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Slovenia's Secret Corner
Nights: 7
Starting point: Hotel Mitra (3*), Ptuj. Behind the russet-coloured façade lies one of the town's oldest hotels, dating back to 1870. You dine at the Gostilna Ribic, a characterful riverside restaurant specialising in fish dishes. Day 1: you will probably want to spend today exploring picturesque, red-roofed Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest town (it was once an important centre for worshippers of Mitra, the Sun God) which equals Ljubljana in historical importance. Wander through the delightful Old Town on the banks of the River Drava and visit the Roman ruins, the Gothic tower, the two monasteries and the medieval castle (complete with superb views over the river, an armoury and exhibitions devoted to old musical instruments and carnival masks). The lively market is held on Mondays. If you would prefer to cycle, we suggest a circular route across flat fields and along the banks of the River Drava to the city of Maribor. Here you can visit the castle or the interesting Costume & Fashion Museum, see the remarkable 19th-century wine cellars, or enjoy a relaxing lunch by the river. Pay locally for all visits. (57km) Accommodation: Hotel Mitra, as above. Day 2: another largely flat route across the plains takes you through Croatia for a dozen kilometres or so, before returning to Slovenia via the Drava Bridge at the town of Ormoz. Your destination - reached after a short final climb - is Jeruzalem where, legend has it, the crusaders stopped on their way to the Holy Land and there remained - the wine was so good! There is an alternative route entirely on Slovenian soil if you prefer. (42km) Accommodation: The Taverna (2* inn), Jeruzalem. A welcoming guesthouse at which you are surrounded by wine-making artefacts and vineyards, and can enjoy a tasting in the cellar (included). Many of the dishes on the menu feature delicious wine sauces. Day 3: pedalling through beautiful countryside cloaked in vineyards, stop to visit local producers of the refreshing white Jeruzalemcan wines, as well as the attractive, flower-bedecked village of Bogojina with its wonderful church designed by the celebrated architect Joze Plecnik. Another good place to stop is Filovci, full of workshops making the famous crna keramika black pottery. (45km) Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tamara (3*), Moravske Toplice. A characterful, family-run hotel. You stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Day 4: a leisurely circuit takes you just over the Hungarian border to Lake Bukovnica, which is reputed to have therapeutic qualities. You pass through Lenti, a typical border town which is worth a short visit. As on day 2, you needn't cross the border if you don't want to. (up to 30km) Accommodation: Hotel Villa Tamara, as above. Day 5: leaving Moravske Toplice, you cycle across flat and then gently rolling countryside to visit the impressive castle at Grad which boasts some 365 rooms! (Pay entrance fee locally.) Your route continues to Lake Ledava where you can stop for a refreshing dip. You can then take the direct route or a short detour via the market town of Murska Sobota to reach Bad Radkersburg, a town straddling the Austrian-Slovenian border. (42km) Accommodation: Hotel Birkenhof (3*), Bad Radkersburg. Offering light and airy bedrooms, most of which have a balcony or terrace, this hotel is located on the edge of Bad Radkersburg, just 200 metres from the town's small spa that is popular with locals. You stay on a bed and breakfast basis, leaving you free to take your pick of the many restaurants in the town centre. Day 6: explore Bad Radkersburg's beautifully restored centre in the Austrian part, or cross back to the Slovenian side to sample more wine - sparkling this time! - in the wonderful cellar. Alternatively, our final cycling route takes you along both banks of the River Mura to the town of Mureck. (52km) Accommodation: Hotel Birkenhof, as above. Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system. Similar holidays: Danube Castles & Vineyards (grade 1-2), Lakes & Valleys of Slovenia (grade 2) Prices & travel 2008:
Recommended destination airports: Ljubljana & Graz (Austria) Extra night prices 2008 (extra nights can be booked at any hotel):
> Notes on prices > Any queries? Let us call you back  |
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The Stajerska region contains some of Slovenia’s richest
history in places such as Maribor and the little gem of Ptuj
on the banks of the River Drava. Feeling very much at a ‘crossroads’, this area has been inhabited over the centuries by Celts, Romans, Slavs, Habsburgs and German
occupiers. In the extreme north-east lie the Goricko Hills,
Slovenia’s ‘secret corner’, a renowned wine-making region which borders
Austria, Hungary and Croatia. During a memorable week’s cycling,
you cross borders into each of these three countries, allowing you to
explore four different nations within
the space of a few days! After
beginning in Ptuj, Slovenia's oldest
town, enjoy short sections through attractive Croatian and
Hungarian countryside before ending your journey at the
spa town of Bad Radkersburg on the Austrian border. 
Hotel Mitra, Ptuj 
