Almost forgotten by all but those in the know, eastern Slovenia has much to offer the cyclist wanting to discover a less visited part of Europe, one which seems not to have fully embraced the complexities of the 20th century. We wend our way along riverbanks, past castles and tiny hamlets to enjoy dramatic canyons, forests, orchards and vineyards, pausing to taste wine with the locals, enjoy traditional food and soak up the atmosphere of a beautiful and unchanged region.

Cycle the Krka River
We start in Kostanievica na Krki, a town on an island in the Krka River, to cycle into Trska Gora, the most picturesque wine-growing region of the area. Pausing to enjoy a sample at one of the many local cellars we enjoy great views down the valley before making our way past charming Otocec Castle. Next we cycle through dramatic forests, home to brown bears. Further opportunities to enjoy tastings may present themselves as we ride past vineyards and orchards en route to the beautiful region of Bela Krajina.

Traditional Village Life
Bela Krajina is not only known to be one of the warmest places in Slovenia but also an area where people have managed to preserve old customs and traditions from the past. We'll pass by many small, peaceful hamlets and through a lovely landscape of meadows circled with birch-trees. In this area it's possible we could come across gypsies who still live in this remote part of Slovenia. We continue on next to explore wild Lahinja, a more remote area with a small, hidden river often covered by a haze. Stopping by an old mill we take time to enjoy the birdsong as we paddle on the Lahinja River itself (optional).

Canyons of the Kolpa
We leave Bela Krajina and head for the Kolpa River, an undiscovered part of south-eastern Slovenia, forming the border with Croatia. The green Kolpa presents some of Slovenia's most stunning scenery, unique for its wilderness. We cycle through canyons, enjoy picnic lunches in the green meadows along the river and perhaps refresh ourselves in the pleasantly warm water. Finally we pass Kostel Castle - a fortification which in the Middle Ages protected the area from the Turks - before cycling beneath the lofty peak of Loska Stena to our last nightstop, Osilnica.

Itinerary:

Day 1 Join Ljubljana. 2 Transfer Kostanievica; cycle via winery and beside Otocec castle to Sela pri Ratezu. 3 Cycle through forests and orchards to Adlesici. 4 Ride through the hamlets and villages of Bela Krajina to Dragatus. 5 Cycle Lahinja (optional river trip) and return Dragatus. 6 Continue to Kolpa River to Stari trg ob Kolpi. 7 Ride beneath Kostel Castle and Loska Stena to Osilnica. 8 Transfer to Ljubljana where tour ends.

Accommodation: 7nts hotel/village pension; 7 breakfasts included.
Transport: Hybrid bike, complete with water-bottle holder, lock, rear rack, pannier bags.
Comment: Cycling is graded B, moderate. Clients participating in this trip should have a good level of fitness and enjoy regular riding at home. We cover approx. 238km over 6-days, cycling over mixed terrain: flat rural countryside (15km of which is gravel roads through forests and fields), flat river basin, some hillier terrain (approx. 22km of hilly roads - 8km of that very steep where you can choose to walk with your bikes). Most roads are paved, quiet country roads, the remainder being good quality tarmac roads. Luggage bus transports luggage.
Group: Approx. 12 to 16.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader accompanies the group on each ride. Our support vehicle moves on luggage each day; you carry only what you need for the day.
Trip Reference: CVV