Slovenia is a destination often overlooked by tourists, who seek out the more well-trodden paths in neighbouring countries like Italy and Austria. However, with its rich cultural traditions and diverse landscapes comprising emerald lakes, charming castles and the rising limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, it won’t be long before word soon spreads about the delights this country offers for an enchanting break away.
Our Commercial Manager, Clare Redhead, visited Slovenia in May, taking our Secrets of Slovenia Cycling trip to appreciate firsthand what this remarkable region has to offer. We caught up with Clare on her return to learn about her experiences and get some insider tips on how you can make the most of your time when visiting here.
Our Secrets of Slovenia Cycling trip begins with a circular tour around the idyllic glacial waters of Lake Bled. The route takes in the nearby picturesque local villages and has the option to visit the 12th-century castle ruins of Grad Kamen. For Clare, exploring Bled and its surroundings was one of the highlights of her holiday. Travelling by e-bike, she got to really appreciate all the picture-postcard views without the cycling being overly strenuous. She also recommends admiring the landscape from a different perspective, “There are boat rides on Lake Bled, which would be lovely on a sunny day,” she suggests.
During her time in Bled, Clare stayed at Hotel Park, one of the featured hotels on our itinerary. She gave it a great review! “It was stunning,” she says, “And I’d highly recommend upgrading to a lake view room to make the most of the breathtaking scenery.” Another top tip Clare shares when stopping in Bled is seeking out a little restaurant called Old Cellar Bled. “It is tucked away just off the main street,” she describes, “and it was lovely.”
As our Secrets of Slovenia Cycling trip progresses towards the Adriatic coast, you’ll take a scenic train ride that crosses an incredible 68 bridges! Then, taking to two wheels again, you’ll follow the crystal-clear waters of the So?a River. The terrain continues to vary, offering green valleys, hilltop villages and Renaissance manors for you to discover along the way.
Reaching Šmartno and the picturesque Brda wine-growing region, Clare recommends adding in a visit to Gonja?e Lookout Tower. “It’s just a 20-minute walk away,” she explains. “The tower was built in 1961 as a memorial dedicated to the victims of World War II. It sits on the highest hill in the region of Goriška Brda, so there are 144 steps to climb to reach the top.” However, the effort is worth it! “On a clear day, you can see for miles, with views of Brda, the Julian Alps, the Dolomites in Italy and even the Gulf of Trieste,” Clare describes.
Be sure to try the food at Hiša Marica, your hotel in Šmartno, too. Clare claims it is some of the best she’s ever had whilst abroad!
Day 6 of our Secrets of Slovenia Cycling trip, cycling from Lipica to Koper on the coast, was Clare’s favourite. “There are lots of excellent cycle paths, taking in the vineyards, lakes and varied scenery,” Clare shares. “Just remember to have your passport ready when you cycle across the border into Italy” she advises.
The night before, you’ll stay in Hotel Maestoso, situated in the heart of Lipica Stud Farm. So, before you set off on your cycling adventure, it’s definitely worth taking the opportunity of a guided tour of the stud farm, home to over 300 white Lipizzan horses. “It’s the biggest in the world,” says Clare, “and you can get discounted entry rates while staying here.”
Awaiting you at the colourful seaside city of Koper, our final destination on the trip, is a vibrant culture, where beautiful Venetian architecture and the medieval old town meet the hustle and bustle of daily port life. Clare describes how the hotel, Grand Hotel Koper, is right next to the harbour, allowing you to make the most of your time here.
Clare travelled to Slovenia in May. “It was perfect for cycling,” she says, “Warm and sunny but not too hot. It is also very green at this time of year and less busy than during the height of summer.”
Clare describes how there are quite a few climbs throughout the daily cycling routes on our Secrets of Slovenia Cycling trip. Therefore, she highly recommends using the e-bikes. “They’re ???brilliant!” she shares. “They take the edge off the effort needed during the incline sections. The trip is a 2+ level (our moderate-plus grading), but with an e-bike, it certainly doesn’t feel like it.”
When it comes to navigating the routes, Clare found the Headwater Nav App very helpful. “It kept us right on track!” She also shared great feedback on our local agent, MTours. “Miroslav was fantastic and very helpful!”
If you are able to extend your stay in Slovenia, Clare highly recommends visiting Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. Buzzing with life, this city offers a sublime combination of the modern and traditional. Known for its focus on sustainable living and with a strong student population, it’s an inviting place with a welcoming and intriguing culture. The capital also offers a rich history to discover. Clare suggests visiting Ljubljana Castle, situated on a green hill right in the middle of the city. “It offers the best views across the city,” she shares.
So, how would Clare sum up her experience of Slovenia and would she recommend it to people who’ve yet to consider it as a holiday destination? “It’s a really beautiful country. It’s so green and scenic!” she answers. “I’ve never visited before, so I wasn’t sure what to expect, but it was absolutely stunning. I really loved the cycling and the varied mix of accommodation. I came away feeling very refreshed!”
If Clare’s trip to Slovenia has got you thinking about exploring a new, promising holiday destination, you can learn more about all our Slovenia trips, including Secrets of Slovenia Cycling, on our Active Holidays in Slovenia page.
Our carefully planned walking and cycling holidays in locations all around the world let you explore at your own pace, with time to take in the local culture, history and nature along your route. Hand-picked family-run accommodation provides welcoming comfort at the end of each day, with every hotel and guest-house being chosen for its friendly atmosphere, delicious food featuring regional specialities, and unique character.
