Cycle Slovenia and the Parenzana

Arrive in Villach, a lively town with a charming old centre and plenty of inviting cafés and restaurants.

Following the Gail River, you’ll pedal out of Austria and soon cross into Italy – a smooth transition between cultures that’s felt as much in the landscape as in the language. This corner of Europe, where Austria, Slovenia and Italy meet, is known as the Canal Valley. At its heart lies Tarvisio, a charming alpine town where German, Romance and Slavic cultures have coexisted for centuries. It’s a fascinating blend of traditions, architecture and cuisine – a perfect place to pause and take it all in. The Julian Alps rise to the east and southeast of the town, forming part of the mountainous backdrop that defines this culturally rich and geographically striking area.

Leaving Italy, you enter into Slovenia, where the scenery shifts to quiet alpine villages and wide-open valleys. Ride past the charming ski town of Kranjska Gora as the dedicated cycle route winds through some of Slovenia’s most unspoiled natural landscapes. If you’re looking for a more relaxed day, there’s the option to hop on a train and skip a short section (around 10km). Your day ends on the peaceful shores of Lake Bled—one of Slovenia’s most romantic and iconic settings, perfect for an evening stroll or lakeside dinner.

Cycle from Lake Bled to Slovenia’s vibrant capital, Ljubljana—proudly named the European Green Capital. Your route takes you through the medieval town of Radovljica, known for its charming old quarter, scenic views of the Julian Alps, and well-preserved ramparts. Continue on to Kranj, the historic capital of the Slovenian Alps, where cobbled lanes and cultural landmarks reflect Slovenia’s deep-rooted heritage. The day ends in lively Ljubljana, where you can stroll the leafy riverside, enjoy the city’s café scene, and snap a photo at the iconic Dragon Bridge.

Leaving the city behind, today’s ride winds through quiet country roads and picture-perfect Slovenian villages surrounded by rolling green hills and farmland. Pass through the town of Logatec before reaching Postojna, home to one of the world’s great natural wonders. The Postojna Cave is the second largest stalactite cave system on Earth—and the only one with its own underground railway. On a 90-minute guided tour, you can hop aboard the historic cave train to explore an incredible network of tunnels, chambers and soaring limestone galleries carved by nature over millions of years (pre booking recommended).

Today’s ride is a rich blend of natural beauty, military history and equestrian heritage as you cycle from the iconic cave town of Postojna to Lipica. Leaving Postojna, the road gently undulates through open farmland and quiet forest lanes, with opportunities to pause and take in sweeping views of this unique geological landscape. Midway through your ride, make a stop in the town of Pivka, home to the Park of Military History – one of Slovenia’s most comprehensive museums. Set in a former military barracks, the park offers a fascinating look at the country’s strategic location and its role in both world wars and the Cold War. Highlights include restored tanks, aircraft, submarines, and immersive exhibits that provide context to Slovenia’s past and its global connections. Continuing south, the route opens up to reveal wider fields and, eventually, the gentle hills that signal your arrival in Lipica, the birthplace of the Lipizzaner horse, bred here since 1580. These graceful white horses are most famously associated with the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, and their elegance and precision have long captured the hearts of horse lovers around the world. Depending on your timing, you may choose to visit the Lipica Stud Farm, where guided tours offer a glimpse into the long-standing traditions of classical dressage, horse breeding and the deep bond between horse and rider. Lipica, sometimes written as Lipizza (its Italian name), is more than just a stud farm. It's a tranquil, leafy haven with wide meadows, forest paths and historic buildings – all part of the larger Lipica Estate, where you can walk, cycle or ride alongside the graceful Lipizzaners.

Todays cycling leads you to the historic port city of Trieste, once the bustling maritime gateway of the Habsburg Empire. Near the village of Pesek, you join the Val Rosandra cycle trail, also known as the Ciclopedonale Giordano Cottur – a converted former railway line that links Slovenia with Italy. This scenic trail is partly paved and partly gravel, making it ideal for relaxed cycling. As you descend gently towards the Adriatic coast, you’ll ride through tunnels, past remnants of industrial archaeology, and enjoy sweeping views across the Karst landscape. The Val Rosandra Valley itself is a protected natural area, known for its dramatic limestone cliffs and serene walking paths. With little elevation gain, this stage is a pleasant downhill journey that brings you all the way to the elegant seafront of Trieste. In Trieste you change to a mountain bike to ensure you are prepared for the next stage of the journey along the Parenzana Rail Trail.

This stage of your ride begins at the historic 1906 train station – a relic of the Austro-Hungarian era – sets the tone for a journey rich in culture and contrast. Pedal out of Italy and into Slovenia as you follow a scenic route through forests, meadows and quiet rural landscapes that hint at Istria’s timeless appeal. A long downhill glide brings the day to a close, with panoramic views over the sparkling Adriatic and the charming spa town of Piran or Portoroz waiting to welcome you.

After breakfast, continue riding along the Parenzana rail trail, once known as the “wine railway” – a name that comes alive as you pass through rolling hills and vineyards that define the Istrian countryside. Pedal through a series of tunnels and across restored railway bridges, pausing at scenic viewpoints overlooking the valleys between Buje, Grožnjan and Motovun. Grožnjan, a picturesque hilltop village, is a vibrant artist enclave where you can stroll through cobblestone lanes lined with galleries and studios. As you move deeper into Istria’s hinterland, you’ll come across the Secovlje Salt Flats – an ancient geometric mosaic of evaporation ponds now protected as the Secovlje Salina Nature Park. The route winds through tranquil natural landscapes before leading you to Livade, known as the truffle capital of Istria. You may spend the night here, or continue on to Motovun. Motovun (Montona), perched high on a hill, is one of the region’s most captivating medieval towns. Its skyline is marked by a Romanesque-Gothic bell tower dating to the 13th century, standing beside the 17th-century Church of St. Stephen. In the heart of the town, the Romanesque Municipal Palace – the largest secular building of its kind in Istria – anchors a square surrounded by other remarkable historic buildings.

Your final ride takes you along what many consider the most scenic and iconic stretch of the former Parenzana railway. The route winds through numerous tunnels and over dramatic viaducts – engineering feats dating back to the late 19th century – as you gradually descend toward the Adriatic Sea. Riding on quiet gravel roads, you’ll pass through rural farmland, rows of vineyards, and Istria’s distinctive red earth. As you near the end of the trail, the railway’s presence begins to fade. No station marks its terminus, and no sign reveals the story of the line – yet the Parenzana leaves its impression in the landscapes, the villages, and the experience itself. Your final destination is Porec, a lively coastal town that blends a relaxed Mediterranean feel with layers of Roman and Venetian history. Be sure to explore the UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica, stroll the waterfront promenade, or simply unwind at one of the many cafés in the old town – a fitting end to a rewarding cycling journey.

Trip concludes after breakfast.