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Ultimate Cycling across Slovenia and Croatia
13 days / 12 nights
|
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
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.
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
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
Itinerary of the trip
FREE ITINERARY
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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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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):
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
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
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.
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.
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.
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
Ratings & Reviews
5.0 average rating
+40
The tour plan was really wonderful, a good balance of urban and outdoor locations and experiences. The trip app worked perfectly, making it simple to keep organized with excursion vouchers, route maps, site descriptions, etc. it also made it easy to communicate with the travel company when we occasionally had questions. We were amazed at how much variety there was in a relatively small area. I highly recommend this company and this particular trip plan for anyone who would like to explore this area of Slovenia.
Show all 4 photos
Just outstanding! Guide Tine was a pleasure to travel with, extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. This company truly showcases the beauty of Slovenia from wine and cuisine to natural beauty and culture. We HIGHLY recommend a private food and wine tour!
Show all 7 photos
The service provided by this company is first class. Our agent, Marusa was superb in terms of her communication, her suggestions and recommendations and brilliant organisation of our trip. Had we tied to organise for ourselves we would almost certainly have missed things out through lack of knowledge. Everything worked so well that we were able to make the most of our first wonderful visit to this beautiful, friendly and hospitable country. We loved it.
Show all 9 photos
Slovenia Holidays did a fantastic job in putting together an eight-day, tailor-made tour for our small group. We had an amazing time and highly enjoyed all elements of our trip – including tour of Ljubljana, gorge hiking, visiting Slovenia’s famous caves, alpine views, hot air balloon ride, beautiful coastal town of Piran and, of course, delicious food and wine 😊. Our holiday agent – Grega - was a pleasure to work with and ensured our holiday covered the key locations and experiences Slovenia has to offer. The tour was a perfect introduction of Slovenia – beautiful and diverse country. We enjoyed everything, well organised and felt in safe hands. Our guide – Sanda - was a good match for us and tuned into our relaxed attitude. We would highly recommend Slovenia Holidays to anyone wishing to discover and explore real Slovenia.
Show all 8 photos
Our private Hike and Bike tour was nothing short of amazing! We had a fantastic holiday, and Tomaz, our guide, went out of his way to ensure everything went smoothly. He was knowledgeable, punctual, entertaining, reliable, experienced... the perfect guide! It was a pleasure to indulge in such a breathtakingly beautiful country. Thank you, Ivana and Grega, for arranging our trip professionally and efficiently.
Show all 9 photos
The tour plan was really wonderful, a good balance of urban and outdoor locations and experiences. The trip app worked perfectly, making it simple to keep organized with excursion vouchers, route maps, site descriptions, etc. it also made it easy to communicate with the travel company when we occasionally had questions. We were amazed at how much variety there was in a relatively small area. I highly recommend this company and this particular trip plan for anyone who would like to explore this area of Slovenia.
Show all 4 photos
The service provided by this company is first class. Our agent, Marusa was superb in terms of her communication, her suggestions and recommendations and brilliant organisation of our trip. Had we tied to organise for ourselves we would almost certainly have missed things out through lack of knowledge. Everything worked so well that we were able to make the most of our first wonderful visit to this beautiful, friendly and hospitable country. We loved it.
Show all 9 photos
Slovenia Holidays did a fantastic job in putting together an eight-day, tailor-made tour for our small group. We had an amazing time and highly enjoyed all elements of our trip – including tour of Ljubljana, gorge hiking, visiting Slovenia’s famous caves, alpine views, hot air balloon ride, beautiful coastal town of Piran and, of course, delicious food and wine 😊. Our holiday agent – Grega - was a pleasure to work with and ensured our holiday covered the key locations and experiences Slovenia has to offer. The tour was a perfect introduction of Slovenia – beautiful and diverse country. We enjoyed everything, well organised and felt in safe hands. Our guide – Sanda - was a good match for us and tuned into our relaxed attitude. We would highly recommend Slovenia Holidays to anyone wishing to discover and explore real Slovenia.
Show all 8 photos
Just outstanding! Guide Tine was a pleasure to travel with, extremely knowledgeable and accommodating. This company truly showcases the beauty of Slovenia from wine and cuisine to natural beauty and culture. We HIGHLY recommend a private food and wine tour!
Show all 7 photos
Our private Hike and Bike tour was nothing short of amazing! We had a fantastic holiday, and Tomaz, our guide, went out of his way to ensure everything went smoothly. He was knowledgeable, punctual, entertaining, reliable, experienced... the perfect guide! It was a pleasure to indulge in such a breathtakingly beautiful country. Thank you, Ivana and Grega, for arranging our trip professionally and efficiently.
Show all 9 photos
All available guidance options
Self-guided
For travellers that want flexibility and independence. We organize the tours of your choice, but the adventure of getting around is all yours. You will get a fly & drive itinerary handout with activities, accommodations and travelling tips with full support of our team for any emergencies or concerns. You will take yourself around, but we can arrange a car rental or even a campervan if you wish.
Only the Best
Our professional team of locals with vast experience in tourism has cherry-picked the best things to do in Slovenia for all sorts of travellers.
Expert Local Guides
Our professional guides know the best places, are great to be around, and will go that extra mile for you.
100% Made in Slovenia
We are based in Slovenia and all of our holidays are of our own design, making the prices and experiences better for you.
Trusted by Many
We are a fully bonded and insured travel company, keeping your money safe and with thousands of satisfied customers in the past, we still put you first.
from 2.595 € /person
