RIDE & TASTE
Explore Slovenia by bike and taste in style its luscious gastronomy through world-class restaurants, family-owned wineries and unique culinary experiences recognized by Michelin.
The unique country in the world where you can pedal one hour in any direction and you’ll feel like you’ve traveled to another land.
HIGHLIGHTS
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- The Slovenian most panoramic views
- 4 x VIP dinner in Michelin Restaurants
- Lake Bled, most popular and beloved Slovenian lake, Bled Island, Bled Castle
- Lake Bohinj, a green oasis, destination with the platinum national label of the Slovenia Green scheme
- Pass Vršič, the highest paved road pass in Slovenia
- Postojna Cave, natural hidden gem under the surface
- Ljubljana, capital city of first country in the world to be declared as the green destination
- Premium accommodation and Hospitality service
Charming private guided tour with Slovenia’s Top Attractions: from breath-taking and dramatic land sceneries to high-end culinary experiences.
Details
Duration
7 nights/8 days
Departures:
28th May 2022
17th September 2022
Category
Road
Fitness level
Medium/High
Tour type
GUIDED
Technical difficulty
Medium
Length & elevation
450 km & TBD
Included in the tour price:
- 7 nights accommodations in 4* hotels
- 7 breakfasts & dinners (beverages excluded)
- Snacks & drinks on the ride
- Experienced cycling guides
- Supporting van
- All transfers within the program
- 24/7 hotline number
- Medical assistance
- Promo cycling jersey
- Luggage transfers & Transportation
Not included in the tour price:
- Flights tickets
- Visas
- Travel Insurance
- Beverages at meals
- Personal spending
- Entrances and admissions to optional trips
- Bike hire – available upon request
Optional:
- Single room supplement 200 Eur
- Bike rental 190 Eur (pedals, helmet, water bottle included); bike available: Scott Addict 10
- Entrance fees to optional trips (varying from 5 Eur to 25 Eur)
- Pick up at nearest Airports upon request (Ljubljana, Zagreb, Graz)
Itinerary
Find the details of our exclusive 8-days tour:
Welcome to Slovenia
All the team members and all participants will meet at light dinner to get known each other and to develop a coasy atmosphere in the group. A pro briefing of the upcoming seven-day adventure is held along with a presentation and bike-fitting is available for the trip. We will check everything is set and to answer the last questions.
*OPTIONAL
Visiting Ljubljana old city center
In Ljubljana old city centre there are many interesting spots to visit: Ljubljanica River, Plečnik’s Architecture Buildings, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana Castle with Funicular Fare, Prešeren Square, Town Hall, Tivoli Park.
Today’s Ride
Ljubljana – Kranj – Bled
50 km
Today we will experience just light warming-up ride to stretch our legs and get ready for our upcoming ride&taste challenge. On the way we will admire a “zoom-out” view to the Julian Alps, destination that we will thoroughly explore in next days.
Highlights
LAKE BLED, Boat trip to Bled Island
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most popular and beloved tourist attraction and although it’s getting more and more famous, it’s still relatively unknown comparing to other European landmarks. And, in contrast to other places flooded by masses of visitors, the beautiful Bled is not overrated at all. In fact, it is way better in real life than in the photos. The images cannot really convey the clear, deep blue color of water, pristine natural surroundings and charming architecture, all combined together.
Bled Island: Explore the charming island, count the stairs and make a wish by pulling the wishing bell. The most recognizable symbol of the island is the Church of the Mother of God on the lake with a long and diverse history. Amidst the greenery, you can explore interesting island buildings such as the bell tower, curacy and provost’s house, small hermitage and some other mysterious legendary buildings.
The wishing bell is popular among the many visitors. When you ring the bell, you recommend yourself to the Mother of God and express your wishes and requests for her to hear them.
DINNER: Bled Castle Restaurant
Bled. One of the most beautiful tourist places in Slovenia, a treasure trove of natural beauty, is worldwide known for its lake with an island. Above it rises a mighty cliff, where for more than a thousand years Bled Castle reigns and offers superb views of the beauties of Bled and the surrounding Alps.
Not only the rich history and picturesque nature, one of the most recognizable elements of the castle is a restaurant that offers modern interpretations of traditional dishes and drinks. Bled Castle is also establishing itself as one of the most important culinary points in Slovenia.
Today’s Ride
Loop Ride: Lake Bled – Pokljuka – Lake Bohinj
70 km
Highlights
LAKE BOHINJ, a green oasis
Over the centuries, our ancestors have diligently preserved Bohinj’s biodiversity and traditions. Modern generations are proud to take up the baton. We are facing the challenges of modern times with bold plans, establishing foundations for responsible management of this precious space.
Bohinj is shaped and ennobled by the people who live here. This is our home, which we share with pride and warm hospitality with all those who value it and are willing to respect the “house rules”.
The fact that we are thinking and acting in the right direction is proven by international awards and the fact that we are the first (and currently the only) destination with the platinum national label of the Slovenia Green scheme.
HIŠA LINHART, Michelin Star Restaurant by Chef Uroš Štefelin
The a-la-carte restaurant is run by one of Slovenia’s best chefs – Uroš Štefelin. Uroš finds challenges in discovering forgotten local ingredients, getting to know them and creating new dishes in his own unique way.
With modern techniques and creativity he transforms traditional dishes into culinary delights of Slovene Nouvelle Cuisine.
Our restaurant is decorated with local Slovene souvenirs. Each telling a tale of its past and the wealth of Slovenian cultural heritage. We wish to add to this collection by sharing our culinary souvenirs with you; visit us, taste the dishes and when leaving, leave with good memories and the recipes of the dishes you have tasted.
Today’s Ride
Bled – Kranjska Gora – Pass Vršič – Bovec
85 km
Highlights
PASS VRŠIČ
Today will be also the toughest day four us. After a solid breakfast we will climb the Vršič Pass.
Vršič Mountain Pass with its 1,611m is the highest road pass in the Eastern Julian Alps. The high-mountain road from Kranjska Gora through Vršič to Log in Trenta has 50 serpentines, 24 on the side of Kranjska Gora and 26 on the Trenta side.
In Vršič, you can relax and have something to eat or drink in the mountain cabins. You can enjoy magnificent views of the highest peaks in Julian Alps. They all will seem so close to you that you will fell as you can touch them.
HIŠA FRANKO, 2-star Michelin Restaurant by Chef Ana Roš
As a self-taught chef, Ana doesn’t adhere to any particular culinary style. Her cuisine is firmly based on the environment that provides all the produce and endless source of inspiration.
When she met Valter, Ana left her career in diplomacy to become a cook. After years of travelling and soaking up the experience Ana established her own, distinctive voice.
Her cuisine is expressive, intense and unorthodox, her philosophy is simple – follow the nature. Take what the season offers, combine the unexpected, don’t be afraid to take risks.
When you come to her restaurant, the first rule is: try to relax, enjoy and put aside any prejudice you might have. When she can fully express her culinary vision and the unique terroir, Ana can create magic.
WALTER’S WINE
»I have fun with the crazy. I think my body really responds well to those kind of wines. They are great for digestion, great for body cleanse, they don’t make me nervous as opposed to conventional wines.«
»When I’m completely down, drained and burnt-out, but I still need to be functional and up-and-running, I open a bottle of Organic Anarchy and it lifts you up all the way to the sky. In that state, if I had a glass of conventional wine, it would only wear me down more.«
Today’s Ride
Bovec – Kobarid – Tolmin – Most na Soči – Nova Gorica
80 km
Highlights
JULIAN ALPS
Explore the beauty of the pure and intact nature and rich cultural heritage, surrounding this gorgeous destination.
The mighty peaks, vast forests, colourful meadows and crystal-clean waters – the Julian Alps have the abundance of inspiration for your next adventure or relaxing break. The Triglav, with an elevation of 2,863.65 metres (9,395.2 ft), is the highest mountain in Slovenia and the highest peak of the Julian Apls. The mountain is the pre-eminent symbol of the Slovene nation. It is the centrepiece of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only national park.
DAM, Michelin Star Restaurant by Chef Uroš Fakuč
The atmosphere of the restaurant evokes the charm and elegance of an urban environment with particular attention to intimacy. You will be impressed by the relaxed atmosphere, pleasant music and culinary enjoyment. You will be served in the main hall, but for those looking for a more intimate atmosphere, we offer a private room in the rotunda.
Expect the unexpected. You will be seduced with the original dishes that contribute essential to the success of the evening. Restaurant is serving 300 different wines from Slovenia, Italy, France and Austria.
Today’s Ride
Loop Ride: Goriška Brda
60 km
Highlights
GORIŠKA BRDA
The identity of the Brda region, a land of invigorating moments, has been carved by both international winds and homeland soil.
DINNER: VILLA VIPOLŽE
Vila Vipolže tells a story in the heart of the Slavic, Germanic and Romanic worlds.
Vila Vipolže was initially a hunters’ lodge of the Counts of Gorizia and was used for a long time for summer vacations. The subsequent owners were the noblemen of the families Herberstein, Della Torre, Attems and Teuffenbach. In the 16th and 17th centuries, the mansion experienced the war between the Emperors and the Venetians. The latter renovated the mansion in the first half of the 17th century, making it an exquisite Renaissance villa in a rectangular form, with two angular towers leaning against it and with Venetian décor. The owners used it as summer residence with a magnificent park embellished by a Baroque fountain.
Vila Vipolže was not spared during the two World Wars, and in 1948 it was also struck by fire. The sleeping beauty occasionally hosted events and wine festivals on the newly built dance floor. Now the construction scaffolds have fallen. The Vipolže Villa has awakened. A true cosmopolitan that has opened for the first time as the new regional cultural congress center.
Today’s Ride
Nova Gorica – Ajdovščina – Podkraj – Kalce – Logatec – Vrhnika – Ljubljana
80 km
Highlights
LJUBJANA CITY CENTER
In Ljubljana old city centre there are many interesting spots to visit: Ljubljanica River, Plečnik’s Architecture Buildings, Dragon Bridge, Ljubljana Castle with Funicular Fare, Prešeren Square, Town Hall, Tivoli Park.
ATELJE, Michelin Star Restaurant by Chef Jorg Zupan
Simple, but refined: Atelje is a small restaurant in the center of the city where a group of chefs, waiters and sommeliers and most of all friends, work together on a daily basis to give our guests a memorable experience and a good time. We try to uphold a very relaxed and informal atmosphere without compromising on our professional attitude. Our principle is to have complete freedom in the daily creative process and also give our guests the maximum freedom to enjoy themselves.
Meet the team: we are young, young also by heart. In our kitchen is loud music – soul, funk, rock, pop, blues. You can find a lot of passion to.
Food: the food in Atelje is a product of team work in the kitchen, weather its the creative or the actual technical process of cooking.
We pride ourselves on cooking in a natural way, using local ingredients, keeping up with the season and making about 90% of our products in house.
Sometimes we get the inspiration from old traditional Slovenian recepies, sometimes we take a different approach.
The main objective is that we are free … so the guest can be free as well.
*Optional – Rest Day
Visiting Postojna Cave
MEET THE QUEEN OF CAVES
Postojna Cave is the only place where you can see the most precious brilliant in the form of a cave formation and also meet the baby dragons. Just like the world above the surface, Postojna Cave boasts towering mountains, murmuring rivers and vast subterranean halls. It is a real challenge for explorers and the cradle of speleobiology. Before 1818, visitors could visit a mere 300 metres of the cave, while today more than five kilometres of fascinating cave chambers, passageways and spectacular halls can be seen as part of a cave tour.
Departure
We recommend to book your return flight from Ljubljana (Slovenia), Zagreb (Croatia) or Graz (Austria).
For all guests returning to the United States, COVID-19 testing can be booked at the end of the trip at a convenient location that allows for proper timing to receive results.
If you decide to prolong your trip for one or few more days, please check our hotel recommendations in Ljubljana:
Intercontinental Ljubljana
Hotel Slon
About us
We’re a specialized agency for premium road bike rentals and road cycling tours across Slovenia. Explore with us the first country in the world to be declared a green destination.