Slovenia & Istria Cycling Holidays
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
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Bled, you will settle in your accommodation for the night. If you arrive early, visit Bled Castle, take a boat ride to the church island, or stroll around Lake Bled. With an adventurous week ahead, be sure to rest up!
Transfer to the airport
Hotel in Bled
Lake Bled
Bled Castle
Today’s gentle cycling takes you through the picturesque Radovna Valley and past Lake Kreda, slowly descending to Mojstrana. Surrounded by the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karawanks, you’ll follow the Upper Sava Valley cycling path to the renowned alpine resort, Kranjska Gora.
36 km (22 mi), 650 vertical meters (2150 feet)
Hotel in Kranjska Gora
Scenic Radovna alpine valley
Mojstrana village
Cycling in Upper Sava valley on former railway path
Tackle the steep ascent over the panoramic Vršič Pass, stopping at the top to admire the mountain views. Descend to the Soča Valley, cycling alongside the emerald Soča River, past captivating Soča Gorges, and arrive in the alpine town of Bovec, surrounded by the towering Julian Alps.
45 km (28 mi), 1000 vertical meters (3300 feet)
Hotel in Bovec
Lake Jasna
Slovenian highest mountain pass
Spring of Soča River
Continue down the Soča Valley on peaceful side roads and trails. At the historic town of Kobarid, ascend to the idyllic Drežnica village under Mount Krn. If you arrive in Tolmin early, visit the breathtaking Tolmin Gorges or simply unwind.
40 km (25 mi), 600 vertical meters (2000 feet)
B&B in Tolmin
The beautiful Soča River
Kobarid WWI Muesum
Kozjak Waterfall
The village of Drežnica
As you head south, the landscape transforms into the enchanting Goriška Brda wine region. Discover the vine-covered hills and charming hilltop villages that transport you to another world.
40 km (25 mi), 700 vertical meters (2300 feet)
Hotel in Goriška Brda
Lower Soča Valley
Goriška Brda wine region
Cross the flat Italian Gorizia and ascend to the unique Karst plateau with its water-carved limestone terrain. Cycle through the picturesque villages of Komen and Štanjel before arriving in Sežana, bordering the coastal area.
60 km (37 mi), 800 vertical meters (2600 feet)
B&B in Sežana
Gorizia
Rustic villages of Komen and Štanjel
Start with a detour to Lipica’s Lipizzaner stud farm. Then, cycle to Socerb for a breathtaking coastal view before reaching the Adriatic Sea. Follow the coastal cycling path to Piran, known for its captivating Venetian architecture and narrow streets built atop a long pier.
53 km (33 mi), 450 vertical meters (1500 feet)
Hotel in Piran
Osp Valley
Lipica and Lipizzaner horses
Coastal town of Piran
Continue along the coast to Sečovlje Saltpans and marvel at traditional saltwork. Cross into Croatia and head inland, visiting picturesque Istrian villages like Buje and Grožnjan. From Grožnjan, admire the stunning valley of the Mirna River and ancient Motovun.
33 km (20,5 mi), 410 vertical meters (1350 feet)
Hotel in Grožnjan
Portorose
Sečovlje Salt pans
Authentic Istrian villages Buje and Grožnjan
Follow the hilly Parenzana route through tranquil valleys, crossing impressive viaducts and tunnels. Contrast the rustic tranquility of Istria with the bustling coastal town of Poreč.
60 km (37,5 mi), 500 vertical meters (1650 feet)
Hotel in Poreč
Old tunnels and viaducts of the Parenzana trail
Poreč coastal town
Cycle along the coast to Vrsar before venturing inland to explore the Lim Channel, a fjord-like estuary offering a panoramic route leading to Rovinj, one of the most romantic coastal towns in Europe.
43 km (27 mi), 650 vertical meters (2200 feet)
Rovinj
Vrsar coastal town
Lim Channel
Istrian pearl Rovinj
Explore Rovinj’s cobblestone streets, panoramic church views, and vibrant marina in the morning. Then, cycle along the coast to Pula, a historic city filled with Roman landmarks and a cultural hub of Istria.
45 km (28 mi), 350 vertical meters (1200 feet)
Hotel in Pula
Lively coast between Rovinj and Pula
Historic town of Pula
Discover Kamenjak, Istria’s southernmost point, with its stunning beaches and gravel paths. Experience the lively Mediterranean atmosphere of Premantura and Medulin, savoring delicious Croatian seafood. Return to Pula to reflect on your journey and enjoy your final night.
48 km (30 mi), 520 vertical meters (1800 feet)
Hotel in Pula
Cape Kamenjak natural reserve
After nearly two weeks on the bike and exploring the lands of Slovenia and Croatia, it will now be time for you to take some well-deserved rest. We can arrange an airport transfer if you wish.
Self guided
Included in price
Optional Extras
Where to next?
Enter your email below and get your 2025 cycling catalogue!
Description
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.
Location
Things to know
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.
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.
Most of our tours can take place even in light rain, as long as you dress suitably. During the summer months in Croatia, it’s typically hot and sunny, with temperatures ranging from 25 to 35 degrees Celsius. However, it’s not uncommon to experience occasional thunderstorms, particularly in the afternoons.
Therefore, we recommend starting your day early to avoid the midday heat and potential storms. In the event of particularly severe or unfavorable weather conditions, we will do our best to adjust the tour beforehand to make it safe and enjoyable for you.