DESTINATIONS CYCLING | CROATIA & THE BALKANS expertexper ASK THE
Charlotte McCutcheon, senior product manager Headwater Holidays
CLOCKWISE FROM LEFT: Cycling off road in Croatia; Lake Bled, Slovenia; aerial view of the island of Brač, Croatia; Istria, Croatia PICTURES: Shutterstock/Slawomir Kruz, Klement Grgic, Matej Kastelic
The Balkan parts of the
journey offer miles of beautiful undiscovered green trails – but when it comes to epic cycling trips, the region has much more to offer beyond the new trail too.
ROUTES TO SELL Balkan biking holidays often come at great value, away from the crowds of some of Europe’s better-known cycling spots (see Sample Product box, opposite). Of the countries not included on the Amazon of Europe routes, Montenegro stands out for its beautiful road routes for intermediates and experts. These include the coastal Perast – Kotor Loop from Lepetane, which also involves a ferry crossing.
travelweekly.co.uk
33Travellers should allow time to discover the limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, lush forests, turquoise rivers and pretty hamlets hemmed by vineyards and orchards
Slovenia, a famously outdoorsy
country, also attracts cyclists to its bike trails, including the challenging Triglav National Park loop from Rateče, which rewards very experienced riders with gorgeous mountain views. An easier option is the Lake Bled Loop from Ukanc, where numerous waterfalls offer plenty of opportunities for cooling off after all that pedalling. Meanwhile, Croatia’s offering for cyclists include the popular
34-mile Game of Thrones trail, which embraces many attractions from the iconic TV series. Starting at Split Riva, it includes Diocletian’s Cellars, the Antoničin mlin (mill), Žrnovnica quarry and Klis fortress. Alternatively, the challenging
110-mile St George trail with its 3,814-metre ascent goes around all settlements and attractions of Brač, the largest island in the Adriatic, known for its windsurfing, horseshoe-shaped beach Supetar and active limestone quarry. TW
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“We have seen growing demand for cycling options as a way of seeing more of a country. Slovenia is well suited for a cycling holiday, with a good network of tranquil, traffic-free cycling trails. Exploring by bike allows travellers to really discover its heritage and enjoy the scenery at a more leisurely pace. Travellers should allow time to discover the dramatic landscapes, from the limestone peaks of the Julian Alps, lush forests, turquoise rivers and rolling meadows, to pretty hamlets hemmed by vineyards and orchards. And suggest guests stop at one of the many vineyards where they can sample some excellent wine! When advising customers of a lesser-known country, know the USPs so you can highlight why it’s an interesting destination. Tell customers to take a guided tour of the stud farm in Lipica, home of the impressive Lipizzaner white horses, or visit the Unesco-listed Škocjan Caves. Make sure you know the local rules in the destination. For instance, cycling helmets are compulsory for under-15s in Slovenia, so highlight this to families before departure.”
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