Julian Alps Road Cycling Holidays
Challenge yourself with the two most demanding climbs in the Julian Alps
Cycle through the magical forests of the Pokljuka Plateau
Spend a weekend in one of the most stunning corners of Slovenia
Ride along the roads Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič use for training
Road to Mangart Saddle
Vršič Pass
Road cycling in the serene nature of the Julian Alps
Russian chapel under Vršič Pass
Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora
Pokljuka Plateau
Itinerary
After you have settled in Kranjska Gora, our crew will present you with the weekend itinerary. Those that rent the bikes will already find them waiting. Following that, you will have a nutritious meal before going for a good night’s sleep.
Transfer from the airport
Hotel in Kranjska Gora
After a hearty breakfast, you climb on your bike for the first phase of our weekend tour, a 121-kilometer ride with close to 2000 meters of climbing including the ascent across the Pokljuka Plateau. This “warm-up” journey will introduce you to cycling in Slovenia’s mountain setting. You’ll descend to Bohinj and then to Lake Bled after cycling through the spruce trees of the wooden plateau. You’ll be able to get a taste of the traditional cream cake dessert, a local specialty. You’ll return to your base after this delectable supper to get some rest because a huge day still lies ahead.
121km, 1905m of elevation gain
Hotel in Kranjska Gora
Lake Bled
Pokljuka Plateau
Lake Bohinj
Radovna Valley
Today is a special day. It’s the day of the king stage, which is 110 kilometers long and features an elevation gain of up to 2800 meters. A real test of endurance, but one that practically every Slovenian cyclist would endorse. Not only for the feeling of triumph at the end but also for the breathtaking landscape along the way.
The stage will begin with an uphill climb of serpentines to the top of Vršič, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass. Following a long scenic descent and a period of flat cycling in the Soča Valley, you’ll ascend the country’s highest paved road to Mangart Saddle. Completing both means overcoming the two most challenging and longest road cycling climbs in Slovenia. The brief climb over the Col du Predil Pass into Italy will feel like a breeze after the previous two. The day will conclude with a serene flat segment that will take you back to your base in Kranjska Gora. After sufficient rest, we can offer you a transfer to Ljubljana or the airport, depending on your wishes.
You may also choose not to ascend to the top of Mangart and simply continue to Predil, shortening the ride by approximately 20km and saving 1000m of elevation.
108km, 3228m of elevation gain
Transfer to the airport
Hotel in Kranjska Gora
The most famous Slovenian cycling stage
Vršič Pass
Mangart Saddle (optional) – The highest Slovenian road (2,072 m)
Col du Predil Pass
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Guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Description
If you only have a weekend to spend in Slovenia as a road cycling enthusiast, this is your ideal getaway. Between ascending Vršič Pass and Mangart Saddle, you will overcome two most strenuous road climbs in Slovenia.
Aside from the feeling of satisfaction after completing that, you will also be able to delight in the breathtaking scenery of the surrounding Julian Alps every minute of your journey.
The enchanting town of Kranjska Gora will serve as your base for the weekend. As a sports hub, it offers a selection of stuff to do in your free time, such as climbing or summer sledding. On the other hand, you can also opt for a recovery soak in the cold Lake Jasna.
We ensure that a nutritious meal and a comfortable bed are waiting for you every day before and after the physically demanding cycling stage. Consequently, you will be well-prepared for the challenges that await you.
You will find the roads well-maintained and a joy to ride on. For the most part, they do not experience much traffic. Incredible views and peaceful nature will be with you all along, though.
If you prefer to cycle under the watchful eye of an experienced guide, we can provide one for you. And there is also an option of a support van with a trained mechanic following you on your way.
With our self-guided option, on the other hand, you will receive an extensive personalized handout with a day-by-day itinerary and highlights along the way. Our support will also be available to you at any time.
Ready your cycling equipment and explore the heart of the Julian Alps on your bike with our Road Cycling Slovenia holidays.
Location
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Things to know
The tour is intended to be sufficiently demanding for most recreational road riders. The stages are typically 80 kilometers long, including up to 2800 meters of vertical elevation. Regular cyclists, used to steep road climbs, will have the most fun on this tour.
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.
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.
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