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Emerald route Slovenia, 8 days
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The Ferrari Garden in Stanjel

Emerald Route in Slovenia

Discover the best of Slovenia

8 Days / 7 Nights
Medium
The Ferrari Garden in Stanjel

Slovenia might not be the first destination that comes to mind for a seaside journey, but the Emerald Route is utterly enchanting. Starting in the capital, Ljubljana, you'll cycle through lush forests and picturesque vineyards on your way to the coast. Mystical caves, romantic castles, and charming bays line your path to Piran. The landscape grows more Mediterranean with every kilometer, and the locals' exceptional friendliness adds to the experience. You pack your bags – we'll plan your tour.

View of Piran
Old stone bridge in Slovenia
Panorama of Postojna
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Isabella Graf
Isabella Graf
+43 6219 60866 141
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Ljubljana's historic city center buzzes with a lively, modern flair. Just outside the city, you'll encounter an impressive moorland landscape. As you head south, mountains and lakes guide your journey. Cross the stunning Rakov Škocjan nature reserve on your way to Postojna. The next day, marvel at Predjama Castle, dramatically built right into the rock face.

The route leads through quaint villages to Divaca and across the Italian border to Muggia. Along the way, you'll encounter many attractions, including the Lipizzaner stud farm in Lipica and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Škocjan Caves. Upon reaching the coast, soak in the magnificent views and stop at picturesque bays. Follow the former railroad line "Parenzana" to Portorož and finally to Piran, two charming towns that are well worth a visit.

  • The white horses of Lipica: Founded in 1580, the stud farm is home to the world-famous Lipizzaner horses, celebrated for their elegance, grace, and mastery of classical horsemanship. The farm boasts historic stables, riding arenas, and vast pastures where the Lipizzaners are bred and trained. With a bit of luck, you might catch a mesmerizing dressage demonstration by these magnificent horses.
  • A look at the UNESCO World Heritage Site: The Škocjan Caves are renowned for their unique ecosystem, impressive underground landscapes, and significant cultural and geological importance. Highlights of the caves include the underground river Reka, which flows through a vast gorge, and the various halls adorned with stunning stalactite formations.
  • The port of roses: Portorož is a well-known seaside resort on the Adriatic coast. The name means "Portorose" in Slovenian, which translates to "Port of Roses." The town invites you to indulge – whether at the beautiful beaches, the thermal baths, or the lively promenade.

Some hills trace the route from inland to the coast. With stages no longer than 50 kilometers, daily activity is kept to a minimum, allowing ample time to explore attractions along the way. Our local team is ready to assist with your needs, and your luggage will be transferred between hotels throughout the eight-day tour.

Slovenia sees fewer tourists compared to its neighbor Italy, which is a major vacation destination. However, a cycling tour in Slovenia offers pristine beauty, wild charm, and a friendly atmosphere.

View of Piran
Old stone bridge in Slovenia
Panorama of Postojna

Itinerary at a glance

Forests, vineyards, and limestone caves accompany you from Ljubljana to the Mediterranean. Lipica is home to the famous Lipizzaner horses, and in Postojna, you'll visit the well-known show cave. Taking a dip in the sea is a must in Piran.

Time to visit places of interest, as for example fortress Laibach and the old city centre of the capital city.

Start with a bike ride across the 160 square kilometre Ljubljana Bog. The so-called "Ljubljansko Barje" was once a large lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape that is now home to some of the rarest bird, plant and insect species in Europe. Along the way, you can visit the remains of the world's highest railroad viaduct in Borovnica and refresh yourself in a typical karst lake in Podpec. Curious people will enjoy the visit to the Technical Museum of Slovenia in Bistra Castle.

Today you will experience the typical Slovenian landscape of this area. Admire the huge world of limestone as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and Planina Lake. In the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve you can stop by the Rak River and marvel at the breathtaking gorge. After the arrival in Postojna is the possibility to go and visit the cave of Postonja, the biggest cave in Kars and the most visited cave in Europe.

In the morning you can visit the impressive castle of Predjama. It is in built into the rock walls and it was the home for the knight Erasmus who is buried under the Hoflinde.

Visit the botanical garden of Sežana before you cycle through sleepy villages and beautiful wine hills until you get to Lipica. It is the home of the world-famous Lipizzaner horses. Historical fans have the possibility to visit the impressive military gallery in the fortified tower in Lokey.

Today you can visit the Škocjan Caves, listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site. On the way to the Adriatic it goes downhill with a beautiful coast panorama till the border of Italy. You have the possibility to make a tour to Trieste to enjoy the Italian “Dolce Vita”. The tour ends in Muggia where you can enjoy a tasty Gelato in the evening.

Along the coast to Izola enjoy your biking tour because you cycle on the new bike route from the former railroad track “Patenzana”, the connection from Trieste to Poreč. Through the sophisticated Portoroz you get to your tour destination, the old Venetian city Piran on the southwest end of Slovenia.

Day
08
Departure or extension
Cyclists group cycling through cornfields
Town center of Piran
Lipizzaner on a green meadow
Castle in Postojna
Cycling group on the Smaragd route

Route information

Medium

You cycle mainly on side roads with less traffic. In parts also on bike paths and good rideable gravel roads. On city entrances and exits also on roads with more traffic. Slightly hilly to hilly routing.

Prices & Dates

Category: 3***- and 4****-hotels, in Stanjle simple accommodation 3***level

Prices per person in EUR

Our rental bikes

Rental bike partner unisex
Unisex bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality unisex touring bike with comfortable low entry

Rental bike partner men
Men's bike 9 to 30-speed
Derailleur gears with freewheel

High-quality men's touring bike with classic diamond frame

Rental bike partner e-bike
E-bike 7 to 21-speed
with freewheel

High-quality unisex electric bike with comfortable low entry

Services & Information

Further details about this tour

Included

  • Accommodation as already mentioned
  • Breakfast
  • Luggage transfer (1 piece of luggage per person, max. 23 kg)
  • App for navigation and GPS-data
  • Service hotline
  • Tourist tax

Optional

  • Printed travel documents (German, English, French, Dutch), costs EUR 30 per package

Optional transfers

  • Ljubljana Airport – Hotel EUR 65 per transfer (1-3 persons), EUR 79 per transfer (4-8 persons)
  • Trieste Airport – Ljubljana EUR 189 per transfer (1-3 persons), EUR 229 per transfer (4-8 persons)
  • Piran – Trieste airport EUR 149 per transfer (1-3 persons), EUR 189 per transfer (4-8 persons)
  • Piran – Trieste centre EUR 99 per transfer (1-3 persons), EUR 129 per transfer (4-8 persons
  • Piran – Ljubljana centre EUR 199 per transfer (1-3 persons), EUR 239 per transfer (4-8 persons)
  • Piran – Ljubljana airport EUR 219 per transfer (1-3 persons), EUR 269 per transfer (4-8 persons)
  • Reservation necessary, payable in advance

Arrival / Parking / Departure

  • Ljubljana train station
  • Ljubljana, Trieste, or Klagenfurt airport

Things to note

  • Minimum number of participants: 2 persons
  • Further important information according to the package travel law can be found here!
  • This tour is a partner tour.

From our Cycling Blog

Crocodile flowers
Team Members on Tour
Discovering Slovenia
Travelling is part of my job – every journey is so special! I went on an exciting tour of Slovenia at the end of March. Above all, I wanted to explore our cycle tour along the Emerald Route and of course get to know other parts of the country. Here’s a summary of my experiences:
Isabella Graf

"I look forward to making your vacation dreams come true."

Isabella Graf
Travel Specialist
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+43 6219 60866 141
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