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. Free wifi
Slovenia and Italy are the perfect pairing of countries to combine into one exhilarating bike tour. What’s to like? Slovenia is bordered by Italy, Hungary, Austria and Croatia and has been influenced in its cuisine, art and culture. The country is small with dramatic scenery, quiet roads to bike and some wonderful hotels. Starting with Ljubljana, the 9 day tour allows for a full day to see the many sites of this city, with its Old World Plazas, baroque churches and dramatic castles. Then Bled, with its wondrous turquoise lake, and island monastery, and divine cycling, some along new dedicated bike paths that wind majestically through bucolic countryside and past aqua-marine lakes. If you need assistance over the Vrsic pass, we’re there for you with assistance. But don’t miss the unending descent down the Soca valley, following the serpentine Soca river towards Italy. In Friuli, Italy, you will ride through vineyards and orchards, and in Unesco World Heritage town of Cividale, you will, as we did, find heaven on earth. Did we mention the food is some of the best in Europe? We’ve got a treasure trove of ‘off-the-beaten path’ restaurants, wine tasting opportunities and other discoveries to share. This will surely become one of our most popular trips –go soon, before the secret is out.
Read more about owner Robbin McKinney’s cycling trip on our blog.
Slovenia & Italy Biking 9 Days
Ljubljana
Ljubljana
Day 1+2
Bled
Bled
Day 3+4
Kranska Gora
Kranjska Gora, Slovenia
Day 5
Kobarid
Kobarid, Slovenia
Day 6
Cividale
Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy
Day 7+8+9
Cormons
Cormons, Province of Gorizia, Italy
Day 7+8
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 8 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 2 dinners
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes & maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Any start date between May 15 and October 15 |
|---|
Total Days
9 days / 8 nights with 7 days of cycling
Arrive/Depart
Ljubljana / Cividale (trains for Venice)
Activity Level
Moderate+ with challenging options.
Terrain
Slovenia is moderately hilly and there is the opportunity to challenge yourself on two mountain passes. Friuli, Italy is less so. See elevation gains in itinerary.
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $3,200
Single Supplement: US $800
Luxe Accommodation: US $3,930
Single Supplement: US $1,000
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $500
Racing Bikes: US $600
E-Bikes: US $720
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.
Additional information
| Destination | Italy, Slovenia |
|---|---|
| Level | Moderate |
Getting There
Your tour begins from Ljubljana, Slovenia. Your trip finishes in Cividale de Friuli and you can reach Venice by train via Udine.
We will provide you more information with your confirmation package.
1
Day 1
Ljubjlana
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 and then have 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
Ljubljana
Enjoy a full day in this city. Take a locally guided walking tour; visit the castle above town, have dinner at a riverside restaurant. There is lots to see and do here and we’ll provide you with suggestions for everything you will want to see.
3
Day 3
Bled
Meet with the area manager for the briefing and bike fitting. Bike lanes depart right from the center out of town so if ever there was a city to ride from, this is it (no transfer needed). You will be soon be out in the countryside and enjoying the dramatic scenery of Slovenia. Lunch in the medieval village of Skofa Loka, with its castle and restored historical center. You will 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.
Ride Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 620 m or 71 km, gain 1450 m.*
4
Day 4
Bled
Ride through Triglav National Park to Lake Bohinj, quite possibly even more beautiful than Lake Bled. 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, stop at one of the beaches or at the rowing center, where world-class rowers train. Visit the castle above town.
Ride Distance: 43 km, elevation gain 445 m or 67 km, gain 740 m or 84 km, gain 1610 m.*
5
Day 5
Kranska Gora
Leaving Bled, you will ride to Kranska Gora, with time to enjoy this charming mountain town. If you would like additional riding, there is a paved bike trail that winds towards Italy, or, take a hike on one of the local trails. Dine at a unique gostilina, and soak up the atmosphere, resting your legs for the climb up Vrsic tomorrow.
Ride Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 480 m. Add-on distance 40 km.*
6
Day 6
Kobarid
If you wish a lift up and over Vrsic Pass (at 1611 m), we have a shuttle option for you and you can enjoy the long descent into the Soca 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 Soca River below, and Triglav National Park all around, this dramatically situated village is one of the adventure centers of the country and we recommend lunch here before continuing on to Kobarid, and the remarkable Inn & restaurant Hiso Franko, where you will enjoy a meal like no other.
Ride Distance: 54 km, elevation gain 790 m or 63 km, gain 1580 m or 43 km, gain 1280 m.*
7
Day 7
Cividale/ Cormons
From Kobarid, you ride south towards Italy. It’s a short ride to Cividale and there are additional rides waiting you with quiet roads lined by vineyards to tempt you. Cividale is a beautifully preserved Unesco World Heritage city, and should you wish a local guided walk, we’ll arrange. It’s central plaza is one of the most beautiful of any Italian city and yet devoid of tourists. On this trip you can choose to stay in either Cividale or Cormons.
Ride Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 725 m or 43 km, gain 1280 m.*
8
Day 8
Cividale/ Cormons
For your last day in 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 streetside fruit stalls and wine tasting opportunities abound. 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 Bastian (yes, that Joe Bastian), or at La Subida, in their Michelin starred dining room. As you wash this down with the local wines, toast your journey that will have given you memories to last a life-time.
Ride Distance: 47 km, elevation gain 350 m or 47 km, gain 980 m.*
9
Day 9
Depart
Trains for Venice depart frequently. From Cividale you connect through Udine (travel time to Venice is 1h50). From either Castello di 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 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. Air-con, wifi and LCD.
Hotel Kotnik, Kranjska Gora
This 4- star family-run hotel with just 15 rooms is in the center of Kranjska Gora and has comfortable rooms and friendly service. There is a good restaurant on site.
Hotel Alp, Bovec
Hotel Alp is a comfortable hotel located in the centre of Bovec. The hotel has an air-conditioned restaurant, outdoor summer terrace and a wellness centre with three saunas (Turkish, Finnish and infrared).
Locanda Al Pomo D'Oro, Cividale
This modest 3-star hotel is the best in Cividale historic center and has been managed by the family Picotti since 1938. Guest rooms are small, but the welcome is warm and the location, steps from the central plaza is ideal.
Luxe
Antiq Palace Hotel & Spa, Ljubljana
This boutique hotel with just 18 guest rooms is a former aristocratic residence. Located on a quiet street in the historical center (walking distance to the castle), it has been renovated with an inviting décor and lovely salons. A member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Rikli Balance Hotel, Bled
This 4-star hotel is set in a modern building overlooking a park 10 minutes from the banks of Lake Bled. Rooms feature balconies, contemporary decor. There are 3 restaurants, spa with and indoor and outdoor thermal pools.
Hotel Skipass, Kranjska Gora
Yes an unusal name but perhaps not for a hotel in a ski village. It is the most luxurious hotel in Kranska Gora with contemporary design and amenities you will enjoy.
Hotel Mangart, Bovec
Alpine style hotel with all amenities including air-con and wifi. There are beautiful views from the hotel.
Al Castello Wellness Resort, Cividale
This 4-star castle hotel is located 1.5 km outside of Cividale, with tremendous views over the countryside. There is a wellness center and good restaurant on site. This is our first choice because of the proximity to Cividale and all its attributes.
* Note: should you wish to stay at Castello di Spessa or La Subida, in Cormons, these are options (no sur-charge).
Tour Reviews
“We had the best holiday ever- loved every minute”
“Of the 5 trips we’ve done with Randonnee, the biking and scenery on this one was the best. The Julian Alps are so beautiful, wow. Also self-guided biking is a good approach for social distancing when that becomes necessary. Both the trip and the region exceeded our expectations. Thanks for the e-bikes – those were essential for us. The scenery was spectacular, and we loved the cities and towns. The hotel in Kranskja Gora had the best food by far. The Rikki Resort in Bled was fantastic. All of the hotels were good and had excellent locations, thank you.”
“I enjoyed the awesome beauty of Slovenia. The routes were uniformly beautiful. All the accommodations were comfortable and welcoming.”
“We had a great trip and loved the mountain scenery and fine food! The bikes worked flawlessly, the luggage shuttles went off without a hitch, and the accommodations were all in great locations with space for the bikes. The Area Manager was helpful. The GPS routing system was perfect. We only got lost a few times due to operator error, not the system. This completes our third trip with you guys and we are big fans.”
“Fantastic country and landscape. The hotels, food, wine and culture were all so great!”
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