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Slovenia Cycle - Julian Alps to the Adriatic

Cyclist taking in the views of the Julian Alps

Predjama Castle, dramatically built into a 123m/404ft-high limestone cliff near Postojna – an optional detour on the ride to Postojna.

Cycling beside one of Slovenia’s clear alpine waterways, surrounded by the Julian Alps

Cycling past vineyards in Slovenia's west

The famous white Lipizzaner horses grazing at Lipica Stud Farm, the historic home of the breed since 1580.

Cyclists on a dedicated cycle path on the Adriatic coast

Cyclists in Slovenia near Lipica

Exploring Ljubljana by bike, Slovenia’s lively and cycle-friendly capital

The Slovenian grasslands have quiet roads perfect for leisure cyclists

Cyclist taking in the views of the Julian Alps

Predjama Castle, dramatically built into a 123m/404ft-high limestone cliff near Postojna – an optional detour on the ride to Postojna.

Cycling beside one of Slovenia’s clear alpine waterways, surrounded by the Julian Alps

Cycling past vineyards in Slovenia's west

The famous white Lipizzaner horses grazing at Lipica Stud Farm, the historic home of the breed since 1580.

Cyclists on a dedicated cycle path on the Adriatic coast

Cyclists in Slovenia near Lipica

Exploring Ljubljana by bike, Slovenia’s lively and cycle-friendly capital

The Slovenian grasslands have quiet roads perfect for leisure cyclists

NEW

Duration

11 days

Activities

11 day self guided cycle

Accommodation

10 nights 3/4 star hotels

Meals

10 Breakfasts

Price

$2490USD

Overview

Trip Code: LJT

Trip highlights

Pedal from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic, experiencing an impressive variety of landscapes in one journey
Discover Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, surrounded by the mountains of Triglav National Park
Exploring the UNESCO listed Skocjan Caves and surrounding landscape
Cycle through Vipava vineyards and Karst villages and visit the Lipica stud farm, home of the Lipizzaner horse
Option to take a ferry to Trieste for an afternoon gelato
Arriving at the Adriatic coast at Piran via a new railtrail
Explore Ljubljana, with its historic center, castle and lively riverside cafés

Few countries pack as much variety into such a compact area as Slovenia, and traveling by bike is an ideal way to experience it. Beginning amid the mountains and lakes of the Julian Alps, this self-guided journey takes you from beautiful Lake Bled to the shores of the Adriatic, linking some of Slovenia's most impressive natural landscapes, historic towns and cultural highlights along the way. Cycle beside the turquoise waters of Lake Bohinj in Triglav National Park, descend through forested valleys to medieval Škofja Loka and spend time exploring Ljubljana, Slovenia's lively and remarkably green capital. Continue across the Ljubljana Marshes and into the limestone landscapes of the Karst, where you can venture underground at Postojna Cave and the spectacular UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves. Along the way, discover the vineyards of the Vipava region, visit Lipica – home of the famous Lipizzaner horses – and cycle through traditional villages and rolling countryside. The final stages bring another change of scenery as you reach the Mediterranean and cycle along the Bay of Trieste, including a section of converted railway line, before finishing among the narrow streets and Venetian architecture of Piran. With luggage transfers taken care of and navigation provided, you're free to cycle at your own pace, stop where you choose and enjoy Slovenia's food, wine and hospitality along the way.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Bled

Make your own way to Bled which is easily accessible from Ljubljana airport and Ljubljana by public bus or we can arrange a private transfer. Bled is beautifully positioned beneath the Julian Alps and with its emerald-green lake, tiny island church and medieval castle perched high on a cliff, it makes an impressive introduction to Slovenia. Take a stroll around the lakeshore, walk up to Bled Castle for views across the lake and mountains, and perhaps sample the town's famous kremšnita cream cake.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Cycle via Lake Bohinj to Bohinjska Bistrica (47km/29mi)

Your first cycling day introduces you to some of Slovenia's finest alpine scenery. Ride through Bohinjska Bela before following the emerald Sava Bohinjka River into the Bohinj Valley. Continue to Lake Bohinj, a beautiful glacial lake surrounded by the forested mountains of Triglav National Park, before looping through the upper valley to Bohinjska Bistrica. For an easier first day, it is possible to take the direct route to Bohinjska Bistrica, reducing the ride to 28km/17mi. +580m/1,903ft, -560m/1,837ft.

Meals: B

Day 3
Cycle across the Jelovica Plateau to medieval Škofja Loka (49km/30.5mi)

Today's ride is the most challenging of the trip, beginning with a sustained climb onto the forested Jelovica Plateau. From here, descend into the Selška Valley and cycle through the mountain villages of Sorica and Železniki before reaching Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia's best-preserved medieval towns. If you would prefer to avoid the major climb, an optional transfer to the top of the Sorica Pass reduces the ride by approximately 12km/7.5mi and saves around 700m/2,297ft of ascent. +900m/2,953ft, -1,050m/3,445ft.

Meals: B

Day 4
A shorter cycle to Ljubljana (31km/19mi)

Enjoy a shorter and easier ride today as you leave Škofja Loka and make your way towards the Slovenian capital. Arriving early leaves plenty of time to discover Ljubljana on foot or by bike. Explore its pedestrian-friendly historic center, visit Ljubljana Castle and wander beside the Ljubljanica River, where outdoor cafés and restaurants line the waterfront. +170m/558ft, -240m/787ft.

Meals: B

Day 5
Cycle to Vrhnika across the Ljubljana Marshes (41km/25.5mi)

Leave the capital behind for a gentle ride across the vast Ljubljana Marshes (Ljubljansko Barje), an extensive wetland landscape south of the city. Quiet roads and cycleways take you across the plains towards Vrhnika. Along the way, pass the remains of the historic Borovnica railway viaduct and Bistra Castle before continuing to your overnight stop. +150m/492ft, -160m/525ft.

Meals: B

Day 6
Continue to Postojna, with optional visit to Predjama Castle (43km/26.5mi)

Head deeper into Slovenia's countryside as you cycle away from the busier routes towards Postojna. The landscape gradually becomes more undulating as you approach the country's limestone Karst region. An optional detour takes you to remarkable Predjama Castle, dramatically built into the mouth of a 123m/404ft-high cliff. Continue to Postojna for the evening. +760m/2,493ft, -510m/1,673ft.

Meals: B

Day 7
Visit Postojna Cave and cycle into the Vipava wine region (32km/20mi)

This morning there is time to explore Postojna Cave, one of Slovenia's extraordinary subterranean landscapes, before returning to your bike. Leaving Postojna, the route descends towards a noticeably different landscape as mountains and forests give way to vineyards. Continue into the Štanjel area, on the edge of the Vipava wine region. +240m/787ft, -630m/2,067ft.

Meals: B

Day 8
Cycle through the Karst via Lipica to Divaca (50km/31mi)

Cycle through Slovenia's distinctive Karst landscape, a region of vineyards, stone villages and limestone scenery. En route you can visit the botanical garden at Sežana before continuing to the historic Lipica stud farm, renowned as the original home of the white Lipizzaner horses. From Lipica, continue to Divaca for the night. +630m/2,067ft, -360m/1,181ft.

Meals: B

Day 9
Continue via the Škocjan Caves to Muggia on the Adriatic (38km/23.5mi)

Before setting out today, there is the option to visit the UNESCO-listed Škocjan Caves, an immense underground world carved by the Reka River. Back on your bike, continue south as the landscape takes on an increasingly Mediterranean character. Cross into Italy and finish in the colorful harbor town of Muggia, just south of Trieste. Relax by the sea or take a boat across the bay to explore Trieste. +280m/919ft, -700m/2,297ft.

Meals: B

Day 10
Cycle along the Bay of Trieste to Piran (35km/22mi)

A fitting finale takes you along the Adriatic coast, following a cycle path built partly along a former railway line overlooking the Bay of Trieste. Continue back into Slovenia and on to Piran, a beautiful Venetian-era harbor town of narrow lanes, colorful buildings and waterfront cafés. Celebrate the completion of your journey from the Slovenian Alps to the Mediterranean with a final evening by the sea. The standard route is 35km/22mi, with an optional side trip increasing today's ride to approximately 46km/28.5mi. +230m/755ft, -240m/787ft.

Meals: B

Day 11
Trip concludes Piran

Your self-guided cycling trip concludes after breakfast. Consider extending your stay to enjoy more time on Slovenia's Adriatic coast.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

10 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, coffee and tea
10 nights in 3-4 star hotels and guesthouses on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities
Luggage transfer – one bag per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. standard airline dimensions.
Emergency hotline (we recommend you carry a cell phone during the trip)
Good quality 18 gear rental bike (touring) for 9 days with pannier and helmet, plus for every two bikes – one repair kit, one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, Allen keys and tire levers. + one combination lock. Rental is from 9am on day 2 until 6pm on day 10. Additional days can be booked - supplement applies. Option to hire an E-Bike or Gravel Bike - supplement applies. Rental bikes come with standard damage waiver which limits liability to max EUR50 for a standard bike or EUR150 for a E-Bike, Gravel or mountain bike. Conditions apply.
Itinerary and maps in navigational App. One download per adult person. Additional downloads are extra.
Tourist tax and VAT

What's not included

Travel to Ljubljana and from Piran
Lunch and dinner daily and all beverages (allow 15-25 EUR per meal)
Items of a personal nature including beverages, laundry, phone calls etc
Travel insurance - mandatory
excess luggage - Every additional piece 40 EUR, payable locally
Printed documents - supplement applies
arrival and departure transfers - supplement applies
Optional waiver upgrade to reduce liability for accidental damage to rental bike to zero - supplement applies

Bike information

Rental Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a Trek bike – either a hybrid or mountain bike. You will also be supplied with a helmet and 2 panniers to carry your luggage throughout the trip. If you would like a bike computer or handlebar bag you will need to bring your own as these are not supplied locally. You will receive a repair kit, pump and lock.

Electric Bike

An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below. Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.

Grading

moderate

MODERATE – GRADE 3 This trip is graded Moderate and is well suited to recreational cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable riding for several consecutive days. The route covers approximately 366km/227mi, predominantly along quiet country roads and cycleways, with mostly paved surfaces and some short gravel sections. Daily rides range from approximately 31–50km (19–31mi), with a mix of gentle terrain and hillier stages. Most days involve between 150 and 760m (492–2,493ft) of ascent, while the most demanding day climbs approximately 900m/2,953ft on the route from Bohinjska Bistrica to Škofja Loka. An optional transfer is available on this day, avoiding around 700m/2,297ft of climbing. The trip does not require advanced cycling skills, but you should be confident cycling on roads shared with traffic and able to manage sustained climbs and descents. We recommend regular cycling before departure to build the endurance required for consecutive riding days. An e-bike can make the hillier sections more manageable for cyclists who would like some assistance on the climbs; both standard touring bikes and electric touring bikes are available to rent. An E bike can be requested (supplement applies) and if used can make the trip easier on the legs, although pedalling is still required. Also you need to be a competent cyclist to ride an E bike as they are heavier and faster than regular bikes.

Departure dates

Daily from 28 Mar to 10 Oct

Notes

Mid Season

High Season

DN1

High season is from 15 Aug to 18 Sep, Mid season is from 2 May to 14 Aug and 19 Sep to 2 Oct - supplement applies.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$2490USD

Options & Supplements*

Day 3 - Transfer to top of the Sorica pass (pp)USD$41
Single supplementUSD$680
Solo traveller supplementUSD$1000

*Prices listed are per person

Frequently Asked Questions

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?Do I need to be an experienced cyclist for this trip?

No. This trip is best suited to recreational cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness who are comfortable riding on consecutive days. Daily distances are generally between 31–50km/19–31mi, with a mix of gentle riding and some hillier stages. The most demanding day includes around 900m/2,953ft of ascent.

?What type of roads and surfaces will I be cycling on?

The route follows mostly paved cycleways and quiet country roads, with some short gravel sections. You should be comfortable riding on roads shared with local traffic, although the emphasis is on quieter routes wherever possible.

?Can I hire an e-bike?

Yes. Electric touring bikes are available to rent, along with standard touring bikes, gravel bikes and mountain bikes. An e-bike can be a good option if you would like some assistance on the hillier days, while still enjoying the full route. It is still important that you are a competent cyclist as e-bikes are heavier and go faster than standard bikes. Bike rental includes a helmet, pannier, repair kit and hand pump.

?What happens to my luggage while I’m cycling?

Your main luggage is transferred between accommodations, so you only need to carry what you require during the day. One piece of luggage per person, weighing up to 23kg/50lb, is included in the trip arrangements.

?How will I find my way on a self-guided trip?

Route descriptions and maps are provided through the GUIBO navigation app, allowing you to follow each day’s route independently and cycle at your own pace. A local backup hotline is also available throughout the trip should you require assistance.

?What if I don’t want to do the hardest climb?

On Day 3, the ride from Bohinjska Bistrica to Škofja Loka includes the trip’s biggest climb. An optional transfer can take you to the top of the Sorica Pass, reducing the ride by approximately 12km/7.5mi and avoiding around 700m/2,297ft of climbing. This must be prebooked.

?Will I pay extra if I want my own room, or if I'm travelling on my own?

These are two different costs, and they don't both apply on the same booking. If you're travelling as part of a group booking with other people, you can choose to have your own room instead of sharing a twin room, for an extra cost shown on the trip page. Self-guided trips are priced on the basis of two people travelling together, so if you're travelling entirely on your own, there can be an additional cost on some trips to cover arrangements normally shared between two, such as luggage transfers. Which of these applies, if either, depends on the trip. Check the pricing section of your chosen trip page for the exact costs.

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