Slovenia Cycling Tour

This once in a lifetime Slovenia Cycling Tour is an unforgettable and unique adventure, catering for riders and non-riding partners alike. Slovenia, known as the "green heart of Europe," features lush forests covering half its land and boasts the title of "Europe’s Greenest Capital". This tour takes you through scenic backroads, vineyards, rivers, and the Julian Alps, extending into Italy and Croatia. With expert local ride captains, explore Ljubljana's vibrant culture and history before journeying to Piran. Ideal for cyclists who enjoy scenic, moderate-paced rides, group camaraderie, and cultural immersion, the tour offers fully supported rides and luxurious accommodation.
Non-riding partners have their own guided itinerary, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Join us to discover why Slovenia is a top cycling destination, creating lasting memories with the Après Vélo lifestyle.

TOUR INTRODUCTION

If Slovenia is not already on your list of must-ride destinations, it’s time to make a change!

Known as the 'green heart of Europe', Slovenia boasts lush forests and vegetation covering around 50% of its land. This verdant theme extends to its many cities, including the capital, Ljubljana, officially named “Europe’s Greenest Capital” in 2016.

Bordering Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Italy, Slovenia is a playground for road cyclists, with miles of quite backroads snaking between vineyards, rivers, seaside towns and traditional hamlets.

Let’s not forget the famous Julian Alps, Alpine lakes and our ride into neighbouring Italy and Croatia.

The cycling knowledge of our local ride captains will provide an unforgettable experience as we journey through Europe’s Green Heart on our fully supported Slovenia cycling tour.

Our adventure starts in vibrant Ljubljana, the capital city, and a haven for outdoor and culinary enthusiasts as well as a treasure trove of history and architecture waiting to be explored.

THE SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR IS A TRIP FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS AND CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS WHICH WILL CREATE FOND MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME.

Start: Ljubljana.

Finish: Piran.

Theme: Road cycling adventure.

Difficulty: 3.5/5

WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE?

This Slovenia Cycling Tour is ideal for cyclists who:

Enjoy Scenic Rides: Those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes and picturesque regions will find this adventure highly rewarding.
Prefer Leisurely Pace: Riders who are comfortable cycling for 3-5 hours at a moderate pace, rather than racing or engaging in high-intensity riding.
Like Group Activities: Cyclists who enjoy the camaraderie and support of riding in a group, sharing the experience, and celebrating achievements together.
Appreciate Local Culture: Individuals interested in exploring new areas and learning about local culture and customs while cycling.
Love Adventure: Those who seek a true cycling adventure with opportunities for both group riding on rolling terrain and individual or small group efforts on challenging climbs.
Value Safety and Support: Riders who appreciate the safety and encouragement that comes with a supportive team atmosphere, ensuring everyone finishes the ride happy and safe.

In summary, this experience caters to cyclists looking for a balanced, scenic, and culturally enriching adventure.

Additionally, the tour caters equally for non-riding partners who have their own daily itinerary planned with their own tour guide.

WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TRIP

A true cycling adventure across one of the most picturesque regions in the world, with its road quality, diverse landscapes, and breathtaking natural wonders.
Discover why the success of riders like Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar, and Matej Mohorič has put Slovenia on the map as a premier cycling destination.
Slovenian Vineyards and Quiet Country Roads are incredibly beautiful areas for road cycling.
Experience and conquer the Julian Alps, a climbers paradise bordering Italy and Austria.
The Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain road pass, offers incredible views of limestone rock formations, dramatic valleys, and classic hairpin bends.
Cycle into Italy and enjoy the remarkable Lago di Predel, an ancient glacial valley.
A day ride into Croatia will leave you breathless with its beauty.
Enjoy a boat trip to the only island in Slovenia located at the famous Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most photographed locations.
Fully supported rides with guides, mechanic, tools, and support vehicle.
Experience swimming in the lakes, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages or hiking through the National Parks.
Indulge in wellness treatments, sauna, and massages, all in the comfort of your hotels.
Our local tour guides will showcase the best that Slovenia has to offer.
Premium 4–5-star unique accommodation.
Long traditional Slovenian lunches and dinners with its local wines and produce.

THE APRÈS VÉLO SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BIKE. IT'S ABOUT THE APRÈS VÉLO LIFESTYLE AND CREATING FOND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.

🚲 RIDE

You will experience why Slovenia is an incredible and rewarding road cycling experience. The incredible success of Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar, and Matej Mohorič has put Slovenia on the map as a premier cycling destination.

🔎 DISCOVER

Discover its rich cultural history and why Slovenia is known as the 'green heart of Europe, boasting lush forests and vegetation covering around 50% of its land.

🍴 EAT

Experience a unique culinary journey with each region that we visit having its own authentic Slovenian cuisine.

🛏 REST

We understand the importance of down time, comfort and peace, and have structured our itinerary accordingly in peaceful and luxurious accommodation.

JOIN US ON OUR SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR

ITINERARY

5th June - WELCOME TO LJUBLJANA

Discover and explore this ancient, exotic city wrapped in European modernity. READ MORE >>

Our team will welcome you at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) to help with your luggage, before transferring you to your hotel in the heart of the capital. For those arriving a day earlier to unwind, transfers will still be provided at whatever time you arrive. Let us know if you would like us to arrange any extra accommodation for you.

Even though Ljubljana is Slovenia’s largest city, it feels more like a cozy, oversized town, with lots to see and do at your own pace, including half day tours which can be arranged through the hotel.

For those who have rented bikes, today is the perfect opportunity to ensure all is running smoothly.

In the afternoon you will have the option of a short/cruisy ride to stretch the legs and ensure the bikes are A-Okay.

Over an evening sundowner, you will get to meet your fellow adventurers and the Après Vélo team, who will provide a tour debriefing, which will be followed by a Group Welcome Dinner.

Your adventure has well and truly begun!

Dinner – Welcome dinner shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Grand Plaza Hotel

6th June - LJUBLJANA SCENIC RIDE

Distance – circa 60km
Elevation – Most of today's warm up route is flat

Today we will explore beautiful Ljubljana and its surroundings with its pretty pastel buildings, parks, churches and small city charm. READ MORE >>

Dinner – Shouted by Après Vélo at the beautiful Ana Ros
Accommodation – Grand Plaza Hotel

7th June - CIAO ITALIA

Distance – circa 58km
Elevation – 1156m

It's time to rise and climb on a mountainous day, from Kranjska Gora through to Lago di Predil in Italy, an ancient glacial valley situated near the Slovenian border. READ MORE >>

We will tackle Passo del Predil, in the Julian Alps (15.3 km long at an average percentage of 4.8%) and the Mangart Saddle, before descending to Predil Lake to join the non-riders for a picnic lunch.

Lunch – Picnic lunch at the Lake
Dinner – Shouted by Après Vélo at the hotel
Accommodation – Hotel Kranjska Gora

8th June - 50 SWITCHBACKS OF JULIAN ALPS

Distance – circa 35km (added mileage optional)
Elevation – 870m

Today we will be rewarded with some of the finest mountain roads in Europe as we journey towards the Vršič Pass in the Julian Alps. READ MORE >>

We will ride through 50 hairpin bends whilst enjoying stunning views, before descending to Soča Valley.

Lunch – Shouted by Après Vélo at Kekčeva Domačija
Dinner – Slovenian night at Jasna Chalet shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Hotel Kranjska Gora

9th June - REST DAY/TRANSFER

Today is a well-earned rest day for the riders as we transfer to a different region of Slovenia, with some great activities planned. READ MORE >>

After breakfast, we will make our way to Bled which is truly an image of paradise with its iconic fairy-tale church perched atop the tiny island in the middle of Lake Bled Bled, which we will visit by boat. This tourist gem of global dimensions on the edge of the Triglav National Park was nominated one of the seven new wonders of the world.

Thereafter we will visit Lake Bohinj, truly one of the most beautiful glassier lakes in the world, where we can have a refreshing swim or kayak before heading off to our lunch spot, for home-made traditional food and wine.

After lunch we will make our way to Vipolže Valley in the magical Brda region surrounded by fairytale like vinyards.

Lunch – Traditional Slovenian lunch shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – At one of the many famous wineries in the area shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Vipolže Villa (5 rooms only) + nearby accommodation.

10th June - VIPOLŽA VALLEY BRDA
Distance- circa 60km
Elevation – 540m

Today is all about rolling hills and gentle climbs as we cycle through charming and picturesque villages with castle ruins, historic towns and scenic views of Soča River. READ MORE >>

Let's not forget about the multitude of vineyards, too good not to stop and partake in a WINE SAFARI, a special experience indeed. No lions, zebras or giraffes on this Safari! Adwineture awaits. 😊

Lunch – Wine Safari shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – This evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Vipolže Villa (5 rooms only) + nearby accommodation.

11th June - SEASIDE PENINSULA
Distance – circa 80km
Elevation – 500m

After breakfast we will embark upon a short 90min transfer to the seaside peninsula town of Piran. READ MORE >>

After settling into our beautiful hotel, we will embark upon a seaside ride from Piran to Ankaran incorporating a mixture of flat and hilly scenic terrain including some gravel sectors.

Historic town centres, landmarks, coastal views, saltpans, vineyards and olive groves are all part of today's scenic ride.

Lunch – Shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – Shouted by Après Vélo at the hotel
Accommodation – Piran Hotel

12th June - CROATIA
Distance – circa 104km
Elevation – 640m

Today is our longest ride as we cross the border and ride into Croatia, once again experiencing a few gentle gravel sectors. Our destination is Motovun, the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval town in Croatia. READ MORE >>

The walled Motovun is one of the prettiest inland towns to visit in Istria and a great place to sample local cuisine and wine. What a great way to end the tour with a special long farewell lunch.

Bike and body transfers back to Piran thereafter. For those wishing to ride back to Slovenia, the option is open…just saying!

Long Farewell Lunch – Shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – This evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Piran Hotel

13th June - FAREWELL SLOVENIA

Tis' time to bid farewell to beautiful Slovenia.
After breakfast, our team will provide a transfer to Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS) unless you wish to extend your stay and take advantage of the optional day 10 (extra charges apply). Speak to us about organising additional days, accommodation, and tours in Slovenia.

14th June (optional) - PIRAN-VENICE-PIRAN

What a great opportunity for a day trip to Venice on the Catamaran Ferry. Speak to us about organising.

The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to route and hotel changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances prevailing at the time.

PRICES & DATES

INCLUSIONS

LUXURY ACCOMMODATION

Single occupancy and upgraded suite packages may be available with surcharge. Talk to us when booking.

9 days / 8 nights.

Nights 1-2. GRAND PLAZA HOTEL LJUBLJANA

Nights 3-4. HOTEL KRANJSKA GORA

Nights 5-6. VIPOLŽE VILLA (only 5 rooms available on a 1st book basis) + nearby accommodation.

Nights 7-8. PIRAN HOTEL

MEALS

All breakfasts, 6 x lunches, and 6 x dinners.
Snacks & hydration during the day. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required.
Alcohol with all meals excluding French champagne and premium branded beverages.

SUPPORT

Ride support with safety focus paramount. We recognise that no rider is the same and we ensure that no-one is left behind.
Min. 2 -3 guides on tour (1 bike mechanic).
Van support throughout the tour.
Bottled water.
On road nutrition & hydration. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required.

ACTIVITIES/TOURS (non-riding partners)

Guided tour of Ljubljana and its many attractions.
Hiking.
Cold/hot bath treatments.
Wellness Treatments (additional charge).
Vršič Pass.
Private guided tours along the way including Lake Bled boat trip.
Wine Tasting.
+ More.

TRANSFERS

Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) pick up.
Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS) drop off on 13th June.
All transfers throughout the duration of the trip.
Luggage & bike transfers.

GEAR

Après Vélo Cycling Jersey + Souvenir T-shirt.

NOT INCLUDED

Airfare.
Travel and personal insurance.
Additional hotel expenses i.e. in-room hotel charges, incidentals.
Rental bikes (Talk to us when booking).
Laundry. Facilities are available at your hotels for your convenience.

NON-RIDING PARTNERS

APRÈS VÉLO ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES NON-RIDING PARTNERS TO ATTEND OUR SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR.

Riders and non-riding partners partake in all meals, and post ride activities making it an inclusive and shared experience for all.

A specific itinerary will be put together for non-riding partners that will ensure an equally satisfying and fulfilling experience.

Non-Riding partners will receive a 10% discount off the quoted prices.

HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?

See our FAQs page for answers to common questions or contact us via email.