MIGHTY CAVES AND KARST - NATURE´S HIDDEN GEM

Tour Description

From one jewel to another, for all the photo-hungry cyclers and nature lovers. Surrender yourself to this week long self guided cycling tour, blessed with true beauty, pristine nature, Karst landscape and it’s phenomena’s. Yes, biking in Slovenia sure is an amazing way to spend your holiday.

While cycling in Karst you will be accomodated in two Hotels, in two beautiful Karst towns, from where interesting cycle day tours are designed for you. Starting point is in Postojna, the jewel in the Karst Region. Postojna is in many ways marked by its unique position, which had a significant influence on the town’s development as early as ancient times. The town lies on the Pivka River and because of the two world class attractions; Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle is visited by many tourists every year. Biking through Karst area and discovering it’s wonders such as the caves, Rakov Škocjan, intermittent lakes, sinking rivers, rocky surface and dolines, is a unique and special experience.

The second location of this scenic cycle tour is Divača. Divača is today the biggest settlement and seat of the municipality. In the 16th century it was just a hamlet of sheep farmers, but with the development of transport running from the port of Trieste to the interior, it gained importance, expanded and developed. The importance of the railway is still evident today in the steam locomotive engine that now stands as a museum piece open to visitors at the railway station. Did you know that in Divača you can also find a Museum of Slovenian Film Actors?

*Cover Photo: Archive: www.park-skocjanske-jame.si

Highlights:
A winding cycling holiday through unique Karst with it’s wild landscape and phenomenons
Take a tour through the »Queen of Caves«, Postojna which celebrated its 200th anniversary in April 2018
Don’t miss a visit to the interesting Predjama Castle
UNESCO listed, beautiful Škocjan Caves are a must
Rakov Škocjan – picturesque karst valley
Lake Cerknica – one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe
Beautiful village of Štanjel – the oldest settlement in Karst region

Daily Itinerary

1st Day

Individual arrival to Postojna.

Postojna is a modern town in southwestern Slovenia although people visit it mainly for its remarkable cave and magnificent Predjama Castle. Populated already in Paleolithic Era, Postojna today has about 9,200 inhabitants and is the economic, administrative, educational and cultural centre of the Inner Carniola (Notranjska) region of Slovenia. (Hotel 4*). *Photo: Archive: www.postojnska-jama.eu

2nd Day

Postojna Cave and surrounding (approx. 30 km and 400 elevation metres).

Today you'll have the opportunity to marvell the magnificent Postojna Cave. The world famous Queen of the Caves is simply awe-inspiring. Having formed over thousands of years, it has become one of most visited places in Slovenia, don't miss it out! Besides natural wonders, Postojna is also a place full of history, stories and mysterious legends. The name »Postojna« also means to stop for a while (from the verb postojáti or postati) and while cycling round the area, you will soon see why. (Hotel 4*, meals included: breakfast). *Photo: Archive: www.postojnska-jama.eu

3rd Day

The Rakov Škocjan Valley and Cerknica Lake (approx. 46 km and 700 elevation metres).

It's just a breath-taking day! Today's cycle tour where you will first visit picturesque karst valley Rakov Škocjan, formed by the sinking and collapsing of a cave ceiling, will not leave you indifferent. Century-old oak trees, the splendid Big Natural Bridge (Veliki naravni most) and Little Natural Bridge (Mali naravni most), are just some of the great features of this beautiful karst valley. From here cycling tour continues to another Slovenian treasure, Lake Cerknica. It is one of the largest intermittent lakes in Europe and it appears every year on the karst polje (plain). (Hotel 4*, meals included: breakfast) *Photo: Archive: www.notranjski-park.si

4th Day

Postojna - Predjama Castle – Divača (approx. 42 km and 600 elevation metres).

It's the day to change your hotel and location. First you will cycle to Predjama where you will find one of the most picturesque castles in Slovenia. Predjama Castle is built into an overhanging rock in front of a karst cave hall that is connected with a cave system underneath the castle. The cycling tour continues on winding and fascinating landscape with great views to Nanos, a beautiful 12 km long and to 6 km wide karst limestone plateau. You will pass small and charming villages and arrive to your next destination and home for the remaining four nights. (Hotel 3*, meals included: breakfast). *Photo: Archive: www.postojnska-jama.eu and SloActive

5th Day

Škocjan Caves and the surrounding Karst villages (approx. 30 km and 420 elevation metres).

Only a few countries can boast of such natural phenomenon of exceptional global value. You cycle to the beautiful Škocjan Caves, which have been included in the World Heritage List (UNESCO) since 1986. After visiting the caves, you re-mount the bikes again and drive around the beautiful landscape. The villages of Karst are true »food« for the eyes. Full of historical sights and specialties. Do stop for lunch in one of the authentic local inns, where the food is prepared on the basis of centuries-old recipes and a rich restaurant tradition. The way back to the hotel continues through the enchanting Karst settlements, past genuine houses and old stone Karst houses, over lush fields and on grey side-roads. (Hotel 3*, meals included: breakfast). *Photos: Archive: www.park-skocjanske-jame.si, Photographer: Borut Lozej

6th Day

Štanjel - Lipica Stud Farm And The Surrounding Karst Villages (Approx. 55 Km And 570 Elevation Metres).

It is an absolutely scenic cycle day. You are first heading towards picturesque Štanjel, one of the oldest settlements in the Karst Region, known for its old and beautiful village center. You will love cycling through small karst settlements, admiring romantic vineyards and passing local tourist farms. On your way back to hotel you'll pass the famous Lipica Stud Farm, the oldest European stud farm for breeding one of the oldest cultural horse breeds. It's kind of magical, pedalling through avenues of trees and parks, and being surrounded with noble white Lipizzaner horses on their green pastures. (Hotel 3*, meals included: breakfast). *Photo of Štanjel: Archive of www.slovenia.info

7th Day

Vremska Valley (approx. 44 km and 660 eleveation metres).

Vremska Valley is the land between the Vremščica (beautiful 1.027 m high mountain) and Brkini region where the river Reka floods fertile soil before it sinks into the underground world of the Škocjan Caves. It is the largest Slovene blind valley. In the past, Vremska dolina was also known as the valley of mills and sawmills.. The last active one was the Dujc mill at Skoflje, which operated until 1986. Today, the existence of mills and sawmills reminds us of it ruins only. It's all about enjoying on your bike, exploring and discovering typical and small villages, sleepy countryside and scenic valley. (Hotel 3*, meals included: breakfast).

8th Day

Departure or extension. (Meals included: breakfast).

Price per person:

Price per person (sharing a double room):
765 € per person in low season (15.3. – 7.6. and 15.9. – 31.10.2023)
795 € per person in high season (8.6. – 14.9.2023)

Price includes:
7 overnights in good Hotels 3* and 4* with en suite facilities
7 breakfasts
Maps & gps files for each cycling day
Luggage transfers between the hotels
Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting (if you rented bike with SloActive)
Telephone assistance during the trip
Organization and VAT

Optional supplements:
Single accomodation 195 €
Single travel occupancy 90 € (only 1 person on a tour)
Bike rent 100 € (classic trekking bike Scott Sub 30 plus one bike (back) pannier). Bike rent includes Bicycle Repair Tool (puncture kit, spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, one odometer, pump and one simple lock) – one set for two bikes. Bike rental starts on first cycling day (Day 2) at 8.30 am and ends on Day 7 at 6pm.
Electric bike 220 €
Helmet 12 €
Airport transfers on request

What’s not included;
Arrival / departure to / from first / last hotel
Flight ticket
Travel insurance
Entrance fees
Lunch’s, dinner’s, drinks and all other expenses that are not mentioned in what’s included description

Accomodations;
Good 3* and 4* Hotels with en suite facilities

Category:
Moderate

Key information;
Cycling on 70 % paved, 30 % unpaved roads
Self guided cycling
Moderate cycling with some climbs

Dates;
Daily from 15th March to 15th October

*Extra nights before / after tour on request.

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