Fly in and out of Ljubljana, Slovenia (airport code LJU). The first day of riding is a loop around Ljubljana on September 8 and the last day of riding is September 20. Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe on the “sunny side of the Alps”. There are 5 2-night stays during the 14 nights of the trip. After two nights in the Old Town of Ljubljana, nestled at the foot of Castle Hill, we ride to the Julian Alps. The Julian Alps, include the towns of Bled, Bohinj, Kranjska Gora, Bovec and Kobarid (WWI/Hemingway Museum). Most of the area is within the Triglav National Park which measures 85 hectares and is one of the largest natural parks in Europe.

After Ljubljana we stop for two nights in the charming Bled, situated on an alpine lake that has an island with a 17th century church. On our next day is a beautiful loop ride to Lake Bohinj. Then on to Kranjska Gora for two nights, including a loop ride into Austria and Italy and a vist to Triglav National Park. Next we ride into Italy and return to Slovenia via Passo del Predil to Bovec in the Soca Valley and to Kobarid, to see the famous WWI/Hemingway Museum. After 2 nights in the Soca Valley we ride to Cerkno and the nearby Franja Hospital. The next stop is a town near Nova Gorica, a young city built after World War II, followed by 2 nights in the former Slovenian neoclassical city of Trieste, Italy on the Adriatic coast, where Maximilian and Carlotta’s castle at Belmar is just minutes away. From Trieste we ferry to Muggia, Italy, and then ride down Adriatic coast to the old seaport of Piran, Slovenia. We spend two nights in Piran, with a loop ride to Umag, Croatia. Finally we head back to Ljubljana spending one night in Postojna, near the Postojna Caves.

We will ride on small roads and bike paths. Road surfaces are asphalt or top quality mcadam. We led this tour in June, 2008. Gilbert Jean will be our van driver. Average daily mileage 40. Longest day 54 miles and greatest elevation gain 3300 feet. There are 2 days where portions of the ride have 12-14% grades. Accommodations will be deluxe. Cost estimate is $2400 per person double occupancy for 14 nights including 10 dinners, 14 breakfasts, social hour refreshments, luggage van, maps, route sheets and sightseeing information. We encourage singles to find their own roommates, but will attempt to facilitate single riders by making names available. Due to the size of the places where we will stay, no solo facilities are available.

To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just below the Ride Description. Following your acceptance, you will receive an email message requesting you to submit your initial deposit of $600 (which includes the $50 non-refundable BAC fee) made out to the Ride Director (not BAC). When your deposit is received, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Director by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description. The cost of the trip is based on an exchange rate of $1.50 per Euro and may change with currency exchange rate changes. Additional payments will be required in 2009 and 2010. Wait-listing is encouraged.

Cancellation Policy: If you cancel before any funds are committed, or if we are able to fill your place on the ride, you refund will be less the non-refundable $50 per person BAC fee and a $25 per person cancellation charge. If you cancel and you cannot be replaced, any non-recoverable costs or costs that would affect the cost for the remaining riders will be your responsibility.