Alps to Adriatic Cycle

Alps to Adriatic Cycle Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Vienna, Austria.  Arrive in Vienna this morning in time to meet your group at the rendezvous location by 1 p.m. After a brief orientation to the week’s adventure, we transfer out of Vienna to the start of our first ride!  Experience a lesser known part of Austria as we cycle a scenic road near the Hungarian border. Enjoy a welcome dinner, then retire for the night in the renovated Castle Lockenhaus(Austria), once occupied by the crusading Knights of Templar. Biking: 25-35 miles; Terrain: Gentle;  Boxed Lunch, dinner included.

• Days 2-3

  Gorgeous countryside rolls out before us for the next two days.  This is quintessential Austria – quaint homes draped with colorful flower boxes, country roads winding past orchards and pastures, and picturesque mountains in the background.  This southern province is well known for its fine wine production and we will take the opportunity to sample a glass or two!  We spend the first evening in the small town of Jennersdorf (Burgenland) and the second night in Lavamund(Carinthia) near the Slovenian border. Biking: Day 2- 45 miles, Day 3- 30 miles; Terrain: Rolling hills;  All meals included.

• Day 4

  After a hearty breakfast we cycle most of the day in the Drava River valley before crossing into Slovenia.  Those who wish may cycle up and over Jezerski Vrh, the pass that leads into Slovenia.  Others will be shuttled to the pass and may ride the fun descent into Gorenjska, as this northwestern area of Slovenia is called.  Hospitality is abundant here; the locals love to stop and visit.  It’s also an area celebrated for its cuisine, whether it’s Kranjska sausage or sweet walnut cake.  We spend the evening in the small village of Jezersko surrounded by the snowcapped Kamnik-Savinja Alps.  Biking: 35-45 miles; Terrain: Rolling hills with option of steep climb;  All meals included.

• Day 5

  We continue cycling into the heart of alpine scenery today.  From Jezersko we head toward the delightful village of Kropa and onto the beautiful valley of Bohinj.  Located in the southern corner of Triglav National Park, Bohinj is an oasis of alpine tranquility.  Slovenia’s highest mountain, Triglav, dominates the landscape.  Then it’s onto the picture-postcard perfect Lake Bled with its historic island church and its medieval, cliffside castle.  It’s interesting to note that this little island is Slovenia’s only island.  Photographers will want to keep their cameras handy.  After another great day of cycling, we enjoy the evening in one of the quaint hamlets that dot the Lake Bohinj area.  Biking: 26 miles with an optional additional 16 miles; Terrain: Primarily flat;  All meals included.

• Day 6

  This morning we transfer to the postcard-perfect resort town of Bled, with its island church and cliff-side castle, where we begin our ride for the day to Kranjska Gora. From here we transfer over the border to Italy and enjoy a picnic lunch at Lago di Predel.  Back on our bikes and over Predel Pass and, for those wanting a real biking challenge, there’s the option of Mangart Col this afternoon (about six miles, elevation gain of 3000’)!  In addition to offering impressive views, this Predel Pass has been historically important as a trade and military route through the Alps.  Overnight in Bovec. Biking: 30-45 miles; Terrain: Mountainous, long hills, winding roads;  All meals included.

• Day 7

  Although our cycling is easier today as we leave the high alpine terrain behind us, it is also a very full and lovely day.  A short transfer takes us to Trenta where we begin our cycle along the banks of the turquoise-blue Soca River.  The pedaling is easy and fun. We continue cycling to Tolmin where we spend the evening. Tolmin has entirely different flavor to it as its architecture is more Italian than Austrian.  Biking; Distance/hours: 30-45 miles Terrain: rolling countryside, paved roads.  All meals included.

• Day 8

  After breakfast we transfer to Gorica to start our day of biking.  We pedal through the fascinating Slovenien Karst region, a plateau whose landscape is complete with olive groves, stone churches and quaint villages with red-tiled roofs.  This Karst area, with its sunny and dry climate, is well known for its fine flavored prosciutto and full bodied red wine.  Biking ends in Divaca.  Enjoy a final mid-day meal with your guides before being transferred to the coastal town of Trieste, Italy. Overnight in Trieste. Biking: 25-30 miles  Terrain: gentle hills and rolling countryside.  Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on own.

• Day 9

  After breakfast, transfer on your own this morning to the airport for your homeward bound flight. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available on most departures.

All accommodations, meals as noted in the daily itinerary; cycling guide, support staff, support vehicle and sightseeing as noted in the itinerary, 24-speed hybrid touring bikes.

Round-trip airfare, airport/hotel transfers, 1 dinner, travel insurance, excess baggage charges, alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature.  Please bring your own bike helmet.

This trip is rated Vigorous [4]. We are riding through the mountainous Julian Alps – expect many hills, some are very long and steep. Most days we keep you on the go the entire day although you can always opt to shorten your riding day by hopping into the support van. This trip is for active people in good health. The Austria and Slovenia countryside is rarely flat, so regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential.

The northwest area of Slovenia has an alpine climate and temperatures in the valleys are moderate. May through September are the prime visiting months. The Adriatic coast has a Mediterranean climate with warm sunny days. Temperatures usually range from the low 50s to the upper 70s.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased within 21 days of your initial trip deposit, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

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