Hotel in Ljubljana












Road Cycling Slovenia, Italy & Croatia
15 days / 14 nights
|
Starting point
Ljubljana
Finish point
Pula
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
4/5


Starting point
Ljubljana
Finish point
Pula
Season
From April to October
Fitness level
4/5
Highlights
- Uncover the perfect fusion of history and contemporary allure in Ljubljana
- Journey through the captivating alpine areas of Bohinj and Bled on two wheels
- Venture into the breathtaking Julian Alps and their glacial valleys
- Encounter the renowned Vršič Pass and conquer the lofty ascent of Mangart
- Traverse the enchanting Soča Valley and the wine region of Goriška Brda
Itinerary of the trip
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What’s included in the price?
Self-guided
NOT INCLUDED
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Embark on a captivating 15-day cycling adventure through the stunning landscapes of Slovenia, Italy, and Croatia. This extraordinary journey goes beyond mere biking miles, immersing you in the rich historical charm of vibrant cities, the breathtaking beauty of lush landscapes, and the distinctive cultures of these three captivating countries.
Your expedition commences in the lively capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana, where modern vibrancy harmonizes with timeless allure. Pedaling through picturesque villages and rugged terrains, you'll be swept away by the untouched splendor and tranquility of Polhograjski Dolomiti, setting the tone for the voyage ahead.
As you traverse charming mountain towns like Škofja Loka and Železniki, you'll be treated to awe-inspiring views atop Soriška Planina, each turn revealing another breathtaking vista. The journey leads you to the Alpine paradise of Bohinj, where crystal-clear waters and majestic peaks welcome you with open arms.
Continuing from Bohinj to the iconic Bled, you'll encounter peaceful hamlets, undulating landscapes, and historic landmarks. The path unfolds through Radovna Valley's majestic scenery, offering optional detours to cascading waterfalls and a serene stopover at Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora.
The adventure takes a thrilling turn as you cross into Italy, where the expansive landscapes of Sella Nevea showcase the panoramic beauty of the Julian and Carnic Alps. Conquering Slovenia's highest mountain pass, Vršič Pass, becomes a rewarding feat with awe-inspiring vistas that surpass every cyclist's imagination.
Discover the enchanting town of Bovec and take on the exhilarating ascent to Mangart, Slovenia's highest asphalt road, where breathtaking views of the Julian Alps unfold before your eyes. This adventurous ride is contrasted by a serene journey through Goriška Brda, renowned for its wines, where ascending offers glimpses of the Adriatic Sea.
Continuing into Italy's tranquil Friuli region, you'll descend from the Karst Plateau, passing through charming villages and cycling along the captivating Istrian coastline until you reach Piran. As you ascend from Buje, the historic heart of Croatia unveils itself, culminating in a leisurely coastal ride through Poreč and Rovinj.
This cycling expedition is more than just a physical endeavor; it's a curated cultural and sensory experience that leaves an indelible mark on your memory. The moments you cherish along this remarkable journey will beckon you to relive them until you embark on another unforgettable adventure.
Top Places You’ll See
From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

Napoleon’s Bridge
Built in 1750 and named after Napoleon’s troops who crossed it in 1797, this single-arch stone bridge spans about 55 m, rising 22 m above the emerald Soča River. Rebuilt after World War I battles along the Isonzo Front, it remains a striking historic crossing with panoramic views of the Julian Alps.

Lake Bled
Lake Bled is Slovenia’s most famous sight and for good reason. The lake was formed by glacial activity, and in its center sits the only natural island in Slovenia. A church has stood on that island since the 9th century, and today visitors still ring its “wishing bell.” Getting to the island is done the traditional way—by pletna, a wooden boat rowed standing up, a method unique to this area.

Piran
Piran is a coastal gem on the Adriatic, known for its Venetian heritage and narrow medieval streets. The main square, Tartini Square, is named after the famous violinist Giuseppe Tartini, who was born here. Climb the old city walls for panoramic views of the red-roofed town and the sea, or visit St. George’s Church, which overlooks the harbor from a bluff.

Lago del Predil

Zelenci Nature Reserve
Zelenci is where the Sava Dolinka River begins. The water rises through porous chalk and sand, creating bright emerald pools that never freeze, even in winter. The reserve covers 15 hectares and is home to rare species of plants and animals, including orchids and kingfishers. A wooden boardwalk and viewing tower make the area accessible for visitors, offering views of the surrounding Julian Alps. The constant temperature of the spring water is about 6°C year-round.

Ljubljana
Ljubljana is Slovenia’s capital and cultural hub, with a population of just under 300,000. The Ljubljanica River runs through the center, lined with outdoor cafés and crossed by well-known bridges such as the Dragon Bridge and the Triple Bridge, both designed by architect Jože Plečnik. The city’s castle dates back to the 11th century and offers views across the entire basin. Ljubljana has been named a European Green Capital thanks to its pedestrianized center, bike-sharing system, and strong focus on sustainability.

Lake Bohinj
Lake Bohinj is the largest permanent lake in Slovenia, 4.2 kilometers long and 1 kilometer wide, located inside Triglav National Park. It holds about 100 million cubic meters of water, fed by mountain streams and glaciers. Activities such as swimming, kayaking, and hiking around the lake are popular, but it remains much less developed than nearby Bled. A cable car leads from the lake up to Mount Vogel, where ski slopes in winter turn into hiking trails in summer.

Soča Valley
The Soča Valley is famous for the emerald color of the Soča River, which flows through deep gorges and past waterfalls. The area is popular for outdoor sports like rafting, kayaking, and hiking, and features an abundance of natural highlights, among others: the Great Soča & Tolmin Gorges, and stunning waterfalls like Virje, Kozjak and Slovenia’s highest - Boka. It is also a site of major World War I battles, remembered through a variety of museums and the Walk of Peace trail.

Vršič Pass
Vršič Pass is the highest road pass in Slovenia at 1,611 meters, with exactly 50 numbered hairpin turns. Built by Russian prisoners during World War I, it is still known as the “Russian Road.” The pass connects Kranjska Gora with the Soča Valley and is a popular gateway for hiking trails, mountain views, and a stop at the small Russian Chapel built in memory of the workers who died during its construction.

Pokljuka Plateau
Rising 1,200–1,500 m within Triglav National Park, Pokljuka is Slovenia’s largest high plateau and a showcase of pristine alpine nature. Vast spruce forests, peat bogs, and open pastures dotted with traditional shepherd huts create a landscape of striking beauty and rich wildlife, with sweeping views of the Julian Alps and Mount Triglav.

Kobarid Charnel House
The Italian Charnel House in Kobarid is a military ossuary built in 1938 to hold the remains of 7,014 Italian soldiers who died during World War I in the Isonzo Front battles. The circular structure is built around the pre-existing church of St. Anthony, and its inauguration was attended by Mussolini. It stands above the town of Kobarid and is part of the “Walk of Peace” heritage trail, which connects key sites from the front lines of the Great War across the Soča Valley.

Pula
Pula, at the southern tip of Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, is known for its Roman heritage. The highlight is the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, built in the 1st century and still used for concerts and events today. The city also features Roman temples, medieval fortresses, and a busy port that reflects its long history as a crossroads of Mediterranean cultures.
Our Bikes
To ensure the best possible experience on your cycling adventure, we offer top-quality bikes for rent. Our fleet features the latest models, meticulously maintained for both performance and comfort.
To match each rider with the right equipment, our team will also assist you in selecting the most suitable bike based on your physical profile, personal preferences, and the technical requirements of the tour.
Each bike rental includes:
✔ Transport of the bike to and from the tour start/end point
✔ Helmet for safety
✔ Phone holder mounted on the handlebars
✔ Basic tool kit for on-the-go adjustments
Willier Garda
Or similar
Type: Road bike
Best for: Endurance road rides, long-distance cycling, and performance-focused recreational riders
The Wilier Garda combines a lightweight carbon frame and carbon wheels for the perfect balance of comfort, speed, and reliability. With internal cable routing, endurance geometry, and clearance for tires up to 32 mm, it’s ideal for smooth and efficient long-distance riding with a sleek, modern look.
Specialized Diverge E5
Or similar
Type: Gravel bike
Best for: Gravel roads, scenic trails, and adventure touring
The Diverge bike is built for comfortable, easy exploration on gravel roads, scenic trails, or new adventure routes. Its stable design and wide tires make it smooth on both paved and rough paths, giving you the confidence to explore freely. Equipped with versatile gears, it handles hills and flat terrain effortlessly, adapting to any landscape. With mounts for bags and racks, you can pack everything you need for a day trip or longer getaway. Ideal for discovering hidden paths or quiet roads, the Diverge is a reliable, comfortable companion for any journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ratings & Reviews

5.0 average rating






Just back from enjoying a long weekend cycling in Slovenia, the company arranged transfers to and from the airport, hotels, bikes, bike routes, including what to see and where, and even transportation of bags between hotels. The only thing we needed to worry about was where to eat; the whole trip was painless, and I would highly recommend them.


Wow! What an awesome tour! We did a self-guided cycling tour on gravel bikes and it could not have been more enjoyable! Such a beautiful country and such an intimate travel experience. We biked through mountain valleys, over mountain passes, along rivers, through small villages, through wooded hills, through vineyards, and along the Adriatic coast. Kudos to everyone that put this trip together! The hotel accommodations were perfect and the bikes we rented were high quality! Thank you!


The trip was seamlessly organised.The accomodation was outstanding. The cycles were challenging and very satisfying to complete. The support was very good. The only criticism would be that on a few sections you are required to ride thru tunnels which are pitch black and very disorienting. Better bike lighting would have been helpful.


From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.


Wow! What an awesome tour! We did a self-guided cycling tour on gravel bikes and it could not have been more enjoyable! Such a beautiful country and such an intimate travel experience. We biked through mountain valleys, over mountain passes, along rivers, through small villages, through wooded hills, through vineyards, and along the Adriatic coast. Kudos to everyone that put this trip together! The hotel accommodations were perfect and the bikes we rented were high quality! Thank you!


Just back from enjoying a long weekend cycling in Slovenia, the company arranged transfers to and from the airport, hotels, bikes, bike routes, including what to see and where, and even transportation of bags between hotels. The only thing we needed to worry about was where to eat; the whole trip was painless, and I would highly recommend them.


The trip was seamlessly organised.The accomodation was outstanding. The cycles were challenging and very satisfying to complete. The support was very good. The only criticism would be that on a few sections you are required to ride thru tunnels which are pitch black and very disorienting. Better bike lighting would have been helpful.


From the very beginning, the Cycling Holidays Austria team have been amazing. They provided a flexible service that met our specific needs and journey itinerary, which a good number of other providers would not entertain. The speed of reply was excellent and the use of the Trip Plans and Cycle with GPS apps just made our journey so easy. The quality of the rental bikes was excellent and they easily met the demands of the cycle track. Overall, excellent friendly service that we will definitely use again next year as we plan our continued trip along the stunning Danube River. Huge thanks to the team.


All available guidance options
Self-guided
Those who like good adventure and limitless flexibility should go on a self-guided cycling holiday. It offers complete freedom, multiple detour opportunities, and exploration at your own pace without having to adapt to a group.
Hassle-Free
We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy carefree walking holidays.
Trusted by many
We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.
Handpicked Adventures
Only the best hut to hut hikes in Europe, cherry-picked by our local team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.
Unbeatable support
Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.