Slovenia, Austria & Italy: Alpine Valleys / Sea side – Parenzana ( Slovenia )

A Alp Adventures representative will greet you at the airport to start your your first day in Kranjska Gora off right. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast, meet your local Alp Adventures representative at your Kranjska Gora hotel at 10:00 a.m. Please arrive dressed in cycling clothes and ready to bike. Ensure your luggage is packed and placed in the lobby. If you’ve brought your own pedals, have them ready to give to your trip leaders.

From Kranjska Gora warm-up ride to Lago di Fussine -Tarvisio. You’ll meet your trip leaders in a peaceful countryside setting outside the charming hamlet of Italy. After an included lunch, they’ll lead a safety and bike-fitting session followed by a warm-up ride. This region is especially picturesque and well-suited to gentle cycling through the scenic Canal Valley (Val Canale).

Later this afternoon, explore the main street of Tarvisio. Once a vital stop on a historic trade route through the Alps to Venice, Tarvisio remains a cultural crossroads where Italian, Slovenian, and Austrian influences converge. Perhaps treat yourself to a classic Italian gelato or browse the town’s inviting shops.

Your accommodations for the next two nights are at Pino Alpino, a cozy, family-run inn nestled between forested hills and the heart of Kranjska Gora—an ideal base for enjoying all this alpine town has to offer.

This evening, gather with your fellow travelers for a welcome reception and a delicious dinner prepared by your hotel’s owner.

Today's Ride Choices

Afternoon: Warm-Up Ride — 22 km | Warm-Up Ride PLUS — 20 km.

What to Expect:

Your warm-up ride begins in the picturesque glacial alpine valley of Val Saisera, nestled in the Julian Alps. Take in sweeping mountain views, serene forest landscapes, and striking rock faces. For those seeking more, an optional extension leads farther into the upper Saisera Valley, revealing even more breathtaking alpine scenery. Rejoin the main route in the valley to ride a portion of the world-renowned Alpe Adria Bike Path.

Cumulative Distance Range: 22 – 40 km .

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your alpine adventure continues today with a ride through the Radovna Valley, passing pristine pasturelands. You’ll stop at a local farm to sample the delicious alpine cuisine produced in this scenic region of Slovenia for lunch.

Afterward, continue to the storybook setting of Lake Bled. Enjoy an unforgettable experience as you circumnavigate the lake by bike. If time allows, you may choose to take a boat to Bled Island—the only natural island in Slovenia and home to the picturesque Pilgrimage Church of the Assumption of Mary—or walk up to Bled Castle, the oldest in Slovenia, for sweeping views over the lake.

Following your exploration of Lake Bled, shuttle back to Kranjska Gora to relax or enjoy a sauna. This evening, dinner is on your own. You are invited to explore the charming town of Kranjska Gora, where a variety of cozy restaurants and cafés serve traditional Slovenian cuisine and alpine specialties.

What to Expect:

Today’s biking is easy and relaxing, beginning with a gentle ride down the valley along the Sava River, passing traditional Slovenian farms, meadows, and pastures. At the village of Gozd Martuljek, take in spectacular views of Mount Špik—nicknamed “Needle” for its striking silhouette. Follow bike path D-2, a former alpine railway, to the village of Mojstrana, where you may opt to visit the Slovenian Alpine Museum. From here, you can either take a short shuttle over the hills to Triglav National Park and the village of Radovna or choose a more moderate bike ride over the Kosmac Pass. After lunch, continue cycling through the serene and less-traveled Radovna Valley to your final destination, Lake Bled, where you’ll have time at leisure before shuttling to the hotel.

Cumulative Distance Range: 14.2 – 41.8 km

Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This route is perfect for lovers of the classic cycling tour between Bled and Bohinj. The ride begins in the charming town of Bled and follows the main road, so extra caution is advised due to traffic. The route is mostly flat and not overly demanding, except for a short climb after passing the village of Bitnje — turn right at the sign for Srednja Vas / Jereka. You’ll face a 2 km ascent with a 10% incline.
After the climb, the path continues through the villages of Bohinjska Češnjica, Srednja Vas, and Stara Fužina, eventually reaching the crystal-clear waters of Lake Bohinj. On a warm summer day, a refreshing dip in the lake is highly recommended. After a short break, the route continues through Bohinjska Bistrica and loops back to Bled.
Want to extend the ride?
From Ribčev Laz (near the lake), turn right if you're coming from the direction of Srednja Vas and continue cycling towards Ukanc, or even further to the famous Savica Waterfall.

Highlights Along the Way
Lake Bled
Formed at the end of the Bohinj glacier, Lake Bled stretches 2,120 meters in length, 1,380 meters in width, and reaches a depth of 30.6 meters. The lake is famous for its island with the Church of the Assumption, reachable by traditional wooden boats called pletna. Bled Castle stands proudly on a cliff above the lake, offering breathtaking views. Other notable sights include the cave under Babji Zob, the Parish Church, the monument to mathematician Josip Plemelj, the Grimšče manor house, and charming horse-drawn carriages.
Lake Bohinj and Its Surroundings
Lake Bohinj is another gem in the Upper Carniola region, surrounded by natural beauty and rich cultural heritage. Nearby, you can visit the Pantz cableway, the oldest surviving forest cableway in Europe. Built to improve forestry on Jelovica Plateau, it marked the beginning of sustainable forest management in the area.
Srednja Vas
Here you can visit the Parish Church of St. Martin, a baroque church built on the foundations of a medieval structure mentioned as early as 1493. Also worth seeing are the Preželj and Špan granaries, two stone buildings from the early 17th century that were historically used to store crops.
Stara Fužina
Visit the Church of St. Paul, a medieval church with wooden shingle roofing and a walled courtyard. The western porch is paved with river stones and rectangular stone tiles. Its bell tower, topped with a double onion dome, was added in 1726.
Just by Lake Bohinj stands the Church of St. John the Baptist, the most prominent church in the area. Likely built before 1300, it features a mix of architectural styles from Romanesque to Baroque. It's richly decorated with frescoes, the oldest dating back to the 14th century. Archaeological finds near the church date from the 1st to 5th century AD.
On the western shore of the lake lies the Church of the Holy Spirit, built in the 18th century along with a porch and surrounding wall. Positioned on a grassy hill above the lakeshore, the church features baroque design elements, including richly decorated vaults and altars.
Ajdovski Gradec
This 585-meter hill near Bohinjska Bistrica is home to an ancient archaeological site that dates back to the Iron Age (700–300 BC). It was once a settlement of miners and ironworkers, with visible remains of smelting workshops. The hill is also famously mentioned in France Prešeren’s poem The Baptism at the Savica.
Zois Manor and Clock Tower
In Bohinjska Bistrica, you’ll find Zois Manor, a neo-Romanesque residence built in the late 18th century, which once served as an administrative center for the local iron industry. Opposite the manor stands the Zois Clock Tower, built by Baron Žiga Zois to help workers arrive on time.
Studor Hayracks
A unique cultural landscape feature of Bohinj are the traditional hayracks (kozolci) in Studor. These hayracks are tightly grouped on long, narrow plots of land divided during land reforms. Their distinctive placement and construction make them a true local landmark.
Oplen House
This preserved Bohinj farmhouse showcases a traditional layout, with living quarters and farm buildings under the same roof. It's one of the few houses where you can still see a functioning open hearth in the old "black kitchen."
Godc House – Museums and History
In Bohinjska Bistrica, Godčeva hiša hosts three permanent exhibitions: the Leatherworking Museum, a WWI Museum focusing on the Soča Front (1915–1917), and a display on local hero Tomaž Godec — a renowned athlete, partisan, and innovator. Godec built Yugoslavia’s first ski jump and was a member of the national cross-country skiing team in the 1930s.

Visit to Postojna Cave – A Journey into the Underground World

Explore one of the world’s most captivating underground wonders – Postojna Cave, located in southwestern Slovenia. Carved over millions of years by the Pivka River, this 24-kilometre-long karst cave system offers a magical experience of towering stalagmites, shimmering stalactites, and underground halls that leave every visitor in awe.

The Cave Train Adventure

Your journey begins with a unique electric cave train ride, the only one of its kind in the world. It takes you deep into the heart of the cave, offering a thrilling introduction to its vast chambers and natural formations. The ride covers around 3.7 km and is followed by a guided walking tour of about 1.5 km.

Highlights of the Tour

• The Great Mountain Hall – with stunning formations reaching up to 16 meters
• The Brilliant – a pure white stalagmite and symbol of Postojna Cave
• Spaghetti Hall – covered with delicate, thread-like formations
• Concert Hall – a massive chamber known for its excellent acoustics
• The “Human Fish” (Proteus) – an endangered amphibian and cave dweller, also called the olm or baby dragon

More Than Just a Cave

Your ticket to Postojna Cave includes access to several attractions:

• Vivarium – showcasing cave-dwelling creatures, including the proteus
• EXPO Cave Karst – an interactive exhibition about karst geology and the cave's discovery
• Butterfly-shaped souvenir shops and traditional Slovenian restaurants nearby

Practical Information

• Duration: approx. 1.5–2 hours
• Temperature: ~10°C (50°F) – bring a warm jacket!
• Languages: Guided tours available in multiple languages
• Accessibility: Train ride and most of the walking path are suitable for visitors with limited mobility

Cycling the Parenzana Trail: From Trieste to Sečovlje
Embark on a scenic ride along the historic Parenzana Trail, a former narrow-gauge railway route that once connected Trieste with Poreč. Today, it serves as one of the most beautiful cycling paths in the region, winding through picturesque landscapes, charming coastal towns, tunnels, viaducts, and vineyards.

Route Overview
Starting point: Trieste, Italy
End point: Sečovlje, Slovenia
Distance: Approx. 35 km
Difficulty: Easy to moderate
Surface: Paved roads and gravel bike paths

Route Description
Trieste (Italy)
Begin your journey in the vibrant city of Trieste, rich in Austro-Hungarian architecture and Mediterranean charm. Take time to visit Piazza Unità d’Italia, Miramare Castle, and the bustling Canal Grande before heading south along the coastline.
You’ll follow the coastal promenade toward Barcola and continue to Muggia, the last Italian town before crossing into Slovenia. Enjoy the sea breeze and views of the Gulf of Trieste.
Muggia to Koper (Capodistria)
After a short climb and border crossing near Lazzaretto, you enter Slovenia and descend toward Koper, a historical town with Venetian influences. Don’t miss:
Tito Square and Praetorian Palace
Koper Cathedral and Bell Tower
The charming old town with narrow alleys and cafés
Koper to Izola
The trail continues along a beautiful seaside cycling path, formerly part of the Parenzana railway. This stretch includes:
A well-lit tunnel under the hill between Koper and Izola (Šalet Tunnel)
Fantastic views of the Adriatic Sea
A gentle, safe ride ideal for families
Izola (Isola)
Izola is a picturesque fishing town with a relaxed coastal vibe. Points of interest include:
The old marina and fishing harbor
Church of St. Maurus
Traditional seafood restaurants and local wine
Izola to Portorož
Continue riding through vineyards and olive groves toward Strunjan, a protected nature reserve. This section is more rural, with gentle climbs and sweeping sea views.
In Strunjan, you can stop at:
Strunjan Cliff – the highest flysch wall on the Adriatic coast
Moon Bay – a hidden gem with a peaceful beach
Pass through Lucija before reaching Portorož, Slovenia’s most famous seaside resort. Known for its beaches, thermal spas, and casino life, it's a great place to rest, swim, or enjoy a refreshing gelato.
Final Stretch: Portorož to Sečovlje
The last part of the route takes you through the Sečovlje Salina Nature Park, a vast area of traditional salt pans that have been in use for over 700 years. The park is home to unique flora and fauna, and you can explore:
The Salt Museum
Active salt harvesting fields
Birdwatching opportunities (especially flamingos in spring and autumn)
End your ride at the Sečovlje border crossing or continue further into Croatia if you're up for a longer adventure.

Highlights Along the Route
Historic railway tunnels and viaducts of the Parenzana
Panoramic coastal views of the Adriatic
Charming towns: Trieste, Koper, Izola, Portorož
Natural wonders: Strunjan Cliff, Sečovlje Salt Pans
Rich cultural heritage and regional gastronomy