Slovenia's Emerald Route

Your journey begins in the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. After settling into your hotel, take a stroll through the old town center with its beautiful bourgeois houses from the late 19th century, take a funicular ride to the city castle, or relax in a café by the Ljubljanica River that winds through the city. 

Your first cycling day will be a gentle ride across an immense 160-sq km marshy plain: the Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje). The lovely Krim Mountain will dominate your view here. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for an amazing panoramic view of Slovenia. Along the way you can see the remnants of the world's highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. Before you arrive at your destination, be sure to visit the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars. 

On this day the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama castle, wedged tight into a crevasse halfway up a 123 meter cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight. Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the secret of the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies, which included freshly picked cherries which he used to throw at his adversaries to taunt them. Take the tour and learn how Erasmus met his untimely demise in less than poetic circumstances, as he was literally caught with his pants down.

So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills. This is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometers. The 1½ hour tour will take you through a fairy tale world full of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, not forgetting the unique “human fish”, a mysterious creature that lives in dark pools inside the caves. In the afternoon you head to first vineyards of Vipava region.

Today you'll cycle to the stud farm of Lipica where you can visit beautiful thoroughbred Lipizzaner horses, whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and visit them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set inside an old Venetian tower.

If you missed Postojna Caves, don't worry - this morning, you have the chance to explore the Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO-listed natural monument known for their stunning beauty and tranquility. 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. Your day trip concludes in the charming town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. After a day of cycling, unwind with a delicious gelato in the town's historic center or relax on one of its inviting beaches. If you arrive early, consider a quick bus or boat trip into Trieste, a vibrant Italian city renowned for its rich history, cosmopolitan vibe, and captivating atmosphere. 

For your last day you'll cycle along the coastal road on a new cycling path following the old railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovenia's modest, yet lovely coast, and Trieste Bay. A stop in the trendy resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian harbour town of Piran.

After breakfast your tour ends.