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Cycling through two Austrian regions, i.e. the states of Salzburg and Carinthia, which extend along two rivers featuring two completely different characters, and also among the magnificent Alpine peaks, then relaxing in a spa (Bad) in the Gastein valley before crossing the mountain barrier in a train and reaching the Austrian border at the city of Villach, which albeit being located at the foot of the Alps shows the Mediterranean spirit, is a worthy experience. What follows is a quick visit to Tarvisio in Italy only to turn back to the Slovenian Alpine village of Kranjska gora located in the area surrounding the Julian Alps, which feature somewhat lower peaks but are of no lesser beauty. The Fusine lakes just before the Slovenian border, as well as the emerald green waters of the Zelenci nature reserve (the word “zelenci” reads as “greens” in Slovenian) just a few kilometres apart indicate a change in the pace of the tour.

Running from Kranjska gora to the valley of Radovna, which is one of the most beautiful Alpine valleys, the tour reaches a Slovenian gem – the famous Lake Bled. Another train ride following the scenic Bohinj railway takes the group out of the Alpine region into the lower Soča valley, a European Destination of Excellence. The cycling starts again in the lovely town of Kanal with the path running along the emerald Soča river, which is considered one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. It is a smooth transition to the Mediterranean climate. In the Tuscany-like landscape of Goriška brda/Collio, which is covered with vineyards and orchards, one can already feel the sea breeze, the tour leaving the mountains, which remain to be seen only on the horizon. Home to many world-famous wine growers and known by excellent food, this area is the best overture to paying a visit to the Italian region of Friuli-Venezia Giulia.

The terrain is quite flat here, so the last days of cycling include easy cruising among the historic towns, fishing villages and nature parks until reaching Lido di Jesolo, a 15 kilometres long beach, which makes up the Venezian Lagoon. The iconic destination is here to be explored. The toor is suitable for e-bikes and can be arranged also in the opposite direction, from Venice to Salzburg.

Outside the high season, the Adriatic islands become a mountain biking paradise, offering great solidary trails, breathtaking views and genuine hospitality.

The Trans Croatia Islands – Krk to Vis mountain bike tour kicks off with great biking across the two largest Croatian islands. The adventure begins in the town of Baška, on the “golden island” of Krk. The route leads across the Moon Plateau stone desert and through olive groves and vineyards to the port in Valbiska, from where a ferry to the wild island of Cres is taken. The latter is known for its high biodiversity and healing climate.

Mountain bike adventures continue on the beautiful Lošinj island, before catching a ferry to the mainland and exploring the historic town of Zadar. The fascinating islands of Ugljan and Pašman, which are connected by a bridge, are next on the list. The accompanying views of the Kornati archipelago and the Velebit mountain range are truly unforgettable. Upon returning back to the mainland, it is time to discover the lively alleys of Split, the second largest city in Croatia.

Mountain biking on the island of Brač ends in Bol, where one of the most beautiful beaches in the Adriatic can be admired. Passing through some mystic abandoned villages, the tour continues on the famous island of Hvar. Here, a steep climb to Mt. Sveti Nikola is rewarded by breathtaking views of the Adriatic. The mountain bike adventure comes to an end on the island of Vis, where old submarine shelters and underground bunkers make up for an especially interesting biking stage.

On Lošinj, Brač and Hvar, additional circular routes can be taken. Some extend daily stages, while others demand additional overnights. To avoid the heat and tourist crowds, and ensure the best experience of the Kvarner regionand the Dalmatian islands, the Trans Croatian Islands tour is scheduled outside of peak season.

HIGHLIGHTS
Mountain bike adventure in eight different islands in only a week
The stunning islands of Hvar, Brač and Vis
High proportion of single trails
Biking from the Kvarner gulf to South Dalmatia
Delicious Mediterranean cuisine

Two days of biking through secluded villages in the hills above Šofja Loka are marked by two UNESCO heritage sites, i.e. the Franja Partisan Hospital and the abandoned mercury mine in Idrija. Half way between the two sites lies the town of Cerkno, which is home to a world-famous jazz festival.

The second part of the tour leads through different wine regions. Starting in the Vipava valley, which is home to strong winds, it runs across the Karst region and finishes in Slovenian Istria. The tree climates and three types of terrain make the wines produced in each of the area different, even the ones that are made from the same grape types. Of course, all are worth tasting. Those who would like to explore the fourth wine region in W Slovenia, are advised to book the Trans Slovenia 01 tour.

The highlights of this part include a typical Karst town of Štanjel with its appealing narrow streets, the castle and the delightful garden, the UNESCO-listed, world-famous Škocjan Caves, Mt Slavnik with its stunning views, as well as the Sečovlje Salina Landscape Park with the Sečovlje Saltworks, which are the largest Slovenian salt evaporation pond and one of the rare facilities where salt is still produced in a traditional way. The final destination of the tour is the town of Piran, one of the most well preserved historical towns in the Adriatic and a gem of the Venetian Gothic architecture, which is full of atmospheric winding alleyways, sunsets and seafood restaurants. A week of great biking is guaranteed!

The amazing Trans Slovenia Tour connects the steep slopes of the Koroška part of the Karavanke at the Slovenian–Austrian border, the central part of Slovenia with the charming capital city of Ljubljana, and the coastal town of Piran with its Mediterranean spirit. A wide variety of trails provides an unforgettable experience, with the route setting off with forest single trails and continuing through the abandoned mines and trails high above the beautiful Logarska dolina valley with breath-taking views of the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. The tour passes the Alpine herdsman village at Velika Planina mountain pasture to reach the capital and then runs over a flat terrain of the Ljubljana Marshes, leading back to hills offering various scenic rides along the intermittent Lake Cerknica. The ride features many karst phenomena, including the world’s famous Postojna Cave and the UNESCO-protected site of Škocjan Caves. The final descent from the Karst plateau leads to Piran, a picturesque city on the Adriatic coast, which reminds of Venice.

With pleasant weather, soft breeze and uncrowded coast, spring and autumn are the perfect seasons to experience this incredible MTB adventure.  

The Trans Croatia – Mountains to Islands mountain bike tour boasts well-maintained trails, fascinating landscapes and unspoiled green nature. In the course of one week, the wild and rarely visited mountains and the popular seaside destinations resonate in a wonderful symphony.

The mountain bike trip begins in the small village of Čavle just above Rijeka and continues in the direction of Gorski Kotar plateau, known as the lungs of Croatia due to its lush forests. Supreme mountain biking continues from the tiny highland town of Fužine towards the Adriatic coast. The legendary town of Senj seats proudly at the foothills of the Velebit mountain range, where the route turns next. Challenging trails are rewarded with an abundance of unforgettable views of the surroundings. An overnight in the Zavižan mountain hut, which follows next, provides for another unique experience.

The second part of the MTB adventure is all about the Croatian islands. After descending from Velebit, mountain biking continues on the island of Rab, where beautiful beaches and historic villages can be admired. The final destination of the mountain bike trip is the neighbouring island of Krk, known for its clean beaches and highly popular among the outdoor enthusiasts. 
 
HIGHLIGHTS
High-quality MTB trails and stunning views
Northern Velebit National Park
An overnight in Zavižan mountain hut
Coastal trails on Rab & Krk islands
Excellent local cuisine

The Trans Croatia Short Break biking tour is a great choice for those who love Croatia and want to spend an active vacation at the Adriatic. Spring and autumn are the perfect time to visit due to their pleasant temperatures, soft breeze and beautiful vistas.

A unique selection of biking trails combines two beautiful islands in the northern Adriatic, the isles of Rab and Krk, which are situated right at the foot of the majestic Velebit mountain range. The spectacular views are combined with exquisite culinary experiences.

Consisting of carefully selected gravity riding spots, with ski lifts and organised shuttles, all your energy can be spent on smooth manoeuvring of your bike downhill before enjoying a delicious dinner and an overnight stay.

On the tour, hours long descents down the adrenaline-packed trails above the Soča and Vipava valleys, offering spectacular views over the well-known Soča valley and the Frulian plains in Italy, are followed by a well-earned day off in the charming capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. A bike park in the ski resort of Krvavec offers a wide variety of alternative routes to return to the valley the day after, with the tour finishing by taking the adrenaline biking trails of the Karavanke mountain chain.

The Trans Slovenia 01 biking tour combines the landscapes of the Julian Alps and those of the Mediterranean in only 7 days. It starts with a winding ascent to the Vršič mountain pass, which is the highest lying road pass in the eastern part of the Julian Alps. The high-mountain road features 50 serpentines, of which 26 on the descent towards the Soča valley. The tour continues along the Soča river, which has a distinct emerald green colour and is considered to be one of the most beautiful rivers in Europe. The Soča valley was the first destination in Slovenia to earn the title of the European Destination of Excellence (EDEN) due to its sustainable development in tourism.

Make no mistake – the many “detours” are taken to reach the peaks offering majestic views and tonnes of biking pleasures are guaranteed. Mt Stol, which stands at the edge of the high Julian Alps, offers a splendid view over the sea. The descent is taken along a single long epic trail through the woods. The stunning two-hour descent from Mt Matajur is one of the highlights of the tour. It leads to Italy, where the group will take a break and try some delicious ice cream.

After that, the tour leaves the mountains and enters the land of gentle, rolling hills covered in orchards and vineyards and dotted with small, secluded villages – the region of Goriška Brda reminds of Tuscany. The wine growers of Goriška Brda are famous around the world for their high quality wine, and any wine connoisseur would recognise many of the names displayed along the road winding through the landscape. Wine tasting is obviously inevitable here.

Did you know that the noble white Lipizzaner horses originate from Slovenia? The original stud farm has been set in Lipica, in the Karst region, since 1580. This is where the tour makes a stop after passing most of the Karst region and before descending towards the town of Piran, a small slice of Venice in Slovenia.

More than half of Slovenia is covered in forests that provide a living environment to many animal species. Only a few European countries can boast the fact that three large beasts live in their territories, namely the brown bear, grey wolf and lynx. Lynx’s superior hunting skills, which should secure his survival, have ironically led it to the verge of extinction in most of the western and central Europe. However, a living lynx is extremely valuable for maintaining the balance in forest ecosystems, especially if it rules the wilderness together with the wolf and the bear. The beech and fir trees of the Dinaric area, which also belong to the extensive Kočevje forests, provide these animals with sufficient food and room for survival. Slovenia boasts 400–500 brown bears, which ranks it among countries with the highest bear population in the world. Most of these bears are found in the Kočevsko forests.

In Kočevje, the level of forestation is even higher than in the rest of Slovenia, as more than 80% of its surface is covered in forest. There, one can find many remains of virgin forest, where nothing but nature has ruled for millennia without any human interventions. Kočevsko actively preserves this valuable heritage, especially by establishing forest reserves, which permanently protect the virgin forest remains, i.e. the examples of rare tree-related structures and habitats found in deep karst hollows, sinkholes and caves, and along walls or karst streams. The reserves serve as a type of ecological cells for animal species that need old-growth forests for their existence. Responsible and sustainable forest management became a tradition in the area, since as early as 1892, the then owners began to exclude the Rajhenavski Rog forest from any kind of economic use. Therefore, it is no coincidence that Kočevsko is also the cradle of responsible coexistence of humans and wild animals, in particular beasts, and that this area is one of the few in Europe, where the following three large beasts can still be found in the natural environment: the brown bear, the grey wolf and lynx.

A sustainable approach, even in tourism development, has minimal impact on the environment, especially on the wilderness. Too much human contact with wild animals can cause many adverse consequences for wildlife, which is why it is even more important to provide controlled and properly guided watching of these animals. With the help of experienced guides, your animal watching will be friendly to nature and its inhabitants, while at the same time you will learn many interesting facts and gain information that will place beasts and other wildlife in a wider context.

The bike trail through the Kočevje forests is a relative novelty that provides, within a three-day time frame, an insight into the landscape diversity, an excellent and not too demanding biking on gravel road and low-traffic asphalted roads (more than half), as well as the opportunity to spot bears and visit the natural and other sights. Camping in nature and the food give the adventure a special charm of meeting the locals and experiencing their hospitality.

Slovenia has become the world’s first country to be declared a green destination based on the international Green Destinations criteria. Furthermore, the country boasts the title of the European Region of Gastronomy and has nine wine-growing regions.

The Slovenia Top Sights bike tour is designed for those who like exploring the natural sites and attractions by bike, while also enjoying the local cuisine, home-grown wine and a pleasant atmosphere. Majority of the largest Slovenian tourist attractions located in very diverse environments, which, despite the pleasantly undemanding daily tours offer great biking enjoyment, are packed in just one week.

The capital city of Ljubljana is one of the greenest as well as the most vibrant and popular European capitals, and a full day is dedicated to exploring this lovely city. Many visitors to Slovenia say they have never seen a lake more beautiful than Bled – until they see Lake Bohinj, the largest natural lake in Slovenia, which is located in a glacial valley just 26 km southwest from Bled. The programme includes the tour around both of the two lakes, while there is also plenty of time available to visit the panoramic mountains for those who would like to enjoy the scenic views.
The group arrives to the Soča Valley, the European Destination of Excellence, by train on one of the most beautiful European railway lines, which runs through as many as 28 tunnels. From the high mountain and the emerald Soča, it takes only a few short hours of biking to reach a completely different landscape, i.e. Goriška Brda, which is reminiscent of Tuscany. The villages scattered across the hills above the Italian Friuli region are virtually packed with top winemakers!

The tour then turns back towards the inland, to the city of Postojna, most famous by the Postojna Cave, which is the most appealing and the largest tourist cave in Europe. The cave has its equally interesting counterpart only a few kilometres away, where more than 800 years old impregnable Predjama Castle once owned by knight Erasmus of Lueg is built into a 123-metre cliff. Next on the list is Castle Socerb, overseeing the Gulf of Trieste for centuries and offering fantastic scenic views. After the descent to the Italian town of Muggia, the trail leads over the hills of Slovenian Istria to the harbour city of Koper and then follows the Parenzana railway track, a now defunct narrow gauge railway. Passing through some tunnels on the way, the tour finally reaches the city of Piran, which, according to Lonely Planet, is a small slice of Venice in Slovenia, and its Old Town, which is one of the best-preserved historical towns anywhere on the Adriatic, is a gem of the Venetian Gothic architecture.

The beautiful and undemanding daily tours leave enough time for other activities that each place has to offer (i.e. the cable car ascent to the Vogel hill, a visit to the medieval village of Šmartno etc. Visits to the main tourist attractions such as the Bled Castle and the Postojna Cave are included in the tour.