Slovenia

by Glorious Cycling Ltd.

Region

Julian Alps

Duration

6 days

Guided Status

Guided

Difficulty

Moderate

D-Score™

D3 - Advanced

Overview

A 4.5 stage gravel cycling holiday from the foothills of the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Coast in beautiful Slovenia. This epic route, in the Slovenian early summer, includes amazing variety through singletrack, forest trails, back roads & bridleways. Our journey takes us from the mountains through to the lake region, through wine country and ending on the coast. We ride together in small groups & stay at charming 4* hotels, eating together each night to make this a social week of exploring this amazing country. This is a point to point ride starting in one corner of Slovenia and ending 375km away in another. We start in ski country and end on the chic Adriatic Coast via mountain plateaus, picturesque lakes, rural plains, wine country & more.

Daily Ride Schedule

Day 1: Arrival in Ljubljana

20 km 0 m

Arrival in Ljubljana

Day 2: Stage One: Kranjska Gora to Bohinj

90 km 1372 m

Stage One: Kranjska Gora to Bohinj

Day 3: Stage Two: Bohinj to Bohinj

84 km 1800 m

Stage Two: Bohinj to Bohinj

Day 4: Stage Three: Most na Soči to Lipica

95 km 1600 m

Stage Three: Most na Soči to Lipica

Day 5: Stage Four: Lipica to Portoroz

87 km 1700 m

Stage Four: Lipica to Portoroz

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Airport transfers

Catering services

Accommodation arrangements

Mechanical support

Support vehicle following all rides

About the Julian Alps

Read full regional guide

GBP 1699

per person

Go to Provider

Why Choose This Tour?

The Julian alps an epic journey Wild swimming discover real slovenian culture The route gives us plenty of opportunity for some great wild swimming stops - one stage one we stop by Lake Bled at our first feed stop for a dip, one stage three we can swim in Lake Bohinj & on the final day the ride ends with a celebratory dive into the ocean.
Up on the Pokljuka plateau, deep in the Julian Alps lies the picture postcard village of Zajamniki.
This village is spread out on a long line of shepherd huts with stunning alpine pastures all around and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains.
One of the highlights of stage two and worth the long climb up here.
Probably Slovenia's most famous draw to international visitors is Lake Bled but just up the road is possibly and even more beautiful spot at Lake Bohinj.
Both are small lakes surrounded by mountains, Bled has a church on an island in the middle.
We get a chance to swim in both and see the lakes from up close and from afar when we get onto the plateaus.
Slovenia is a country of 2m people but regularly produces world class rowers, climbers, skiers & cyclists and when you get here you realise why.
The country really prioritises outdoor activity and there is a huge network of bike paths and masses of very well maintained gravel trails going into remote and stunning areas.
We start our Slovenian journey in the north west corner with Austria & Italy a short ride away.
This region looks a bit like the Dolomites with some stunning rock formations.
As there are so few people living in Slovenia, it doesnt take long to get away from the ski resorts and into some amazing mountain scenery.
Our prologue takes us over a river, past a lake and through glorious alpine meadows.
Flowing between north west Slovenia and Italy, this turquoise river is our companion for the first half of stage three.
The river is very popular for fishing, kayaking and swimming with a number of natural beaches.
It was also the sight of major WW1 battles & this region has a fascinating history.
Stage one and stage two take us into the forests either side of Lake Bled & Bohinj.
These large woodlands contain a massive network of gravel trails, all well managed by the local foresters.
Both forests include long (gravel) climbs to get into them and have a great mix of traditional forest riding with tall trees on either side and the occasional opening with views of alpine meadows, ski resorts or sweeping vistas of the valley below.
The ride finishes on the coast at the chic resort town of Portoroz.
Slovenia only has a very short coastline, wedged between Italy & Croatia.
Our ride ends at the Marina with a pasta party, beers & an ocean swim near the luxury yachts and sailboats.
This is also a fun town for a celebratory night out after four big days on the bike!