For lovers of history, fine wine and luxury spas. An easy tour taking you through the rolling hills, historic sites, castles and thermal springs of eastern Slovenia. Suitable for all cyclists of very average fitness.
Day 01: Arrival in Maribor.
Tour starting point is Maribor, Slovenia’s second largest city. The town is located on the bank of the Drava River and is home to one of the country’s few town castles. The castle houses the only Slovene fashion museum, which has an excellent collection of costumes and uniforms, the most prestigious being a military uniform worn by Tito. Our representative will welcome you with a drink and provide you with your itinerary and maps for the trip, and answer any questions you might have.
Day 02: Maribor – Ptuj (30 km).
Cycling along the Drava River / vineyards and orchards.
Your route will follow the Drava River as it meanders its way southeast across the vineyards and orchards of the Drava Plain and passes through Ptuj, the oldest continually inhabited settlement in Slovenia. Stroll through the streets and soak up the 2000 years of history as you marvel at the rich, elaborate architecture watched over by the incredibly well preserved castle that dates as far back as 69AD. The castle houses a wonderful collection of musical instruments and an exposition on Turkish raids in the 15th century.
Day 03: Ptuj – Rogaška Slatina (44 km).
First cycling across the flat terrain of the Ptuj plain, then a low pass (200 m).
Pagan shrines and thermal spas. As you leave town in the morning you can stop at the fascinating Mithra Shrines just 1km out. The town of Rogatec is home to a fascinating open-air museum and the Palace Castle Strmol. You can stop for lunch here before cycling on to your destination, Rogaška Slatina. Before you enter town we recommend that you pay a visit to Rogaška Crystal, where you can see firsthand the incredible skill that goes into creating their beautiful glasswork. In this spa town you will find a world of healing in its abundance of natural springs, said to heal everything from a bad stomach to obesity. In the evening pamper yourself in the wonderful world of spas.
Day 04: Rogaška Slatina – Bizeljsko (48 km).
Easy route going through the Sotla River Valley.
The lush green scenery of the Sotla River Valley awaits you today, on the border with Croatia. Vineyards and farmland are dotted over an area of dense forests and rolling hills. You then hop across the border and visit the castle of Poklek Mijana, a beautifully refurbished centuries-old mansion. After a stop in Kumrovec, the birthplace of Tito, you’ll cross back into Slovenia. Tito’s birth house now makes up part of an open-air village museum. (Please note that the section through Croatia is currently only possible for EU and EFTA citizens, others will need to follow a route entirely on Slovene territory, having a chance to visit the Castle of Bizeljsko).
Day 05: Bizeljsko – Mokrice (25 km).
A short cycle brings you back to the plain of the Sava River. On the way to Mokrice Castle, make a stop in the town of Brezice, where another of Slovenia’s few town castles stands. It’s most famous for its grand hall with the best acoustics by far. If you are lucky, you may even catch a musical performance which often takes place there in the summer months. Your final destination of the day is the mighty castle of Mokrice. First mentioned in 1444, it was rebuilt in the 16th century and again in 1941. After World War II it was made into a hotel with restaurants, and in 1988 a golf course was built on the castle grounds. In the same year, English pop band the Pet Shop Boys used this castle to film the video for their single “Heart“.
Day 06: Mokrice – Otočec (48 km).
Across the Sava plain.
Today will be filled with more wonderful attractions as you head along the base of the Gorjanci Hills separating Slovenia with Croatia. You will follow the Krka River back towards its origins in the Krka Valley, stopping at the mighty Kostanjevica Castle, which now houses an important open-air art gallery, and the 2km-long Kostanjevica Cave. Kostanjevica na Krki is Slovenia’s smallest town, and also one of its oldest. Continuing west you’ll come to Pleterje Monastery, set in the peace and tranquillity of a narrow valley surrounded by vineyards and gorgeous green hills. Your journey will end in Otočec, where the spectacular castle sits on a tiny island in the middle of the Krka River.
Day 07: Otočec & surroundings roundtrip (45 km)
Flat at the beginning, hilly at the end.
The final day’s theme is local food and wine. Continuing on along the Krka River, as it weaves its way across the lush green landscape of Southern Slovenia, you’ll pass through villages nestled among an array of vineyards glistening in the sunshine. The local wine “Cvicek” is unique to this region. It’s made from a mix of red and white grapes, and has a relatively low alcohol content, which might help prevent you riding around in circles afterwards! You can sample this wine along with some great local food in a typical village bar. From here you’ll head to a stunning viewpoint above the Krka plain, where you can relax, stretch your muscles and pamper yourself at the Smarjeske Spa before returning to your castle hotel.
Day 08: Departure from Otočec
After breakfast departure from Otočec.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Maribor | 01 | Hotel City Maribor |
| Ptuj | 01 | Grand Hotel Primus |
| Rogaška Slatina | 01 | Hotel Slovenija |
| Bizeljsko | 01 | Kamp Terme Čatež |
| Mokrice | 01 | Villa Istenič |
| Otočec | 02 | Hotel Grad Otočec |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 07 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Entrance Fees as per program
– Local English-speaking guide.
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.