Esmerald Route
Classical Slovene bike trekking trip takes you along most known Slovene historical attractions and many natural points of interest. It can be done individual self guided trip or as a group tour with our guide accompany guests on bike. Suitable for cyclists of average fitness.
Tour description
Day 1: ARRIVAL TO LJUBLJANA
Main attractions: Slovene capital, old town centre and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Mighty fortress above the city.
We liked: relaxing with a drink on the bank of Ljubljanica river. Evening walk, enjoying the lights and the sounds of the city. (3* hotel).
Day 2: LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA (40 km; 58 km with a detour)
Cycling across Ljubljansko Barje, large flatland, former marsh area surrounding the capital; flat. (4* hotel).
Main attractions: a short walk into Vintgar gorge nature reserve, remains of the world highest railway viaduct in Borovnica, Technical Museum of republic of Slovenia – there’s a great hunting collection and an exhibition on Titos’ cars.
Day 3: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (34 km; 44 km with a detour)
Hilly day, side forest roads. Flat sections cross typical Carst fields. (3* hotel).
Main attractions: some real Slovenian countryside - away from main tourist routes and off the beaten track.
We liked: a picnic lunch in the nature reserve Rakov Škocjan - underneath some beautiful landscape forms.
Day 4: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL (45 km; 55 km with a detour)
Easy route, one long descend, some hills afterwards. (2* country inn).
Main attractions: Postojna caves - world famous attraction - so far nearly 30 million visitors! Beautiful undergound lime stone formations, not forgetting to mention the unique “human fish”!
We liked: a detour possibility to Predjama castle. The last Slovene knight once owned it. Learn about his romantic destiny.
Day 5: DAY OFF IN ŠTANJEL OR ROUND TRIP (30 km)
Day of rest. No biking or a short trip to neighbouring villages.
Main attractions: Štanjel, village - museum of well kept old houses. Wider area of WWI fights of Isonzo front: different touching monuments. Visit of local artist – painter in a typical Carst village.
We liked: food in the hotel, delicious Carts ham, and tasty wine from domestic cellar. Great vistas from Štanjel village, nice picnic area in a special garden.
Day 6: ŠTANJEL – LIPICA (37 km)
Mostly flat, one longer, but gradual climb. (3* hotel).
Botanical garden in Sežana, stud farm of Lipica. Unusual but very interesting “war museum” set in a village tower of Lokev.
Lipicaner horses - known from Vienna Spanish riding school. Got to see their show, or take a ride with a carriage.
Day 7: LIPICA – TRIESTE – KOPER (60 km)
Long downhill from Carst high plateau to Trieste. (3* hotel).
Main attractions: Trieste - once an important port with its worldly flair and atmosphere. All world cultures have once left a mark in this city. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. Koper – an “island” town above Adriatic.
We liked: cappuccino in Trieste old-fashioned cafes. Alternatively you can skip Trieste and enjoy an afternoon on the beach!
Day 8: Departure from Koper and end of tour
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PRICE PER PERSON
- Individual tour: Adults Euro 590 any day between April 3rd and October 9th, 2010
- Group tour: Adults Euro 690,
starting on Saturdays May 8th, June 12th, July 10th, August 7th and September 11th, 2010. Minimum participants 6 people, maximum 16
| Price pp self guided in double occupancy from Euro |
590 |
| Price pp guided in double occupancy from Euro |
690 |
| Days/nights |
8 days/7 nights |
| Included Services
|
- Both tour types:
accommodation in the above mentioned 3 & 4-star hotels and country inns in two bedded room with WC and shower, on basis of bed & breakfast.
- Luggage transport between the hotels (one piece per person) Additional luggage: next to one piece of luggage, a handbag is free of charge. For every additional item there will be additional surcharge of Euro 5 to be paid locally.
- Information package including detailed route description with corresponding maps (one per booking party, maps have to be returned to Helia after trip).
- Free entry to swimming pools in Lipica and Koper hotels. Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
- Wine tasting in Hruševica (2 sorts of wine, wine liquer and cheese).
- Extra with group tour:a licenced English speaking guide who cycles with a group.
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| Not included Services
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- Cost before and after tour
- Entrance fees
- Transfers to and from Trieste (Ryan air) and Ljubljana (Easy jet) airport are available at request.
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| Supplements |
-
Half-board Euro 120 (includes 7 dinners in hotels).
- Single room Euro 110
- Bike rental Euro 75 for 6 days (touring bikes are equipped with a lock, pannier and a basic repair set. Price includes delivery and pick up)
- Helmet rental Euro 12 per week
- Bike insurance: bikes are insured against minor breaks and normal wear. They are not insured against theft
or frame break. Insurance is available against these events at the rate of Euro 2 per bike per day, paid locally.
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| Discounts |
Children below 2 years of age (babies till their 2nd birthday): free
Children between 2 and 6 years (children after their 2nd birthday until (and including) their 6th birthday: 50%
discount.
Children between 6 and 12 years (children after their 6th birthday until (and including) their 12th birthday: 30%
discount.
Third adult person on additional bed in a double room: 10% discount. |
| General information |
There is free but unguarded parking lot in the port of Koper. Main hotel in Ljubljana has a free and video controlled parking lot. |
Personal transfers
per person |
Ljubljana AP to Bled min 2 pers. Euro 35
Koper to Ljubljana AP Euro 50 |
| Additional nights |
*** Hotel in Ljubljana: Euro 62 per person in standard double room, BB. Single room: Euro 75 Half-board:+Euro 12
*** Hotel in Koper: Euro 62 per person in standard double room, BB. Euro 69 per person in superior double
room, BB. Single room: + 19 EUR. Half-board: + Euro 12 |
