BUDAPEST TO VENICE

Hungary’s Lake Balaton and the best of Slovenia:

One of the latest additions to our roster, this tour uncovers some of Europe’s best-kept secrets. At one end, straddling the Danube, stands Budapest “stately stronghold of the Magyars”. Then its south to Slovenia, a country who’s compact size belies it’s sophistication and rugged beauty. From dazzling coastal vistas to verdant farmlands; from the soaring Julian Alps to the concert halls of Ljubljana, Slovenia truly is the Mouse that Roared. We end our travels in Venice, the floating monument to Renaissance Italy’s prosperity and reach.

DAY 1: Budapest arrival

Welcome to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube... This thriving metropolis is

actually two cities - hilly Buda on the river's western bank; and Pest, which stretches eastward along the puszta, or Great Hungarian plain. We begin our travels with a sojourn at the four-star Gellert Hotel, home to the world famous Gellert Baths, a grand Art Noveau edifice built atop one of the region's magnificent thermal baths.

DAY 2: Veszprem to Tihany Peninsula

Today we transfer by private motor coach to historic Veszprem, then pedal through vineyards and the panoramic Tihany Peninsula to Lake Balaton. As Europe's largest lake and the chief water feature of a landlocked nation, it is often referred to as the Hungarian Sea. Warm in summer and walkable in winter, Lake Balatan attracts outdoor types throughout the year. A private motorcoach waits at the end of our ride to shuttle us back to Veszprem for the night.

38 miles

DAY 3: Veszprem to Keszthely

After a morning cycle through the vineyards and along the shore of Lake Balaton, ending in the lakeside town of Keszthely, we say goodbye to Hungary and set out for the beautiful riverside town of Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city.

41 miles

DAY 4: Ptuj to Olimj

Today's ride takes us through the famous Haloze wine region surrounding Ptuj to the castles of southeastern Slovenia. Once there, we'll settle in to the mesmerizing Castle Hotel Otocec, situated on a verdant island in the Krka River. This storybook structure's long and varied history is reflected in its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque features. Today, it features an exclusive restaurant and wine cellar, and a thoroughly modern fitness center.

38 miles

DAY 5: Otocec to Krka

On today's ride, we'll follow the crystalline Krka River through its namesake valley. The route is dotted with rustic villages, castles, and vineyards. When we stop for lunch at a charming riverside restaurant, you'll want to sample a glass of Cvikek, a fine local wine. After Lunch we’ll transfer to the picturesque and inviting capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. You’ll have the rest of the evening to explore this wonderful city. For culture seekers, the National Gallery and the Museum of Modern Art are a good place to start, but the best way to experience Ljubljana’s culture is to just sit and take a drink at one the cities many riverside cafes.

31 miles

DAY 6: Ljubljana Layover day

This morning we’ll have an optional excursion to the Unesco World Heritage site of the caves of Postojna. After touring the caves we’ll return Ljubljana, where you’ll have a few hours to enjoy the town before we re-group for a group dinner. t

DAY 7: Ljubljana to Lake Bohinj

After a short transfer outside the city limits, we begin a ride through the heart of Slovenia, whose topography includes Alpine passes, fertile valleys, and dense forests. We'll end our ride at Lake Bohinj in the magnificent Triglavski National Park, where we'll take a gondola to the peak of a ski area and an unforgettable view of the Julian Alps.

32 miles

DAY 8: Bled to Kranjska Gora

Today we press deeper into the Julian alps, traversing mountain passes, high meadows, and bubbling mountain streams. We'll end in Slovenia's premiere ski resort town of Kranjska Gora.

26 miles

DAY 9: Soca Valley ride

We'll start today with a transfer from Kranjska Gora to Trenta, navigating the Vrsic pass (Slovenia's highest) with breathtaking views of the Julian Alps. From there, we'll cycle towards the coast following the Soca River and end our ride in the town of Tolmin.

40 miles

DAY 10: Karst Region ride

Todays ride will take us through Slovenia's Closest thing to Italy’s Tuscany, with lots of vineyards, famous red wines, local prosciutto, wonderful cheese and lots of mediteranean feeling villages. We’ll finish the ride at the Lipica horse stables, home to the world famous, Lipica Stallions. We’ll have a short transfer from there to Piran, where you’ll have the remainder of the evening to sample it’s many fabulous seafood restaurants

24 miles

DAY 11: Piran to Venice

In late morning, we'll board our private coach bound for Venice. The journey, which lasts about three hours. Our hotel is a short walk from the main train station and just steps from the grand canal. In the evening, after a brief introduction to the wondrous city, we'll meet for our farewell dinner.

DAY 12: Depart Venice

After our final breakfast together, we'll say our goodbyes and transfer to the airport for those flying home today