Discover the best of Slovenia and Istria by bike on this spectacular cycling adventure from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic. Ride through alpine valleys, medieval towns, vineyards and the unique Karst landscape before continuing along the coast into Croatia’s beautiful Istrian peninsula. From Bled and Ljubljana to Piran, Rovinj and Pula, this tour combines nature, culture, gastronomy and the sea. Suitable for cyclists in good physical condition.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BLED
Arrival in Bled, one of Slovenia’s most famous alpine towns, set on the shores of its beautiful lake. Depending on your arrival time, take a walk around the lake and enjoy views of the island church and the spectacular clifftop Bled Castle. You can also climb up to the castle for panoramic views of the surrounding Alps and finish the day by tasting the famous local Bled cream cake. Overnight in Bled.
DAY 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA
Stage distance: 47 km, ↑ 580 m, ↓ 560 m
Breakfast. Today you will enjoy one of the most beautiful rides of the entire journey. Leaving Bled, you will cycle through Bohinjska Bela before following the emerald-green Sava Bohinjka River into the peaceful Bohinj Valley. The route continues to Lake Bohinj, the jewel of Triglav National Park, surrounded by forests and the spectacular Julian Alps. After enjoying the lake and its beautiful surroundings, you will loop back through the upper Bohinj Valley towards Bohinjska Bistrica. Overnight in Bohinjska Bistrica.
Short option: Take the direct route from Bled to Bohinjska Bistrica, covering just 28 km.
DAY 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – ŠKOFJA LOKA
Stage distance: 49 km, ↑ 900 m, ↓ 1,050 m
Breakfast. Today you will climb from Bohinjska Bistrica towards the Jelovica Plateau, surrounded by dense forests and beautiful alpine scenery. After reaching the plateau, the route descends through the forest into the Selška Valley, passing through the picturesque villages of Sorica and Železniki. From here, continue towards Škofja Loka, one of the oldest and most charming medieval towns in Slovenia. Take some time to explore its historic centre and, if you still have energy, visit the castle overlooking the town. Overnight in Škofja Loka.
Option: A transfer to the top of the Sorica Pass can shorten the stage by approximately 12 km and 700 m of climbing.
DAY 4: ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA
Stage distance: 31 km, ↑ 170 m, ↓ 240 m
Breakfast. Today’s ride is shorter and takes you from Škofja Loka to Ljubljana, the lively capital of Slovenia. Once in the city, explore the charming old town, cycle or walk up to Ljubljana Castle, and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere along the banks of the Ljubljanica River. In the evening, settle into one of the many riverside cafés and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere of this beautiful European capital. Overnight in Ljubljana.
DAY 5: LJUBLJANA – VRHNIKA
Stage distance: 41 km, ↑ 150 m, ↓ 160 m
Breakfast. Today you will leave Ljubljana and cycle across the peaceful Ljubljansko Barje, a vast marshland plain south of the capital and an important habitat for numerous rare birds and plants. The route continues through the countryside towards Borovnica, where you can see the remains of its impressive historic railway viaduct. Before reaching Vrhnika, you can also visit Bistra Castle, home to the Technical Museum of Slovenia. Overnight in Vrhnika.
DAY 6: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA
Stage distance: 43 km, ↑ 760 m, ↓ 510 m
Breakfast. Today you will leave the Ljubljana Basin behind and head towards the distinctive Karst landscape around Postojna. The route follows quiet roads through forests and rolling countryside, offering a more off-the-beaten-track experience of Slovenia. Along the way, you have the option of making a detour to the spectacular Predjama Castle, dramatically built into a 123-metre-high cliff face. Continue to Postojna, one of Slovenia’s best-known destinations for its remarkable underground world. Overnight in Postojna.
DAY 7: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL AREA
Stage distance: 32 km, ↑ 240 m, ↓ 630 m
Breakfast. Begin the day with a visit to the spectacular Postojna Cave, one of the largest and most impressive cave systems in Europe. After exploring this extraordinary underground world, get back on your bike and descend towards the Vipava Valley, where the landscape gradually changes from rugged Karst terrain to vineyards and rolling hills. The ride ends in the area around Štanjel, a picturesque medieval village overlooking the Vipava region. Overnight in a guesthouse in the Štanjel area.
DAY 8: ŠTANJEL – LIPICA – DIVAČA
Stage distance: 50 km, ↑ 630 m, ↓ 360 m
Breakfast. Today’s ride takes you deeper into the Karst region. Your first stop is the Sežana Botanical Garden, followed by a visit to Lipica, home of the world-famous white Lipizzaner horses. The Lipica stud farm has a long tradition dating back to the Habsburg period and is one of the most famous equestrian sites in Slovenia. After exploring the estate, continue through the Karst landscape towards Divača. Overnight in Divača.
DAY 9: DIVAČA – MUGGIA
Stage distance: 38 km, ↑ 280 m, ↓ 700 m
Breakfast. Today you will continue towards the Adriatic coast and cross into Italy. If you missed the caves earlier in the trip, you can make an optional visit to the spectacular Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Slovenia’s most impressive natural attractions. Continue towards Muggia, a charming coastal town just south of Trieste. Once there, you can take a boat across the bay to Trieste or simply relax on the beach and enjoy the Adriatic atmosphere. Overnight in Muggia.
DAY 10: MUGGIA – PIRAN
Stage distance: 35 km, ↑ 230 m, ↓ 240 m
Breakfast. Today you will follow a beautiful coastal cycling route built along the former Parenzana railway line, enjoying wonderful views over the Bay of Trieste and the Slovenian coast. The route eventually leads to Piran, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful coastal towns, with its narrow streets, Venetian architecture and historic harbour. Spend the afternoon exploring the old town or relaxing by the sea. Overnight in Piran.
Optional extension: An additional side trip can bring the total distance to approximately 46 km.
DAY 11: PIRAN – UMAG
Stage distance: 38 km, ↑ 250 m, ↓ 250 m
Breakfast. Leaving Piran, cycle towards the Sečovlje salt pans, where traditional salt production has shaped the landscape for centuries. From here, cross the border into Croatia and enter the green hills of Istria. The route follows quiet roads through the countryside before reaching Umag, a historic coastal town whose old centre retains its medieval walls and Roman heritage. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the waterfront and old town. Overnight in Umag.
DAY 12: UMAG – POREČ
Stage distance: 43 km, ↑ 340 m, ↓ 340 m
Breakfast. Today’s route takes you through the gentle hills of Istria, with vineyards, olive groves and small villages along the way. You will pass through Novigrad, a charming medieval coastal town and one of the region’s top destinations for seafood and Istrian cuisine. Continue along the coast towards Poreč, where you can explore the historic old town and visit the spectacular Euphrasian Basilica, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Overnight in Poreč.
DAY 13: POREČ – LOOP RIDE OR BEACH DAY
Optional stage: 48 km, ↑↓ 400 m
Breakfast. Today is yours to choose. Cycling enthusiasts can take a loop ride through the rural heart of Istria, discovering quiet roads, vineyards, forests and traditional villages. Alternatively, take a fish-picnic boat trip along the coast or simply enjoy a relaxing day on the beach. A perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the Adriatic before continuing the final stages of the journey. Overnight in Poreč.
DAY 14: POREČ – ROVINJ
Stage distance: 45 km, ↑ 400 m, ↓ 390 m
Breakfast. Today you will cycle towards one of the jewels of the Istrian coast: Rovinj. The route takes you through the beautiful Istrian countryside before reaching this picturesque coastal town, famous for its colourful houses, narrow cobbled streets and the distinctive bell tower of St. Euphemia rising above the old town. You can also take a short ride to the Golden Cape Nature Reserve, a beautiful area of forests and coastline just outside Rovinj. Overnight in Rovinj.
DAY 15: ROVINJ – PULA
Stage distance: 43 km, ↑ 270 m, ↓ 280 m
Breakfast. Your final cycling stage takes you south towards Pula, the oldest town in Istria and a fascinating destination with a rich Roman heritage. The highlight is the impressive Pula Arena, one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in the world. If you prefer to spend your final afternoon by the sea, you can also take a boat excursion to the nearby Brijuni Islands, a beautiful national park scattered across the Adriatic. Celebrate the end of your cycling adventure with an evening in Pula. Overnight in Pula.
DAY 16: DEPARTURE FROM PULA
Breakfast. Your cycling journey through Slovenia and Istria ends after breakfast. Depending on your travel plans, you can depart from Pula or extend your stay and spend a few more days exploring the beautiful Istrian peninsula and its Adriatic coastline.
Send inquiry from 2.295,00 € per person
