Begin your cycling adventure with a vibrant night in Ljubljana, where café-lined streets and a castle-topped skyline set the tone for Slovenia’s easygoing charm. Ride north through green valleys and alpine foothills to Lake Bled, spending two nights amid turquoise waters, island churches, and dramatic views of the Julian Alps. Continue to Kranska Gora and then climb over Vršič Pass descending into the Soča Valley for a stay in Bovec, where emerald rivers, World War I history, and dramatic peaks define the landscape. The journey flows seamlessly into Italy, following vineyard-draped hills and quiet border lanes to Cividale del Friuli for two nights. Here, Roman heritage, Lombard history, and exceptional Friulian cuisine provide a warm, flavourful finale to a tour rich in nature, culture, and unforgettable riding.

Read more about owner, Robbin McKinney’s, cycling trip through Slovenia and Italy on our blog.

Slovenia & Italy Biking 7 Days

Ljubljana

Ljubljana

Day 1

Bled

Bled

Day 2+3

Bovec

Bovec, Slovenia

Day 4

Cividale

Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy

Day 5+6+7

Cormons

Cormons, Province of Gorizia, Italy

Day 5

Trip Inclusions

What’s Included

  • 6 nights hotels
  • All breakfasts and 1 dinner
  • Luggage transfers
  • Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
  • GPS routes and maps
  • Orientation with our Area Manager
  • Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
  • Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits

What's Not Included

  • Bike rental

Particulars

Departure Dates

Start any date between May 15 and October 15

Total Days

7 days / 6 nights with 5 days of cycling

Arrive/Depart

Ljubljana / Cividale del Friuli

Activity Level

Moderate
Average daily distance: 30-55 km (20-40 mi)

Terrain

Slovenia is moderately hilly and there is the opportunity to challenge yourself on two mountain passes. Cividale del Friuli, Italy is less so.

Cost

Classic Accommodation: US $2,650
Single Supplement: US $670

Luxe Accommodation: US $3,250
Single Supplement: US $820

Bike Rentals

Hybrid Bikes: US $320

Racing Bikes: US $420

E-Bikes*: US $480

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.  

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.

Getting There

You can fly into Venice, Italy or directly into Ljubljana, Slovenia and back out of Venice. If flying into Venice, it takes approximately 2 hrs by bus to reach Ljubljana. Your trip finishes in Cividale de Friuli and you can reach Venice by train via Udine.


1

Day 1

Ljubljana

Described as one of Europe’s most livable cities, with pedestrian and bike-friendly streets, and an active cultural scene. Surely, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but without crowds (yet). We recommend arriving late afternoon in time to walk along the emerald green Ljubljanica River, which is lined with vibrant cafes, before dinner at the acclaimed Gostilna na Gradu, situated in the castle above town; it will be the first of many memorable meals.

2

Day 2

Bled

Bike lanes depart right from the centre out of town, so if ever there was a city to ride from, this is it. You will be soon be out in the countryside and enjoying the dramatic scenery of Slovenia. Stop for lunch in the medieval village of Skofa Loka, with its castle and restored historical centre. You’ll arrive to splendid Lake Bled along a little known bike path. The setting here is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip, or take one of the pletnas out to the island to visit the monastery. We have several restaurants for you to choose between this evening.

Distance: 40 km; elevation gain: 620 m or 71 km; elevation gain: 1,460 m*

3

Day 3

Bled

Ride through Triglav National Park to Lake Bohinj, quite possibly even more beautiful than Lake Bled. There is an optional hike to the Savica Waterfall, which at 60 m is one of the most impressive sights in the Julian Alps. On your return ride circling Lake Bled, you can stop at one of the beaches or at the rowing centre, where world-class rowers train. Before settling into your hotel for the evening, visit the castle above town.

Distance: 43 up to 84 km; elevation gain: 445 up to 1,610 m*

4

Day 4

Bovec

Leaving Bled, you’ll ride to Kranjska Gora where you can enjoy lunch at the recommended gostilna. If you wish to get a lift up and over Vršič Pass (at 1,611 m), we have a shuttle option for you and you can enjoy the long descent into the Soča River valley. The afternoon ride to Bovec will surely rate as one of the most spectacular of your life. With the Julian Alps high above, the Soča River below, and Triglav National Park all around, this dramatically situated village is one of the adventure centres of the country. Rafting is possible, either on the afternoon you arrive or next morning.

Distance: 41 up to 81 km; elevation gain: 480 up to 1,700 m*

5

Day 5

Cividale del Friuli

From Bovec, you’ll ride south towards Italy, but not so fast. We recommend having lunch at Hiša Franko (Classic) or Cormons (Luxe) before continuing on to Cividale del Friuli. Arriving to Cividale del Friuli, you’ll discover a beautifully intact UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its central plaza is one of the most beautiful of any Italian city and yet devoid of tourists.

Distance: 48 km; elevation gain: 725 m or 91 km; elevation gain: 2,005 m*

6

Day 6

Cividale del Friuli

For your last day in Cividale del Friuli, we have designed options that range from flat to hilly. Our favourite ride dips back into Slovenia to wine taste and enjoy those quiet roads that wind through vineyards, past castles, and quiet roads with street-side fruit stalls and wine tasting opportunities. Or, from Cormons, pedal south to the Roman site of Aquiela and reach the sea on a longer, flat ride. Finish your trip with a well-deserved dinner at Orsone, opened by Lidia & Joe Bastianich (yes, that Joe Bastianich) or at La Subida, in their Michelin starred dining room. Over a glass of local wine, raise a toast to an incredible journey and memories that will last a lifetime.

Distance: 47 km; elevation gain: 350 m or 47 km; elevation gain: 980 m*

7

Day 7

Depart

After breakfast, depart at your leisure. Trains for Venice depart frequently, from Cividale del Friuli connect through Udine (travel time to Venice is 1 hr 50 min). From either Castle Spessa or La Subida, you will take a short taxi to Cormons and then train to Venice.

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

Classic

Hotel Lesar Angel, Ljubljana

This boutique hotel has a prime location in the Old Town, not far from Ljubljana Castle. The rooms are spacious and there are comfortable lounge rooms. There is a charming garden to relax in.

Hotel Astoria, Bled

This hotel, with its contemporary design and upscale furnishings is in a class of its own. The wellness centre is superb with jacuzzi, sauna, and massage services available.

Hotel Mangart, Bovec

An alpine-style hotel offering all modern amenities with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.

Locanda Al Pomo D'Oro, Cividale del Friuli

This charming 3-star hotel is one of the best options in Cividale’s historic center and has been lovingly managed by the Picotti family since 1938. The guest rooms are modest in size, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere and ideal location—just steps from the central piazza—make it a wonderful base for exploring the town.

Luxe

Hotel Heritage, Ljubljana

Set in a 16th-century townhouse, this boutique 4-star hotel is our newest find here with an excellent location, chic lobby bar, and an informal restaurant set in an atrium.

Grand Hotel Toplice*, Bled, Bled

Overlooking the waters of Lake Bled, this 5-star hotel combines timeless elegance with a spectacular setting. Ideally located for exploring Bled, the hotel is just steps from the town’s restaurants and attractions.
*Closed until September 2027; Vila Bled will be used in the interim.

Hotel Sanje Ob Soči, Bovec

Hotel Sanje Ob Soči is a luxurious boutique hotel in Bovec, Slovenia, offering refined accommodations, exquisite local cuisine, and breathtaking views of the Kanin Mountains.
Alternatively, you may choose to stay at Hiša Franko in Kobarid. Please, indicate your preference upon registration.

Al Castello, Cividale del Friuli

This 4-star castle hotel is located just outside of Cividale del Friuli, with tremendous views over the countryside. There is a wellness center and excellent restaurant on site. This is our first choice because of the proximity to Cividale del Friuli and all its riches.
Alternatively, you may choose to stay at Castello di Spessa or La Subida in Cormons. Please, indicate your preference upon registration.

Randonnee tours offers cycling and walking trips in Europe & North America
John N. - Slovenia

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