Self-guided Cycling from Alps to Adriatic

Cycle your way through the diverse regions of Slovenia, discovering the country’s diversity on this self-guided cycling journey from the mountains to the sea.
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Difficulty
Moderate
Tour type
Trekking Cycling
Inquiry
The ultimate cycling holiday from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea
Visit Slovenia’s top highlights like Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, Soča Valley, Goriška Brda, and Piran, on the way
Explore the diverse landscapes of Slovenia at your own pace
Get a prepared itinerary and enjoy our full support while retaining the freedom of self-guiding
After 6 days of cycling around 40-50 kilometers per day, reward yourself with a dip into the sea
Lake Bled Castle 2
Lake Bled castle
lake kreda is great for summer refreshment
Lake Kreda
Chilling by the Soča river
Soča River
vrsic pass slovenia scaled 1
Vršič pass
Arial view of Slovenian coast and Piran peninsula
Arial view the Piran peninsula
goriška brda at sunset
Goriška Brda at sunset

Itinerary

Day 1 - Arrival at Bled

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, 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, take a boat ride to the church island, or take a casual stroll around the lake. There is an adventurous week ahead of you, so rest up.

Accommodation

Hotel in Bled

Extra

Transfer from the Airport

bled cream cake 1
Lake Bled Castle 2
Lake Bled castle
Bled lake in autumn
Bled lake in autumn
Lake Bled castle
Bled lake in autumn
Day 2 - Through the alpine valleys to Kranjska Gora

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 and past Lake Kreda while slowly descending to Mojstrana. 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’ll make your way up the well-maintained cycling path of the Upper Sava Valley to the famous alpine resort of Kranjska Gora.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kranjska Gora

Highlights

The alpine pearl Bled
Scenic valley of Radovna and Kreda lake
Scenic cycling path of Upper Sava valley

Cycling

36 km (22,5 mi), 650 vertical meters (2100 feet)

The view of Julian Alps from Upper Sava valley
The view of Julian Alps from Upper Sava valley
evening view of slovenian mountains and valleys in mojstrana
lake kreda in radovna valley
The view of Julian Alps from Upper Sava valley
Day 3 - Over the Vršič Pass

After the easy cycling of the first day, you will tackle the steep ascent over the panoramic Vršič Pass 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’ll reach the Soča Valley, where you’ll be cycling right next to the emerald Soča River. The road will take you past magnificent attractions like the Soča gorges to the alpine town of Bovec. There, surrounded by some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, you’ll rest up for the day ahead.

Accommodation

B&B in Bovec

Highlights

Soča Spring
Lake Jasna
Vršič Pass

Cycling

45 km (28 mi), 1100 vertical meters (3600 feet)

road cycling vršič pass scaled 1
road cycling vršič pass scaled 1
road cycling vršič pass scaled 1
Day 4 - Through the Soča Valley

You’ll continue your way down the valley of the Soča River, cycling on peaceful side roads and macadam trails. At the historical town of Kobarid, you’ll be able to ascend to the idyllic Drežnica village, situated on a small plateau under Mount Krn. If this WW1 battleground was once a scary sight, it’s 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, or just call it a day.

Accommodation

B&B in Tolmin

Highlights

Vršič Pass
Chapel for Russian POW’s
The beautiful Soča River
Scenic Drežnica village
Kobarid with its WWI mueseum
Kozjak Waterfall

Cycling

40 km (25 mi), 600 vertical meters (2000 feet)

Kozjak Waterfall 1
Kozjak Waterfall
The Great Gorge of Soča
The Great Gorge of Soča
Kozjak Waterfall
The Great Gorge of Soča
Day 5 - To the wine country

As you continue your journey further down south, you’ll soon enter a warmer Mediterranean climate with a completely different landscape. Soon, the high mountains will be behind you, and you’ll reach the magical wine-growing region of Goriška Brda. The vineyard hills and the cute villages on top will make you feel like you entered another country.

Accommodation

B&B in Goriška Brda

Highlights

Lower Soča valley
Goriška Brda wine region

Cycling

39 km (24,5 mi), 750 vertical meters (2450 feet)

Vineyards of Goriška Brda
Vineyards of Goriška Brda
soča river from above 1
Soča river from above
Vineyards of Goriška Brda
Soča river from above
Day 6 - The Karst

This day will see you traverse a relatively flat area of Italian Gorizia and then ascend to the Karst plateau with its signature water-carved limestone terrain. There you will cycle your way through picturesque villages of Komen and Štanjel, right to Sežana, a town bordering the coastal area. When going to sleep this day, you will almost hear the sea waves you’ll soon see.

Accommodation

B&B in Sežana

Highlights

Rustic villages of Štanjel and Komen

Cycling

59 km (36,5 mi), 780 vertical meters (2500 feet)

cycling through vineyards in goriska brda
Cycle through the vineyards of Goriška Brda
countryside in goriška brda
štanjel ferrari garden
Cycle through the vineyards of Goriška Brda
Day 7 - The Slovenian coast

For a great start to the seventh day, you can take a quick detour to Lipica and check out the Lipizzaner stud farm. The route will then take you to Socerb, where you’ll get a stunning view of the coast and the route of the day. You’ll then follow the green Rižana 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, built on top of a long pier.

Accommodation

Hotel in Piran or Portorose

Highlights

Osp valley
Lipica
Coastal towns of Koper and Piran

Cycling

53 km (33 mi), 450 vertical meters (1500 feet)

Piran at sunset
Piran at sunset
Lipizzaner horses grazing in Lipica stud farm
Lipizzaner horses grazing in Lipica stud farm
Piran marina
Piran marina
Piran at sunset
Lipizzaner horses grazing in Lipica stud farm
Piran marina
Day 8 - Adriatic Sea and departure

Spend the last day by resting on the sunny coast and swimming in the Adriatic sea. In the afternoon, we’ll organize a transfer to Ljubljana or the airport upon your request.

The sunny Piran
The sunny Piran
Stand up paddling in Piran
Stand up paddling in Piran
Portorose bay
Portorose bay
The sunny Piran
Stand up paddling in Piran
Portorose bay

Self guided

Included in price

Tour design and organization
Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions
Service and support during your tour
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Accommodation as per itinerary
Luggage transfer

Optional Extras

Return transfer from the airport
Single supplement

Are you a traveler who likes to experience the country you’re in up close but still explore a lot in a week? Do you prefer to organize your own day while traveling but not take so much time doing all the needed research? If you resonate with both of these questions, then you’re gonna love our self-guided cycling holiday in Slovenia.

If walking is too slow and driving around with a car is not immersive enough, cycling is just the right compromise between the two. It allows you to breathe clean air like walking and be fast enough so you can see quite a lot in a week of turning the pedals. And of course, this fun physical activity also makes you healthier!

The self-guided aspect is also a key component of our tour. Guided tours are all about schedules, timetables, and other restrictions. But going on a self-guided cycling holiday allows you to explore Slovenia’s top attractions and beautiful landscapes at your own pace. And don’t worry, you don’t have to do any all-night research sessions about the places you’re going to visit. We take care of all that.

But you might be wondering, why Slovenia? 

Slovenia is perfect for such a holiday. It’s small in size, but vast in its diversity, making cycling the optimal speed at which to explore it. Because the country is also super safe and easy to find your way around, you don’t need to be an experienced adventurer to avoid the pitfalls of traveling without a local guide.

In just a week, you’ll discover diverse landscapes, cycling your way through the ever-changing countryside, from the mountains to the sea. You’ll start your journey at the famous Lake Bled, on the doorstep of the Julian Alps. From there, you’ll delve deeper into the surroundings of the Triglav National Park, exploring the scenic alpine valleys, mountain passes, and the mesmerizing emerald river of Soča Valley. The many cycling paths, gravel tracks, and asphalt roads will take you over pastures, forests, and villages, leading you south into the Mediterranean climate. The romantic roads through the sunny vineyards will take you over the Karst Plateau, from which you’ll descend and eventually arrive at the Adriatic Sea, just begging you to take a swim.

But since Slovenia is a hilly country, full of ups and downs, you would have to be extra fit to see it on a regular bike. That is why on this holiday, you will be using electric mountain bikes that can take on any terrain, at any incline. This means that the holiday is suitable for different levels of fitness. The roads and cycle paths in Slovenia are well-maintained, and the traffic is relatively low, especially on the ones you’ll be cycling on. You’ll have our team’s 24/7 support during the trip, remotely guiding you through the week and making you remember this journey for years to come.

Map

Start planning today!

The sooner the better - guaranteed availability and best prices if you don't wait for too long.
Inquire now

Things to know

We offer road cycling, trekking cycling and mountain biking holidays.
Our road cycling holidays are suitable for avid road cycling enthusiasts whose endurance is high enough to withstand multiple long cycling days in a row.

Our trekking cycling holidays are suitable for anyone, as the stages are short enough for most people, and the terrain is not technical — mostly tarmac and gravel. They will still be enjoyed most by people who cycle occasionally and feel comfortable with multiple days in a row on the saddle and some moderate climbing. For those looking for more leisurely cycling holidays, we offer an e-bike option.

Our e-MTB holidays are suitable for most people comfortable on a mountain bike who are fine with some rougher gravel roads and steeper hills, made easier with electric assistance. However, the single trails MTB holidays are suitable mostly for avid mountain bikers, as they tackle technical trails and fast descents, but are very adjustable to your skills and style of riding.

On our guided tours, you will have professional local guides. Our guides will make sure that you will have expert guidance combined with great fun and a memorable experience.

We are always looking for the perfect fit for you. We use a few different accommodation providers that fit our standards but they are subjected to availability, especially in the high season. We can also adjust the holiday, keeping in mind your preferences and budget and can always find a more suitable solution for your taste.

We recommend booking as early as possible. Most of our tours run through very touristy places where accommodation is limited. Most of the great places start getting booked for summer before spring.

It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Slovenia, but vegan dishes, on the other hand, are extremely hard to come by in rural areas of the country and in smaller towns. Please note that the places where we stop for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.

If you want to, sure! We are well aware that some people love to stay in groups while others prefer some more alone time on their trip. We wanted to give you the opportunity to do things your way. It is your holiday, after all! As long as you respect the group timings and locations designated by your guide, please feel free to customize your itinerary and create your own adventure!

Depending on the tour, generally late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are the best times, summer is of course also always great and some of our holidays are also possible in winter! Read more about cycling seasons in Slovenia.

Most of the tours can be done even in light rain, as long as you dress accordingly. It is not unusual in the summer that there are afternoon thunderstorms, so early starts are advisable. If the weather looks really bad, we will try to adjust the tour or skip a stage with a shuttle.

Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Slovenia.

The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.

In any way, Slovenia is a very diverse country and there is something for every cyclist. Whichever bike you choose, we will find the perfect route for you to take on your cycling holidays.

 

Cycling from Alps to Adriatic is suitable for most people who enjoy cycling and are fit enough for multiple days on a saddle in a row. The stages are around 40km long on average, but because Slovenia is a hilly country, some climbs are unavoidable — 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.

Klemen
Talk to our travel expert
mail
info@sloveniacyclingholidays.com
phone
+386 31 444 230
Book a call
Usually replies within 4 hours!
Inquire now
Self guided: From: 1,495€/person

Travel dates can affect the prices.
The itinerary can always be adjusted to suit your budget better.

Book now before it's gone
Accommodations are likely to sell out
Covid refund guarantee
Money-back in case of covid restrictions
Fast and easy booking
Book your activity in few minutes
Guaranteed best prices
No additional costs
Happiness Guaranteed
Or we will return your money

Join a group

If you are a solo cyclist who wants to spend a fun holiday cycling in and around Slovenia, look no further. We’re going to find you a group of up to 8 like-minded biking enthusiasts and take care of all the other tour details. The cycling tour will be led by our guide, who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly, so you’re able to enjoy as much cycling as possible.

Private guided group

The private guided bike tour in Slovenia is for those who want to enjoy their cycling holidays at their own pace, enjoying the flexibility of a small private group and not stressing about the details of everyday planning. The guide will be fully at your disposal to make this experience as personalized as possible, maximizing the enjoyment during and after the tour.

Self-guided

Those who like a good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday in Slovenia. We prepare the itinerary and book your accommodations; You enjoy the journey without our guide, being fully in charge of all the daily decisions. While you’ll have the full support of our team in case of any emergencies or concerns, a certain level of self-reliance is required.

Local experts

Our professional cycling guides know the local terrain and are trained to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both safe and enjoyable.

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy a carefree holiday.

Completely Customizable

Flexibility is our middle name — whether you want more or less, or just beyond ordinary, we’ll make it happen.

Book with confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

Unbeatable support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

Similar Slovenia bike tours

Town of Piran
Pula Croatia 1
Motovun Croatia
Parenzana cycling route
Muggia Italy
Cycling on Kamenjak Cape
Former railroad Parenzana
Pula Beach
From: 1,965€/person
8 days / 7 nights
Moderate
Discover the Northern Adriatic on this self-guided cycling holiday, following the famous Parenzana from Trieste, down the Slovenian coast and Croatian Istria.
More →
vrsic pass slovenia scaled 1
parenzana tunnels 1 1
izola with mountains in the background 1 1
jasna lake 1
panoramic view of the alpine pearl bled
the great soča gorge
relaxing at vršič pass
cycling in rovinj 1
From: 2,495€/person
13 days / 12 nights
Moderate
Discover the diverse landscapes of Slovenia and Croatia on this self-guided biking holiday, from the mountainous Alps to the Adriatic Sea.
More →
road cyling on slovenian roads
scenic village sorica
soča river from above 1
vast forests of pokljuka plateau
the cycling path of val canale
ljubljana castle
having fun cycling in group
From: 1,650€/person
8 days / 7 nights
Challenging
The ultimate road cycling tour of Slovenia, challenging you on a diverse route from the capital, through the Alps and the Soča Valley, and back to Ljubljana.
More →
Cycling with mountains in the back
Mountain biking on Golovec
Kobariški stol road
Kofce plateau
Mountain biking on Velika Planina
Single trails in Ljubljana
Soča Gorge
From: 1,559€/person
8 days / 7 nights
Moderate
Hop on our electric mountain bikes and experience stunning Alpine locations with unforgettable views on our guided mountain biking holiday in Slovenia.
More →
hiking cover
cycling near kranjska gora 1
jasna lake 1
22struklji22
lake bled island
slemenova spica julian alps hiking
ljubljana center 1920x1280 1
cycling around krsnjska gora
the vast pokljuka forests
slemenova spica hiking julian alps
From: 1,695€/person
8 days / 7 nights
Leisurely to Moderate
Uncover Slovenia's most stunning locations, from Lake Bled to its alpine peaks and charming towns, on a customizable Bike & Hike tour for a unique adventure.
More →
vilabled5
emtb adventure in bled area
cesta bovec mangart
soča river from above
the wwi memorial in kobarid 1
cycling through vineyards in goriska brda
enjoying the slovenian tuscany goriška brda
gredic vinyard cycling 1024x683 1
gredic sladica maticgrmek 1024x683 1
former railroad parenzana
Per request
7 to 10 Days
Moderate
You will cycle from the Alps to the Mediterranean sea, reside at boutique hotels and experience authentic Slovenian cuisine at Michelin-rated restaurants.
More →
Pure fun in Petzen bikepark
Ljubljana
Soča River
Technical trails on the Slovenian Coast
Matajur view
The views from Socerb
Great gorge of Soča
Piran
From: 1,990€/person
8 days / 7 nights
Moderate to Challenging
The adrenaline-pumping mountain biking holiday in numerous exciting locations around Slovenia is full of crazy downhills and smooth flow rides.
More →
cycling the 4th stage of hht trail through the mountain pastures of zajamniki
skofja loka
cycling over the hills of polhograjski dolomiti
panoramic view of bohinj lake
cycling along the ridge on the hills surrounding žiri town
View of Bled from Ojstrica
the view from soriška planina ski resort
From: 890€/person
5 days / 4 nights
Moderate
Explore the hidden trails of the hills between Ljubljana and Lake Bled on this hut-to-hut mountain biking tour that takes you through the medieval Škofja Loka.
More →
The Mangart saddle
Kranjska Gora town center
Road to Mangart
Road to Mangart saddle 1
Vršič pass
Bled castle and island
From: 895€/person
3 days / 2 nights
Moderate
Join us on this epic weekend cycling holiday, challenging yourself on some of the best roads of the Julian Alps while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.
More →
Experience the diverse landscapes of Slovenia on a bicycle with Slovenia Cycling Holidays, an up-and-coming incoming travel agency.
Portfolio company of World Discovery.