EUROPE: Adriatic to Alps

You will be met at Ljubljana airport by a member of the Clutch Team and given an initial brief of the area. The tour starts officially at 3.30 pm in the hotel lobby, with a briefing and a small amount of paperwork. This is an opportunity to meet with other riders and view the motorbikes you will ride. The day will end at a traditional Slovenian  restaurant with a special welcoming dinner.

Leaving Ljubljana, we head back to the mountains, stopping for coffee at a beautiful alpine lake, before riding a short stretch to Austria and then back into Slovenia along the famous Logarska Valley, the largest glacial valley in the Kamnik- Savinja Alps. Wide, lush and green the Kamnik-Savinja mountains tower above, only 35 people are allowed to live in the protected valley on isolated farms. A traditional lunch will give us the energy we need to continue the ride. As the mountains give way, to a hilly wooded landscape, the road weaves through villages, and forests to the beautiful Ptuj castle, the oldest town in Slovenia. Just a few miles further on, we ride through some of Slovenia’s finest wine-producing regions and a another hidden jewel. The beautiful tranquil hotel, renowned in the area for its legendary hospitality and exquisite wines. 

Starting off from Jeruzalem, we will head southwest towards the southeastern Slovenia. On the way, we will have the opportunity to enjoy the rolling landscape, medieval castles and much more. We will spend the night at one of the best luxurious and elite accommodation options in Slovenia. We should arrive there relatively early, and have enough time to take a stroll around the beautiful estate, feel the peaceful nature or go for a relaxing dip in the nearby spa. 

Leaving the Novo Mesto behind, we head southwest back towards Croatia, a relatively slow ride to the border, but most enjoyable. After crossing the border, we will put, pedal to metal, arriving at Plitvice Lakes, National Park. After a small break, there is a short walking tour. You are not expected to walk all sixteen lakes, but it is well worth the effort to see some of them, breathtaking waterfalls, caves in this famous UNESCO World Heritage site. 

A unique combination of landscapes, ranging from the mainlands deciduous trees to the rocky scenery typical of the Mediterranean, leads to SIBENIK, another picturesque and unforgettable World Heritage site. Followed by a boat tour to the breathtaking archipelago islands of Kornati National Park, before riding the coastal road to Split where we spend our first rest day.

It is not surprising fact that the first inhabitant of Split was the Roman emperor Diocletian. In the year 293 he built, in this famous oasis, his palace for retirement, which is today under the protection of UNESCO. You can spend your rest day relaxing by the sea, discovering the old town of Split with Diocletians palace  or going for a ride to one or the neighbor Islands. Split offers you many opportunities. 

We will start our tour in Split and head north, following the coastal road to Pag Island, stopping at the most seductive town on the Dalmation coast, Trogir, an old-town with clusters of palaces, belfries and cobbled alleys radiating out from its medieval square. One of the largest UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the world, abounds in beauty and history. The scenic road continues, and you cannot miss the sheep, there are eight thousand people living on Pag island looking after three times as many sheep. Looking, towards the Adriatic islands, you will see the clearest blue waters in Europe. Then onto our hotel, nestling in it’s own vineyards. A most enjoyable evening is ahead, with fine dining and sampling the best wines of the region.

Continuing along the scenic Adriatic road to the ferry terminal, we take a quick crossing to the mainland. The first part is a glorious winding road, with breathtaking views of the Kvarner Bay, then we turn inland to enjoy the enchanting beauty of the quaint Istrian peninsula. Charming, crumbling villages and towns, look from another century, half abandoned ancient stones poised high above rich green pastures and forests, is an area of rare and disarming beauty. Motoyun, an artist colony, is perhaps the most famous of the Istrian hill towns, renown as the center of the famous truffle industry. Tasting these hidden treasures is possible. Later, we cross the border to Portoroz, Slovenia’s major beach resort. 

The start of the day takes us to the world heritage site of the famous Skocjan caves, an experience not to be missed. You may have seen caves before but nothing prepares you for the sheer size of these underground caverns. The largest known underground canyon in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The natural phenomenon of these caves ranks alongside one of the wonders of the world. After lunch, a short ride to the small Slovenian town, Lipica, famous for the rare and aristocratic Lipizzaner stallions. 

Rest day, in the famous Italian city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated on a lagoon, Venice, is one of the most interesting and appealing places in the world. It has not changed for over six hundred years, which adds to it’s special charm. Explore this medieval jewel on your own. 

Leaving Venice behind and heading north to the Italian Dolomites, the roads initially follows the lowlands before winding its way through unspoiled mountainous terrain to Arabba. This area is one of the top destinations in Europe. Bikers from all over the world come to enjoy some of the best mountain roads Europe has to offer. Seriously twisty, exhilarating roads to thoroughly enjoy. 

Rest day in Arabba. There is an option, to ride as much as your heart (head, legs, and arms included) desires. If, by chance, riding is not on your itinerary, then you can opt to hike the surrounding mountains paths, and enjoy the magical atmosphere in unspoiled nature, or take an easy stroll and just relax at the hotel spa. 

Having reached our westernmost point of the tour, we will turn east to enjoy roads you have dreamt off, a breathtaking day riding through the Dolomites, on to  the Slovene Julian Alps and through the incredible beautiful Soca Valley, known worldwide for whitewater rafting. Then on over Slovenia’s highest mountain pass, Vrsic, 50 flowing switchbacks traverse the mountain to the town of Kranjska Gora, before heading back on a small road to Lake Bled, passing fairytale villages with charming rustic architecture and crystal clear rivers. Reaching Lake Bled, you will fully understand why Bled is ‘the pearl of Slovenia'.

A full day of Slovene’s, pearls and jewels, the most scenic parts of Slovenia. Leaving Lake Bled, we ride through the Sava Bohinjka river canyon to Lake Bohinj, peppered with sites of breathtaking natural beauty. It is hard to keep your eyes on the road, as it will fill you with awe, panoramic views, rolling hills, fast flowing rivers. A fabulous mountain road leads to the small medieval town of Skofja Loka for a pit stop of coffee and cake, before ending our tour in Slovenia’s capital city, Ljubljana.

The Clutch team will transfer you to the airport or to any other place in Ljubljana, from where you will continue your travels.