{"id":102,"date":"2022-02-17T15:15:22","date_gmt":"2022-02-17T15:15:22","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/sloveniacyclingholidays.com\/tours\/ultimate-self-guided-cycling-across-slovenia-and-croatia\/"},"modified":"2024-03-14T09:00:03","modified_gmt":"2024-03-14T09:00:03","slug":"ultimate-self-guided-cycling-across-slovenia-and-croatia","status":"publish","type":"tours","link":"https:\/\/sloveniacyclingholidays.com\/sv\/tours\/ultimat-sjalvguidad-cykeltur-genom-slovenien-och-kroatien\/","title":{"rendered":"Ultimat sj\u00e4lvguidad cykling i Slovenien och Kroatien"},"excerpt":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"featured_media":463,"template":"","acf":{"main_site_title":"","tagline":"Discover the diverse landscapes of Slovenia and Croatia on this self-guided biking holiday, from the mountainous Alps to the Adriatic Sea.","cover_image":463,"has_page":true,"pay_in_installments":false,"custom_product_link":"","custom_product_pop_up":"","custom_text_badge":"","youtube_video":"","product_gallery":[1903,998,1894,1898,1032,621,755,906,800,1806,1812,1900],"product_description":"Are you a fan of cycling? Do you want to visit both Slovenia and Croatia? Then you\u2019re in luck since you found the perfect adventure! There is no better way to discover both Alpine Slovenia<\/b> and the Mediterranean coast of Croatian Istria<\/b> than on this ultimate cycling holiday.\r\n\r\nThe number of landscapes you\u2019ll be cycling through on this holiday is astounding. Slovenia alone is one of the most diverse<\/b> countries in Europe. Combine it with the northern Croatian coastline, and you get a trip you can hardly imagine being possible. With the magnificent landscapes, rich culture, and authentic food; You will discover the best of this region<\/b> on your way from the mountains to the sea.\r\n\r\nThere will be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing<\/b> along the way, even the chance to go swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic sea in the second part of the trip.\r\n\r\nYour journey will begin in the Alpine pearl of Lake Bled<\/b>, from where you\u2019ll hop on your bikes and start exploring the mountain paradise that is the Julian Alps<\/b>. After exploring the glacial valleys and crossing the Vr\u0161i\u010d mountain pass<\/b>, you\u2019ll start descending to the So\u010da Valley<\/b> and soon feel the call of the Mediterranean. With each turn of the wheel, the climate will get warmer, and your eyes will start catching more and more glimpses of the Adriatic Sea. After cycling through the lovely villages of the wind-swept Karst plateau<\/b>, the sea breeze will touch your skin.\r\n\r\nFrom there, you\u2019ll be following the tunnels and bridges of the famous Parenzana cycling path<\/b>, a former railway route; Sometimes cycling along the coastline, other times cycling between the wine hills of Istria. Your path will lead you over the border to Croatia, to a Mediterranean environment, and a contrasting sight to the mountains that were surrounding you just a few days before. The next few days of cycling will be right along the coast of the Istrian Peninsula<\/b>, feasting your eyes on its crystal clear waters and exploring the soulful towns like Rovinj and Pula. These last few days, the water will probably look so inviting that you should definitely pack some swimming gear<\/b> and take a swim in the refreshing sea.\r\n\r\nThis is a self-guided holiday<\/b> made for those who like that extra bit of freedom and autonomy on their holidays. We provide you with the itinerary, maps, and other information needed. But in the end, you're the one using it to navigate yourself through this adventure. While that means there is no guide there with you, you will have 24\/7 assistance<\/b> from us, ready to help you in any emergency that arises. The daily stages are never too challenging, but you have to take into account that this is a long tour, so a certain level of fitness is required<\/b>.\r\n\r\nIf you don\u2019t have all 13 days it takes to complete this tour, we have a solution for you. We divided this long cycling holiday into two shorter ones. In one, you\u2019ll get to cycle from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea<\/a>. During the other, you\u2019ll hop on the bike to explore the Adriatic coast<\/a>. Both of them are only 7 days long, so check them out if time is your limitation.\r\n\r\nTake a look at the itinerary we have prepared for you, and check out everything that could await you if you decide to book this ultimate self-guided cycling journey across Slovenia and Croatia with us.","price":"From 2495\u20ac\/person","hide_price":true,"extras":null,"extras_guided":null,"extras_self_guided":null,"highlights_new":"Visit the highlights of Alpine Slovenia, like Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vr\u0161i\u010d Pass, and the So\u010da Valley\r\n\r\nCycle between Slovenia\u2019s wine-growing hills, on the wind-swept Karst plateau and along the coast, with the romantic town of Piran as its pearl\r\n\r\nDiscover the picturesque villages of Croatian Istria and the Mediterranean coastal towns like Rovinj and Pula\r\n\r\nEnjoy peaceful biking on cycling paths and less busy roads and enjoy our 24\/7 support on the way.\r\n\r\nThe most diverse 13-day cycling holidays, leading you through the Julian Alps and along the Adriatic Sea\r\n\r\nModerate cycling of 40-50 kilometers daily, suitable for most","included_new":"","included_guided":null,"not_included_guided":null,"included_self_guided":[{"add_included_self_guided":"Tour design and organization"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Service and support during your tour"},{"add_included_self_guided":"GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Accommodation as per itinerary"},{"add_included_self_guided":"Luggage transfer"}],"not_included_self_guided":null,"not_included_new":"","what_to_bring":[{"what_to_bring_item":"Cycling Gloves"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Rain\/Wind Jacket"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Small Backpack"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Water Bottles\/Bidons"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Snacks"},{"what_to_bring_item":"ID Card"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Cash"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Zip Lock Bag for Electronics"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Powerbank"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Sunglasses"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Sunscreen"},{"what_to_bring_item":"Bike Lube"}],"faq":[{"faq_question":"How difficult are the Ultimate Cycling Holidays across Slovenia and Croatia?","faq_answer":"Ultimate Cycling Holidays across Slovenia and Croatia are suitable for most people who enjoy cycling and are fit enough for almost two weeks on a saddle in a row. The stages are around 40km long on average, but some climbs are unavoidable \u2014 Be prepared to tackle approximately 600-700 vertical metres daily on average. The roads are mostly traffic-free tarmac and gravel. If you seek a more leisurely holiday, we have an e-bike option ready for you."}],"itinerary":[{"day_headline":"Day 1 - Arrival at Bled","day_description":"After you arrive at Bled, a member of our team will greet you to give you the rundown of your trip. You will get detailed information about the itinerary<\/b>, and we will answer any questions you'll have for us. If you arrive at Bled early and have extra time, you should visit the Bled castle<\/b>, take a boat ride to the church island<\/b>, or take a casual stroll around the lake<\/b>. There is an adventurous week ahead of you, so rest up.","itinnerary_gallery":[410,668,408],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"Transfer to the airport","itinerary_highlight":"Alpine pearl Bled","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Bled","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""},{"day_headline":"Day 2 - Through the alpine valleys to Kranjska Gora","day_description":"This first day of cycling will be more of a warm-up since the terrain will be relatively flat. The road from Bled will take you through the idyllic Radovna Valley<\/b> and past Lake Kreda<\/b> while slowly descending to Mojstrana<\/b>. With the constant presence of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps on your left and the Austrian border ridge of the Karawanks on your right, you\u2019ll make your way up the well-maintained cycling path of the Upper Sava Valley<\/b> to the famous alpine resort of Kranjska Gora.","itinnerary_gallery":[798,458,656],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Scenic Radovna alpine valley\r\nMojstrana village\r\nCycling in Upper Sava valley on former railway path","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Kranjska Gora","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"36 km (22 mi), 650 vertical meters (2150 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 3 - Over the Vr\u0161i\u010d Pass","day_description":"After the easy cycling of the first day, you will tackle the steep ascent over the panoramic Vr\u0161i\u010d Pass<\/b> in the second. You should stop at the top and check out the awesome mountain peaks surrounding you. Descend down the hairpin turns to the other side, and you\u2019ll reach the So\u010da Valley<\/b>, where you\u2019ll be cycling right next to the emerald So\u010da River<\/b>. The road will take you past magnificent attractions like the So\u010da gorges to the alpine town of Bovec<\/b>. There, surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, you\u2019ll rest up for the day ahead.","itinnerary_gallery":[624,996,800],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Lake Jasna\r\nSlovenian highest mountain pass\r\nSpring of So\u010da River","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Bovec","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"45 km (28 mi), 1000 vertical meters (3300 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 4 - Through the So\u010da Valley","day_description":"You\u2019ll continue your way down the valley of the So\u010da River, cycling on peaceful side roads and macadam trails. At the historical town of Kobarid<\/b>, you\u2019ll be able to ascend to the idyllic Dre\u017enica village<\/b>, situated on a small plateau under Mount Krn. If this WW1 battleground was once a scary sight, it\u2019s now a destination one should not miss when around the area. If you arrive at the town of Tolmin early, you can also go check out the beautiful Tolmin Gorges,<\/b> or just call it a day.","itinnerary_gallery":[902,489],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"The beautiful So\u010da River\r\nKobarid WWI Muesum\r\nKozjak Waterfall\r\nThe village of Dre\u017enica","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"B&B in Tolmin","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"40 km (25 mi), 600 vertical meters (2000 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 5 - To the wine country","day_description":"As you continue your journey further down south, you\u2019ll soon enter a warmer Mediterranean climate with a completely different landscape<\/b>. Soon, the high mountains will be behind you, and you\u2019ll reach the magical wine-growing region of Gori\u0161ka Brda<\/b>. The vineyard hills and the cute villages on top will make you feel like you entered another country.","itinnerary_gallery":[762,473,979],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Lower So\u010da Valley\r\nGori\u0161ka Brda wine region","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Gori\u0161ka Brda","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"40 km (25 mi), 700 vertical meters (2300 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 6 - The Karst","day_description":"This day will see you traverse a relatively flat area of Italian Gorizia and then ascend to the Karst plateau <\/b>with its signature water-carved limestone terrain. There you will cycle your way through picturesque villages of Komen and \u0160tanjel<\/b>, right to Se\u017eana, a town bordering the coastal area. When going to sleep this day, you will almost hear the sea waves you\u2019ll soon see.","itinnerary_gallery":[432,878],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Gorizia\r\nRustic villages of Komen and \u0160tanjel","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"B&B in Se\u017eana","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"60 km (37 mi), 800 vertical meters (2600 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 7 - The Slovenian coast","day_description":"For a great start to the seventh day, you can take a quick detour to Lipica and check out the Lipizzaner stud farm<\/b>. The route will then take you to Socerb, where you\u2019ll get a stunning view of the coast and the route of the day. You\u2019ll then follow the green Ri\u017eana river and soon arrive at the sea coast. A well-maintained cycling path will then lead you along the Adriatic seacoast to Piran, a town known for its mesmerizing Venetian architecture and narrow streets<\/b>, built on top of a long pier.","itinnerary_gallery":[681,621,526],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Osp Valley\r\nLipica and Lipizzaner horses\r\nCoastal town of Piran","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Piran","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"53 km (33 mi), 450 vertical meters (1500 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 8 - Saltworks & small Istrian villages","day_description":"Continuing along the coastline will soon bring you to the Se\u010dovlje Saltpans<\/b>, where you\u2019ll have to see the art of traditional saltwork<\/b>. Continue up a slight incline and take a last look at the saltpans back below while you cross the border to Croatia. After this, you\u2019ll head inland and cycle your way to the Mediterranean countryside and Istrian villages<\/b> like Buje, and your final destination of the day, Gro\u017enjan. From this typical village made of stone, you\u2019ll be able to admire a view across the gorgeous valley of the Mirna River and see Motovun, an ancient settlement dating back to the Celt times.","itinnerary_gallery":[1033,723,758],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Portorose\r\nSe\u010dovlje Salt pans\r\nAuthentic Istrian villages Buje and Gro\u017enjan","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Gro\u017enjan","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"33 km (20,5 mi), 410 vertical meters (1350 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 9 - Back to the coast","day_description":"This stretch of the Parenzana route is the hilliest but the most beautiful. It crisscrosses its way between many valleys, but since it\u2019s a former railway, there are some magnificent viaducts or tunnels<\/b> that make your cycling here easier. This authentic rustic vibe of Istria, complemented by the sense of solitary tranquility, will be a stark contrast to the touristy coast town of Pore\u010d<\/b>, where you\u2019ll call it a day.","itinnerary_gallery":[760,539],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Old tunnels and viaducts of the Parenzana trail\r\nPore\u010d coastal town","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Pore\u010d","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"60 km (37,5 mi), 500 vertical meters (1650 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 10 - Around the Lim Channel","day_description":"In the town of Pore\u010d, the Parenzana cycling route ends<\/b>, but the cycling continues. Your way will lead you along the coast towards Vrsar, where a route that should just follow the coast will be disrupted by a peculiar geographical feature \u2014 The Lim channel<\/b>. This estuary that looks like a Norwegian fjord will make you cycle inland on a panoramic route<\/b> worth the effort. Soon you will reach the other side and your next destination: Rovinj.","itinnerary_gallery":[494,678,1034],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Vrsar coastal town\r\nLim Channel\r\nIstrian pearl Rovinj","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Rovinj","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"43 km (27 mi), 650 vertical meters (2200 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 11 - Along the Istrian coast","day_description":"After waking up, strolling around one of the most romantic towns in Croatia<\/b> should be the first thing on your mind. With Rovinj\u2019s lovely cobblestone streets, the panoramic view from its church top, and the lively marina, it will surely not be a waste of time. After relaxing first half of the day, your way will lead you along the coast to Pula<\/b>, the largest city on the peninsula. With its history reaching back to the Romans, one can admire sights like the famous Amphitheatre,<\/b> or the many temples and other historic monuments. It\u2019s the cultural hub of Istria and its most popular tourist destination, perfect as a starting point for exploring the wider area around.","itinnerary_gallery":[1032,456,1035],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Lively coast between Rovinj and Pula\r\nHistoric town of Pula","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Pula","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"45 km (28 mi), 350 vertical meters (1200 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 12 - Exploring the coast around Premantura","day_description":"The last day of your trip is open for many options of exploring the area surrounding Pula. Explore Kamenjak, the southernmost point in Istria<\/b>. It\u2019s a peninsula well worth visiting, especially with a bike, because of its many gravel paths leading to beautiful beaches. For a more lively experience, you can also visit the small towns of Premantura and Medulin<\/b>, with their lively Mediterranean atmosphere, where you can try some of that delicious Croatian seafood. When you\u2019re back in Pula that evening, it will be time to return your bikes, reflect on the journey behind and enjoy your last night of this cycling holiday.","itinnerary_gallery":[464,402,794],"included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"Cape Kamenjak natural reserve","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"Hotel in Pula","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":"48 km (30 mi), 520 vertical meters (1800 feet)"},{"day_headline":"Day 13 - Departure","day_description":"It\u2019s been almost two weeks, but it\u2019s now time to say goodbye. Don\u2019t worry, you don\u2019t have to travel back to Slovenia, as we will accommodate you as best we can according to your travel arrangements. Optionally, you can also arrange a transfer to the airport<\/b> with us.","itinnerary_gallery":"","included":"","meals":"","extra":"","itinerary_highlight":"","itinerary_highlight_with_link":"","itinerary_activity":"","itinerary_accomodation":"","itinerary_things_to_do":"","itinerary_hiking":"","itinerary_cycling":""}],"product_map":"","starting_point":"Bled","finish_point":"Pula","duration":"13 days \/ 12 nights","duration_groupe":{"duration_value_field":"13","type_duration_dropdown":"days"},"datepicker_range_group":{"range_start_date":"20240401","range_end_date":"20241031","enable_specific_dates_repeater":null,"disable_specific_dates_repeater":null},"difficulty":"moderate","season":"Apr - Oct","tour_type":"","cycling_tour_type":"trekking_cycling","product_dates_NEW":null,"group_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"private_guided_solo_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"private_guided_group_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"self_guided_price_NEW":{"price_product_prefix_inline":"default","price":"2495","price_product_suffix_inline":"default"},"google_map_location":"","google_map_link":"","google_map_text":"","google_map_iframe":"