From Slovenian Alps to Trieste
Embark on the ultimate cycling adventure from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea.
Take in Slovenia’s top highlights, including Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, Soča Valley, and Goriška Brda.
Discover the diverse landscapes and enjoy the freedom of self-guided exploration while benefiting from our full support and a prepared itinerary.
Finish your journey in Italy, and take in the stunning views of the Adriatic coast and gulf of Trieste
Itinerary
Upon your arrival in Bled, a member of our team will be there to welcome you and provide you with a comprehensive overview of your itinerary. Any questions you may have will be answered during this briefing. If you happen to arrive early in Bled and have some spare time, we recommend visiting the Bled Castle, taking a boat ride to Church Island, or simply taking a leisurely walk around the lake. You have an exciting week ahead, so be sure to rest up.
On the initial day of cycling, you’ll primarily be warming up as the terrain will be mostly flat. Starting from Bled, the route will lead you through the picturesque Radovna Valley and past Lake Kreda. You’ll gradually descend towards Mojstrana while being surrounded by the towering peaks of the Julian Alps on your left and the Austrian border ridge of the Karawanks on your right. Riding along the well-maintained cycling path of the Upper Sava Valley, you’ll make your way to the renowned alpine resort of Kranjska Gora.
36 km (22,5 mi), 650 vertical meters (2100 feet)
After the gentle cycling of the first day, you’ll face a challenging uphill climb over the scenic Vršič Pass on the second day. Once you reach the summit, be sure to pause and admire the breathtaking mountain vistas that surround you. Following this, you’ll make your way down the hairpin turns to the other side, where you’ll find yourself in the Soča Valley, cycling alongside the striking emerald waters of the Soča River. Along the way, you’ll pass by magnificent natural wonders such as the Soča Gorges before arriving at the alpine town of Bovec. There, nestled amidst some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps, you’ll have time to rest and prepare for the upcoming day.
45 km (28 mi), 1100 vertical meters (3600 feet)
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.
40 km (25 mi), 600 vertical meters (2000 feet)
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 a fairytale.
39 km (24,5 mi), 750 vertical meters (2450 feet)
You will depart the wine country and cross the border into Italy. Cycling through the town of Monfalcone, you will continue along the Adriatic coast closer to the gulf of Trieste, where your journey will come to an end.
55km (34 mi), 150 vertical meters (490 feet)
Spend the last day 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.
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Pricing
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
Description
Slovenia is a country of incredible natural beauty, from the soaring peaks of the Alps to the sparkling waters of the Adriatic Sea. And there’s no better way to experience this diverse landscape than on a self-guided cycling holiday that takes you through some of Slovenia’s top highlights and finishes on the stunning Adriatic coast of Italy.
On this cycling journey, you’ll start in the mountains, where you’ll take in the stunning scenery of Bled, Kranjska Gora, and Vršič Pass. From there, you’ll head down into the picturesque Soča Valley, with its emerald-green waters and dramatic mountain backdrop.
You will explore the wine-growing region of Goriška Brda, sometimes referred to as the Slovenian Tuscany where you will cycle through vineyards and sample local wines. And finally, you’ll cross the border into Italy and arrive in the charming coastal city of Trieste, where you can take a refreshing dip in the Adriatic Sea after six days of cycling through some of the most diverse environments.
One of the great things about this self-guided cycling journey is that you can explore Slovenia and Italy’s gorgeous landscapes at your own pace. You’ll have a prepared itinerary and the 24/7 support of our team.
Map
Average weather forecast
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°F) | 43 | 48 | 57 | 63 | 72 | 79 | 84 | 82 | 75 | 64 | 52 | 43 |
| Low (°F) | 30 | 32 | 39 | 45 | 54 | 59 | 64 | 64 | 57 | 48 | 39 | 32 |
| Rain (in) | 2 | 2 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 5 | 3 | 2 |
| JAN | FEB | MAR | APR | MAY | JUN | JUL | AUG | SEP | OCT | NOV | DEC | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| High (°C) | 6 | 9 | 14 | 17 | 22 | 26 | 29 | 28 | 24 | 18 | 11 | 6 |
| Low (°C) | -1 | 0 | 4 | 7 | 12 | 15 | 18 | 18 | 14 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Rain (mm) | 59 | 49 | 65 | 75 | 95 | 67 | 66 | 89 | 93 | 122 | 76 | 61 |
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Things to know
Our priority is to find the ideal accommodation that suits your needs. We collaborate with several lodging providers that meet our criteria, but please note that availability can be limited, particularly during peak seasons. Furthermore, we can tailor your holiday to align with your preferences and budget, and are committed to finding a more suitable alternative that matches your taste.
To ensure availability, we advise booking your tour as early as possible. Our tours typically pass through highly popular tourist destinations where lodging options are restricted. Many of these desirable locations become fully booked for the summer season well in advance, often filling up by spring.
The availability of food options in Italy depends on the extent of your dietary restrictions. While it is relatively easy to find vegetarian dishes, locating vegan meals can be challenging, particularly in smaller towns and rural areas. Additionally, the traditional lunch stops we make may have limited ability to accommodate special requests beyond their standard menu. We recommend considering this when planning your meals.
Our tours in Italy can accommodate various types of bikes, including road, gravel, and mountain bikes. We maintain constant communication with you to ensure the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Italy.
A versatile option for cycling in Italy is the gravel bike, even if you plan to embark on a road cycling holiday. It does not significantly affect road performance and allows you to explore scenic backroads that may be slightly rougher than the main routes. Furthermore, gravel bikes typically offer greater comfort and more control.
Italy is a diverse country with something for every cyclist. Regardless of your choice of bike, we will customize the perfect route for your cycling holiday.
