What kind of a bicycle is the best for these tours?

We design our tours for road bikes. Objectively, the most optimal bike you could use is an endurance road bike, but using a different one won’t be an issue for you either. Gravel bikes can be a great option, as they allow you to be more versatile and don’t affect your road performance. We can always adapt our tours to suit your bike. For example, we can include macadam roads if you are using a gravel bike. In any case, you can join our road cycling tours in Slovenia with any bike, as we will make the necessary changes to suit your choice.

How does luggage transfer work?

On cycling trips, luggage transfer allows you to ride without carrying heavy bags. Each morning, you leave your luggage at the designated spot—often the hotel reception—and it’s transported to your next overnight stop. Your bags are usually waiting for you when you arrive. Weight limits and pickup times can vary slightly depending on the service provider.

Do you transfer bikes too? How does it work?

Yes, bike transfers are often available when needed—such as before, after, or during your trip. Bikes are typically transported in secure vehicles or trailers designed for bicycles. You may need to notify the provider in advance, and some services require the bike to be clean or partially disassembled. Exact procedures vary depending on location and logistics.

Winding mountain road ascending past rocky slopes toward a jagged peak under a blue sky.

Kranjska Gora town center with church, cobblestone square, and flowers in the foreground.

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Julian Alps Road Cycling Holidays

3 days / 2 nights

Venture on this epic weekend cycling holiday, challenging yourself on some of the best roads of the Julian Alps while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.

Starting point

Bled

Finish point

Kranjska Gora

Season

From May to October

Fitness level

4/5

Venture on this epic weekend cycling holiday, challenging yourself on some of the best roads of the Julian Alps while enjoying the spectacular mountain scenery.

Starting point

Bled

Finish point

Kranjska Gora

Season

From May to October

Fitness level

4/5

Highlights

Explore the Julian Alps on well-maintained, lightly trafficked roads
Warm up on the quiet, forested roads of the Pokljuka Plateau
Conquer two of the most legendary climbs in Alpine Slovenia — Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle
Cross into Italy over the historic Predil Pass
Base yourself in two of Slovenia's finest mountain destinations — the lakeside splendour of Bled and the alpine character of Kranjska Gora
Recharge each evening with hearty local cuisine and the deep satisfaction of climbs well earned

Itinerary of the trip

You'll roll out from Bled westward along the Sava Bohinjka Valley, passing through quiet villages like Bohinjska Bela and Nomenj before reaching the shores of Lake Bohinj — wilder and less visited than Bled, sitting at the heart of Triglav National Park. From the valley floor, the road climbs steadily through spruce forest to the high Pokljuka Plateau, a sweeping karst highland. The descent back to Bled is fast and rewarding, with wide alpine views opening up as you drop back into the valley.

Gallery

Lake Bled with Bled Castle on cliff and island church surrounded by mountains

Accommodation

Hotel in Bled

Cycling

66 km (41 mi), 1030 vertical meters (3400 feet)

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.

Gallery

Road cycling on a paved mountain road with green hills and rocky peaks

Turquoise Kreda lake surrounded by green meadows and forested mountains in Radovna Valley.

Kranjska Gora village houses below snow-capped Julian Alps mountains at sunrise.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kranjska Gora

Cycling

36 km (22,5 mi), 650 vertical meters (2100 feet)

Today is the one the whole trip has been building toward — 110 kilometres and 2,900 meters of climbing, taking in the two longest and most demanding road cycling ascents in Slovenia back to back. The day begins immediately with the iconic hairpin turns of Vršič Pass, Slovenia's highest mountain road pass, which winds upward through raw alpine scenery to the summit at 1,611 metres. A long, panoramic descent follows, easing you into the Soča Valley before the road rises again — this time to Mangart Saddle, the highest paved road in the country. With those two giants behind you, the cross-border climb over Col du Predil into Italy feels almost light-footed by comparison. A flat finishing section carries you back across the border and home to your base in Slovenia.

Gallery

Winding mountain road traversing dry, grassy slopes below a rocky peak under a blue sky.

Winding mountain road with autumn foliage and layered peaks under bright sun

Winding mountain road below large gray peak with forested slopes, likely Vršič Pass.

Cycling

110 km (67, 7 mi), 2900 vertical meters (9.500 feet)

Julian Alps Road Cycling Holidays

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What’s included in the price?

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.

INCLUDED

2 nights in 3* hotels with breakfast

Digital guidebook with detailed itinerary and route instructions

GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app

Service and support during your tour

Tour design and organization

Luggage transfer

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

E-bike

E-road bike

Gravel bike

Hotel upgrades

MTB

Regular bike

Road bike

Single supplement

For cyclists who want to make every hour count, this three-day break distills Slovenia into its purest, most exhilarating form. Compact enough to fit into a long weekend, yet ambitious enough to challenge even seasoned riders, this itinerary takes you through the most spectacular mountain landscapes the country has to offer — without wasting a single kilometre on anything less than exceptional.

Based first in the iconic lakeside town of Bled, then in the alpine sports hub of Kranjska Gora, you'll tackle two of the most celebrated cycling stages in the Julian Alps — routes that Slovenian cyclists speak about with the kind of quiet reverence reserved for truly great roads.

Well-maintained, lightly trafficked asphalt winds through national park wilderness, over legendary high passes, and past scenery that earns its reputation at every turn.

The riding is hard. The climbs are long and the elevation relentless. But each evening brings a warm hotel, a table of hearty local cuisine, and the deep, uncomplicated satisfaction of legs well used.

Slovenia punches far above its weight as a cycling destination, and these three days make the case better than any others. If you have one weekend to spend on a bike in Slovenia, spend it here.

Top Places You’ll See

From natural wonders to authentic local culture, the route is packed with memorable sights—these are our absolute favorites.

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.

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.

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.

Scenic view of emerald water of Jasna lake near Kranjska Gora in Slovenia

Lake Jasna

Lake Jasna consists of two connected artificial lakes near Kranjska Gora. Built for tourism, they are surrounded by walking paths and overlooked by the peaks of the Julian Alps. A wooden viewing tower, a bronze statue of an ibex, and clear alpine water make it one of the most photographed spots in the region.

Active female tourist pedals her mountain bike up a cobblestone road at sunset.

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.

Mangart Saddle

Mangart Saddle, at 2,055 meters, is the highest road in Slovenia. The panoramic road leading up includes tunnels and dramatic switchbacks, ending just below Mount Mangart, Slovenia’s third-highest peak. It is a starting point for hikes, but even without climbing further, the views stretch across Slovenia and into neighboring Italy and Austria.

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.

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.

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
✔ Small bike bag
✔ Helmet for safety
✔ Phone holder mounted on the handlebars
✔ Basic tool kit for on-the-go adjustments

Black and red Wilier road bike isolated on a white background.

Close-up of black Wilier GTR road bicycle frame, handlebars, and wheels on white background.

Close-up of Wilier bicycle chainring and drivetrain components with Shimano Ultegra branding.

Close-up of Wilier road bike drivetrain with Shimano Ultegra components against white background.

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.

Dark gray Scott Aspect electric mountain bike with Kenda tires against a white background.

Close-up of black electric mountain bike frame, seat, handlebars, and knobby tires against white background

Scott Aspect E-Ride

Or similar

Type: E-bike
Best for: Leisurely rides, light trails, and everyday cycling on mixed-terrain

The Scott Aspect eRide combines comfort with intuitive handling, perfect for leisurely rides on mixed terrains. Its durable frame, paired with a front suspension fork, provides a smooth experience on uneven paths. Powered by a robust motor, it’s an ideal choice for those seeking a hassle-free e-bike adventure.

Non-Riders Activities

We understand that not everyone may want to ride every day, or perhaps some in your group are non-riders. No problem—we’ve got plenty of exciting activities lined up for them, too!

Whether you’re looking to explore Slovenia’s rich culture or get active in different ways, we’ll make sure your experience is just as fulfilling. Options include (but are not limited to):

Whitewater rafting group on turquoise river surrounded by lush green forest and mountains

Kayaking in bright turquoise river water with rocky banks and green trees, aerial view.

Hikers walking on wooden boardwalks over a turquoise river gorge in a lush forest.

Woman in straw hat on boardwalk by turquoise water with forested mountains in background

Hiker with trekking poles overlooking sunlit autumn forest and dramatic mountain range

Couple viewing turquoise lake with dense forest and white house on shore

Woman zip-lining with arms raised over lush green mountainside in summer

Tall waterfall cascading down a rocky cliff surrounded by dense green forest and pine trees.

Active Alternatives

This cycling route has plenty to offer for those seeking active experiences beyond the bike.

Whether you’re craving adrenaline or a scenic escape, here are some top picks:

Kayak on emerald Soča river
Feel the thrill of whitewater rafting
See Slovenia from bird’s view on zipline
Discover Zelenci Nature Reserve
Hike to Vrata Valley & Peričnik
Waterfall Explore the dramatic
Vintgar Gorge

Bled Castle overlooking turquoise Lake Bled with island church and Julian Alps, Slovenia

Stone castle ruins with red-roofed tower surrounded by dense green forest under a cloudy sky.

Pletna boats carrying tourists on Lake Bled with Bled Castle on cliff and mountains.

Narodna Galerija (National Gallery) building facade with flags under a clear blue sky.

Beekeeper in gloves holding a frame full of bees and honeycomb from a wooden hive.

Cultural Exploration

The route is rich in culture, offering diverse experiences for those who want to explore beyond the bike.

Here are some must-see highlights:

Explore Ljubljana’s extensive network of museums
Learn about Slovenia’s traditions in Radovljica
Beekeeping Museum
Visit Slovenia’s oldest castle in Bled Castle
Take a scenic Pletna boat ride
Step back in time at Castle Kamen ruins
Explore historical landmarks and WWI sites

Frequently Asked Questions

On our self-guided tours, you don’t get a guide. You receive an extensive personalized handout with all the essential information.

On our guided tours, a professional guide accompanies you on your way. He ensures everything runs smoothly, offers you his expert knowledge of cycling and Slovenia’s landscape, and makes your experience memorable.

We are continually on the lookout for the ideal match for you. We select a few different accommodations that meet our criteria, but they are subject to availability, particularly during peak season. We may also modify the vacation based on your desires and budget, and we can always find a better acceptable alternative for your taste.

We encourage making your reservation as soon as possible. Most of our trips cover popular tourist destinations with limited lodging options. Before spring, most of the top spots are fully booked for the summer.

It all depends on how severe your limitation is. Vegetarian alternatives are rather simple to acquire in Slovenia, while vegan foods are exceedingly challenging to find in rural areas and smaller towns. Please keep in mind that the restaurants where we stop for lunch are typically traditional and may have difficulty accommodating you if you choose something other than their standard menu. We recommend that you consider this.

Sure, if you want to! We understand that some individuals like to travel in groups, while others prefer to spend more time alone. We wanted to provide you with the freedom to do things your way. After all, it is your holiday! Please feel free to adapt your schedule and make your trip memorable!

Depending on the tour, late spring (May) and early autumn (September) are often the ideal periods. But summer is always a good choice, and some of our holidays are even available during winter!

Learn more about road cycling season in Slovenia.

Most trips may be completed in mild rain if you dress appropriately. Afternoon thunderstorms are not uncommon in the summer, so getting an early start is advised. If the weather appears very lousy, we will attempt to modify the trip or skip a stage by shuttle.

Our tours are designed for recreational road cyclists that feel comfortable riding longer distances for many consecutive dates. On the self-guided tours, you set your own pace and on guided tours, we will adjust the pace for you. All of our tours can be adjusted to fit your level and the type of cyclist you are – from a beginner to a pro!

Ratings & Reviews

+28

Jenny Wright

Verified customer

Our one week tour of Slovenia with these 3 young local guides surpassed all expectations! We travelled from Bled through the Sovenian Alps all the way to to coastal seaside Piran, through villages , on backroads ….it felt like riding through a story book….a delightful surprise around every turn . Our guides took care of our every need: charming accommodations, snacks every day at fantastic off beat locations, mid-ride. We covered 250 km over 5 riding days. The one day we were rained out, they quickly pivoted, and we were able to visit a wonderful historical national museum, which informed us so much in terms of the history in the Soča valley…So the day became not a write off but an educational experience! It was quite special to know the history of the Soča valley as we journeyed through the region, seeing the incredible geographical diversity of this beautiful country on excellent quality e-bikes. Highly recommend! Trip of a lifetime ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Turquoise lake reflecting forested mountains, viewed through foreground trees and brush.

Turquoise river winding through steep, densely forested mountains under a blue sky with white clouds.

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Lush green vineyard landscape with rolling hills, trees, and scattered houses under a cloudy sky.

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Chris Pyne

Verified customer

First class company with a well planned route, great accommodation and simply outstanding support in time of trouble. We did a two week ride from Bled to Pula in September 2023. Fair to say we hit a lot of problems courtesy of BA with rescheduled and diverted flights, lost bags, problems with our own bikes, returning rental bikes and more. Daja was simply amazing in helping us sort all of them out and was so accessible at all hours. She even managed to source and buy a forgotten Thru-axle and deliver it personally to our hotel, which is far and above any service i would reasonably expect. Thank you !! Our accommodation was fantastic and far better than expected in all but one location. The route planning in Slovenia was great but due to our decision to bring road bikes from the UK and the nature of the roads in Croatia, our second week was a bit tricky route wise and it would have been good to have had a discussion about this section beforehand. A Gravel bike is far better suited to Croatia although this was our decision to bring road bikes. Transport arrangement and logistics were flawless. Overall, i would change very little and we will definitely be returning to Slovenia. Daja was fantastic and I absolutely recommend Slovenia Cycling Holidays and will be using their services again.

Metal heart sculpture by clear green lake with duck, backed by forested mountains

Cyclist riding on a curved cobblestone mountain road surrounded by tall green pine trees.

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Ducks swimming in clear blue river with wide pebble shore and jagged mountains under bright sky.

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Filip Vercruysse

Verified customer

Top Company, Top Tour ! We did the 7 days tour (from Alps to Adriatic), from Bled to Piran in august 2024 ! It was the best tour made in years. Amazing landscapes and nature, great accommodations and food and perfectly organised. Daja did really a perfect job ! she was allways available for questions or suggestions ! I would recommend this tour to everyone.

Mountain lake with clear water, forested shore, and jagged peaks under a blue cloudy sky

Winding road near a lake surrounded by lush green mountains under a blue sky with clouds.

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Rugged mountains rise above lush green forest canopy under a cloudy blue sky.

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ACP2527

Verified customer

G’day Klem, Back in Australia and just wanted to say how much we enjoyed our holiday. You guys did a wonderful job. The whole experience was first class. The bikes were excellent. The route was fun and well mapped using the app. The hotels were excellent. The hotel staff, outstanding. The food and wine truly memorable. I cannot recommend you guy’s highly enough. Our impressions of Slovenia as an outstanding destination, of beautiful scenery and friendly people will be passed onto all our friends. Thank you so much for a great holiday!

Two people smiling indoors under a brick archway with hanging pendant lights

Two cyclists wearing helmets take a break on a rural road, one eating a cherry.

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Group resting on grassy hillside overlooking rolling vineyards and distant mountains under cloudy sky.

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Anne West

Verified customer

Europe Cycling Holidays organized a customized, self-guided road cycling trip for my husband and I from Ljubljana to the Julian Alps and ending in Piran in Slovenia. At the beginning of the organizing process, I used their ZOOM mtg option to ask a lot of questions and determine what we wanted e.g. hotels, room upgrades, routes, etc. With follow-up emails over the next few weeks, and fixing a few glitches that arose, we were excited for our 10-day trip. And we were NOT disappointed! Our trip was amazing. The rental bikes, hotels, GPX files, scheduled luggage transfers, detailed itinerary in an app (including restaurant suggestions, GPS profiles, bike shops en route, luggage pickups), etc. were all amazing. The country of Slovenia is incredibly beautiful and we enjoyed the challenges of the routes in the Alps, the serenity of Lake Bled, the spectacular scenery of Goriška Brda wine region, and everything in between. We had quick responses via WhatsApp from Customer Service for any issues we had during our trip e.g. organizing a van transfer on a day we decided not to ride due to a fall and bad weather. Overall, we had a great experience in Slovenia and highly recommend Europe Cycling Holidays.

Cyclist riding on mountain road overlooking green valley and village with snow-capped peaks

Cyclist in neon jacket riding on winding road past cornfield and forested mountain.

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River with clear turquoise water flowing past forested slopes and a dark mountain peak.

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Susan Weissberg

Verified customer

The bike trip exceeded my expectations and was beyond fantastic. From Ljubljana to Bled with a guide through the Hidden Hills. Then my first solo self guided from the Alps in Bled to Piran in the Adriatic. I can’t say enough about the Slovenia Cycling Holidays crew who gave me guidance and confidence to take out on my own. Not to mention the extraordinary routes that they mapped out.

Alpine lake with clear water reflecting forested mountains under a blue sky

Cyclist leaning on stone wall overlooking calm lake surrounded by steep, forested mountains

Jenny Wright

Verified customer

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Filip Vercruysse

Verified customer

Show all 10 photos

Anne West

Verified customer

Show all 7 photos

Chris Pyne

Verified customer

Show all 11 photos

ACP2527

Verified customer

Show all 15 photos

Susan Weissberg

Verified customer

Julian Alps Road Cycling Holidays

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Pokljuka Loop

Day 2: Through Radovna and Upper Sava Valley

Day 3: Queen Alpine Stage

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

INCLUDED

NOT INCLUDED

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Top Places You’ll See

Our Bikes

Non-Riders Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Will I have a guide and who will they be?

Where will I be accommodated?

Do I have to book in advance?

What do I do if I have food restrictions?

Do I get any time for myself?

When is the best time for road cycling in Slovenia?

What happens if the weather turns bad?

How fit do I have to be?

Ratings & Reviews

Jenny Wright

Chris Pyne

Filip Vercruysse

ACP2527

Anne West

Susan Weissberg

Jenny Wright

Filip Vercruysse

Anne West

Chris Pyne

ACP2527

Susan Weissberg

Similar Products

Local experts

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Tried & Tested Adventures

Unbeatable Support

Book with Confidence

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Pokljuka Loop

Day 2: Through Radovna and Upper Sava Valley

Day 3: Queen Alpine Stage

Loved the Itinerary?

Loved the Itinerary?

Ratings & Reviews

Jenny Wright

Chris Pyne

Filip Vercruysse

ACP2527

Anne West

Susan Weissberg

Jenny Wright

Filip Vercruysse

Anne West

Chris Pyne

ACP2527

Susan Weissberg

Similar Products

Top Places You’ll See