Slovenia: Julian Alps Bike Tour
Seven nights, eight days of leisurely paced cycling through beautiful mountain valleys, lush vineyards, and picturesque olive groves.
“The trip was fantastic, educational, informative, and scenery beyond my imagination! Thanks!” - Debbie & Randy T.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Moderate cycling amidst the stunning Julian Alps, on quiet paved roads and well-maintained bicycle paths.
- Explore Slovenia’s only nationally protected wilderness area at Triglav National Park, with its pristine forests, mountain meadows, and breathtaking views.
- Enjoy time alongside two of Slovenia’s most picturesque alpine lakes, Bled and Bohinj, perfect for swimming, paddling, or simply admiring the scenery.
- Discover the raw landscapes of the Rodovna Valley, Soča River Valley, and Slovenian Karst.
- Journey through Europe’s emerging foodie hotspot, sampling Michelin-starred cuisine and regional specialties, including Kremsnita cake, wine from Goriška Brda, and fresh alpine cheeses.
- Visit historic and charming villages like Štanjel, Muggia, and Kobarid, each offering a rich blend of Slovenian, Italian, and Austro-Hungarian influences.
- Cycle through Goriška Brda, Slovenia’s premier wine-growing region, and meet the warm, hospitable locals who proudly preserve their traditions.
- Tour one of the world’s largest underground canyons at Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and marvel at the unique geological formations.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
Click here to learn about our difficulty rating system.
Mostly paved routes with some climbs and many great descents. Transfers are available for those who wish to avoid the steep climbs. More challenging routes are available for confident, energetic guests. The alpine scenery is simply fantastic, and most of the roads are extremely quiet.
Daily Distance:
- 1: Transfer from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora; cycle to Jezero Jasna Lakes ~12km (+130m / -130m).
- 2: Kranjska Gora to Bled Lake ~33km (+420m / -670m).
- 3: Bled Lake to Lake Bohinj ~39km (+915m / -870m); optional Bohinj Lake Loop ~17km (+280m / -280m).
- 4: Bohinj to Kobarid ~54km (+590m / -880m).
- 5: Kobarid to Ceglo ~57km (+1500m / 1650m).
- 6: Ceglo to Komen ~54km (+1010m / -810m); optional Komen Karst Loop ~24km (+385m / -385m).
- 7: Komen to Lokev ~39km (+550m / -400m).
- 8: Lokev to Socerb Castle via Škocjan Caves; transfer to Trieste ~33km (+550m / -560m).
(Click image to enlarge)
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Ljubljana, Zlata Ladjica Boutique Hotel, 12:00, or Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), 12:30, day one.
Finish: Muggia; or Trieste Centrale Railway Station (TXB), 16:00, day eight.
Meal inclusions: Listed for guided trips only, please see dates & pricing section for accurate inclusions per support level.
Please contact us to arrange alternate meeting and departure plans, if necessary.
DAY 1:
Transfer from Ljubljana to Kranjska Gora; cycle to Jezero Jasna Lakes ~12km (+130m / -130m).
Meet your guides in Ljubljana, either at the airport or downtown. We recommend arriving a day or two early to explore the vibrant old city. Galleries, museums, and other entertaining and historical sites offer delightful distractions for early arrivals. Notable attractions include Ljubljana Castle, the Triple and Dragon Bridges, and the fashionable Stari Trg. From the capital, you will transfer about 45 minutes to the picturesque village of Kranjska Gora. Nestled in the Julian Alps near the Italian and Austrian borders, Kranjska Gora hosts an annual World Cup skiing event and lies at the gateway to the Radovna Valley, your playground for tomorrow.
Meal Inclusions: Dinner.
Triangel Boutique Hotel, Kranjska Gora.DAY 2:
Kranjska Gora to Bled Lake ~33km (+420m / -670m).
Today's highlight is the Radovna Valley, a paradise for nature lovers, with blueberries hidden in lush green meadows, herds of cows grazing peacefully, and cold, clear mountain streams gurgling along the way. Pause to visit the museum and historic farmstead at Pocar, then finish your ride at the popular shores of sub-alpine Lake Bled. Here, you can enjoy the picturesque view of the small islet in the lake's center and the 13th-century Church of the Assumption that sits upon it. Take a refreshing dip in the lake and savor a slice of the region's famous Kremsnita cake. Today’s ride is mostly downhill, with one notable climb of approximately 200 meters.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Triglav; or Bled Rose Hotel, Bled.DAY 3:
Bled Lake to Lake Bohinj ~39km (+915m / -870m); optional Bohinj Lake Loop ~17km (+280m / -280m).
Your route today begins with a ~10km gradual climb (transfers are available) to the Pokljuka Plateau. Known for its dense forests and scenic mountain pastures, Pokljuka is part of Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park. The rest of the day is mostly downhill, leading to the charming meadowland villages of Bohinj. Situated near Lake Bohinj, this area is ideal for admiring the surrounding mountains and valleys. Today’s shorter riding distance allows plenty of time for optional activities, including additional cycling, paddling on the lake, or hiking through Vintgar Gorge and other nearby trails.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Jezero, Lake Bohinj.DAY 4:
Bohinj to Kobarid ~54km (+590m / -880m).
Avoiding Slovenia's highest mountain pass, this morning you will cross the Alps underground aboard a 15-minute train journey through the mountains. On the western side, you'll emerge into the remote Soča Valley, a region renowned for producing some of the finest cheese in Slovenia. The turquoise Soča River is considered one of the wildest and most beautiful rivers in all of Europe. Stopping to taste the pure, healing water of the spring that feeds the river, you'll begin to understand the true nature of Slovenia!
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch.
Hvala Topli Val, Kobarid.DAY 5:
Kobarid to Ceglo ~57km (+1500m / 1650m).
Begin your day with a bike ride or transfer up to the mountain ridge that forms the border with Italy. Visit the WWI Outdoor Museum at Kolovrat, then enjoy a long descent through dense forests and remote villages scattered along the Italian border. Continue your ride into the sunny hills of Goriška Brda, one of Slovenia's most renowned wine-growing regions. The people and culture here are uniquely shaped by the area's remoteness and proximity to neighboring countries. Incredibly hospitable, they take great pride in their skills and traditions.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hotel Gredič, Ceglo; or Posestvo Ščurek B&B, Dobrovo.DAY 6:
Ceglo to Komen ~54km (+1010m / -810m); optional Komen Karst Loop ~24km (+385m / -385m).
Cycle from Goriška Brda to where the Karst Plateau rises above the Adriatic Sea. Friendly villagers, stunning rock formations, a pleasant climate, and superb cuisine lend this region its unique charm. Along the way, you'll visit Štanjel, a tiny village in the hinterland of Trieste that once served as an important stop on the medieval salt trading route between the Adriatic and Vienna. The salt trade holds a significant place in Slovenian culture and tradition, as reflected in the story of folk hero Martin Krpan. Conclude your ride in the village of Komen, at the heart of the Karst Plateau, overlooking the Vipava Valley.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Špacapanova Hiša, Komen.DAY 7:
Komen to Lokev ~39km (+550m / -400m).
The Slovenian Karst is often referred to as the "mother" of all Karst landscapes, lending its name to regions as far away as Guilin in southern China, Halong Bay in Vietnam, and Viñales in Cuba. From Komen, you'll cycle to the edge of the plateau, where rugged limestone cliffs offer breathtaking views of the coast. Along the way, visit the Stud Farm at Lipica, renowned for breeding the Lipizzaner horses used exclusively by the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. Conclude your day in the nearby village of Lokev, perfectly situated for a final evening of countryside charm and delectable local cuisine.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.
Hiša Krasna, Lokev.DAY 8:
Lokev to Socerb Castle via Škocjan Caves; transfer to Trieste ~33km (+550m / -560m).
Begin your day with a morning visit to the Škocjan Caves, home to one of the largest known underground canyons in the world. From there, cycle downhill toward the Italian town of Muggia. Overlooking the city of Trieste, Muggia offers a unique blend of Italian, Austro-Hungarian, and Slovenian influences, making it a relaxing spot to extend your stay for an extra night or two after your adventure. From Socerb Castle, you can continue cycling into Muggia, or be transferred approximately 30 minutes to Trieste Centrale Railway Station, where your tour concludes.
Meal Inclusions: Breakfast.
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SELECT A DATE BELOW TO RESERVE, OR START A NEW DATE
2025 DATES:
2026 DATES:
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(Inclusions & pricing are listed below)
PRICING
Our tour costs are ALL IN, including fees & taxes.
Guided: US 4395 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 6 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps, route notes, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: US 3965 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 8 days, 7 nights, 7 breakfasts, relevant van and train transfers, luggage handling, maps, route notes, hybrid bicycle rental, taxes.
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: Add US 1175
Tour cost excludes airfare and travel to and from the starting point, costs for activities listed as optional, bar and beverage bills, meals not shown as included, gratuities for your driver and/or guides.
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: Included
Upgrade to E-bike: US 270
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
BEST TIMES
The best-known and most visited part of Slovenia is the short (47 km/29 mi) but important Adriatic coastline. This region has a Mediterranean type of climate with mild winters and warm, sunny summers. May to October is an excellent time to visit, as it's the warmest and driest time, with the average temperature a balmy 70 F/21ºC. Sunshine averages some four hours a day in winter and from ten to twelve hours a day in summer.
Inland climatic conditions rapidly become more typical of Eastern Europe with cold winters and warm summers. Slovenia includes part of the eastern Alps, with weather and climate very similar to southern Austria.
GET TO THE START
Ljubljana Airport is the major and central airport of Slovenia and is easily accessible from major cities. Major airlines offering regular flights to Ljubljana include United Airlines, Air France, Lufthansa and Austrian.
Other North American airlines also operate regular flights to Ljubljana, but sub-contract or connect via major European airlines.
Ljubljana Airport facilities include parking, a bank, money exchange, ATMs, a post office, an information desk, free wi-fi in the terminal, a general store, duty-free stores, a self-serve restaurant, bars, and cafes to help in any of your requirements.
Ljubljana bus station (Avtobusna Postaja) is beside the train station and has services throughout Slovenia, as well as to and from other countries. The station has several useful schedule search engines (also in English) for working out your connections. Taking a bus can take you almost anywhere in Slovenia within a few hours.
Renting a car is also an option, especially if you are visiting remote destinations outside of Ljubljana. ATET Rent a car offers car rentals from within the city and from the airport.
AFTER THE FINISH
Recommended lodgings in Ljubljana:
4 Stars
- Vander Urbani Resort, Krojaska Ulica 6-8. 1000 Ljubljana.
- Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa, Gornji trg 3, 1000 Ljubljana.
- Austria Trend Hotel, Dunajska cesta 154, 1000 Ljubljana.
3 Stars
- Best Western Premier Hotel Slon, Slovenska cesta 34, 1000 Ljubljana.
- Grand Hotel Union Business, Miklošičeva 3 1000 Ljubljana.
B&B’s
- Slamič Bed & Breakfast, Kersnikova 1 1000 Ljubljana.
- Lesar Hotel Angel, Gornji trg 7, Ljubljana.
- Allegro Hotel, Gornji trg 6, Ljubljana.
BEFORE AND AFTER
It is worth spending a day or so before your trip starts to check out all Ljubljana has to offer. Metelkova is an urban cultural centre with many changing events from concerts, exhibitions, flea markets and local artist studios.
Squeezed between the castle hill and Ljubljanica river is the ‘Old Town’ with two squares, Mestni trg (City square) with the Robba fountain and the city hall behind it, beyond this is Gornji trg (Upper square). Awaiting you here are well preserved medieval buildings which now house local designer shops, several popular cafes and restaurants within the Old Town.
Ljubljana Castle is a must see! The tower has magnificent views all over the city and you can also see the Sava River and Kamnik Alps in the distance.
Ljubljana Tourist Information Centre, Stritarjeva (next to the Triple Bridge) is a wealth of local information.
MORE READING
Slovenia lies at the heart of Europe, where the Alps and the Mediterranean meet the Pannonian Plains and the Karst Plateau, but this is a delightfully less-developed country than much of Europe. You will experience amazing contrasts during this week of relatively easy bike touring, including the pristine Triglav National Park in the Julian Alps, and the Bohinj Lake countryside. This route offers stunning views of snow-capped mountains and valleys whose clear skies are popular hangouts for hang gliders. Challenging climbs are avoided using short train hops through the mountains. You too will enjoy the vitality that comes from mountain travel, clean air, and perhaps the healing waters of the Soca Springs, as you descend through the limestone labyrinth of Karst, following the same trails upon which Napoleon led his army. Wild beauty is everywhere. From the heart of the Julian Alps you will ride through old-growth forests and winegrowing hills, and eventually to where you can swim and relax on the Adriatic shore of the Mediterranean before returning to Ljubljana. Slovenia is rich in resources, naturally gorgeous, and beautifully peaceful. It is simply a pleasure to explore by bike the countryside and affluence of this country on the sunny side of the Alps, and to fathom its roots in the Habsburg Empire and the Venetian Republic. We hope you can join us for this fabulous ride, an adventure for all senses!
Suggested Books about Slovenia
This is a short list of suggestions we hope will inspire you. We seek titles that will put you in touch with the spirit, history, and natural history of Slovenia and Croatia, rather than those dry guidebooks containing ubiquitous tourism and travel information.
Independent Slovenia: Origins, Movements, Prospects Jill Benderly (Editor) Evan Kraft (Editor) 1996
A collection of essays on the independence movement, mostly by Slovenian scholars and academics. It's an interesting, occasionally dry, survey of the economy, politics and history of Slovenia, which includes trade unions, the women's movement and even the music scene.
After Yugoslavia Zoe Bran • 2001
Retracing a youthful journey, the Welsh novelist travels from the mountains and ancient towns of Slovenia to Croatia and Bosnia. Her travelogue is a thoughtful portrait of the region, which balances the tremendous resources and beauty of the land with the devastation of civil war. She devotes the first 90 pages to Slovenia before moving onto Dubrovnik and Sarajevo.
Central Europe, Enemies, Neighbors, Friends Lonnie Johnson • 2001
An academic survey of the social, political, and economic past of Central Europe, and the conflicts that stir modern-day European politics. From medieval to modern times, the formative historical events of Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia, are all introduced. Johnson is especially successful in analyzing the struggle of small nations in the face of imperial powers and how these experiences have created a diverse European heritage. With maps. Awarded an Outstanding Academic Book of 1997 by Choice.
The Fracture Zone, My Return to the Balkans Simon Winchester • 2000 • PAPER
Winchester, who first encountered the Balkans on a road trip in the 1970s, returns to the region on a heart-wrenching, dramatic tour of the country in the midst of the 1999 Kosovo crisis. In his familiar and engaging style, Winchester combines reflection, travel and interview in this portrait of a troubled place. Starting out in Vienna, his travels include Croatia, Bosnia and Serbia, Slovenia, Montenegro, Albania, Macedonia, Kosovo, Bulgaria, and Turkey.
How We Survived Communism and Even Laughed Slavenka Drakulic • 1993
These short essays capture the absurdity, struggle and day-to-day reality of being a woman in Yugoslavia under Communism (including vignettes about friends and colleagues in other Eastern European countries). Drakulic is a Croatian journalist, novelist and contributing editor at The Nation.
Croatia, Through Writers' Eyes by Barnaby Rogerson • 2006
These stories, tales and traveler's accounts, contemporary and historical, including contributions by Rebecca West, Lawrence Durrell and Fitzroy MacLean, illuminate the history and culture of Croatia.
Flavors of Slovenia, Food and Wine from Central Europe's Hidden Gem Heike Milhench • 2007
A comprehensive overview of the country's cuisine, folklore and legends. Recipes range from traditional favorites to Milhench's own savory creations.
Plum Brandy, Croatian Journeys by Josip Novakovich • 2003
These collected essays, which span the years 1993-2002, document journeys by Novakovich back to his native Croatia and around the Unites States. The essayists, story writer and now novelist Novakovich immigrated to the U.S. at age 20. His books include Infidelities, Apricots from Chernobyl, Yolk, Salvation and Other Disasters, and April Fool's Day, a novel.
Central Europe, Enemies, Neighbors, Friends by Lonnie Johnson • 2001
An academic survey of the social, political, and economic past of Central Europe, and the conflicts that stir modern-day European politics. From medieval to modern times, the formative historical events of Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Slovenia, and Croatia, are all introduced. Johnson is especially successful in analyzing the struggle of small nations in the face of imperial powers and how these experiences have created a diverse European heritage. With maps. Awarded an Outstanding Academic Book of 1997 by Choice.
Sunflowers in the Sand: Stories from Children of War by Leah Curtin
With illustrations by her husband Marc, Bella Chagall's memoir comes from the poignant brush strokes of childhood, focusing on Jewish holidays and family life. If you are curious about the life your immigrant forebears left behind, this will satisfy. Highly recommended.
Croatia, A History Ivo Goldstein • Nikolina Jovanovic HISTORY • 2000
A concise, balanced history of Croatia, from medieval times to the present, by a professor at the University of Zagreb.