Slovenia: Bike Tour
Seven nights; seven days of leisurely paced cycling through beautiful mountain valleys, lush vineyards, and picturesque olive groves. This Slovenia Bike Tour progresses toward the warmer climates of the Adriatic coast.
“The trip was fantastic, educational, informative, and scenery beyond my imagination! Thanks!” – Debbie & Randy T.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Easy, mostly downhill cycling in the midst of the Julian Alps on quiet roads and bicycle paths.
- The pristine Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only Nationally protected wilderness area.
- Playing in and alongside the mountain lakes at Bohinj and Bled.
- The Radovna Valley, the Soca River, and Slovenian Karst.
- Delectable cuisine. Slovenia is quickly becoming known as Europe’s new foodie hotspot.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Paved roads. Some great descents and some short climbs, on a predominantly downhill route. The alpine scenery is simply fantastic, and most of the roads are extremely quiet. Although our Slovenia Bike Tour is easy, challenging rides are also available; if you want something more demanding, please ask.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~35 km
- DAY 3: Short: ~35 km; Long: ~55km
- DAY 4: ~55 km
- DAY 5: Short: ~40 km; Long: ~60km
- DAY 6: ~46 km
- DAY 7: ~43 km
- Day 8: ~35km & Farewells
Slovenia: Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Elevation Profile
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Ljubljana, Vander Hotel, 15:00, or Ljubljana airport (LJU), 15:45, day one.
Finish: Trieste, Italy, 14:00, day eight.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Transfer from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora
Meet your guides in Ljubljana in the mid-afternoon at either the airport or downtown. We recommend arriving a day or two early so you have time to experience the vibrant old city. Galleries, museums and other entertaining and historical sites are pleasant distractions for those who arrive early. Most notable include Ljubljana Castle, the Triple and Dragon Bridges, and the fashionable Stari trg. From the capital you will transfer about 45 minutes to the beautiful village of Kranjska Gora. Situated within the peaks of the Julian Alps near the Italian and Austrian borders, Kranjska Gora hosts an annual World Cup Skiing event and is on the doorstep of the Radovljivca Valley, your play area for tomorrow. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only)
Pr’ Gavedarjo, Kranjska Gora
Kranjska Gora to Bled Lake, ~40km.
Today’s highlight is the Valley of Radovna, a marvel for any nature lover, with blueberries hidden in green meadows, herds of cows grazing and cold clear mountain streams gurgling. Pause to visit the museum and farmstead at Pocar then finish your ride by the popular shores of sub-alpine Lake Bled enjoying the picturesque view of the small islet in its midst and the 13th century Church of the Assumption which sits upon it. Take a dip in the lake and enjoy a slice of the regions famous Kremsnita cake. Today is mostly a downhill ride, but there is one notable climb of approximately 200m. BLD
Hotel Triglav, or Hotel Lovec, Bled
Bled Lake to Bohinj Lake, ~35km; optional 17km extension
Your route today begins with 10km of gradual climbing (transfers are available) to the Pokljuka Plateau. Known for its forests and mountain pastures, Pokljuka is part of Triglav National Park, Slovenia’s only National Park. The remainder of the day is mostly downhill to the wonderful meadowland villages at Bohinj. Situated near Lake Bohinj, this is the perfect place to admire the mountains and valleys. Today’s shorter riding distance allows ample time for optional activities including more cycling, paddling on the lake, or hiking Vintgar Gorge and other trails. BLD
Hotel Jezero, Bohinj
Bohinj to Kobarid, ~55km
Avoiding Slovenia’s highest mountain pass, this morning you will cross the Alps underground aboard a 15-minute train journey through the mountains. From the western side of the mountain, you will venture into the remote Soca Valley, a region known for producing the finest cheese in all Slovenia. The turquoise Soca is considered to be one of the most wild and attractive rivers in all Europe. Stopping to taste the pure and healing water of the spring that feeds the river you will begin to understand the true nature of Slovenia! BLD
Hotel Hvala, or optional upgrade to Hisa Franko, Kobarid
Kobarid to Goriska Brda, Short: ~40km; Long: ~60km
Start with a bike ride or transfer up and along the mountain ridge which forms the border with Italy. Visit the WW1 Outdoor Museum at Kolovrat then enjoy a long descent through the dense forests and remote villages scattered along the Italian border. Continue descending into the sunny hills of Goriska Brda, one of Slovenia’s best known wine growing regions. The people and culture here are uniquely influenced by the area’s remoteness and its proximity to nearby countries. Incredibly hospitable, they are proud of their skills and traditions. BLD
Hotel Gredic, Goriska Brda
Ceglo to Komen,~45km
Cycle from Goriska Brda to where the Karst Plateau rises above the Adriatic Sea. Friendly villagers, amazing rock formations, a pleasant climate and superb cuisine give this region its special charm. You will visit Stanjel, a tiny village in the hinterland of Trieste which was an important post on the medieval salt trading route between the Adriatic and Vienna. The salt trade is a significant part of Slovenian culture and tradition as told in the story of folk hero Martin Krpan. Finish riding in the village of Komen at the heart of the Karst Plateau overlooking the Vipava Valley. BL
Pension Špacapan, Komen
Komen to Lokev ~45km
Slovenian Karst has been called the “mother” of all Karst, and has given name to landscapes as far away as Guilin in southern China, Halong Bay in Vietnam and Viñales in Cuba. From Komen, you will ride your bicycle to the end of the plateau where the craggy limestone cliffs overlook the coast. Visit the Stud Farm at Lipica, famous for breeding the Lipizzaners used exclusively by Spanish Riding School in Vienna, then finish in the nearby village of Lokev, ideally situated for a final evening of countryside ambience and delectable local dining. BLD
Hisa Krasna, Lokev
Lokev, Škocjan Caves to Trieste ~35km
A morning visit to the caves at Škocjan, one of the largest known underground canyons in the world. From here you will cycle downhill to the Italian city of Trieste. Located directly on the Adriatic coast, Trieste has a unique blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences and is a worthy place to spend an extra night or two. Your adventure will conclude early this afternoon at the Trieste Central railway station. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided dates:
- Jun 4 – 11
- Jul 2 – 9
- Aug 27 – Sep 3
- Sep 24 – Oct 1
2024 Guided dates:
- Jun 2 – 9
- Jul 7 – 14
- Aug 25 – Sep 1
- Sep 22 – 29
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 4695 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps, route notes, taxes
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 4095 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, relevant van and train transfers, luggage handling, maps, route notes, taxes
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 1095
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 265
Electric-Assist: 495
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian Plains and the Karst Plateau, but this is a delightfully less-developed country than much of Europe. You will experience amazing contrasts during this week of relatively easy bike touring, including the pristine Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, and the Bohinj Lake countryside. This route offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and valleys whose clear skies are popular hangouts for hang gliders. Challenging climbs are avoided using short train hops through the mountains. You too will enjoy the vitality that comes from mountain travel, clean air, and perhaps the healing waters of the Soca Springs, as you descend through the limestone labyrinth of Karst, following the same trails upon which Napoleon led his army. Wild beauty is everywhere. From the heart of the Julian Alps you will ride through old-growth forests and winegrowing hills, and eventually to where you can swim and relax on the Adriatic shore of the Mediterranean before returning to Ljubljana. Slovenia is rich in resources, naturally gorgeous, and beautifully peaceful. It is simply a pleasure to explore by bike the countryside and affluence of this country on the sunny side of the Alps, and to fathom its roots in the Habsburg Empire and the Venetian Republic. We hope you can join us for this fabulous ride, an adventure for all senses!
