Move effortlessly between the borders of Slovenia and Italy while immersed in the Collio wine region. Retrace the history of both World Wars, riding through regions that offered refuge to the Resistance in World War II and exploring bunkers that remain from World War I. Develop an intimate understanding of the wine grown between Italy and Slovenia at winery visits and tastings with local sommeliers and acclaimed winemakers. Spend an evening at our friend Davorin's family farmhouse and share in a homegrown feast of local, seasonal flavors. Meet our friend Alessia, a local chef, who hosts us for dinner at a stunning Slovenian winery. A combination of Austrian, Hungarian, Mediterranean, and Balkan cuisines: local sausages, prosciutto, mountain cheeses, pumpkin seed oil, žlikrofi (potato ravioli), and prekmurska gibanica (layer cake) Rebula and Refosco wines from Brda, Vipava Valley Pinot Noir, craft beer, and schnapps after a hearty meal Meet your guides in the capital city of Ljubljana for a transfer to an idyllic hilltop farmhouse, the starting point for our first ride. It’s hard to imagine, but this lovely landscape of still pastures and alpine villages was once a refuge for Resistance fighters during World War II. Consider the region’s contrast as we ride to a classic Slovenian restaurant where locals order the traditional potato ravioli known as žlikrofi— and a glass of wine, of course. Finish lunch and check in at our first refined hotel in the riverside village of Spodnja Idrija. Dinner is right on the property, and it’s a perfect first introduction to the handmade style of Slovenian cuisine. Today we ride across the ancient Duchy of Carniola (as the heartland of modern Slovenia was once known). Begin from the meadows of Idrija and pass through scenery that’s so idyllic it could be the setting for a Slovenian fairytale. We’ll descend to the banks of the Vipava River and meet our friend Matej for lunch; the climate takes a surprising turn towards the Mediterranean, and as a result, Vipava’s architecture is more terra cotta than timber. After lunch, check into our dreamy forest hotel perched above the clustered village of Vrhpolje, offering views of the valley below. This evening our local friend invites us for an intimate dinner at home. Set off for a food-focused exploration of the Karst, a limestone plateau that defines the border between Italy and Slovenia—and a region recognized for protected products like red wine and cured ham. We’ll ride into the Vipava Valley where locals turned their attention to winemaking after the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s. Continue to wind back the clock in a tiny fortified village where Capuchin monks still operate the local monastery, then climb over a panoramic ridge where we'll taste local varietals like Zelen and Pinela with a Slovenian producer. Our culinary-centric day continues with dinner at a family-run restaurant that serves only what it produces onsite, including some of the best Karst prosciutto. Begin the day riding through an area that saw some of the most intense fighting of World War I. Between 1915 and 1917, Italy and Austria-Hungary engaged in no less than 12 battles along the Isonzo River until the eventual collapse of the Italian Front (immortalized in Hemingway’s Farewell to Arms). To illustrate the impact, we’ll explore an intact section of tunnels and bunkers that changed hands several times in those two years. After lunch, it’s a far more blissful transition as we ride through the heart of these battlefields and across the tranquil border into Italy. Check in at our last hotel of the trip—a castle that stands above the vineyards of this picturesque valley. Tonight you may choose to dine on the hotel’s inviting terrace or ask your guides to recommend a more casual osteria or wine bar for dinner on your own. From our castle hotel, the views of Italy and Slovenia are seriously moving—be sure to take a moment to appreciate it all over your morning coffee. The shared scenery of the two countries sets the tone for our ride today as we cross back and forth over their borders. Begin along the vine-clad ridges that lead to Cividale on the Italian side. This town can trace its roots back to Julius Caesar, and the main piazza is a perfect place to stop for a mid-ride espresso and a little people-watching. From there, cycle back into Slovenia in time for a picnic lunch at a beautiful biodynamic winery then return to the hotel for some downtime. This evening we'll head to another stunning Slovenian winery, this time for an unforgettable dinner hosted by our friend Alessia, an Italian chef—the perfect homage to our day of duality. Sleep in and enjoy a leisurely breakfast or take a final spin through the vineyards: there’s no wrong way to enjoy your final morning in Slovenia. Your guides will transfer you to the Trieste airport where you can catch a train to Venice or wherever your travels may take you next. Accommodations: Thoughtfully selected accommodations that reveal the true character of the region. Luggage transfers. Meals: Daily breakfasts, all lunches, nutritious snacks, and après velo cocktails. 4 gourmet dinners at our favorite local restaurants and renowned culinary establishments. Carefully selected local wine, beer, or spirits with every meal. Activities: Wine tastings and activities as outlined in the tour itinerary. Entrance fees to historic sites, museums, parks, and all other exclusive events. Gratuities for baggage, porters, and hotel service. Gear: Top-of-the-line bicycle selection. Bike helmet. Complimentary DuVine gear including a custom cycling jersey, DuVine t-shirt, water bottle, and drawstring bag. GPS with pre-programmed route maps. Support: Expert bilingual guides with extensive local knowledge. Support vehicle that follows the day’s route, distributes refreshments, and offers lifts. Pick-up and drop-off before and after your tour from predetermined meeting points. Daily bike maintenance to ensure optimal performance. NOT INCLUDED: Airfare. Dinner on one free night. Gratuities for DuVine guides. Travel Protection. Bikes: Included in trip price: Synapse Carbon 2 (Cannondale, Road). $400 supplement, subject to availability: Roadmachine AMP TWO (BMC, Road E-Bike). Included in trip price: Turbo Vado SL 4.0 (Specialized, Hybrid E-Bike).
Hotel
A dedicated guide for this region is not available yet.