Cycle Slovenia and the Parenzana
8 Days Starting and ending in Ljubljana, Slovenia
Visiting: Lake Bled, Bovec, Tolmin, Trieste, Portorož, Motovun, Porec, Ljubljana
Tour operator:
Tour code:
SPZ
Group Type:
Independent
Guide Type:
Self Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an exhilarating journey through Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia with the "Cycle Slovenia and the Parenzana" tour. This adventure combines cycling, rafting, and hiking to explore the stunning landscapes of Slovenia, including its lakes, mountains, rivers, and caves. Ride along the historic Parenzana rail route from Trieste to Porec, and discover charming towns rich in history and culture. Highlights include white water rafting on the Soca River, visiting the Škocjan Caves, cycling through the salt mines of Secovlje, and exploring the hilltop town of Motovun. Enjoy comfortable 3-star accommodations and savor a delightful dinner in the Brda wine region.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrive Ljubljana, Transfer To Lake Bled
Location: Lake Bled
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Lake Bled
Meals Included: Breakfast
On arrival in Ljubljana you will be transferred to Lake Bled. The lake is immersed in natural beauty. It is renowned for its climate, thermal lake waters and the surrounding mountains. It is worth hiring a boat to visit Otok island where the eleventh century castle is located, together with the ninth century church. If the weather is good it is well worth hiking up to the viewpoint on Osojnica where many of the classic images of Bled Lake and the castle are taken. Early evening you will have an arrival briefing with our representative. At that meeting you will hand over your main luggage and pack the requirements for your trip in the panniers provided. You will also receive the login to the navigational app and your rental bikes. Overnight Lake Bled.
Day 2 : Cycle To Kranjska Gora (37Km/23Mi), Transfer To Bovec
Location: Bovec
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Bovec
Meals Included: Breakfast
The first big cycle of the trip takes you from Bled through the Radovna Valley to the Slovenian ski resort town of Kranjska Gora located near the border with Austria and Italy. The scenery continues to be dramatic as you leave behind Bled and circle around to the northern edge of the range. The majority of the route is uphill with around 340m ascent over the distance, so an early start is recommended. Located in the Upper Sava Valley the pretty ski town is surrounded by mountains. There is a new dedicated scenic cycle route from Mojstrana to Kranjska Gora which will be an option today. On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Bovec, which will take about an hour. Bovec is surrounded by mountains and is based on the acquamarine Soca River. It is the adventure capital of Slovenia with many options for adrenaline sports. Overnight in a small hotel in Bovec.
Day 3 : Rafting On The Soca River Then Cycle To Tolmin (36Km/22Mi), Transfer To Brda Wine Region
Location: Tolmin
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Brda
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After cycling along its banks, today is an opportunity to take in some white water rafting on a section of the Soca river (the best rafting in Slovenia!). At the drop-off point, your bikes will be waiting for you to continue the cycle to Tolmin. En route, pass by small towns and settlements on the undulating but largely downhill cycle. A visit to the Tolmin Gorge is a must. From Tolmin, you will be transferred to the Brda wine growing area, close to the Italian border. Overnight Brda region with dinner.
Day 4 : Cycle And Train To Sežana, Cycle To Škocjan Caves Then Cycle To Trieste (51Km/31.5Mi)
Location: Trieste
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Trieste
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you travel by bike and train to the Karst region of Slovenia. Guided visit of the spectacular Skocjan caves which house a deep underground canyon complete with a roaring river and unique limestone formations. Following the visit to the caves, continue cycling across the border into Italy and the town of Trieste, once the only sea port of the Hapsburg Empire. Trieste has a lot to offer in the way of attractions such as Piazza dell'Unità d'Italia which has the widest opening to the seafront of any Italian square. Overnight hotel in Trieste.
Day 5 : Cycle Parenzana Trail To Portoroz, Optional Cycle To The Beach (36-40Km/22.5-25Mi)
Location: Portorož
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Portorož
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you cycle south along the old Parenzana rail line. By mid morning you will have crossed over into Slovenia. Take the time to visit the Istrian holiday town of Koper with its 15th-century Praetorian Palace located on the city square. Continuing along the coast you pass by Izola on the Istrian Peninsula, whose links to tourism date back to the 1820's when a thermal spring was discovered. You will finally arrive in Portorož, a town renowned for its spa and beach facilities. Take the time to visit nearby Piran (6km/3.5mi return), another important town which was ruled for a long time by the Venetians with an impressive historic centre on the sea. Overnight Portorož.
Day 6 : Cross The Croatian Border And Visit Historic Towns En Route To Motovun (53Km/33Mi)
Location: Motovun
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Motovun
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today's cycle takes you through the salt mines of Secovlje, a large Slovenian town where a unique habitat has formed for halophytic plants and animals and migrating birds. Soon after you will cross the Croatian border and ascend to the hilltop town of Buje. Known as the "sentinel of Istria" the town is situated in a strategic hilltop location about 10km/6mi from the Adriatic coast. Take in the views and walk through this medieval town which dates back to prehistoric times. Buje (or Buie in Italian) was ceded to Italy from 1918 to 1945 and has Roman and Venetian legacies. The cycle continues ascending to Grožnjan (Italian: Grisignana) which is the only Croatian settlement to have a majority of ethnic Italians. This is a great place to stop for lunch before a 20km/12.5mi downhill cycle to Livade, the last town before your destination of Motovun. A final 5km/3mi ascent takes you up to the medieval hilltop town with its breathtaking position commanding views of the four corners of Istria. It is known as the city of the fictional character Veli Jože, a gentle giant looking out for the people of Istria. After settling in to your hotel we recommend you walk around the fortifications, taking in the exceptional views and absorbing the history of this picturesque town. Overnight Motovun.
Day 7 : Cycle Past Olive Groves And Vineyards To Porec (33Km/10.5Mi)
Location: Porec
Accommodation Name: Hotel in Porec
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trail today takes you past olive groves and vineyards through towns such as Vižinada and Visnjan and past old railway stations. Your destination is Porec, the tourism capital of Croatia. You should take the time to see its Eufrasian Basilica, which was declared Patrimony of Humanity by UNESCO in 1997. Overnight Porec.
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Ljubljana
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you will have a transfer back to Ljubljana where you will pick up your main luggage. Trip concludes on arrival in Ljubljana.
Alternatively your trip can conclude in Porec after breakfast. This must be pre-arranged (when you book). In this case your main luggage will be waiting for you in Porec on day 7. No discount is provided for this option.
What's Included
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Accommodation
7 nights in 3 star hotels and B&Bs -
7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea
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1 dinner in the Brda wine region
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7 nights accommodation in 3 star hotels and B&Bs on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
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Transfer from Kranjska Gora to Bovec
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Private transfer from Ljubljana airport or a Ljubljana hotel to Bled on day 1, Tolmin to Brda on day 3, Nova Gorica - Sežana on Day 4, and from Porec - Ljubljana on day 8 (or main luggage transfer to Porec).
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Welcome briefing with our local representative
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Digital information pack including route notes, maps & GPX tracks
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Hybrid bike with panniers & helmet.
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White water rafting on Soca River
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Škocjan cave entrance fee
What's Not Included
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Transport to arrive and depart from Ljubljana
Transport to and from Ljubljana is not included.
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Daily luggage transfer
Daily luggage transfer is not included; daily needs are carried by cyclists in panniers provided.
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Items of a personal nature
Items such as beverages, laundry, and phone calls are not included.
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Lunch and dinner daily
Lunch and dinner are not included daily, except for dinner on day 3.
All beverages are also excluded (allow 10-25 EUR per meal). -
Guide
This is a self-guided trip; no guide is included.
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Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
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Entrance fees not listed included
Entrance fees not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers not listed included
Transfers not specifically listed as included are excluded.
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Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
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Handlebar phone holder
Handlebar phone holder to follow the route easier using the app/GPX files is not included.
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A supplement will apply if you book a single room
A supplement will apply if you book a single room.
Grading
MODERATE – GRADE 3
This trip is designed for keen cyclists with a few challenges. A good level of fitness is required and preferably experience road cycling with light traffic is advisable. There are numerous ascents and descents with a couple of sustained ascents to test your thighs! The route is on a combination of narrow mountain roads and rural roads where you will encounter some light traffic – drivers in Slovenia tend to be polite when passing cyclists. Some days you will cycle in main towns such as Nova Gorica and Ljubljana. The cycle along the Parenzana is mostly on dedicated cycle paths with more gradual inclines and descents. Weather conditions may be harsh at times (even in summer), and you will need to be comfortable cycling in such conditions. We suggest up to one hour of exercise 2-3 times a week.
What You Carry
During the trip you will need to carry your own luggage in the panniers supplied. Excess baggage not required during the trip is stored in Ljublijana or transferred to Porec if you are not taking the transfer.
Mode of Transport
Travel includes private transfers from Ljubljana airport or hotel to Bled, from Tolmin to Brda, and from Porec to Ljubljana. Additionally, a transfer from Kranjska Gora to Bovec and daily luggage transfers are provided.
Accommodation
Enjoy 7 nights of comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels and B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities, ensuring a pleasant and restful stay throughout your journey.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 7 nights of comfortable accommodation in 3-star hotels and B&Bs, all on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities.
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What meals are included in the tour package?
The tour package includes 7 continental breakfasts and 1 dinner in the Brda wine region. Lunch and dinner are not included daily, except for the dinner on day 3.
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Is there any luggage transfer service provided during the tour?
Yes, there are daily luggage transfers provided. However, daily needs must be carried by cyclists in the panniers provided. Excess baggage not required during the trip is stored in Ljubljana or transferred to Porec if you are not taking the transfer.
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What kind of bike is provided for the tour?
A hybrid bike equipped with panniers and a helmet is provided for the tour.
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Is there any rafting activity included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes white water rafting on the Soca River, which is considered the best rafting in Slovenia.
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Are there any entrance fees included in the tour?
Yes, the entrance fee to the Škocjan Caves is included in the tour package.
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Is this a guided tour?
No, this is a self-guided trip. A digital information pack including route notes, maps, and GPX tracks is provided.
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What kind of support is available during the tour?
You will have access to an emergency hotline during the tour.
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What is the difficulty level of the tour?
The tour is graded as moderate (Grade 3). It is designed for keen cyclists with a few challenges, including numerous ascents and descents. A good level of fitness is required.
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What should I carry during the trip?
During the trip, you will need to carry your own luggage in the panniers supplied. Excess baggage not required during the trip is stored in Ljubljana or transferred to Porec if you are not taking the transfer.
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How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
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What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
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I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews from travellers on this tour
Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.