Slovenia – May 2024 (FULL)

THIS TOUR IS NOW FULL

A six day fully-supported cycling tour of Slovenia designed for keen road cyclists. Covering between 50 and 70 miles per day (375 miles, and around 30,500ft of climbing in total), this tour will take you through one of the most beautiful countries in Europe. The price includes accommodation, with bike transport from/to your home a cost-effective option. (£55 each way)

THE COUNTRY

Lonelyplanet.com describes Slovenia as :-
An earthly paradise of snow-capped peaks, turquoise-green rivers and Venetian-style coastline, Slovenia enriches its natural treasures with harmonious architecture, charming rustic culture and sophisticated cuisine. On the southern edge of the Alps, with the magical caves of Postojna and Škocjan, and the sparkling crisp lakes and rivers flowing into their small Adriatic coast, Slovenia has it all. An incredible mixture of climates brings warm Mediterranean breezes up to the foothills of the Alps, while more than half of its total surface is covered in forest. Slovenia really is
one of the greenest countries in the world. Slovenia has also specialised in Outdoor Activities, from skiing, walking and hiking in the mountains, and increasingly, cycling. It is the perfect country for a tour.

OVERVIEW
This is a fully supported tour. At the start of the day, when the group sets off cycling, your kit bag will be loaded into the support vehicle and transported to the next overnight halt. The van will meet you with food and water, but you are free to cycle at your own pace, with the support vehicle never far away. Apart from the emergency tool kit that you would normally carry, you do not need any luggage. Stunning scenery, atmospheric overnight accommodation and a magnificent route make this an unforgettable cycling holiday experience. Averaging 65-75 miles per day, this is a trip for keen road cyclists who enjoy the challenge of climbs and descents day after day.

THE ROUTE
We start at  the Hotel Grof approximately 50 kms east of Ljubljana. A specialist cycling hotel where we start and finish.

Making our way, through the foothills of the Alps, we cycle in to Bled. We increasingly see vineyards and numerous wood stores as we cycle along quiet country roads. After spending the night at Lake Bled, we continue around the top of the Triglavski National Park, then over the Vrsic Pass before heading down into the  Soca Valley, to Bovec.

Now heading south, we make our way into the Karsk region of Slovenia, finding vineyards and olive groves everywhere, shere we stay the night in the beautiful Majeria retreat, surounded by the vineyards that produce the wine we drink that evening. Then west, we circle south of Ljubljana through the undulating hills of Southern Slovenia. Staying the night in Ribnica, after which we drop down in to the Kupa valley, with the river there providing a natural barrier between Slovenia and Croatia. We cycle along this beautiful valley, a wild and preserved area of mountains, forests and a crystal-clear river. Then returning northwards, and back through the hills, towards the mountains, and finishing back at Hotel Grof. 

ACCOMMODATION AND FOOD
This is a small hotel based holiday. Prices are based on sharing in twin rooms. The single Supplement is £450 extra. If opting to share, this must be with a friend or partner. If no one else is prepared to share with someone wanting a twin room, then the single supplement is payable. Ideally you should sign up with a friend to enable you to share a twin room. ACT is reluctant to allow strangers to share a twin room.

BIKES
We recommend a road bike with 25 to 32 mm tyres. Mountain bikes are NOT suitable. The most important thing is that the bike functions properly and that you are comfortable riding it.

You should ensure that your bike has suitable gears as there are some steep hills on parts of the route.  You should also make sure that you are able to carry some spare food and extra clothing with you on the bike.