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Day 1: Arrival Lake Bled.
Bled is a world famous town on the shore of a glacial lake. The combination of natural wonders and unique culture and history attracts many visitors. The castle, dating back to 1111, the little island with a chapel and the "pletna" rowing boats are some of the many attractions. Start your holiday with a taste of the local speciality – the cream cake.
Day 2: Bled to Ribcev Laz, 20 miles (32km).
You start today with a transfer to the Pokljuka high plateau. From here you descend to Bohinj valley, a place of unique beauty of nature and tiny villages in an Alpine valley. It is very enjoyable to wander through the village streets of Ribcev Laz.
Day 3: Ribcev Laz to Škofja Loka, 33 miles (52km).
The riding today starts on the flat, and then there is a slow climb up to Jelovica High plateau. On the way to Sorica you ride through a deep forest. If time allows, take a swim in the new pool complex in Bohinjska Bistrica. Sorica is a picturesque little village, set in the heart of hills, birthplace of a famous Slovene impressionist painter Ivan Grohar (1867-1911). The old centre of Škofja Loka is well worth a stroll around.
 Day 4: Škofja Loka to Ljubljana, 20 miles (32km)
The cycling starts with a long downhill ride followed by a flat crossing Sora field. On the way you will pass through Železniki village with its remains of old high furnaces. Then to your hotel in Ljubljana.
Day 5: Ljubljana to Vrhnika, 25 or 36 miles (40 or 58km).
Your cycling starts by going across Ljubljansko Barje, large flatland, former marsh area surrounding the capital. On the way to Vrhnika you can take a short walk into the Iski Vintgar Gorge. A scenic gorge of the Iška river it has an interesting appearance, characterised by a small rapid river, numerous sandbanks and river pools, and steep walls of rock. Immediately behind the village of Borovnica begins the karst landscape with sinkholes, underground caves and waterfalls.
Day 6: Vrhnika to Postojna, 21 or 27 miles (34 or 44km).
Today is slightly hillier with some flat sections across typical Karst fields. This is real Slovenia, away from the tourist routes and off the beaten track. You may like to stop for a picnic in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve.
 Day 7: Postojna to Štanjel, 28 or 34 miles (45 or 55km).
With over 30 million tourists since 1819 the Postojna Caves are among the most famous and most visited caves in the world. The cave system is a unique habitat and the only home in the world for the ‘human fish’. You may like to include a visit to the nearby Predjama Castle. Only this dramatic setting could do justice to the fantastic tale of Erasmus, Slovenia’s finest knight. Long ago, the Slovenian Robin Hood was under siege for many months in his home Predjama. Little known to the besiegers, a tunnel connected this magnificent castle to the outside world, through which Erasmus obtained supplies. He mocked his enemies by throwing meat and cherries from the battlements. Sadly, he was finally given away by a traitorous servant and killed by cannon fire. His besiegers were able to aim their canons precisely at the spot where he was performing his bodily functions.
Day 8: Rest day in Štanjel or round trip, 0 or 19 miles (0 or 30km).
Stanjel is a picturesque Karst settlement with its well kept old houses. A popular sightseeing of the fortified settlement is also the Ferrari garden which was designed by famous architect Maks Fabiani. You can also visit a local artist and maybe buy one of his paintings.
 Day 9: Štanjel to Lipica, 23 miles (37km).
Today is mostly flat with one longer but gradual climb. On the way to Lipica there is the botanical garden in Sežana and an unusual but very interesting “war museum” set in a village tower of Lokev. You may be able to see the show of the The Lipicaner horses - known from Vienna Spanish riding school, or go for a ride with a carriage. For more details see the Lipica website.
Day 10: Lipica to Trieste to Koper, 37 miles (60km).
After the hills of the previous days you are rewarded with a long downhill from the Karst high plateau to Trieste. Once an important port, all world cultures have left a mark in this city. You can visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square, or take a cappuccino in one of Trieste's old-fashioned cafes. Alternatively you can skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the beach at Koper – an “island” town above the Adriatic.
Day 11: Depart from Koper.
An easy return trip is possible by train to Ljubljana. Additional nights may be booked in Koper or Ljubljana |
Freedom Holiday 