Alps to Adriatic
€1,495.00
Cycle your way through the diverse regions of Slovenia, discovering the country’s diversity on this 8-days/7-nights self-guided cycling journey from the mountains to the sea.
This is the ultimate cycling holiday from the Alps to the Adriatic Sea, visiting Slovenia’s top highlights like Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, Soča Valley, Goriška Brda, and Piran, on the way.
Prices are starting indications, per person, based on two people sharing a twin room, and don’t include bike hire. Please make a booking enquiry for a confirmed price based on your chosen dates and exact requirements.
Description
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.
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.
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. [36 km (22,5 mi), 650 vertical meters (2100 feet)]
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. [45 km (28 mi), 1100 vertical meters (3600 feet)]
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. [40 km (25 mi), 600 vertical meters (2000 feet)]
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. [39 km (24,5 mi), 750 vertical meters (2450 feet)]
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. [59 km (36,5 mi), 780 vertical meters (2500 feet)]
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. [53 km (33 mi), 450 vertical meters (1500 feet)]
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.
Your Bike
The bikes for our Slovenia tours are current model Scott bikes and are updated each year. Bike hire charges are as follows:
Road, gravel, e-bike: 60€ per day = 420 euros for 7 days
Trekking bike, hardtail MTB: 35€ per day = 245 euros for 7 days
Images to follow soon …
