This relaxed cycling holiday explores the very heart of Central Europe, beginning in Slovenia on the shores of magical Lake Bled, passing by Austria before heading south through Italy and on to the Adriatic.
Throughout, there is a very distinct and multi-cultural feel, evident in the local language, culture and cuisine. A richly preserved regional heritage reveals a complex and tumultuous past; visit colossal archaeological sites like Aquileia, with its remains of a Roman city and early Christian cathedral; mediaeval Udine, full of artistic masterpieces, and the restored fortress town of Venzone, reflecting the Renaissance Utopian ideals of a bygone era.
The area is one of outstanding natural beauty too. With the dramatic limestone peaks of the Julian Alps providing a formidable backdrop to your route, it's picture-postcard views all the way through lush forests, rolling meadows and pretty hamlets hemmed in by well-tended vineyards and shimmering mountain streams. On your final cycling stretch, the Adriatic seascape opens before you as you make a dramatic descent across the lagoon and on to the sun-kissed island of Grado with its sandy beaches lapped by crystal-clear waters.
The places we've chosen for you to stay in are among the best in the region. Hotel highlights include beautiful lakeside views from the luxurious 4 star Hotel Triglav in Bled; an alpine lodge in Tarvisio, and the 4 star Grand Hotel Hannover overlooking Grado's pretty harbour and just 200m from the Adriatic Sea.
This was a trip that surpassed my expectations. I am not terribly athletic and i was concerned about the cycling but in the end I managed well and the bus was there to help at the hardest bits....It combined stunning scenery, fascinating history, a friendly group that gelled together under the care of exemplary guides.
I have had an amazing time in Croatia exploring the Dalmatian coast.
All the hotels were good and in great locations.
The itinerary was the right mix of cycling and exploring local towns and villages.
The tour leader was brilliant. So much knowledge about the area. Showed alot of patience with a group with mixed cycling abilities.
This is our 5th cycling trip with Exodus and we feel this is the best trip that we had. We were blessed with nice blue sky every day. The cycling was just right (as we all made the climbs as a team without any stops in the middle); the roads were quiet and scenic; the ancient monuments and sights were great and the food and hotels were both 1st class.
Newly-prosperous Bulgaria is a storied land of pristine forests, rushing rivers and soaring mountains, marked by the civilizations that have flourished here from ancient Thrace and on through Greek, Roman, Byzantine, Ottoman, and Soviet eras. Quaint villages, seemingly lost in time, reveal their character as we explore their stone bridges, narrow streets and medieval churches, while the wilderness beckons us to explore its deep gorges and hidden caverns. Larger towns like Koprivshtitsa and Plovdiv put intriguing layers of history on display in their grand old houses and preserved monuments from antiquity. After the day's ride, soothe your muscles in the waters of the country's famed spa towns. Ever the gregarious hosts, Bulgarians will invite us to join them over hearty local fare and bottles of their regional wines, lending warmth and humour to our journey through their beautiful land.
After a briefing and welcome dinner in the revitalized old-world elegance of Sofia, our riding begins in the foothills of the Balkan Mountains, and we soon delve into a little-known part of Europe along the Vit River, stretching our legs with some challenging ascents. Reaching Chiflik, relax in the thermal baths for which Bulgaria is famous. The next day, follow a Roman road across Beklemeto Pass, Bulgaria’s highest, and take in the view before cruising down through forested countryside into Koprivshtitsa, a living monument to 19th century Bulgaria. After a night in this ambience, pedal among remnants of ancient Thrace, visiting millenia-old sacred sites and a modern winery, before reaching Plovdiv, where we spend the evening in its immaculate town centre of preserved theatres, mosques, and public baths. We then enter the Rhopode Mountains of Bulgaria’s remote southern frontier. Exploring monasteries and fortified villages, transition to the natural beauty of the marble Trigrad Gorge and the underground waterfall nearby before arriving at a welcoming local hotel. Awaking in this peaceful setting, we continue deeper into the wilderness among yet more stunning rock formations, ascending a forested route to Dospat and our lakefront hotel. The final day of cycling takes us northward to Velingrad, Bulgaria’s spa capital, where we can once more allow the waters to rejuvenate our legs after the journey and share a final night dinner. The following morning, we will transfer back to Sofia in time for onward journeys or further exploration of this fascinating city.
Join us on this 8-day cycling adventure to discover Bulgaria’s rich heritage, natural splendour, and warm hospitality!
We loved our Bike and Sail (which was actually a Bike and Boat since the boat didn't have sails). The boat was extremely comfortable with excellent A/C in the lower level where our room was. The dining room was always too warm because even though it had A/C, the open door and another smaller opening near the bar allowed hot air to enter the room. Would be nice if fans were present in the dining area. But all in all, the trip was a good experience!
Beautiful weather and scenery in a part of Europe that gets easily overlooked. Lots of uphill cycling but you do get the long downhills as compensation. The guides Dhimitri and Juli were great - always helpful and Juli (also the driver) scuttling back and forth to ensure everyone was OK and had enough water. Would recommend this trip and the local provider Cycle Albania.
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
16-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Tirana, Zabljak, Rudinice, Niksi
Tirana, Zabljak, Rudinice, Niksic, Bay Of Kotor, Shkodra, Shkoder, Lake Ohrid, Debar, Lake Mavrovo, Tetovo, Brezovica National Park, Prizren, Berane, Kolasin
