| DAY
1: Ljubljana |
Dobrodosli!
Welcome to Slovenia!
Your tour guide will pick you up from the airport and bring you to your hotel in Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. After we get you settled in the hotel and you become acquainted with your bike, just take it easy - rest in the hotel, see the town or take a short introductory ride with the guide to get accustomed to the bike (about 2 hrs ride). In the evening we meet for a special welcome dinner and have an informal chat to discuss the format of the tour. |
| DAY
2: Ljubljana - Plitvice |
| From Ljubljana we head south through wine growing
area of Bela Krajina, "White March" of south-eastern Slovenia,
which takes its name from the endless stands of birch trees. Riding
around here is pure joy. Our destination for today is Plitvice National
Park, the most known Croatian national park, which is listed in
the UNESCO Register of World Natural Heritage. Sixteen little lakes
interconnected with waterfalls created by deposition of travertine,
a special kind of limestone, constitute the main attraction of this
unique park. We'll spend the afternoon strolling wooden footbridges
that follow the lakes and streams over, under and across the rumbling
water for an exhilaratingly damp 18km. |
| DAY
3: Plitvice - Dubrovnik |
| We continue our trip South-East riding past historical
town of Knin, which was once seat of the throne of Croatian kings,
and moon-like surface of Biokovo mountains. In the afternoon we'll
reach Dubrovnik, the city of world-famous cultural heritage and
beauty. Dubrovnik is situated in Southern Dalmatia, the most beautiful
part of the Adriatic coast. Rich vegetation, beautiful lakes, rare
islands, white pebble beaches and the crystal clean sea, all make
this region to an unforgettable experience for every visitor. |
| DAY
4: Dubrovnik - Dubrovnik |
| Take a walk on top of Dubrovnik's thick stone
walls, watch the street action from a café on Placa, or stroll
marble-paved squares and steep cobbled streets. Also very interesting
is a full day boat trip to Mljet island, which of all Adriatic islands
may be the most seductive. The highlight of the island is a lake
with an islet on which there is a Benedictine monastery. If you
feel like riding, Monte Negro is within easy reach. So whether you
stay around town for the whole day or you just have dinner in one
of excellent restaurants, remember, you are in Dubrovnik! |
| DAY
5: Dubrovnik - Hvar Island |
| In the morning we leave Dubrovnik and ride scenic
costal road up north-west. You can stop in Ston, famous for its
defensive wall, the longest fortification in Europe, and the best
seafood in Croatia. Short ferry will get us to Hvar island, where
we'll ride the most twisting road of the whole trip. Called the
"Croatian Medeira", Hvar receives a total of 2.724 hours
of sunshine each year, more than anywhere else in the country. Yet
the island is luxuriantly green, with brilliant patches of lavender,
rosemary and heather. |
| DAY
6: Hvar Island - Hvar Island |
| Today is all about relaxing. Explore numerous
sandy beaches on the island and swim in the crystal clear sea, do
some water sports or take a boat trip to spectacular Blue Grotto
- underwater opening in a coastal cave that fills with unearthly
blue light every noon. The experience is unforgettable. Also worth
exploring is medieval Hvar town with its marble streets and beautifully
ornamented buildings, mostly built under Venetian rule. Restaurants
and taverns in the town of Hvar offer excellent fish specialities,
with exquisite local wines. |
| DAY
7: Hvar Island - Pag Island |
| After late breakfast we go for a ferry ride.
Passing scenic islands of Brac and Solta we'll get to Split, famous
for its Diocletian's Palace. On the way further up north you can
stop in historical towns of Trogir, Primosten or Sibenik. Finally
we reach Pag island by the big bridge. A barren, rocky island with
no trees, little vegetation, no rivers or streams, Pag nonetheless
has a stark, ethereal beauty enhanced by a highly original culture.
The sharp-flavoured cheese and intricate lace from Pag is renowned
throughout Croatia. |
| DAY
8: Pag Island - Ljubljana |
Our seaside roller coaster ride continues
along a narrow strip of land bound by imposing mountains and rugged
coastline. The scenery here is truly remarkable when you have
the Adriatic Sea on one hand and the steep hillsides of Velebit
mountain range on the other. Winding through pristine forests
of Lika we'll ride back to Slovenia, visit a couple of picturesque
castles on the way, and reach Ljubljana in the afternoon.
There you will spend your last night to muse and remember all
that you've witnessed on the adventure.
|
| DAY
9: Ljubljana |
In the morning you can stroll the old part of the city, including
the colourful antique market. The quaint, narrow streets along the
right bank of the Ljubljanica River, with its medieval bridges,
are reminiscent of Prague - without the crowds.
Depending on the time of the flight back home, you may have time
to climb up the staircase to 16th century fortification of Ljubljana
Castle that dominates the town before heading out to the airport. |