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Ultimate Cycling across Slovenia and Croatia

13 days / 12 nights

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Pedal from the majestic Alps in the north to the turquoise Adriatic Sea in the south, exploring the beauty of Slovenia and Croatia's Istria along the way.

Starting point

Bled

Finish point

Pula

Fitness level

4/5

Season

From April to October

Google ReviewsTripAdvisor Reviews

Highlights

  • A diverse 13-day cycling adventure, journeying through the Julian Alps and along the Adriatic Sea
  • Uncover the charming villages of Croatian Istria and Mediterranean coastal gems like Rovinj and Pula
  • Explore Alpine Slovenia's highlights, including Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, and the Soča Valley
  • Traverse Slovenia's vineyard-covered hills, the windswept Karst plateau, and the scenic coast, featuring the enchanting town of Piran
  • Experience serene cycling on dedicated paths and quieter roads, with 24/7 support available
  • Moderate daily rides of 40-50 kilometers, suitable for a wide range of cyclists

What’s included in the price?

Self-guided

12 nights in 3* hotels with breakfast
Digital guidebook with itinerary, route instructions, and practical information
GPS navigation with an easy-to-use app
Service and support during your tour
Tour design and organization

NOT INCLUDED

Tourist tax

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Airport transfer
E-bike
E-road bike
Gravel bike
Road bike
Single supplement

Embark on an exhilarating cycling adventure that will take you through the breathtaking landscapes of Slovenia and the sun-kissed shores of Croatia's Istria. 

This ultimate cycling holiday offers an unparalleled blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and mouthwatering cuisine as you journey from the Alpine mountains to the sparkling Adriatic Sea

Witness the stunning diversity of Slovenia and the enchanting coast of northern Croatia as you pedal through some of the most awe-inspiring scenery in Europe. 

Immerse yourself in the unique charm of the Julian Alps, explore picturesque glacial valleys, and challenge yourself as you conquer the Vršič mountain pass. Descend into the captivating Soča Valley and feel the irresistible allure of the Mediterranean as the climate warms and the shimmering Adriatic Sea beckons. 

Experience the magic of quaint villages nestled in the wind-swept Karst plateau as the sea breeze caresses your skin. Follow the historic Parenzana cycling path, an old railway route, as it weaves through the lush wine hills of Istria and along the stunning coastline. 

Cross the border into Croatia and be mesmerized by the Mediterranean landscape, a stark contrast to the towering mountains you left behind. Discover the soulful coastal towns of Rovinj and Pula as you continue your journey along the Istrian Peninsula. Embrace the enticing allure of the crystal-clear waters, and don't forget to pack your swimwear for a refreshing dip in the azure Adriatic Sea. 

This self-guided cycling holiday offers the perfect balance of freedom and support, allowing you to explore at your own pace while benefiting from expertly crafted itineraries, detailed maps, and round-the-clock assistance

Although the daily stages are manageable, a moderate fitness level is required for this unforgettable 13-day adventure. 

Dive into the detailed itinerary and envision the incredible experiences that await you on this extraordinary cycling journey across the captivating landscapes of Slovenia and Croatia.

Top Places You’ll See

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

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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.

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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.

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Goriška Brda

Goriška Brda is a wine-growing region on the border with Italy, often called “Slovenia’s Tuscany.” Its rolling hills are covered with vineyards, orchards, and small villages, many of which offer wine tastings and farm-to-table food. The region is known for both white and red wines, and cycling through its gentle hills is one of the best ways to explore.

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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.

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Grožnjan

Perched on a hilltop in Croatia’s Istrian peninsula, Grožnjan is renowned as the “town of artists.” Its medieval stone lanes are packed with more than twenty galleries and studios, and music festivals fill the narrow streets each summer. With panoramic views over vineyards and olive groves, Grožnjan blends history, art, and a relaxed Mediterranean charm that makes it a favorite stop for culture lovers and cyclists crossing the border from Slovenia.

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Motovun

Just a short ride away, Motovun rises dramatically above the Mirna River valley and is famed for its intact medieval walls and sweeping views across central Istria. The town is at the heart of Croatia’s truffle region, offering everything from simple truffle tastings to fine dining. Its cobbled streets, Venetian architecture, and surrounding forests make Motovun both a culinary hotspot and one of the most atmospheric hill towns in the region.

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Parenzana Trail

The Parenzana Trail follows a historic narrow-gauge railway built in 1902 that once connected Trieste with Poreč. Today, it’s one of the most scenic cycling and walking routes in the region, running through tunnels, viaducts, and rolling vineyards across Slovenia and Croatia. Stretching 123 kilometers, it’s both a cultural journey and a living monument to the region’s industrial heritage.

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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.

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 country'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):

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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
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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

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

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Muesing Hybrid Touring Bike

Or similar

Type: Trekking Bike
Best for: Everyday cycling, relaxed touring, and longer leisure rides


These custom-designed hybrid touring bikes blend comfort and performance for versatile use. Featuring a lightweight aluminium frame, adjustable stem, and multiple saddle options, they offer a personalized and upright riding position. The wheels with slick tires ensure efficient rolling, giving the feel of a road bike while preserving the comfort and stability needed for touring and casual cruising.

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Muesing Road Bike

Or similar

Type: Road Bike
Best for: Long-distance road rides, touring, and training


These aluminium road bikes are designed for comfort and endurance on paved roads. An adjustable stem and various saddle options ensure a tailored riding position, while a carbon fork reduces road vibrations for a smoother ride. Outfitted with reliable Shimano 105 components, these bikes deliver consistent performance and durability, perfect for full-day rides, sportives, or relaxed touring.


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Muesing Crozzroad Lite

Or similar

Type: Gravel Bike
Best for: Touring, everyday gravel riding, and mixed-surface adventures


The Muesing Crozzroad Lite is an aluminium gravel bike, built for reliable performance and comfort on varied terrain. It features a carbon fork for improved shock absorption and a 2x11 drivetrain. The bike provides grip and efficiency on both paved and unpaved roads. A rear rack comes as standard and can be removed if not needed, making this bike equally suited for light touring or day rides.



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BMC Fourstroke AMP LT THREE

Or similar

Type: E-Mountain Bike
Best for: Trail riding, technical terrain, and all-day e-MTB adventures


This premium full-suspension e-mountain bike is designed for top-tier performance across all terrains. Built with a lightweight carbon frame and progressive geometry, it ensures confident handling on both climbs and descents. It offers smooth pedal assistance while keeping total weight to just 16.90 kg, and delivers power, control, and agility for serious trail riders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Self-guided cycling tours offer a customizable and adaptable way to enjoy a cycling vacation, giving you the freedom to explore at your own speed and adjust your path or timetable as desired.


Our dedicated team handles all the logistical arrangements, such as lodging, detailed schedules, GPS directions, and round-the-clock assistance, ensuring a hassle-free, engaging adventure that emphasizes autonomy, personalization, and genuine interactions with the local community.

Our tours are categorized into three difficulty levels: leisurely, moderate, and challenging. Although each may include both easier and more demanding days, our rating system reflects the average difficulty level for a typical day.


Leisurely tours take place primarily on flat, paved cycling paths, asphalt roads, or easy gravel tracks, and they are suitable for all fitness levels.


Moderate tours may include some uphill climbs or technically more demanding terrain, but they are manageable for individuals of average fitness.


Challenging tours entail either long distances and numerous climbs or technical terrain, possibly featuring downhill sections requiring proficiency with a mountain bike.

If you are not bringing your own bike and equipment, we can certainly arrange that for you. We have a wide selection of bikes at our disposal and we will choose the ones that best fit your tour. All we need from you is your usual bike size and any other relevant information or preferences so we can make sure you will be comfortable throughout your trip.

Our tours can be adapted to any bike type, whether road, gravel, or mountain bike. We are in constant communication with you to find the optimal conditions for your cycling holidays in Croatia.


The most versatile option is a gravel bike, even if you are coming on a road cycling holiday. It does not really affect your road performance while allowing you to take some scenic backroads that can be in a slightly worse state than the main ones. A gravel bike is usually more comfortable as well.

We are dedicated to finding the ideal lodging for you. We collaborate with various lodging establishments that meet our criteria, but their availability can fluctuate, particularly during peak seasons. We can also personalize your vacation based on your preferences and financial constraints, ensuring we locate the best possible option that suits your taste.

We advise that you make your reservation as soon as possible. Numerous routes pass through well-known tourist areas where lodging choices may be restricted. Often, the most desirable accommodations get reserved for the summer season before spring even arrives.


Especially our bike and boat tours get sold out really quickly, as the boats can only accommodate a certain amount of people.

The ability to accommodate dietary restrictions varies depending on their severity. In Croatia, vegetarian meals are generally available, but finding vegan options in rural areas or smaller towns may be difficult.


Additionally, please be aware that lunch breaks frequently take place at conventional establishments that may have difficulty accommodating special requests outside their standard menu. We recommend that you take this into account during your journey. The boats usually offer vegan and vegetarian options.

The best season for cycling in Croatia is generally from April to June and September to October. During these months, the weather is mild, with temperatures ranging from 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, and the crowds are smaller than during the peak summer season. July and August can be hot and crowded, making cycling more challenging.


However, if you are comfortable with higher temperatures and busy areas, you may still enjoy cycling during this time. Winter months can be quite cold and wet, making cycling less desirable. Therefore, the best time for cycling in Croatia is during the spring and fall seasons.

Ratings & Reviews

Google Reviews

5.0 average rating

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+21
Top Rated Brand
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José Walter Nogueira

Verified customer · 11 months ago

Wonderful cycling tour through Dalmatian islands.

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Angie Osborne

Verified customer

This tour met and exceeded our expectations. It was certainly challenging cycling for seniors but most of us did it all seven days. Scenery and culture of the islands was glorious. Guide and crew was superb!

Review 1
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Greg Martin

Verified customer

Great holiday. Really easy to follow routes, good choice of hotels and the en route places to eat and visit was really helpful. Super responsive to questions during my holiday. Would definitely use them again.

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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.

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Diane Flynn

Verified customer

We had a wonderful cycling trip, starting in Trieste, then onto Slovenia and Croatia. Before the trip, Klemen was extremely patient with our many questions and addressed our concerns very satisfactorily- even changing the original bike route to meet our needs. The bikes we used ( e-bikes) were in great condition, and easy to use. The hotels were very satisfactory- and included big breakfasts to start our days. The towns we visited were charming. All in all- a first class experience!!

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Andy Wood

Verified customer

We had an amazing trip from Bled to Pula. Everything was thoughtfully curated from the route to dinner suggestions and accommodations. So much beauty and diversity in such a relatively short distance. They were very responsive when we had a few issues along the way with our bikes. Highly recommend!

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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

Hassle-Free

We handle itineraries, accommodations, and anything else you prefer not to deal with, so you can enjoy carefree cycling holidays.

Handpicked Adventures

Handpicked Adventures

Only the best bike tours in Croatia, cherry-picked by our team with an in-depth knowledge of the region.

Trusted by Many

Trusted by Many

Since 2014, we have taken care of thousands of happy customers, making it our mission to put your satisfaction first.

Value Your Time

Value Your Time

With everything on your plate, let us handle the vacation planning, so your valuable time stays exactly where you need it.

Unbeatable Support

Unbeatable Support

Our round-the-clock customer support is where we show our passion, bringing you a better experience by making your well-being our number one priority.

from 2.595 € /person