Cycling, Wellness and Wines

June 22 - June 29, 2023

This is a bicycle trip with a low level of difficulty and short distances. Therefore, it is mainly recommended for those who want a fairly leisurely trip.

This region is flat and full of charm, and cycling here is the best way to explore it. The roads wind through fields and rivers crossing the small villages and vineyards of Pannonia. Along the way we will have the opportunity to visit the most important sights and taste delicious fresh local food accompanied by great Slovenian wines. The Mura and Drava rivers accompany us and certainly make this trip an unforgettable experience.

In the late afternoon, after a very active and pleasant day, we can enjoy the healing thermal waters in the many pools of the SPAs that host us, as well as the different beauty and health treatments. Or, simply relax in one of the many saunas.

During this week we will get to know three different SPA resorts in Slovenia, chosen with great care for your complete pleasure and leisure.

We chose the four-star category SPAs.

TRAVEL DATE

June 22 - June 29, 2023

BASIC INFORMATION

from 2490 €

Country

Slovenia

Departure

Ljubljiana

Arrival

Podčetrtek

Total Distance

151 km

Nº of Days

9 days
8 nights

Participants

8-11

  • Ljubljiana​
  • Moravske Toplice
  • Murska Sobota
  • Radenci
  • Gornja Radgona
  • Ormož
  • Ptuj
  • Maribor
  • Rogaška Slatina
  • Podčetrtek
  • 1º dia: –
  • 2º dia: –
  • Day 3: 40 km
  • Day 4: 30 km
  • Day 5: 32 km
  • Day 6: 27 km
  • Day 7: 27 km
  • 8º dia: –
  • 9º dia: –
  • 8 nights with breakfast and dinner
  • 1 night in Ljubljana in 4* hotel
  • 3 nights in 4* hotel at Moravske Toplice thermal spa
  • 2 nights in 4* hotel at Ptuj thermal spa
  • 2 nights in 4* superior hotel in Olimia thermal spa
  • Entry to the pools, saunas and spa/wellness area in all three hotels
  • Various events and entertainment, entertainment program: water aerobics, gymnastics, use of fitness studio, thematic sauna sessions, qi gong, evening swimming on Fridays and Saturdays; healing sound vibration session and other daily programs full of sports and cultural activities
  • Local guide according to the program
  • Additional tour escort for groups with more than 10 participants
  • Support van with driver and transfers according to the program
  • Luggage transport
  • Tourist tax
  • The following meals in addition to breakfast and dinner every day:
    • Dia 1: –
    • Day 2: lunch in Bled
    • Day 2: lunch and wine tasting
    • Day 3: lunch and wine tasting
    • Day 4: visit of the wine cellar in Ptju with tasting session
    • Day 5: lunch
    • Day 6: lunch
    • Dia 7: –

Price per person:

a partir de 2490 € em quarto duplo
additional for a single room: 350 €

*minimum of participants for these prices: 10 persons

Regular bike: 150 €
E-bike: 280 €

*helmet and bag included

Day 1: Ljubljana

Individual arrival at our hotel in the city of Ljubljana. 

Around 5:00 pm our local guide will meet us at the hotel and we will take a city tour on foot.

Afterwards we will have our welcoming dinner. 

Day 2: Lake Bled and Moravske Toplice

After breakfast, we leave Ljubljana and drive by van to Lake Bled. 

We will take a boat trip to the island of Bled in the middle of the lake with the traditional rowboat called "pletna", where there is nothing but a small church and its old legends. The oldest castle in Slovenia, almost encrusted in white stone, is situated 130 meters above the lake, surrounded by mountains. We will visit the castle, not least because from there we have the most breathtaking view of Lake Bled with the island in the lake.

Lunch at Bled castle.

After lunch we will have our transfer to Moravske Toplice****, our first spa in the Pannonia region, in the far northwest of Slovenia.  

Accommodation at our hotel and according to our arrival time, free time to relax at the Wellness center before dinner. 

Day 3: Moravske Toplice - Vučja Gomila - Selo - Bukovnica - Bogojina - Moravske Toplice

After breakfast, we take our bikes and go for a nice ride around the region, to visit all the important sights: the 13th century Rotunda church, the Bukovnica lake, the local crafts house, the tropical orchid garden, the famous Jože Plečnik church in Bogonija, the rural chocolate boutique and others.

We pedal along local roads, mostly paved, and a few times with some gravel.

We will also do a wine tasting at the local winery where we will taste authentic wines from the region and the delicious local food. Of course that famous local special cake cannot be missed.

We cycle back to the hotel and have free time to swim in the pools or relax in the sauna before dinner.

  • Distance: 40 km
  • Ascent: 300 m
  • Downhill: 300 m
  • Activity level: 7/10

On the healing hot springs in Moravske Toplice

The northeastern part of Slovenia is rich in healing, translucent as well as dark, unique hot springs that well up from the depths. These waters, which were declared a natural healing treatment in 1964, originate from springs that come from 967 to 1,467 meters below ground in the Mura-Zala basin. The source of this thermal mineral water was discovered by chance more than 60 years ago, when the Nafta Lendava company was there mining for oil and the water began to gush out. For this reason this water was named black thermal mineral water, i.e. because of the high concentration of dark-colored healing substances. And because of its beneficial effect on health it is also known as "black gold".

Hot springs are hydrocarbon sodium chloride waters that have been recognized as a natural healing and are a unique treatment on a global scale.

The black thermal mineral waters in Moravske Toplice have been used for the treatment of conditions affecting the locomotor system and rheumatic diseases. Its beneficial effects are scientifically proven.

Day 4: Moravske Toplice - Murska Sobota - Radenci - Gornja Radgona

After a delicious breakfast we will start cycling from Moravske Toplice towards Murska Sobota, the main town in the region. Following a brief tour of the town, we continue our ride towards the Mura River. Along the river, long cycle tracks have been built with many interesting spots to visit.

In Radenci, we will taste the best Slovenian mineral water, right there, close to its source. It was in 1869 that the visionary doctor Karl Henn first "extracted" the water that would be used as the first bottled mineral water on Slovenian soil.

In Gornja Radgona we will visit a wine cellar where one of the best sparkling wines made by the traditional method, such as Champagne in France, is produced. We can take a tour in a small train to get to know the vineyards more comfortably.

We will have lunch in a traditional restaurant and then return by transfer to our hotel. 

Free time to swim in the pools or relax in the sauna before dinner.

  • Distance: 30 km
  • Uphill: 40 m
  • Downhill: 10 m
  • Activity level: 7/10

Day 5: Moravske Toplice - Ormož - Ptuj

After breakfast we will leave our hotel and go by van or train towards Ormož. In Ormož we will take our bikes and start pedaling towards Ptuj, the oldest Slovenian city. We will now follow another river, the Drava River. The Drava cycling route is very popular among cyclists.

Upon arrival in Ptuj, at our hotel Terme Ptuj we will have free time to swim in the pools or relax in the sauna before dinner. We can also visit the Ptuj castle or the Ptuj wine cellar.

  • Distance: 32 km
  • Uphill: 80 m
  • Descent: 70 m
  • Activity level: 7/10

On Terme Ptuj

Just as in Roman times, the entire area of Ptuj, is inspired by the hedonistic spirit of Rome. The ancient Romans valued health, tranquility, rest and relaxation. In ancient Rome a healthy body and body care were a sign of an individual's education, and every self-respecting Roman would make regular visits to the baths. Public baths (thermae) comprised various types of bathing rooms, sweat rooms, hot and cold water baths, a massage area, a rest area, as well as a garden, sports room, library and kitchen.

The waters in Terme Ptuj bring health-giving natural hot springs at a temperature of 56°C from a depth of 1100 meters. These thermal waters are mild in terms of their composition, but powerful when it comes to stimulating the body. They are especially beneficial in treating conditions of the locomotor system. Primarily based on this water, Terme Ptuj has developed numerous specific health and wellness programs to alleviate locomotion difficulties.

How about feeling the positive effects of Slovenia's hot springs in true Roman style?

Day 6: Ptuj - Maribor

After breakfast we will leave Ptuj and cycle along the Drava River towards the second largest city in Slovenia: Maribor. Once there, we will have a tour of the city and afterwards visit the Old Vine House, a museum nestled in the middle of the city. Opposite this museum is the oldest vineyard in Slovenia.

After the tour we will have lunch somewhere in town.

We will take a transfer back to our hotel. and have free time to enjoy the spa before dinner.

Optional: another 6 km by bike from Maribor to Pohorje and ascent from Snow Stadium (270m) to Pohorje (1050m) with cable car. From here there is a spectacular view of the surrounding area. Every year this location hosts the Women's Ski World Cup, called Golden Fox. Descent by cable car and transfer to the hotel.

  • Distance: 27 km
  • Uphill: 130 m
  • Downhill: 100 m
  • Activity level: 7/10

Day 7: Ptuj - Rogaška Slatina - Podčetrtek

After breakfast we leave our beautiful hotel in Ptuj. Then we have a transfer by van to Rogaška Slatina, where we have a opportunity to drink the second famous mineral water, packed with magnesium and other minerals.

In Rogaška Slatina we hop on our bikes and start cycling towards Olimije, where we will visit the monastery, the chocolate store and have lunch in one of the local restaurants.

In the little shop nearby, full of local products, we have time to choose some souvenirs.

In the afternoon, we will have time to relax in Terme Olimia before our dinner.

  • Distance: 22 km
  • Uphill: 240 m
  • Downhill: 280 m
  • Activity level: 5/10

On the spa resort Termas Olimija

The thermal waters of Terme Olimia are a highly recognized natural healing treatment. The greatest feature of these waters is that they are completely drinkable, and drinking from the source of these hot springs has many positive effects on health and vitality. In Terme Olimia these waters emerge from the depths. When we indulge in the water in the pools, it embraces us from the outside, when we drink it, it caresses us from the inside. But no matter how, it always strengthens our health and well-being.  

Wellness Orhidelia, the most prestigious part of Terme Olimia, will awaken in you a love for your body and soul. The diversity of the Orhidelia wellness center allows each guest to find his or her own place of peace and relaxation. Enjoy indoor as well as outdoor pools, the sauna center, the numerous themed relaxation spots, and sample the refreshing culinary delights. There is a world... and then there is a different world: Wellness Orhidelia is architectural poetry for the eyes and a collage of selected luxury details for the soul. It is a celebration of originality and a surplus of sensuality. A place where you can be anytime and anywhere alone in the privacy of your own thoughts and sensory experiences.

Come, find your favorite place and do something that is good for yourself.

Day 8: SPA Resort Termas Olimia

No cyclotourism is planned for today, since we intend to make the most of the Thermalia or Orhidelia spas.

The largest sauna facility in Slovenia offers nine different saunas in different colors on 1550 m². Assisted health, beauty and meditation programs are held every day.

For more unwinding, book a massage. Besides gong and sauna sessions, massage therapists and physiotherapists will guarantee a complete relaxation of your body and mind. You will feel like a king or queen.

Farewell dinner.

Day 9: departure

After breakfast, your cycling and spa vacation comes to an end.

Group transfer to the airport.

Or, if you wish, you can extend your stay in other areas just as beautiful in this delightful country.

GALLERY

This trip, as described above, is subject to changes without prior notice, if necessary, for various reasons.