Tour Type
Explorer
Riding Level
Leisure
Location
Slovenia
Duration
7 nights | 8 days
Length
22 - 110 km
Climb
350 - 2,800 m
Get ready to feel the love in this hidden green country - it's what inspired the official national slogan: I feel SLOVEnia. This is where you'll find the majestic mountains and turquoise rivers that shaped champions like Primož Roglič and Tadej Pogačar. Join us to ride the countries legendary routes and earn your own stories on the amazing roads of their homeland.
Slovenia is a true cyclist’s paradise, boasting an incredible tapestry of landscapes in a compact area. You will cycle through ordered and fertile countryside, passing through beautiful villages and cities, before reaching the truly unforgettable: majestic mountain roads and high passes surrounded by breathtaking alpine scenery and turquoise rivers.
This tour provides a full spectrum of riding: from tranquil, steady routes to epic climbs and bucket-list challenges in inspiring environments. We’ve meticulously designed the itinerary to be more than just about the bike; we’ll immerse you in authentic Slovenian culture, cuisine, and a fascinating, rich history.
Whether you’re a passionate cyclist or just getting started, this tour is for you. Routes can be easily shortened or extended daily, and with our support vehicles, cultural visits, and extra experiences, non-cyclist family members are warmly welcome to join the adventure.
We will meet you at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport and arrange for a transfer to our hotel in Ljubljana. After check-in, we’ll help you get your bike set up and then set off for a short afternoon warm-up ride out into the countryside surrounding Ljubljana.
Back at the hotel, we’ll do final adjustments to the bikes, give out the GTP kit and hold a welcome meeting followed by dinner in the hotel.
Today, we leave the capital behind with two fantastic options as we pedal toward the stunning Julian Alps and the town of Bled. There is a sweet flat and direct spin primarily along well-maintained cycle routes straight to Lake Bled; or the more challenging, scenic detour that climbs up toward the Austrian border. This route features the renowned Zgornje Jezersko climb, a testing ground where professional teams regularly train. After a quick recovery stop, you’ll enjoy the exhilarating descent before rolling into beautiful Bled.
After breakfast, we’ll set out on a loop ride starting around Lake Bled, cruising past the iconic Church of Mary the Queen situated on the island, past Bled Castle, and on towards Zgornje Gorje.
The main challenge awaits as we follow the route of the 2020 Slovenia National Championship Time Trial to Pokljuka, including some steep sections! This route is 15.7km, and for inspiration, remember that Tadej Pogačar won it in 31 minutes and 10 seconds. Refreshments will be provided after our attempt to maintain a similar pace to the professionals. From there, we will calmly ride through forests to Slovenia’s largest natural lake and possibly most beautiful, Bohinjsko jezero. Now is a fantastic opportunity to dive into the crystal waters for a swim and enjoy a relaxing picnic lunch by the shore. Then, it’s a very pleasant ride back to Bled.
We depart Bled and quickly make our way to the base of the legendary Vršič Pass. This climb is an essential bucket-list ride, featuring 50 switchbacks in total, 24 of which are the famous, historically preserved cobblestone hairpins on the northern side. You will feel like you’ve stepped back in time as you grind up the Pass, surrounded by towering limestone peaks and dramatic alpine scenery. The effort is rewarded tenfold by the monumental views from the summit – Slovenia’s highest road pass.
From the top, enjoy a magnificent, sweeping descent that winds down into the stunning Soča Valley. The vibrant, turquoise-green Soča River will be our constant companion as we cruise through the valley to the adventure town of Bovec, where we’ll relax and refuel for the night.
After three riding days, today is dedicated to pure adventure and recovery in the stunning Soča Valley. Bovec is renowned as Slovenia’s adrenaline capital, and we’ll take advantage of the crystal-clear, emerald waters of the Soča River. You can choose to have an an exhilarating morning of guided white-water rafting or kayaking down the Soča; for the truly adventurous, we offer a chance to explore deep gorges by rappelling down waterfalls and jumping into natural pools; or alternatively, enjoy a leisurely morning exploring the quiet trails along the river and swimming in the crystal clear waters. Of course if you wish to ride, that too is available – road or mountain biking.
We begin with the main objective: the sensational ascent to Mangart Saddle (over ). This climb is an engineering marvel, winding through five hand-carved tunnels to reach the highest paved road in the country, providing jaw-dropping panoramic views of the Julian Alps and the Dolomites.
The shorter option wraps up after a thrilling descent from Mangart, to Sella Nevea and the Fiume river valley. The team will transfer you back to Bovec. The longer option is a true international challenge. After Mangart, you will dip further south into Italy before crossing the border back into Slovenia. This demanding loop adds rewarding distance and elevation before you arrive in Zaga via a stunning road through the mountains.
We begin in Bovec with a stunning ride along a quieter, southeastern segment of the Soča Valley. The route is designed to be scenic and reflective, giving you a chance to spin out your legs after the massive effort on Mangart. We’ll follow the river a little longer before turning east, moving through charming villages and beautiful countryside as the Julian Alps gradually recede behind us.
The ride will conclude when you choose and where we will enjoy a final celebratory picnic lunch. From here, the team will provide a transfer back to Ljubljana or to accommodation near the airport. A final dinner together to toast your achievements and this beautiful green country.
Sadly, today we bid you farewell. After breakfast, we’ll help you pack up and get you to Ljubljana Airport. Or you may opt to stay and explore more of lovely Slovenia, after all we have only experienced a small corner of this green country.
We hope that this tour of Slovenia was an eye opener – it certainly was for us! Spread the love, share your photos – Slovenia and Grand Tours Project have so much more to offer.
Get in touch if this tour intrigues you!
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We look forward to riding with you!
