This is a tour for the cyclist who wants to ride where few westerners have ridden.

Perhaps the first question that most people ask is "Where is Slovenia?" This tiny country is located on the sunny side of the Alps between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia. Here, one finds a land of fantastic scenery and natural beauty; alpine peaks tower above pastoral farm valleys and mountain lakes reflect the alpenglow of sunset. Vineyards dominate the eastern portion of the country and medieval castles emerge from tree-covered hillsides and echo a rich past. The rural character of Slovenia makes it a natural for cycling.

Slovenia has a fascinating history influenced by numerous empires and conquering nations. It existed under the Hapsburg dynasty from the early 14th century until the end of WWI, and by the middle of the 20th century became part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Slovenia declared its independence and has remained a prosperous, peaceful nation that tourists are just beginning to discover. Formally recognized by the European Community in 1992, it was admitted into the European Union in 2004. Slovenian people are friendly, industrious, easy going and many speak English, making travel rather easy.

The dry weather and warm sunny days of late summer make this the perfect time for cycling, and with the seasonal harvest underway, there will be plenty of fresh produce and good local wines to treat the palate. A local Slovenian guide will accompany the tour to add insight into the history and culture of the region and lead us to some of the hidden roads that can't be found on a map. During the tour, we will use a comfortable van to connect a few of the more distant areas of the tour. This tour crosses Slovenia and visits the most beautiful and interesting places. "Cycling the Best of Slovenia" is a tour for the rider who wants to experience the diversity, history and beauty of this little known country from the saddle of a touring bike.

So, the next time someone asks, “Where is Slovenia?” you can say, “It's that little country where I'm going on my next vacation!" We hope you will join us on this fun cycling adventure in one of Eastern Europe’s most unique and undiscovered regions.

Day 1: Arrival in the capital city of Ljubljana, where the legacy of the Roman Empire still lingers throughout the city. Join us for a late afternoon orientation followed by a welcome dinner. Hotel lodging in Ljubljana.

Day 2: Kranjska Gora to Bled (45 km)
We begin with a van transfer to Kranjska Gora, a lovely alpine village in the Julian Alps. This is a popular year around sports region that is famous for its World Cup skiing and jumping competitions. The ride begins with a gentle downhill through the river valley, climbs over a small pass, levels out and ends with a downhill into Bled. This picturesque town is surrounded by mountain peaks and borders a gorgeous lake. Bled's medieval castle is perched atop a steep cliff overlooking the lake and was the seat of power for South Tyrolean bishops for over 800 years. It now houses a small museum dedicated to the area's history. Hotel lodging in Bled.

Day 3: Bled to Bohinj (30-60 km)
The ride starts with a climb to the top of the Pokljuka Plateau, (or take an optional transfer by our van) and then enjoy a magnificent downhill to the romantic Bohinj Valley. From the shore of scenic Lake Bohinj you can see Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav. Hotel lodging in Bohinj.

Day 4: Bohinj to Valburga (60 km)
Our van swiftly transfers us to Sorica pass, and the hidden Alpine village of Sorica, where we start an unforgettable downhill cruise through a beautiful mountain valley to Skofja Loka. In medieval times, this was an important trade and industrial craft center where many famous artists, writers and scientists worked to create a rich cultural environment. The old town still preserves many of its 14th century buildings. After visiting this tidy little town, we continue on to Valburga for the night. Hotel lodging in Valburga.

Day 5: Valburga to Loganska Dolina (65 km)
We warm up on a relatively flat route that passes through Kamnik where the narrow streets in the old town center have homes still decorated with medieval and Baroque facades. The day’s challenge is climbing Crnivec Pass (our support van will be standing by). A scenic downhill follows through the Podvolovjek Valley into Luce. The ride finishes with a splendid ride into the Loganska Valley. Country Inn lodging in Loganska Dolina.

Day 6: Lenart to Jeruzalem (55 km)
The day begins with a transfer to Lenart where we enter the outstanding Jeruzalem-Ljutomer wine region. Numerous vineyards grace the hillsides, and you will hear the sound of the ingenious wind-driven rattles that keep birds off the ripening grapes. Rolling terrain and grand vistas lead us up the wine road to Jeruzalem for a comfortable night’s rest. Country Inn lodging in Jeruzalem.

Day 7: Jeruzalem to Ptuj (45 km)
Today’s stage begins with a scenic ride through the vineyards as we leave Jeruzalem. Our route winds through the famous Haloze wine region as we head to the gorgeous riverside town of Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city. Tonight we visit our favorite restaurant overlooking the Drava River. Hotel lodging in Ptuj.

Day 8: Ptuj to Olimje (60 km)
Today's undulating ride takes us from the wine region surrounding Ptuj to the castles of southeastern Slovenia. The route passes along the Croatian border, and a short climb ends in the town of Olimje where we find a Minorite Monastery with one of the oldest pharmacies in Europe. Hotel lodging in Olimje.

Day 9: Olimje to Otocec (40 km)
We avoid the busy road to Catez with a van transfer, and then enjoy a peaceful ride along the scenic Krka River to the Village of Otocec where we will stay in a magnificently restored 13th century castle on an island. Overnight lodging and farewell dinner in the castle.

Day 10: Otocec to Ljubljana
After breakfast, we will transfer to Ljubljana by van and should arrive around 11 am. (NOTE: Hotel accommodations are not included for this night. Additional lodging in Ljubljana may be arranged with advanced reservations.)

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

TOUR DATE: 10 days, August 30 - September 8, 2009
(Charters for groups of 10 or more can be arranged May - September.)

TOUR PRICE: €2,250 Euros/pp (double occupancy), €300 Euros single supplement

GROUP SIZE: 16 guests

TRIP COST INCLUDES: 9 nights hotel, 9 breakfasts and 9 dinners (beginning with dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 10), wine tasting, support vehicle w/ driver & bilingual local guide.

TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: Bike rental (€75 Euros), lunches, gratuities for local guide & driver (€100 Euros suggested per guest to be split between guide & driver).

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information and to book this tour click here.