Three Country Bike Tour

No biking

Meet your guide at Venice , Ljubljana or Trieste airport from where you’ll be transferred 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 centre 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. Later in the afternoon join your guide for orientation tour of Grado, aperitifs and a welcome dinner in a local restaurant. (D)

Activity level: easy 50 km (32 miles)

After breakfast we bike across the lagoon to the town of Aquileia– 4^th largest town of the  Roman Empire, still very well preserved. Our local guide will take us for 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 centre.

We´ll return to Grado by van. (B)

Activity level: easy 35 km (21 miles)

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. The castle 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 reminder of its period, highlighted by the Duke’s bedroom and office that were modelled on 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 part until annexed by the Kingdom of Italy following the end of World War I. Being the Capital of The Free Territory of Trieste after the WW II, finnaly became part of Italy in 1954. Our accommodation is in the waterfront Savoia Excelsior Palace 4* or similar for three nights. This evening enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant which has their own wine production. (B, D)

Sailing day

Enjoy some free time in the morning before the afternoon departure to Piran, the dream city. One of the most alluring 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 locals.The proximity to the sea and the rich history, which is reflected in the architecture, porteay magical scenery. We explore Piran and the rest of the Slovenian cost on board of a 30 feet sailing boat and in a company of experienced skipper. Evening on your own.(B)

Activity level:  medium 35 km (22 miles)

Today we explore one of the best bike trails in Europe, The Parenzana.  Parenzana used to be a narrow gauge railway which connected Trieste to Poreč, operating from 1902 until 1935 when it 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 into Croatia, through its tunnels and over the bridges. Tonight we try local specialities including truffles in according to many, the best Istrian restaurant.(B,D)

Activity level: medium 40 km (25 miles)

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. Thereon a fantastic road through some old stone house villages surrounded by vineyards and forests, will take us to Karst plateau. On the way we stop to admire the hill-top town of Štanjel «Jewel of the Karst«, to  reach our last leg of bike-riding for the day, the descent 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)

Activity level: easy 30 km (19 miles)

Vipava 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 highlights of  Slovenia is a beautiful valley of river Soča, where we´ll end up our biking for the day.

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

Activity level: medium 35 km (22 miles)

This morning we discover the underground world of Postojna caves. Enter the most famous cave in the world with numerous tunnels, passages, galleries, stalactite and stalagmite formations that offer a unique experience of the underground world. Part of the visit its facilitated by train which makes it easy and fun.

A few miles away you can find  one of the most scenic castles in the world the Predjama castle, nestled on a vertical cliff. With numerous legends linked to the castle, it makes a perfect photo session point.

In the afternoon we bike to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana, your next favourite city for three nights. Hotel Slon 4* or similar is just a minute walking distance from the old town and all the attractions.  Tonight enjoy a dinner in a local restaurant.(B,D)

No biking today

Ljubljana has the most beautiful historic centre, encompassing a sprawling pedestrian zone that flanks both sides of the willow-lined Ljubljanica River. Animated cafés and restaurants, magnificent Baroque buildings and bridges attract tourist from all over the world. Your local guide will cast light on 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)

Activity level: medium 30 km (18 miles)

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

Return to Ljubljana by van. (B,L)

Activity level: easy 32 km (19 miles)

This morning we cycle to the breath-taking Lake Bled. On the way we enjoy Slovenian countryside and typical scenery of the most northern region of Slovenia, the Alpine Upper Carniola. Once arrived to Bled, we´ll bike around the lake. The rest of the day is yours, to take in the beauty of this Alpine jewel.

Our accommodation is in a  truly Grand Hotel Toplice 5* or similar for two nights.(B)

Activity level: easy 15 km (10 miles)

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 awe-inspiring Vintgar Gorge, world famous leader -Tito’s villa and Bled countryside.

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

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