From Villach to Trieste

Day 1: Arrival in Villach

You will meet your guide after lunch time at the main station of Salzburg for the bus transfer to Villach. After checking in at the hotel there, we will go on a tour of Villach's city center with our guide. The small streets, the stores and the historical buildings of the old town of Villach put us in the right mood for the upcoming trip. A convivial dinner will close this first day.

Day 2: First cappuccino before Slovenia - approx. 48 km

We get on our electric bikes and ride along the well-developed bike paths along the banks of the Gail. After admiring the well-preserved frescoes in the parish church of Thörl-Maglern, we cross the Italian border and enjoy our first cappuccino before noon. We journey through picturesque forests en route to Slovenia, passing by the world-renowned FIS ski resort of Podkoren and the idyllic mountain lake Jasna. Upon arriving in Kranjska Gora, we savour a delightful dinner.

Day 3: Lake Bled - approx. 38 km

We cycle on perfectly prepared flat tracks to Mojstrana, in the heart of the Julian Alps. We then follow a lightly travelled mountain road with a small stretch of forest. A small typical inn nestled in a beautiful nature welcomes us for a break. Shortly after, we will arrive at the lake of Bled. We cross the lake by boat to the famous island in the middle of the lake and visit the church. In the evening we have the opportunity to taste the famous Bled cake.

Day 4: Succession of panoramic views - approx. 49 km

We transfer by bus to Zatrnik, situated midway up the Pokljuka plateau. Today's path takes us to an elevation of over 1,300 metres, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas until the descent. Upon reaching the picturesque lake of Bohinj, we indulge in a delightful picnic lunch. There is still enough time to swim in the lake before continuing to Bohinjska Bistrica.

Day 5: Emerald River Valley - approx. 38 km

We take the train to Kanal, admiring the many gorges and valleys along the way. On the way, we also discover the largest natural stone arch in the world. We continue through the Soča Valley with a view of the emerald green river. Upon reaching the Solkan Bridge, we receive a brief overview of the history of the towns of Nova Gorica and Gorica. We then exit Slovenia, only to cross the border again a few kilometers away. We bike through the hilly wine region, where over a hundred renowned winemakers craft their exquisite wines, to reach Šmartno. No visit to this region is complete without a wine tasting experience.

Day 6: Stonecutters and thoroughbred horses - approx. 42 km

A bus takes us to the Cerje Peace Monument from where we enjoy a magnificent view. We then cycle down the mountain to Komen and then to Pliscovizza. We meet with the skilled stonemason, Jernej, at his workshop, where he demonstrates his craft to us. After an invigorating picnic lunch, we cycle on to Lipica. Those who want can visit the original Lipizzaner horse stud (optional) and may have the chance to see a mare and her foal.

Day 7: Adriatic Coast - approx. 26 km

In the morning we start our last day of cycling towards Orlek, through a typical karst landscape. We pass through Trebiciano and Opicina, then we reach Monte Grisa by a forest path, where we enjoy a picnic with a breathtaking view of the Gulf of Trieste. We get back on our bikes and ride to Miramare. We take the time to admire the beautiful castle and its park. Finally, we take the train to the center of Trieste where, after a guided tour of the city, we toast one last time to this wonderful trip.

Day 8: Departure

Following breakfast, our visit comes to a close. We board the bus, which transports us back to Salzburg, where we arrive in the afternoon.