The base is the Mill Apartment, a restored 115-year-old mill in Pomurje surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and farmland. It sits close to the borders with Austria, Hungary and Croatia, which is what makes the four-country routes possible in a single week or two. The region is quiet: small roads, villages, thermal spas and the wine country of Prlekija on the doorstep.

On the Four Countries Tour, days link Slovenia with southern Austria, Croatia and Hungary. Paul adjusts routes as the group goes — past roadworks, or to stop at a honey farm or pumpkin factory, or to fit in a swim. Matej follows in the support vehicle with the luggage and is available for pick-ups and minor bike repairs. Guests who have ridden it describe climbs in the Julian Alps as strenuous but worth it, and long stretches of clean, quiet road.

The Walking & Wellness Borderlands Tour covers Slovenia, Croatia and Hungary over 14 days on foot rather than by bike. The Mega Balkan Cycling Holiday is the longest trip at 14 days, covering Albania, Montenegro, Croatia and Bosnia.

Guided and self-guided formats are both offered. On self-guided trips the route is pre-loaded onto a Garmin GPS device, so you set your own pace and start time each day. On guided trips Paul leads the riding and handles the route-finding, with the support van behind.

Accommodation is chosen by the operator and, according to guest reviews, researched in advance — one reviewer on the Four Countries Tour called it "beyond excellent". Paul meets guests on arrival and takes them back to the airport on departure. He also stays in touch before the trip to answer questions, which solo travellers have singled out as making a first trip on their own less daunting.

What's included

- Accommodation, including the Mill Apartment base and hotels along the route - Guided riding with Paul Terence Wadkin, or self-guided routes pre-loaded on a Garmin GPS device - Support vehicle carrying luggage - Pick-up in the support van if roads or weather are too much - Minor bike repairs and spare parts from the support vehicle - Airport meet on arrival and transfer back on departure - Route planning and day-to-day adjustments for roadworks, traffic and weather

What's not included

- Travel to and from Slovenia - Bicycle hire (not stated as included) - Travel insurance - Meals and drinks not specified in the tour price - Personal expenses - Optional extras and tailor-made add-ons