Individual arrival. The Slovenian capital: visit the historic old town and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture sitting in the shadow of the Ljubljana Castle perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city centre. From its tower, you get a commanding view of the city and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a meal in the old town and then round it off with a beer beside the Ljubljanica River, or on a riverboat ride.

Your first cycling day will be a gentle ride across an immense 160-sq km marshy plain: the Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje). The lovely Krim Mountain will dominate your view here. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for an amazing panoramic view of Slovenia. Just before arriving in the lively little town of Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum, in Bistra Castle, where there’s an exhibition of Tito’s cars.

Today you’ll experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lakes of Cerknica and Planina, and marvel at this vast world of limestone. You can stop for a picnic lunch amid some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges, at the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve.

Today will start with a visit to the beautiful Postojna caves, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, through a world of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, and the unique “human fish”. Then head to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, in a crevasse halfway up a 123-metre cliff-face; once home to a vivacious and daring knight. Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies. Take the tour and learn how Erasmus met his untimely demise in less than poetic circumstances, as he was literally caught with his pants down.

Today you’ll cycle to the stud farm of Lipica where you can visit beautiful thoroughbred Lipizzaner horses, whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and visit them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set inside an old Venetian tower.

If you missed Postojna caves no worries, this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves; no less interesting but far less frequented. They are even listed as a UNESCO natural monument! You can take a diversion into the Italian town of Trieste – once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Visit Miramare Castle, the cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. Trieste was once part of Slovenia whilst under the rule of the Austrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in the many old-fashioned cafes. The day ends in Muggia, south of Trieste, where you can enjoy a gelato ice cream in the old town.

For your last day you’ll cycle along the coastal road on a new cycling path following the old railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovenia’s modest, yet lovely coast, and Trieste Bay. A stop in the trendy resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian harbour town of Piran.

Individual departure or extend your stay.