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
PRICE PER PERSON
- Individual tour: Adults 540 EUR any dday between April 7th and October 10th, 2008
- Group tour: Adults 650 EUR,
starting on Saturdays May 3rd, June 7th, July 5th, August 2nd and September 6th, 2008
| Days /nights |
8days / 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)
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 |
Entrance fees.
There is free but unguarded parking lot in the port of Koper.
Bike insurance: bikes are insured against minor breaks and normal wear (up to a damage of 10 EUR). They are not insured against theft or frame break. Insurance is available against these events at the rate of 1 EUR per bike per day.
Transfers to and from Trieste (Ryan air) and Ljubljana (Easy jet) airport are available at request.
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| Supplements |
Half board 80 EUR (includes 7 dinners in hotels).
Single room 110 EUR
Bike rental 70 EUR for 6 days (touring bikes are equipped with a lock, pannier and a basic repair set. Price includes delivery and pick up)
Helmet rental 12 EUR per week
Personal transfer from Koper to Ljubljana 45 EUR p.p. (minimum 2 persons); needs to be ordered when booking the trip! |
| Discounts |
Children between 6 and 12 years when sharing room with parents -30% on the basic price.
Third adult person on an extra bed (sharing) in a double room: -10% on the basic price.
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