Slovenia Road Cycling Grand Tour

Itinerary

Day 1 – Arrival in Ljubljana

When you arrive in Slovenia’s capital, we will arrange a transfer to your accommodation, where the bikes will already be waiting for you. Then it’s time for a hearty dinner and plenty of sleep so you can feel your best the next day. [Cycling: 65km, 800m elevation gain]

Day 2 – Warm-up tour around Ljubljana

The “Local Specialty” tour is the first item on the menu. It begins in Ljubljana and immediately takes you out of town, quickly transitioning from the hectic metropolitan environment to the lonesome countryside roads. This day’s tour is intended as a warm-up — the journey includes flat stretches and some relatively strenuous uphill climbs. You will cycle across the southern Polhov Gradec Dolomites, the pre-alpine hilly landscape west of Ljubljana that hosts the famed Franja Marathon race. You’ll return to Ljubljana in the afternoon, giving you time to explore the city.

Day 3 – From Ljubljana to Bohinj

It’s time to depart from the capital. You’ll start in Ljubljana and cycle via the old town of Škofja Loka before continuing into the Selca Valley. From there, you’ll ascend steeply over Soriška Planina before descending back to Bohinj, where your day will conclude. You will rest your legs after climbing almost 1000 meters to be prepared for tomorrow. [Cycling: 75km, 1350m elevation gain]

Day 4 – Cycling across the Pokljuka Plateau

You’ll start from deep in the Julian Alps. The day will begin with a climb to the Pokljuka Plateau, a large area covered in dense spruce forest. We take a minor break at Bled, so you can feast your eyes on the famous Lake Bled and take a photo or two. After, you’ll descend into the lovely Radovna Valley, which leads to Mojstrana, a settlement at the Triglav valleys’ gates. Following the main route, you’ll ride through the gorgeous Upper Sava Valley to the sports hub of Kranjska Gora. [Cycling: 80km, 1600m elevation gain]

Day 5 – The Alpe Adria stage

Alpe Adria is one of Europe’s most attractive long-distance cycling routes. Today, you’ll test one of its best Alpine stages while not having to pack in the morning as the stage loops back to Kranjska Gora. The route will take you from Kranjska Gora to Italy, where you will cycle along the abandoned railway line that runs through the Kanal Valley. You will then pass Dogna on your way to Lake Predil through the Sella Nevea pass. This long but not exhausting route then returns to Kranjska Gora. You’ll be astonished at how many kilometers and elevation gain you’ll have accumulated by the end of the day.

You will also have an option for a shorter alternative, which will take you over the Wurzen Pass to Arnoldstein and circle to Kranjska Gora past the Fusine Lakes. Given that you will be spending another night in Kranjska Gora, you can also opt for a rest day and spend it exploring the small Alpine town. [Cycling: 109km, 1600m elevation gain]

Day 6 – From the Alps to the Mediterranean

It’s time for a change of scenery and weather. After the second night in Kranjska Gora, it’s time to head south across Slovenia’s highest road pass, Vršič. You’ll descend to the magnificent Soča Valley after this demanding but rewarding ascent with its many hairpin curves. You’ll speed down the delightfully sloping road, following the Soča River. With each kilometer, the climate becomes more Mediterranean. Finally, you’ll reach Tolmin, the main settlement in the Upper Soča Valley. [Cycling: 80km, 1370m elevation gain]

Day 7 – Over Idrija Hills

On your final cycling day, you’ll return to Ljubljana and conclude this week-long experience. Idrija lies at the junction of the Alps and the Dinarides. The Ljubljana Basin will appear before us after over a hundred kilometers of cycling through its charming villages and magnificent ravines. Our day concludes in Slovenia’s green capital, Ljubljana, after a nice flat ride through the Ljubljana Marshes. [Cycling: 100km, 1750m elevation gain]

Day 8 – Farewell

It’s been a fun week, but it’s time to say farewell to Slovenia. Those of you who hired bikes will return them. We will also offer you a drive to the airport based on your schedule and preferences.

Extra days

You always reserve an option to extend your road cycling holidays in Slovenia by staying longer at the designated place and exploring the country off-bike. We will adapt your itinerary accordingly, and you can spend more time at your preferred location, either Ljubljana, Kranjska Gora, or another place of your choosing.

Lengthening your holidays with additional cycling days is also a possibility. You can share your ideas with us, and we will try to find the best routes to add at the beginning or the end of this tour.