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From stunning Lake Bled, with a backdrop of Slovenia's Julian Alps, along the Alpe Adria Trail, and into Italy
Arrive at your stunningly located 4-star hotel overlooking Lake Bled, its romantic island and mountains beyond. Time for a refreshing dip, sauna or massage before sampling chef Andrej Rovan's gastronomic cuisine - we promise that dining here for the next 2 nights will be a real treat! (Staying at Hotel Triglav, Half Board)
Your circular warm-up ride takes you first along the shore of Lake Bled and then through a series of sleepy Slovenian hamlets and on to 12th century Kamen Castle. Explore its Gothic and Renaissance keeps, and climb the preserved Roman tower - great views from the top. Picnic at the peaceful Zavrsnica Reservoir then cross the white-water Sava Dolinka River back towards Bled. We strongly recommend the short uphill detour to its castle - the oldest in Slovenia - with towers, ramparts, moat and viewing terrace. (Staying at Hotel Triglav, Half Board)
Distance in Km: 41
Distance in Miles: 26
After breakfast, we take you (25 mins) to Mojstrana, a gateway village to the Triglav National Park. You can almost reach out and touch the jagged limestone pinnacles of the Julian Alps on the one side, and the contrasting rolling hills of the Karawanken mountains on the other, as you start your cycle west through the valley. Birdlife here is prolific so look out for eagles, hawks and rare birds of prey as you approach charming Kranjska Gora, a pretty alpine ski village and fantastic lunch spot. A pine-scented stretch then leads you across the border and down to the gorgeous 4 star Hotel Edelhof, just 5 minutes' walk from the village centre. (Staying at Hotel Edelhof, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 36
Distance in Miles: 23
Widely regarded as the 'jewel in the crown' of the Julian Alps, the twin glacial lakes of Fusine are breathtakingly beautiful. Alternatively, if you're up for a longer cycling challenge, it's an exhilarating ride over the border to the Austrian alpine town of Arnoldstein where a chairlift whisks you to the tripoint where Austria, Italy and Slovenia meet - a fabulous experience and undoubtedly one of the best photo opportunities of the week! (Staying at Hotel Edelhof, Breakfast only)
A longer but totally undemanding cycling route today packed with interest, colour and natural beauty. After a 400m descent (great fun!) into the wooded Fella Valley, your traffic-free cycle trails wind through cheery mountain communities - often criss-crossing the river below - en route to Venzone, a jaw-droppingly pretty medieval walled town, famous for its lavender. (Staying at Agriturismo Casali Scjs, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 65
Distance in Miles: 41
As the sun rises the valley lights up and the mountain silhouettes come to life; you coast effortlessly along tranquil lanes, passing fruit orchards, vineyards and remote churches nestled in the rolling foothills of the Friuli hills. Lots of traditional villages - Tavagnacco, Treppo Piccolo and Osoppo - will tempt you for lunch before you continue on through gentian-carpeted meadows to the historic regional capital, Udine. (Staying at Astoria Hotel Italia, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 50
Distance in Miles: 32
The birthplace of acclaimed 17th century artist, Giambattista Tiepolo, Udine's honeycomb of brightly coloured, portico-lined squares between Piazza Liberta, known as 'the most beautiful Venetian piazza on the mainland' and Piazza Matteotti, boast fine shops, historic cafes and traditional osterias and are the very essence of this friendly city. For a longer day out Venice can be reached (90 mins) by train. (Staying at Astoria Hotel Italia, Breakfast only)
If you fancy the idea of gentle pedalling from one pretty wine village to the next - with lots of traditional tasting trattorias thrown in - then this is the day for you! Enjoy lunch in medieval Pavia di Udine then it's on through sun-dappled cornfields and swaying vines to the 16th century star-fort citadel of Palmanova. (Staying at Hotel ai Dogi Palmanova, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 31
Distance in Miles: 20
The highlight of today's cycle is, without doubt, the UNESCO-listed, ancient Roman city of Aquileia, a self-standing masterpiece of sacred art and historical treasure. Discover its immense archaeological site, magnificent 14th century mosaics and dominant patriarchal basilica before heading down the spectacular Adriatic lagoon to the island town of Grado where the elegant 4 star Hotel Hannover overlooks the charming port, and is just 200m from the beach. (Staying at Hotel Hannover, Breakfast only)
Distance in Km: 30
Distance in Miles: 19
It's easy to see why Grado is known as the 'Sun Island' and you may well be tempted to spend the day relaxing on its sandy beaches simply soaking up the lovely views over the sea to Croatia and Slovenia! But do make time to stroll the calli e campielli (lanes and courtyards) of the well-kept historic town. Here you'll find winding alleys, pretty little squares and traditional cason (old fishermen's houses clustered together almost one on top of the other). There is the option to cycle along the coast through the Cavanta nature reserve to the delta of the River Isonzo too. (Staying at Hotel Hannover, Breakfast only)
10 nights hotel-to-hotel6 Days cyclingAll continental breakfasts and 2
evening mealsManagement by your local Headwater-appointed agentRoute
directions and maps High quality bikesLuggage transfers between
hotels Entrance to the Slovenian Alpine Museum
All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals.Slovenia’s cuisine reflects
its rich heritage. Neighbours Austria, Italy and Hungary influence most
dishes on the menu. In the mountains, Austrian style salamis (klobasa)
prevail. You’ll often find them seasoning the hearty soups served in the
Alpine huts. Kruha juha is the best - you get to eat the bowl too as it’s
made out of bread! The Hungarian influence is seen in the spicy meat
dishes. Pleskavica (steak with herbs and paprika) is a good one to try.
On the coast, you’ll find Italian fayre, like rizota (risotto) with fresh
mussels or zkilofri (Slovenian ravioli). And if you are still hungry, indulge
yourself in a slice of potica (a creamy Swiss roll with walnuts). Slovenia
has been making wine since pre-Roman times, and boasts the oldest vine in the
world, that has grown for four centuries. In the Vipava Valley, the stone
villages are full of velbani hrami (vaulted wine cellars) where you can taste
Teran (a heavy red best drunk with the local prsut or ham) or Rebula (a dry,
crisp white). In the mountains look out for the bewildering variety of
schnapps made from wormwood, blueberries, honey and even pine needles!
10 nights hotel-to-hotel6 Days cyclingAll continental breakfasts and 2
evening mealsManagement by your local Headwater-appointed agentRoute
directions and maps High quality bikesLuggage transfers between
hotels Entrance to the Slovenian Alpine Museum
Cycling ConditionsClassification: Self-GuidedAverage daily distance on move
on days: 37km (23 miles). No. of days cycling: 6 Terrain and route: The
suggested cycling mainly follows tranquil lanes and traffic-free cycle
trails.Vehicle Support: This is a self-guided trip for those who prefer to
cycle independently, but with our assistance to take out the stress of the
logistics and planning. We arrange your accommodations, provide you with a
map and route notes so that you can cycle at your own pace. A representative
will be there to meet you, make sure the bikes are all set up and will be on
call throughout the trip should you need.It is important that you are happy
reading maps and following route notes, we make these as accurate as possible
and they are regularly checked. As this is a self-guided holiday there is no
group and no leader. There maybe others on the same departure date as you,
but you will not be organised together. The route notes contain a 24-hour
emergency assistance telephone number should you need it and in emergencies,
the local representative is normally able to dispatch a taxi or pick you up
themselves. They may wish to charge for this service.Throughout, there is a
very distinct and multi-cultural feel, evident in the local language, culture
and cuisine. A richly preserved regional heritage reveals a complex and
tumultuous past; visit colossal archaeological sites like Aquileia, with its
remains of a Roman city and early Christian cathedral; mediaeval Udine, full
of artistic masterpieces, and the restored fortress town of Venzone,
reflecting the Renaissance Utopian ideals of a bygone era.The area is one of
outstanding natural beauty too. With the dramatic limestone peaks of the
Julian Alps providing a formidable backdrop to your route, it's
picture-postcard views all the way through lush forests, rolling meadows and
pretty hamlets hemmed in by well-tended vineyards and shimmering mountain
streams. On your final cycling stretch, the Adriatic seascape opens before
you as you make a dramatic descent across the lagoon and on to the sun-kissed
island of Grado with its sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters.
HotelsThe places we've chosen for you to stay in are among the best in the region.
Hotel highlights include beautiful lakeside views from the luxurious 4-star
Hotel Triglav in Bled; an alpine lodge in Tarvisio, and the 4-star Grand
Hotel Hannover overlooking Grado's pretty harbour and just 200m from the
Adriatic Sea.
As this is a self-guided holiday there is no group and no leader. A local
representative is on hand to assist you and will meet you at the beginning of
the week to go through the route notes and point out particular places of
interest. Your luggage is transferred and route notes and maps are provided.
All continental breakfasts and 2 evening meals.Slovenia’s cuisine reflects
its rich heritage. Neighbours Austria, Italy and Hungary influence most
dishes on the menu. In the mountains, Austrian style salamis (klobasa)
prevail. You’ll often find them seasoning the hearty soups served in the
Alpine huts. Kruha juha is the best - you get to eat the bowl too as it’s
made out of bread! The Hungarian influence is seen in the spicy meat
dishes. Pleskavica (steak with herbs and paprika) is a good one to try.
On the coast, you’ll find Italian fayre, like rizota (risotto) with fresh
mussels or zkilofri (Slovenian ravioli). And if you are still hungry, indulge
yourself in a slice of potica (a creamy Swiss roll with walnuts). Slovenia
has been making wine since pre-Roman times, and boasts the oldest vine in the
world, that has grown for four centuries. In the Vipava Valley, the stone
villages are full of velbani hrami (vaulted wine cellars) where you can taste
Teran (a heavy red best drunk with the local prsut or ham) or Rebula (a dry,
crisp white). In the mountains look out for the bewildering variety of
schnapps made from wormwood, blueberries, honey and even pine needles!
Alternative transfersIf you require alternative transfers (because you will
be arriving at a different time to our standard flights), then we can usually
arrange these for you (there may be an additional charge).Alternative Air
TravelAlternative flights, onward rail to your holiday area, and connecting
private transfers can be arranged from most UK airports.
Standard transfersOn flight inclusive packages transfers included from
Ljubljana airport at 12:15, and back to Trieste airport at 10:15.
Slovenia has a mixed alpine climate with summer temperatures in the range of
18 to 25ºC. In the mountains cool mornings are normally followed by warm
pleasant days, with temperatures in the Alps being ideal for walking. During
summer months afternoon showers of rain cool down the humidity, giving way to
clear skies and pleasant temperatures.
WaterproofsWarm jumper/fleeceSuncreamWater bottle (1 litre) you will be able
to refill each day at the accommodation.
Allow from £15 (approx. US$25) per day for extra expenses whilst trekking:
soft drinks, lunches and alcohol. Also allow £10-12 (approx. US$15-20) per
meal, for dinner and drinks whilst in Bled.
Visas and vaccinationsTravel insuranceSingle supplements
Ved skriftlig aksept av vårt tilbud bekrefter du/dere at våre betingelser er både lest og forstått og at evt kansellerings gebyrer kan tilkomme ved en evt. avbestilling av reisen.