Ultimate Self-Guided Cycling across Slovenia and Croatia

Discover the paradise vistas of the Alpine and Adriatic regions by bike on this amazing self-guided cycling holiday in two countries, Slovenia and Croatia.
Starting point
Bled
Finish point
Pula
Duration
12 nights / 13 days
Inquiry
The ultimate cycling adventure from the Alps and along the Adriatic
Visit Slovenia's highlights, such as Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, Soča valley, Lipica, and Piran on the way
Explore the rustic villages of Istria and its amazing historic towns like Rovinj and Pula
Cycle the less busy roads at your own pace and enjoy our full support on the way
13 days of the most diverse self-guided cycling holidays in Slovenia and Croatia
Easy and suitable for most cycling around 40-50 km per day of versatile terrain
Lake Bled castle
Lake Bled castle
Soča Valley Walking Holidays
Soča River Valley
Unique Slovenian horses in Lipica Stud Farm
Horses at Lipica farm

Itinerary

Day What we will do
DAY 1 Lake Bled
DAY 2 Bled - Mojstrana - Kranjska Gora
DAY 3 Vršič Pass - Bovec
DAY 4 Bovec - Kobarid - Drežnica - Tolmin
DAY 5 Goriška Brda
DAY 6 Gorizia - Komen - Štanjel
DAY 7 Lipica - Piran
DAY 8 Sečovlje - Motovun - Grožnjan
DAY 9 Poreč
DAY 10 Vrsar - Rovinj
DAY 11 Pula
DAY 12 Premantura - Kamenjak
DAY 13 Departure
DAY 1 - Arrival at Bled

You arrive in the Alpine pearl of Bled where you get settled and meet a member of our team who will give you the rundown on your holiday with detailed information about your trip. Questions will be answered and the route explained. If you’re in Bled early, we suggest you take a stroll around the lake, visit the Castle or take a boat ride to the church island. Then it’s time to get a good night’s rest for the adventures that lie in store.

Accommodation

Hotel in Bled

Highlights

Mojstrana

Lake Bled Island
Island on Lake Bled
Island on Lake Bled
DAY 2 - Cycling through valleys to Kranjska Gora

The first leg of your journey involves relatively flat terrain and takes you through the stunning Radovna Valley, past Lake Kreda, gradually descending down to Mojstrana. You cycle along the scenic Upper Sava Valley, down the superbly maintained cycle path to the famous alpine resort of Kranjska Gora. The majestic Julian Alps will be your constant companion.

Accommodation

Hotel in Kranjska Gora

Highlights

Soča spring

DAY 3 - Over the Vršič Pass

After Kranjska Gora, it’s time to tackle the steeper ascent that goes over the Vršič Pass with its breathtaking views. An obligatory stop at the top follows, before descending towards Bovec. Tucked away in the heart of the Julian Alps, Bovec is located near the spring of the emerald queen, the Soča River, which is always a most welcome detour when in the area. A fairy-tale location in every sense of the word.

Accommodation

Hotel in Bovec

Highlights

Lower Soča valley

Scenic Lake Jasna
Scenic Lake Jasna
Scenic Lake Jasna
DAY 4 - Through Soča Valley

Sticking to the refreshing banks of the Soča River, you traverse down side roads and macadam trails that offer a tranquil ride within the sublime embrace of the Soča Valley. At Kobarid, the route also ascends to Drežnica, an idyllic village perched above the Soča River on a small plateau under Mount Krn. This is an exceptionally beautiful extra for those with enough energy to spare.

Accommodation

B&B in Tolmin

Highlights

Gorizia
Komen

Emerald river Soča in Slovenia
Emerald river Soča in Slovenia
Views of Soča River from Kobarid ossuary
Views of Soča River from Kobarid ossuary
Emerald river Soča in Slovenia
Views of Soča River from Kobarid ossuary
DAY 5 - Following Soča River to the wine country

Continuing along the Soča River – deep in the ravine or high above the valley – you slowly approach a completely different landscape and enter the Mediterranean climate. The day draws to a close with a short ascent before reaching the rustic winegrowing region of Goriška Brda. It is at this point that one truly feels the awesomeness of Slovenia’s diverse natural character.

Accommodation

Hotel in Goriška brda

Highlights

Osp valley

DAY 6 - The Karst

Goriška Brda behind you now, the route leads you to Italian Gorizia. After traversing across a relatively flat area, you ascend to the spacious Karst Plateau with its typical typography. You will cycle through the striking villages of Komen and Štanjel, all the way to Sežana, a town bordering the coastal area where the spirit of the Adriatic can already be felt.

Accommodation

B&B in Sežana

Highlights

Portorose
Motovun and Grožnjan

DAY 7 - The Coast

Before departing for the coast, you can stop off at Lipica, the famous Lipizzaner stud farm.  The route then takes you to the beautiful village of Socerb with stunning views guaranteed.  Following the cute Rižana River, you’ll gradually arrive at the Adriatic where it’s a short stretch to Piran, the Venetian-style seaside jewel in the crown of Slovenia’s seaside splendor.

Accommodation

Hotel in Piran

Highlights

Old tunnels and viaducts of the Parenzana trail
Poreč

Family with Lipizzaner horse
Family with Lipizzaner horse
Evening view on Piran
Panoramic view of Piran
Family with Lipizzaner horse
Panoramic view of Piran
DAY 8 - Saltworks & small Istrian villages

On day eight, it’s onward along the coastline to the Sečovlje Salt Pans. A quick stop to marvel at traditional saltworks is obligatory. A stone’s throw away is the Croatian border. The route continues up a slight incline, promising lovely views of the salt pans below. Heading slightly further inland, you ride among Istrian villages and the Mediterranean countryside.

This stunning environment will give you that extra boost you need to reach Buje and Grožnjan.  From there you can admire a gorgeous valley and Motovun, an ancient settlement dating back to Celtic times on the opposite bank of the Mirna River.

Accommodation

Hotel in Grožnjan

Highlights

Vrsar
Lim Channel
Rovinj

DAY 9 - From Grožnjan back to the coast

Now things get a bit more dynamic. The path of the former railway (the Parenzana) crisscrosses between the long, winding valleys with great persistence. But don’t worry, it’s a very positive challenge, as an occasional tunnel or viaduct tends to pop up to ease your cycling.

The authentic rustic vibe of the Istrian region, complemented with a sense of solitary tranquillity, will delight you no-end. A stark contrast to the touristy coast of Poreč, where you’ll be arriving that same evening for another dose of seaside vibes.

Accommodation

Hotel in Poreč

Highlights

Lively coast between Rovinj and Pula
Pula

DAY 10 - Around the Lim Channel

Poreč is where the Parenzana ends and more incredible sights begin. You continue south towards Vrsar. Not long after passing this pretty coastal town, the route is divided by the Lim Channel, a fascinating Istrian fjord.

A detour comes in the form of an approx. 10-km-long panoramic cycling trail into inland Istria with views of shellfish farms in the channel or climbers scaling the canyon walls. Time passes extremely quickly in this captivating place, and the other side of Istria soon appears with your next destination on full display: Rovinj.

Accommodation

Hotel in Rovinj

Highlights

Cape Kamenjak natural reserve

E-bike cycling in Rovinj
E-bike cycling in Rovinj
E-bike cycling in Rovinj
DAY 11 - Along the Istrian coast

Rovinj is among the loveliest Istrian towns. Ancient cobblestone streets, a boutique marina, churches and lively restaurant, make Rovinj a nice sightseeing destination. Its surroundings are also breath-taking, particularly riding along its protected Golden Cape beach. Following the coastline south, you will eventually reach Pula.

This town needs no introduction, but we’ll supply one for good measure: Pula has a very colourful history dating back to Roman times, with its impressive Amphitheatre and temples amidst classical architecture. The town is a very popular tourist destination, Istria’s main cultural hub, and an optimal starting point for exploring the wider area, which you can also do the next day.

Accommodation

Hotel in Pula

DAY 12 - Exploring the coast around Premantura

If you haven’t been to Kamenjak, now is the perfect time to tick this marvelous nature reserve off your bucket list. A nice and easy ride out of Pula takes you to Premantura and into Kamenjak, which boasts beautiful beaches and is crisscrossed with gravel paths, excellent for biking.

Alternatively, you can stroll around Pula, go for a refreshing dip in the sea, or discover numerous lively locations in nearby Premantura and Medulin. Authentic Croatian seaside spirit is certainly on the menu! In the evening, it’s time to return the bikes, reflect on your adventures, share your experiences, and spend your last night in Pula.

Accommodation

Hotel in Pula

Cycling on Kamenjak Cape
Cycling on Kamenjak Cape
Cycling on Kamenjak Cape
DAY 13 - Departure

Every good thing comes to an end. We will accommodate your departure according to your travel arrangements.

Want to make some changes?

Tailor made holidays - let us know what works for you and we will make it happen.
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Included in price

Transfer of all your luggage
12 nights 3* accommodation with breakfast
Rent of high performance electric bike
Full support
Organization
* not included on self guided tours

Optional Extras

Return transfer from the airport
Single supplement

Are you a cycling enthusiast who likes to travel to fascinating places and visit as many interesting locations as possible while getting some serious cycling done? Then get ready to mount your bikes and explore the most prized regions of Slovenia.

Did we say Slovenia? We meant Slovenia’s breathtaking Alpine and coastal regions and Croatia’s incredible Istrian Peninsula. All in one extended, fantastically diverse, and soul-rewarding self-guided cycling holiday. Here’s the lowdown:

Every day promises something new, something thrilling for the senses. The road will lead you through the picturesque, ever-changing countryside, to numerous photo-op spots, and surreal natural and cultural highlights.

Your holiday will begin by unlocking the stunning secrets of the magical Julian Alps. The world-renowned Lake Bled and other gems of Triglav National Park will be graced by your presence. Scenic views will follow you through forests, towns and villages, over mountain passes, across wide-open fields and pastures, alongside pristine rivers and lakes, right down to the sunlit vineyards, the wind-swept Karst, and eventually the northern Adriatic.

You will follow the coastline down the famous Parenzana cycling path, a former railway route, which leads across the border into Croatia. The trail down memorizing Istria presents you with yet another completely different, Mediterranean-style environment. Your journey rounds up at the ancient town of Pula and its surroundings.

Stopping off at numerous locations along the way, you will get to do some sightseeing, taste the local cuisine, get the feel for each unique destination and its inhabitants. The second part will allow for some time for swimming in the sea too. The varied terrain will be navigated easily on your professional bikes and well-maintained roads and cycling trails with light traffic are suitable for different levels of fitness.

Our team and GPS navigation will help guide you to wherever you need to be. Our carefully assembled itinerary allows for plenty of time to hit the road at your own pace without missing out on anything. The route is very straightforward and your restful accommodation easy to find. In case of needing additional help, we are at your disposal to assist in any way we can.

Feel free to browse the itinerary to find out which destinations make this self-guided holiday so amazing.

Map

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Things to know

We meet in Bled at your first hotel. Depending on the airport of your arrival and departure, we can arrange transfers accordingly for an extra fee. All the luggage transfers between stages are included.

Both our back office team and our guides know where to go. We can give you recommendations or even pre-book some places for you. You can be adventurous and find places on your own. Either way, let us know if you would like any sort of help.

Cycling planned on our cycling holidays is moderate – the terrain is not so difficult, there are no major ascents (except on day 2) and the pace is meant to be gradual. The electric bikes provide enough extra power that you should be able to climb all the ascents easily.

It is important to dress for the season. Slovenia has all 4 seasons, so please check the weather forecast before the holiday regarding temperatures and rainfall. When you are close to the Alps, you can see all 4 seasons change in the same day, so your best bet is to always bring an extra layer and rain gear.

It really depends on the level of your restriction. Vegetarian options are fairly easy to find in Slovenia, but vegan dishes, on the other hand, are extremely hard to come by in rural areas of the country and in smaller towns. Please note that the places where we stop for lunch are often traditional and may have difficulties accommodating you outside of their standard menu. We suggest you keep this in mind.

You will have a detailed GPS file of the route, but there are some local trails that can be hard to find. Don’t worry however, even if you miss the exact trails, it is usually very easy to do a detour and get back on the correct path.

Ivana
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info@slovenia-holidays.com
phone
+386 41 460 520
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Self guided: From: 2,395€/person
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Self-guided

For travellers that want flexibility and independence. We organize the holidays of your choice, but the adventure of getting around is all yours. You will get a fly & drive itinerary with activities, accommodations and travelling tips with full support of our team for any emergencies or concerns.

Small group

For solo travellers or travellers who wish to meet other like-minded souls, don’t want to stress about trip planning and would maybe like to enjoy some time on their own as well. You will be travelling with our tour leader in a small group of maximum 8 people in a comfortable van with accommodation, entrance fees and a detailed plan of activities arranged. For guaranteed tour departures we have a minimum of 4 people.

Private guided

For travellers who want a holiday based on their preferences and needs. You don’t need to worry over itinerary planning or your next move, and at the same time you can enjoy the holidays at your own pace and take as much time on your own whenever needed. We take care of the entire organization and provide you with a professional guide, accommodation, transportation and plan of activities.

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.

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