 30 km (19 miles) / Medium

Vipav valley offers one of the best biking experiences in Slovenia. Due to its mild climate, the region is suitable for the cultivation of different kinds of fruits (especially peaches, apricots, persimmons, and figs). The Vipava Valley is also renowned for its quality wines, especially white ones. One of the highlight of Slovenia is a remote valley of river Soča, where the finnal stage of the day takes place.

Afterwards you will be transported to a family run wine cellar in Brda wine region for a trully home-hosted meal with wine.(B,D)

 

DAY 8: VIPAVA – POSTOJNA – PREDJAMA – LJUBLJANA / Biking: 35 km (22 miles) / Medium

This morning discover the underground world of Postojna caves. Enter the best known cave in the world with numerous tunnels, passages, galieries, stalactite or stalagmite formations that offer a unique experience of the underground world and with an adveturous train ride its easy and fun. A few miles away you can find one of the most scenic castles in the world the Predjama castle. Nesting on a vertical cliff it enjoys a striking setting and with numerous legends linked with the castle it makes a perfect photo stop. In the afternoon we bike to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, your next favorite city for three nights. Our Hotel Slon 4* or similar is just minute walking from the old town and all attractions. Tonight enjoy a dinner in local restaurant.(B,D)

 

DAY 9: LJUBLJANA / No biking today

Ljublana has the most beautiful historic center, contained within a sprawling pedestrian zone that flanks both sides of the willow-lined Ljubljanica River, with animated cafés and restaurants, magnificent Barroque buildings and bridges. Your local guide will illuminate this and more on an included walking tour of the old town. The rest of the day is for you to explore Ljubljana on your own.(B)

 

DAY 1:0: LJUBLJANA – RAKOV ŠKOCJAN PARK – CERKNICA LAKE / Biking 30 km (18 miles) / Medium

Deep forests of Inner Carniola region has a lot to offer to a biker. We cycle Cerknica Lake, the largest disappearing lake in Slovenia, Rakov Škocjan natural bridge and the only castle in Slovenia with original interior the Snežnik castle. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. (B,L)

 

DAY 11: LJUBLJANA – ŠKOFJA LOKA – LAKE BLED / Biking 32 km (19 miles) / Medium

This morning cycle to the breathtaking Lake Bled. On the way enjoy Slovenian countryside and typical scenery of most northern region of Slovenia, the Alpine Upper Carniola. Once arrived to Lake Bled the rest of the day is free to explore.Our lodging on Lake Bled is trully Grand Hotel Toplice 5* or similar for two nights.(B)

 

DAY 12: LAKE BLED / Biking 15 km (10 miles) / Easy

Lake Bled is surrounded by high mountains, a dramatically placed 11th century cliffside castle and its tiny island with 99 steps leading up to the exquisite Church of the Assumption, the lake presents a fairy tale setting like no other. On our last cycling day we will explore Vintgar Gorge, Tito’s villa and Bled countryside.

Farrawell dinner in a typical Slovenian restaurant.(B,D)

 

DAY 13: LAKE BLED – VENICE AIRPORT

After breakfast you will be transfered to Venice airport to your return flight home. (B)