Well as you can see from the feature photo, today was a challenge and one that we managed to live up to!! Over 60 kms with 914 mtrs ascent and -824 mtrs descent. We rode to the top of the Karst plateau and passed beautiful Italian countryside where we enjoyed the serene landscape of the Friuli region. As we crossed back in to Slovenia (we never realised that we had crossed the Italian border in the first place) we arrived at the town of Miren. All the while we were surrounded by hills and valleys and vineyards.
One of the highlights today was visiting the village of Stanjel with it’s medieval castle and Ferrari garden.
Ferrari garden was designed by Max Fabiani in the 1920s at the request of physician Enrico Ferrari. This garden is located below the village and offers stunning views of the Karst landscape. With a small pool and an island connected by a bridge to the shore, the garden is a serene and peaceful oasis that has been declared a national park and national monument by the Slovenian government.
Stanjel castle was built in the 13th century. The castle’s architecture combines elements of Gothic and Renaissance styles, with a beautiful courtyard and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
Our hotel (Hotel Grahor) is located in a tiny village about 2 kms from Sezana. After going to the hospital in Sezana with Margaret, whose abrasions were becoming infected, we had a lovely meal at the hotel with a choice of the fish we would like to eat!!
Tomorrow we set off for Piran.