Are you a fan of cycling? Do you want to visit both Slovenia and Croatia? Then you’re in luck since you found the perfect adventure! There is no better way to discover both Alpine Slovenia and the Mediterranean coast of Croatian Istria than on this ultimate cycling holiday.
The number of landscapes you’ll be cycling through on this holiday is astounding. Slovenia alone is one of the most diverse 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 on your way from the mountains to the sea.
There will be plenty of opportunities for sightseeing along the way, even the chance to go swimming in the crystal clear Adriatic sea in the second part of the trip.
Your journey will begin in the Alpine pearl of Lake Bled, from where you’ll hop on your bikes and start exploring the mountain paradise that is the Julian Alps. After exploring the glacial valleys and crossing the Vršič mountain pass, you’ll start descending to the Soča Valley 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, the sea breeze will touch your skin.
From there, you’ll be following the tunnels and bridges of the famous Parenzana cycling path, 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, 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 and take a swim in the refreshing sea.
This is a self-guided holiday 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 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.
If you don’t 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’ll get to cycle from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea. During the other, you’ll hop on the bike to explore the Adriatic coast. Both of them are only 7 days long, so check them out if time is your limitation.
Take 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.