Cycling Slovenia: Ljubljana to the Adriatic

8 Days & 7 Nights 4.4 Read 5 reviews
  • Explore charming Ljubljana, with its hill-top castle
  • Enjoy excellent Slovenian wines
  • Pedal from the mountains to the warm Adriatic coast
  • Visit Europe's highest cave at Postojna, with its waterfalls and gorge bridge
  • Cycle into Piran, a relaxed little Venetian harbour town
Explore picturesque Slovenia on two wheels as you cycle from the historic city of Ljubljana through idyllic rural communities to the warm blue waters of the Adriatic and ‘Venetian’ Piran. Begin your Slovenian cycling adventure in the charming capital city, Ljubljana, before cycling across easy going countryside, teeming with birdlife, as you pedal to the pretty Iski Vintgar gorge and the most extensive cave system in Slovenia; the 21km long Postojna karst caves. Cycling onwards, head south to the UNESCO-listed Skocjan Caves en-route to the bustling port of Trieste with its Miramare Castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita square. Your final exquisite stop is the little Venetian harbour village of Piran. Where you can relax and soak up the relaxed atmosphere of Slovenian Istria over a local seafood dishes and an ice-cold beer!
Explore Slovenia’s picturesque towns, cas tles, caves and villages as you cycle quiet routes, with some more challenging rides thrown into the mix. This varied tour offers so much—explore the capital city, rural countryside and forests, then finish on the Adriatic coast in stunning Piran—perfection!

Tour Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers

Ideal if you have an interest in:

  • Off the Beaten Track

Activity Level & Terrain

This cycle tour is graded ‘moderate’ as there are some more challenging climbs on some of the days. You also have the option to choose between shorter/longer cycles on some days. You will ride on cycle paths and quieter roads and the route will then get busier with traffic as you approach/leave the cities and towns, so please always be mindful of other road users at all times. You are provided with GPX routes in the Macs Adventure app so you can easily find your way.

Accommodations

Our Cycling Slovenia trip includes accommodation in standard en suite double/twin rooms in mostly family-run guesthouses and hotels of a general 3-4* standard (ratings are not official).

Accommodation Alternatives

In busy periods and when availability is limited, you may be accommodated in properties alternative to those mentioned here; you will be informed after booking if this is the case.

Single Rooms & Solo Cyclists

Single rooms are available although a supplement is payable. This trip is available to solo cyclists.

Included
  • 7 Nights in 3-4* family-run hotels
  • 7 Breakfasts
  • Baggage transfer (1 bag per person up to 20kg)
  • Information pack and route notes with maps
  • 24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office
Excluded
  • Travel to Ljubljana / from Piran
  • Bike hire (optional upgrade to e-bike available)
  • Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
  • Personal equipment
  • Travel insurance (required)
Extras
  • Additional nights
  • Bike hire (optional upgrade to e-bike available)
  • Opt to include half board

When To Go

Slovenia is in full swing during the summer months. The weather is as its most reliable, and all of the sights are open, there are also a number of festivals. It can be very hotel in summer so you will need to carry plenty of water with you and use sun protection. We recommend starting cycling early to miss the heat of the day. Spring and Autumn months promise colourful landscapes, cooler temperatures and fewer crowds. Rain or thunderstorms can occur at any time of year, so we recommend packing rain gear.

Getting to the Start

By Air: Several low-cost airlines including EasyJet and Wizzair fly between the UK and Ljubljana Airport. From the airport, it is easy to take a shuttle bus into the city centre, or we can arrange a private transfer if you would prefer this (additional cost).

By Car: Additionally, Ljubljana is within easy reach of the Italian, Austrian and Croatian borders—just around an hour’s drive, making it easily accessible.

Getting from the End

By Bus & Train: To travel from Piran back to Ljubljana, you can take a short bus ride (20 mins) to Koper, then take a train to Ljubljana (2h20). Check timetables at Deutsche Bahn. Or you can take a bus (approx. 2h30-3hrs) from Piran to Ljubljana Main Bus station. Alternatively, we can arrange a private transfer for you at a supplement.

By Ferry: Alternatively, it is also possible to take a ferry from Piran (or a nearby port) to Venice. This takes approx. 2h30 and operates on specific days—please check with us at the time of booking.

Luggage Transfer

Daily door to door baggage transfer is included in the price of your trip. We ask you to keep your baggage to a maximum of 1 bag per person (maximum weight 20kg).

General Information

All bike tours are unescorted. The mileages and approximations are distances of the recommended routes. Please be prepared by packing all necessary items, for example, proper rain gear (jacket and pants), sun hat, sunscreen and proper sport shoes. Travel to and from the start/end of your cycle is not included in the tour price and must be arranged on your own.

Equipment

Bike rental is an optional extra. Bike rental period starts 09:00 day 2 of the tour (on the day you leave Ljubljana) and ends on the evening of your arrival in Piran – 18:00 of day 7. Electric bike hire is possible if you are starting your trip on a Saturday.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable Travel Insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.

Itinerary

Day 1 Arrive in Ljubljana Day 2 Scenic cycle to Vrhnika across the Ljubljansko Barje 35 miles / 56 km Day 3 Cycle to Postojna via Rakov Skocjan Nature Reserve 24 miles / 38 km Day 4 Visit Postojna Caves and Predjama Castle; cycle to Kodreti 29 miles / 46 km Day 5 Cycle to Divaca via charming Stanjel town 30 miles / 48 km Day 6 Visit Skocjan Caves; cycle to Muggia on the Italian coast 24 miles / 39 km Day 7 Coastal cycle to Piran 22 miles / 35 km Day 8 Onward travel from Piran

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