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.

Winding mountain road ascending past rocky slopes with autumn grass and distant peaks.

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Julian Alps Road Cycling Holidays

3 days / 2 nights

Join us 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

Kr. Gora

Finish point

Kr. Gora

Season

From May to October

Fitness level

4/5

Join us 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

Kr. Gora

Finish point

Kr. Gora

Season

From May to October

Fitness level

4/5

Highlights

Two of the most famous stages in Alpine Slovenia
Warm up on the roads of the wooded Pokljuka Plateau
Put your endurance to the test on the King Stage, across the Vršič Mountain Pass, to the top of the Mangart Saddle, and across Predil Pass
Share the challenge with a team of fellow cycling enthusiasts
Cycle on the local training roads of Tadej Pogačar and Primož Roglič, winners of the Tour de France and Vuelta a España
A carefree ride with an expert team in a van supporting you

Itinerary of the trip

After settling in Kranjska Gora, everyone gets better acquainted, and our team presents you the weekend programme. Those who will rent bikes will then perform the fitting. After that, a delicious and nutritious dinner, followed by a good night’s rest.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kranjska Gora

Gallery

Bronze ibex statue by clear alpine lake reflecting snow-capped mountains near Kranjska Gora.

After a filling breakfast, we hop on the bikes for the first stage of our weekend tour, with a 60 km stage with a 1150 m ascent over the Pokljuka plateau. This “warm-up” tour will give you the first taste of cycling in the Slovenian alpine environment. After cycling through the spruce forests of the wooden plateau, you’ll descend to Bohinj and then later to Lake Bled. There, you’ll have an opportunity to try out the traditional cream cake dessert, a local specialty. After this delicious meal, we’ll return to our base. Try to get some good sleep, because a big day is ahead of you.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kranjska Gora

Cycling

60 km (37,6 mi), 1150 vertical meters (3770 feet)

Gallery

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

Winding road through vast green pine forests on the Pokljuka plateau under a blue sky.

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

Today is the big day. It's the day of our king stage which is 110 kilometers long and has up to 2900 meters of elevation gain. A true challenge, but one that almost every avid cyclist in Slovenia would recommend. Not just because of the rewarding feeling at the end but also because of the stunning scenery along the way.The stage will start with an uphill climb on the hairpin turns to the top Vršič, the highest mountain pass in Slovenia. After a long but panoramic descent and a stint of flat cycling in the valley, you’ll be able to ascend the country’s highest road to Mangar Saddle. If you accomplish both, congratulations — You have bagged the two most difficult and longest road cycling climbs in Slovenia. After this, the short climb over the Col du Predil Pass into Italy will feel like a breeze compared to the previous two. The day will finish with an easy flat section, leading you back to your base in Slovenia. Relax your legs at the hotel, you deserve it. After that, we can drive you to Ljubljana or the airport, depending on your schedule or preference.

Cycling

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

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.

FREE ITINERARY

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What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

2 nights 3* accommodation with breakfast

Organization of everything

Luggage transfer

Transfer to Bled and back on day 2

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer

E-bike

E-road bike

Gravel bike

Hotel upgrades

MTB

Regular bike

Road bike

Single supplement

If you are a serious cycling enthusiast, this is the best weekend of hardcore cycling you could spend in Slovenia. These three days of the holiday will see you take on the challenge of cycling two alpine stages that every Slovenian cyclist would consider a must-do. It surely won’t be easy, but it will be rewarding.

This holiday combines top runs with stunning views on some of the best routes Slovenian mountains offer. You will be based in the sports hub of Kranjska Gora. Each evening, some delicious local cuisine will be waiting for you to recharge your batteries for the next day.

You will share the weekend on the roads with fellow cycling enthusiasts, who’ll challenge you to show your best. The competitive but supportive team vibe you can experience during these three days is a rare chance that you shouldn’t miss out on.

The asphalt roads you’ll be cycling on are well maintained but don’t experience much traffic. That makes them perfect for a cycling challenge like this. Your team will be led by a local guide, a professional cyclist with years of experience who can also help you with some tips and training advice. Like a professional team, our days will be accompanied by a support van with a trained mechanic as its driver, who’ll tend to any technical issues that could occur during stages. And if any of the participants falls behind or is unable to continue, we will make sure the tour continues smoothly and pick him up.

Prepare your bikes and join us on this challenging but rewarding Julian Alps road cycling holiday in Slovenia.

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.

Pokljuka Plateau

Pokljuka is a fantastically pretty green plateau, belonging to the largest forested area in the Triglav National Park.

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.

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

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

Malcolm Hart

Verified customer

Had a fantastic cycling tour in Slovenia for our group of 12 organised by Slovenia Cycling Holidays covering Ljubljana, Lake Bled and Kranjska Gora over a week. Beautiful scenery, great road surface to ride, excellent ride guides who focussed on local aspects, riding safety and fitted in really well with our group. We experienced good organisation for the tailored tour which included local cultural and historical perspectives and arranged a good programme for two non-riders. Highly recommended place to cycle and certainly recommend Slovenia Cycling Holidays to assist with your trip.

Winding road through green valley floor surrounded by steep, forested mountains under a partly cloudy sky.

Mountain valley landscape with pine forest, parking lot, and rugged peaks under blue sky

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Ducks swimming on Lake Bled with the island church and forested mountains in the background.

Gary O'Loughlin

Verified customer

We recently completed the cycling tour from Bled to Piran with Slovenia Cycling Holidays. All the organising and running of the tour was excellent. We had excellent communication with Anna during the planning and also excellent and very helpful advice during the trip from Timotej We were unlucky on the final day to strike severe thunderstorms which made the day very difficult and less enjoyable. The weather stopped us enjoying the wonderful scenery into Piran. Timotej offered to transport us, but we wished to complete the ride. We can wholeheartedly recommend this Company if you wish a good cycling adventure with very good accommodation along the way. Thanks Anja and Timothy

Cyclist approaching EU border sign for Italija (Italy) on a paved country road.

Mountain biker photographing rocky dry riverbed in dense forest setting

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Turquoise river flowing through a narrow, rocky gorge with lush green vegetation.

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Greg Martin

Verified customer

So last minute holiday and the team at Slovenia Cycling managed to turn around a bespoke package really quickly in peak tourist season! The cycle routes are great and easy to follow whilst the trip app has all the details on hotels and transfers whilst the things to see and places to eat was invaluable. Team are super responsive when you have questions which are handled quickly on Whats App. Will definitely use them again.

Bicycle parked by bench overlooking Lake Bled with island church and mountains

Bicycle resting against tree with view of green valley and steep mountains

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Gravel bike parked in grassy meadow below rocky mountain and dense pine forest

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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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Anne West

Verified customer

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Malcolm Hart

Verified customer

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Greg Martin

Verified customer

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Susan Weissberg

Verified customer

Gary O'Loughlin

Verified customer

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Jenny Wright

Verified customer

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All available guidance options

Private Guided Group

The private guided bike tour is for those who want to enjoy their cycling holidays at their own pace, enjoying the flexibility of a small private group and not stressing about the details of everyday planning. The guide will be fully at your disposal to make this experience as personalized as possible, maximizing the enjoyment during and after the tour.

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.

Local experts

Our professional cycling guides know the local terrain and are trained to make this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity both safe and enjoyable.

Hassle-Free

We take care of route planning, accommodations, luggage transfers, and all logistics, so you can focus purely on enjoying your ride.

Tried & Tested Adventures

Our cycling routes are hand-picked & tested, to ensure breathtaking landscapes, smooth roads, and maximum safety - giving you the perfect ride every day.

Unbeatable Support

Our 24/7 customer support is where we show our passion, ensuring your cycling holiday runs smoothly and your well-being is always our top priority.

Book with Confidence

We are a financially protected company, fully bonded and insured, keeping your money safe and allowing you to travel with confidence.

from 695 € /person

Julian Alps Road Cycling Holidays

Highlights

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival to Kranjska Gora

Day 2: Pokljuka Plateau

Day 3: The King Alpine Stage

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

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

Anne West

Susan Weissberg

Malcolm Hart

Gary O'Loughlin

Greg Martin

Jenny Wright

Anne West

Malcolm Hart

Greg Martin

Susan Weissberg

Gary O'Loughlin

Jenny Wright

Similar Products

All available guidance options

Private Guided Group

Self-guided

Local experts

Hassle-Free

Tried & Tested Adventures

Unbeatable Support

Book with Confidence

Have questions? Talk to us.

Itinerary of the trip

Day 1: Arrival to Kranjska Gora

Day 2: Pokljuka Plateau

Day 3: The King Alpine Stage

Ratings & Reviews

Anne West

Susan Weissberg

Malcolm Hart

Gary O'Loughlin

Greg Martin

Jenny Wright

Anne West

Malcolm Hart

Greg Martin

Susan Weissberg

Gary O'Loughlin

Jenny Wright

Similar Products

Top Places You’ll See