STAGES

DAY 2

With a great panorama of the Prisojnik’s massif we start our ascent on the Vršič Pass (1611 m asl.). We ride pass the Russian chapel and continue towards the old military road pass. Before descending to the Soča valley we will admire rough walls of Julijan Alps. We will stop for a short hike to the source of the Soča River and then continue our trip to the end of stage 2 in Bovec on a trail, crossing many hanging bridges over the Soča River. Recommended extra activities: canyoning.

Bovec – Kobarid
Length: 40 km, ascent: 1200 m

We start in Bovec and leave shortly the green Soča River. We follow the road to Italy but just shortly before the Italian border we turn up and start climbing onto the Kobariški Stol Mountain. First through the woods but then we reach green meadows with wonderful views of the other side. The trail down to Kobarid is technical, and will make even the best riders walk from time to time but we can all safely reach the wonderful yet small village of Kobarid. Recommended extra activities: kayaking, visit the WWI Museum.

DAY 4

Kobarid – Tolmin
Length: 40 km, ascent: 1400 m

The 4th stage has an innocent start; a short piece of flat riding along the Soča River. But soon all our fitness and skill is required as we start one of the many climbs of the day. Mostly through the woods we reach the village of Drežnica and continue climbing onto the Planina Kuhinja Mountain. Great views, lonely hard to find trails and some WWI monuments will mark the day. This is one of the tougher stages on First World War ‘front lines’. Recommended extra activities: visit to the picturesque Tolmin Gorge.

DAY 5

Tolmin – Solkan
Length: 60 km, ascent: 1400 m

The typical mountain trails along the Soča River Valley will end at Solkan, a suburb of Nova Gorica. Now we start to understand the natural variety the tour offers. From the Julian Alps we now reach Goriška Brda, best described as Slovenian Tuscany. This is the wine-growing region of Slovenia. Many green hills, a lot of vineyards, and first glances of the Adriatic Sea. Recommended extra activities: visit of Gorizia and Nova Gorica, a town divided by a country border.

DAY 6

Solkan – Sežana
Length: 70 km, ascent: 1400 m

The 6th stage is where the landscape totally changes. We have now left high mountains and are deep in the karst region, hilly, a lot of karst caves, Mediterranean climate and hidden and lonely MTB trails. We ride above the Italian harbour of Trieste and finish our stage at Sežana. Recommended extra activities: visit to the Škocjanske jame (beautiful karst caves under UNESCO protection).

DAY 7

Sežana – Piran
Length: 70 km, ascent: 1600 m

Last stage from Sežana to the picturesque seaside town of Piran will take us by Lipica, a famous Lipizzaner stable. We recommend stopping for a guided tour (not included in the price) in Lipica. Then we continue on the gravel roads, direction seaside. Before reaching it we pass many landmarks such us Socerb castle and then along the coast we reach our final destination, the city of Piran. Bring your swimming gear. The ‘dinner’ is waiting for you. You are done. Recommended extra activities: sightseeing of Piran.

DAY 8

Piran – Kranjska Gora
Transfer day

Last day is for transfer back to Kranjska Gora. We can organise the transfer back early in the morning to give you a full day for your return trip or we can make the transfer in the afternoon, so you can enjoy the day in Piran sightseeing, swimming or shopping.

• Half-board accommodation with breakfast and dinner in a double room (category ***)
• Daily transportation of luggage from the starting point to the finish stage
• Single room fee is 150 EUR.Licensed guide
• Transfer of participants from Piran back to Kranjska Gora
• Tourist tax

• Lunch (at lunch time we are usually far away from the restaurants)
• Additional activities

• We recommend a minimum front suspension MTB bike with disc brakes.
• The use of helmets is mandatory
• Backpack with hydration pack (i.e. Camelback).
• It is necessary to have sufficient water supply with you as there is no possibility of a refill at certain stages of the trails for approximately 2-3 hours

• Fitness: 4/5
• Technical: 3/5