Difficulty Rating : 6 Start: Ljubljana Finish: Piran Terrain: Mixture of flat and rolling terrain Daily Average: 40km Weekly Average: 243km Tour Type: Self Guided Teaser: A week to explore the beauty and diversity of Slovenia.
  • Overview
  • Trip Outline
  • Trip Includes
  • FAQ
  • What people say...
  • Pricing
  • Travel
  • Accomodation
  • Resources
  • Booking

A week to explore the beauty and diversity of Slovenia.

From Ljubljana you cycle across an immense marshy plain that formed about 6000 years ago from a former lake that dried up and left an incredibly diverse landscape with a unique wildlife behind. You continue cycling past Slivnica Mountains and the magical disappearing lakes of Cerknica and Planina, and the wonders of this vast world of limestone.

In the town of Postojna you can visit the beautiful underground Postojna caves with limestone caverns and giant stalactites and stalagmites. You can spend your rest day in a typical Karst village in the heart of vineyard country, where you will see a museum of well-kept traditional houses built entirely from the surrounding limestone. You can't miss a visit to Lipica Stud Farm - one of the most beautiful cultural and historical monuments of Slovenia and the home to Lipizzaner horses.

On your last day you can visit the lively port of Italian Trieste en route to the last overnight stay in a port town of Koper.

No details found.

A downloadable version of the itinery is available from the Resources Tab

Itineraries

Day 1

Arrival to Ljubljana

Once settled into your hotel, you can visit the historic old town with its ornate, old-world architecture and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Then it’s a short walk or ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill. As the sun goes down you can relax with a drink in the many outdoor bars/cafes beside the Ljubljanica River.

Day 2

Ljubjana ~ Vrhnika (39 km)

A nice easy first day across the historic and richly diverse plains surrounding the capital. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving an incredibly diverse landscape behind, that is now home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. The picturesque Iški Vintgar gorge nature reserve awaits,carved deep into a stunning limestone dolomite plateau before we arrive in Vrhnika.

Day 3

Vrhnika ~ Postojna (32 km / 44 km)

Your cycle is away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You can stop for a picnic lunch in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve, where the Rak River has carved out a stunning gorge containing some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges. So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills. This is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometres.

Day 4

Postojna ~ Stanjel/Kodreti (42 km/ 48 km)

Today you can visit the beautiful Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills. This is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometres, a fairytale world full of large and colourful stalactites and stalagmites. You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama castle, wedged tight into a crevasse halfway up a 123-meter cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin.

Day 5

Stanjel ~ Lipica ~ Divaca (48 km)

First stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. If you have the time for a couple of side-trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in the village tower of Lokev.

Day 6

Divaca ~ Muggia (38 km)

Another chanced to visit amazing caves, this time at Škocjan, listed as UNESCO natural monument. You can take a slight diversion into the Italian town of Trieste – once an important part of Slovenia with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. The cycle ends in Muggia – a seaside village south of Trieste. After days of cycling, it is time to enjoy a gelato in the old centre of town or relax at one of the beaches

Day 7

Muggia ~ Piran (37km)

You cycle along the coastal road following a former railway line, wonderful views of the Slovene coast and Trieste Bay opening out in front of you. A coffee stop in the fashionable resort of Portoroz is a must before ending up in the beautiful Venietian harbour village of Piran. A fitting end to a beautiful trip.

  • 7 nights accommodation in 3 & 4 star hotels & gueshouses with breakfast
    • Luggage transfers (1 bag/23 kg / 45 lb per person, additional bags €60 per item, payable on tour) 
  • Tour description and maps in electronic format
  • GPS files
  • Local tourist taxes
  • Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting upon arrival
  • Back up service ( hotline )

Bike rental is not included in our 2024 tour price. This is an additional:
€95.00   Hybrid / Touring Bike
€235.00 Electric Bike

No Details Found

This is my 5th Cycling Safaris tour, and I am thoroughly pleased. Having done tours with and without a guide; I really recommend having a guide as you always learn so much more about the places you visit. Our tour guide Blaz was the first rate!
The accommodations were good. My bicycle was first class, trouble-free; and the Euro goes so much further in Slovenia! 

Andres Ruetman (Slovenia Emerald tour June 2016)

We had a great time and loved Slovenia, warm and friendly people! Our guide Blosh was great and very helpful. We recommend this tour wholeheartedly! 

Doug Munday (Slovenia Emerald Group Tour June 2016)

EMERALD 7 NIGHT TOUR SELF GUIDED 2024
€900 per person sharing Low Season (23 March - 3 May & 21 September - 12 October)
€955 per person sharing High Season (4 May - 20 September)
€280/ 305 (high)single room supplement (if traveling with others) 
€490 solo traveler supplement (if traveling alone)

Self Guided Tour Information

Self guided tour can start any day from 23 March until 12 October

How to get to the start point in Ljubljana:

The main access point is to fly into Ljubjlana (the capital).  You could alternativley fly into Trieste and make your way to Ljubljana for the start of the tour

We can pre-order taxis for you from various locations on request, so please contact us well in advance of the tour if you would like help.
Transfers: Price per transfer, one way. No pooling permitted.

Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana    : €60   ( 1-3 persons ) / €75 ( 4 - 8 persons )
Trieste Airport to Ljubljana        : €180 ( 1-3 persons ) / €220 ( 4-8 persons )
Piran to Trieste City                     : €90   ( 1-3 persons) / €120( 4 - 8 persons )
Piran to Trieste Airport               : €145 ( 1-3 persons ) /  €180( 4 - 8 persons )
Piran to Ljubljana City                : €180 ( 1-3 persons ) /  €220 ( 4 - 8 persons )

As always please contact us in the office for more information (info@cyclingsafaris.com).

Ljubljana

Day 1: Ljubljana hotel M 4* ( left image )  or   Hotel Pri Mraku 3*   orHotel Slon 4* ( right image ) 

Ljubljana image 1Ljubljana image 1

VRHNIKA

Day 2: Vrhnika hotel Mantova 3*

VRHNIKA image 1VRHNIKA image 1

POSTOJNA

Day 3: Hotel Kras 4*

POSTOJNA image 1POSTOJNA image 1

KODRETI

Day 4: Štanjel hiša posebne sorte(tourist farm)

KODRETI image 1KODRETI image 1

DIVACA

Day 5:Hotel Malovec 3*

DIVACA image 1DIVACA image 1

MUGGIA

Day 6: Hotel San Rocco 4*

MUGGIA image 1MUGGIA image 1

PIRAN

Day 7: Hotel Tartini 3*

PIRAN image 1PIRAN image 1

Tour Date Options

Red = booked out / not available, Blue = Limited Availability, Green = available

Book now

Booking Form

Primary Contact Details.

Section Divider

Insurance

We require you to have Travel Insurance when you book the tour. It is important that you are covered in case of cancellation due to injury as the deposit is non refundable

Section Divider (copy)

Other members of your group if applicable.

Please indicate below how many people are in your group including yourself.

Second person details

Third person details

Fourth person details

Fifth person details

 

Sixth person details

 

Seventh person details

 

Eighth person details

 

Ninth person details

 

Tenth person details

 

Section Divider (copy) (copy)

Acommodation

For single travellers, we organise accommodation on a twin sharing basis. Please note it may not be possible on all our tours and a single supplement will be applied.

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy)

Other Information

Section Divider (copy) (copy) (copy) (copy)

Payment Information

If you have been on a previous tour, there is a €50.00 discount on our week long tours in Ireland (unfortunately this discount does not apply to other European trips)

A €250.00 deposit is required for each person booking on a holiday. The Balance payment is required two month prior to the starting date. The deposit is forfeited in the event of a cancellation of your booking. The balancing payment is also non-refundable in the event of the cancellation occuring within 14 days of the tour starting date. All transactions are taken in Euro.

We will contact you to confirm your booking and payment details.

Please ensure that you have read the terms and conditions before proceeding.

Hide Terms and Conditions

Booking Conditions

Irish Cycling Safaris Ltd (“the Company”) accepts bookings subject to the following conditions:

  • The contract is between the Company and the client, being any person travelling or intending to travel on a tour operated by the company. The contract, including all matters arising from it, is subject to Irish law and the exclusive jurisdiction of the Irish courts. A booking is accepted and becomes definite only from the date when the company sends a confirmation. It is at this point that a contract between the company and the client comes into existence. Before your booking is confirmed and comes into existence the company reserves the right to increase or decrease brochure prices. The company or their agents reserve the right to decline any booking at their discretion.
  • To secure a booking the Company or their agent requires a completed booking form and the necessary deposit. (Full payment if travel within 60 days). The first named client must be over 18 years of age. Clients booking by telephone, by website/E-mail or fax will be deemed to have signed the booking form and read and accepted our terms of booking. The person signing, or being deemed to sign, the booking form warrants that he/she has full authority to do so on behalf of all persons whose names appear thereon, and confirms that all such persons are fully aware of and accept these conditions.
  • The balance of all monies due, including any surcharges applicable at the time, must be paid to the company or their agents not later than 60 days before departure. In the case of non-payment of the balance by the due date the Company reserves the right to cancel your booking and cancellation charges will apply. If any cheque is dishonoured we reserve the right to charge €25 to cover administration costs.
  • Travel Insurance is mandatory for all clients whilst on a tour organised by the Company. Clients are wholly responsible for arranging their own insurance. Clients are responsible for ensuring that they are in possession of private Travel insurance with protection for the full duration of the tour in respect of at least medical expenses, injury, death, repatriation, cancellation and curtailment, with adequate cover.
  • An administration fee of €25 per booking plus any additional costs incurred will be charged if a confirmed booking is changed or transferred to a different departure date or tour, up to 60 days prior to departure. Thereafter all changes will be treated as cancellations and subject to the relevant charges. Changes are subject to availability. For an administration fee of €25 you may request a credit voucher. This must be redeemed within 12 months of issue and must be used against a new booking. The voucher is non transferable and cannot be exchanged for cash. In certain circumstances, which the Company considers reasonable, the booking may be transferred to another suitable person; however the tour arrangements must remain the same and will only be allowed if all suppliers agree to accept the name change. If a transfer is allowed an administration charge of €25 per person will be charged plus any extra charges levied by suppliers.
  • Should the client wish to cancel, cancellation charges will be imposed. These are calculated from the day written notification is received by the company or their agent as a percentage of the total tour price, including surcharges as follows:

    > 60 days before departure – retention of deposit

    60-14 days before departure – 50%

    < 14 days before departure – 100%

  • Clients are responsible for arranging, and must be in possession of, a valid passport and any visas and vaccination certificates required for the whole of their journey. Information about these matters or related items (climate, clothing, baggage, personal items etc) is given in good faith but without responsibility on the part of the company.
  • Should the client have a reason to complain, you must immediately notify our representative and the relevant supplier. If the client’s complaint is not dealt with satisfactorily at the time, they must write to us with full details of the complaint within 28 days of the end of the tour. Failure to notify complaints entirely within accordance of this clause will diminish or extinguish the client’s ability to claim compensation.
  • The company provides all services on a “ground only” basis. The client is responsible for arranging their own travel to the designated start points of each tour. The company cannot accept any liability for any delay/cancellation in your transportation and cannot offer any refunds for lost holiday time.
  • Clients agree to accept the authority and decisions of the Company’s employees, tour leaders and agents whilst on the tour with the company. If in the opinion of such persons the health, level of fitness or conduct of a client at any time before or after departure appears likely to endanger the safe, comfortable or happy progress of a tour the client may be excluded from all or part of the tour without refund or recompense. In the case of ill health the company may make such arrangements as it sees fit and recover the costs thereof from the client. If a client commits an illegal act the client may be excluded from the tour and the Company shall cease to have responsibility to/for them. If you are affected by a condition, medical or otherwise, that might affect you or affect other people’s enjoyment or active participation of the tour, you must advise us at the time of booking. No refund will be given for any unused services.
  • The Company will use its best endeavours to operate all tours as advertised. However, it reserves the right to change any of the facilities, services, prices or itineraries described in our brochure/website. If a major change is necessary or deemed advisable, the company will advise the client as soon as reasonably possible, if there is no time before departure. A major change does not apply to a change of transport or named accommodation, but is usually considered a major change in itinerary or change in duration of a client’s holiday. If advised of a major change before departure, the client will have the choice of accepting changes (at additional cost if applicable), purchasing another available tour from the company, or cancelling the tour with a full refund.

    Provided that the major change is not as a result of situations outside the company’s control or consolidation, compensation will be paid as follows:

    Notification Period Given / Compensation Per Person

    More than 30 days: Nil

    14-30 days: €40

    Less than 14 days: €50

     
  • Force Majeure. We regret we cannot accept liability or pay any compensation where the performance or prompt performance of our contractual obligations is prevented or affected by reasons of circumstance amounting to “force majeure”. In these conditions “force majeure” means any event which we the supplier of services in question could not, even with all due care, foresee or avoid. Such events include war or threat of war, riot, civil strife, industrial dispute, terrorist activity, natural or nuclear disaster, fire or adverse weather conditions, epidemics or health risks and all similar events outside our control.
  • The company reserves the right to cancel a tour in any circumstances but will not cancel a tour less than 4 weeks before departure except for “force majeure”, consolidation, or the client’s failure to pay the final balance. Unless the client fails to pay the final balance, the company, upon cancellation will return all monies paid to it, or offer the client an alternative holiday of comparable standard if available (if less expensive than original we will refund the difference, if more expensive, the client will have to pay the difference). Compensation will not be payable (1) where the company is forced to cancel as a result of unusual and unforeseeable circumstances beyond our control, the consequences of which we could not have avoided even with all due care or (2) where an insufficient number of people book the clients chosen holiday and we notify we are cancelling for this reason not less than 28 days before departure. In all cases our liability is limited to offering the above choices and the compensation payments (where applicable) set out in clause 11. No compensation is payable if we notify you of cancellation more than 8 weeks before departure. We cannot be held responsible for any costs or expenses you may have as a result of cancellation.
  • Client’s bookings are accepted on the understanding that they appreciate the risks inherent in adventure travel and that they undertake the tours featured in our programme at their own volition. Our obligations, and those of any suppliers providing any service or facility involved in any travel arrangements you book with us, are to provide services and facilities with reasonable care and skill. Facilities will be provided to the realistic minimum standard recommended by the regulatory authorities responsible.
  • Bike Hire: The equipment including all accessories supplied is let out on hire. The equipment remains the property of the company and the Client will not sell, hire out or otherwise part with the possessions thereof.

    The Client undertakes not to misuse the equipment and to return it with all accessories in the same condition as when received (ordinary wear and tear accepted). The company shall be entitled to charge the client for any damages caused to equipment during the period of hire. In event of a breakdown, other than a result of the Clients misuse, the company will use its best endeavours to repair or procure repair of the equipment.

    The company will not be liable for any damage or loss whatsoever, through breakdown or other defect in the equipment or other circumstances beyond the company’s control. The Client shall indemnify the company with respect to all costs, claims, expenses and demands suffered or incurred which arise directly or indirectly out of the use of the equipment during the period of hire. The company reserves the right to charge the client for partial or full settlement of any claim. In the event of the equipment being stolen or lost, the company reserves the right to call upon the client to indemnify the company the replacement of the equipment. However, should the equipment subsequently be returned in a satisfactory condition, the company undertakes to refund the clients indemnity within 14 days.

    The Client will ensure that the equipment is adequately secured when not in use, will not use the equipment whilst under the influence of drink or drugs and will immediately notify the company in the event of breakdown or loss of equipment.

  • Clients bringing their own bikes do so on the proviso that their equipment is in a suitable condition for participation in a tour. Responsibility for maintenance of bicycles brought by clients rests with the client. The company will endeavour to accommodate such clients, but cannot guarantee that correct tools and spares will be available, given the wide range of possibilities that exist.