Highlights of Slovenia Road Bike
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Climb through the forests of Pokljuka and ride into the Bohinj Valley
Cross Sorica Pass and explore medieval Škofja Loka
Enjoy an evening in Ljubljana’s riverside old town
Discover the Karst: hilltop Štanjel, vineyards and stone villages
Ride past Lipica, the historic home of the Lipizzaner horses
Finish your journey on the Adriatic coast Departure
Daily departures
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting Point
Arrival to Bled
Total Distance
388 km
Activity Level
Medium
Highlights of Slovenia Road Cycling Tour - Biking from Alps to Adriatic on a fast track!
For lovers of the fast lane, this “Highlights of Slovenia Road Cycling Tour” whisks you through the majority of Slovenia‘s greatest historical places, along with the many natural wonders this diverse little country has to offer from the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps to the hot, sunny seaside towns of the Adriatic coast. It is suitable for cyclists with a good fitness level.
Considering a pre-trip? Have a look at our Salzburg to Lake Bled
What is included in the Highlights of Slovenia road cycling tour?
The Highlights of Slovenia road cycling tour features the most scenic road cycling routes across Slovenia, combining beautiful lakes, charming towns and picturesque countryside. It is designed for cyclists who want to experience Slovenia’s top highlights on quiet, well-maintained roads.
How long does the Highlights of Slovenia cycling tour last?
The Highlights of Slovenia road cycling tour is a multi-day itinerary, ideal for riders who want to explore several regions of Slovenia and enjoy a varied cycling experience over consecutive days.
Is this tour available as a self-guided cycling trip?
Yes, the tour is available as a self-guided cycling trip. Riders receive GPS navigation, detailed route information and local support, allowing them to cycle at their own pace.
What level of difficulty is the Highlights of Slovenia tour?
The tour is of moderate difficulty and is suitable for reasonably fit cyclists with some experience in multi-day road cycling and riding on hilly terrain.
When is the best time to ride the Highlights of Slovenia road cycling tour?
The best time to ride this tour is from spring to autumn, when weather conditions are ideal for cycling and Slovenia’s landscapes are at their most beautiful.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bled, the famous lakeside town with its island church and clifftop castle. Hike to Mala Osojnica for the best view of all.
Leave Bled and begin the climb towards Pokljuka, where the road rises through forested slopes into a quieter alpine setting. This is the first substantial climbing day of the journey, so find a comfortable rhythm and enjoy the changing views as you gain height.
From the plateau, descend towards the Bohinj Valley. The scenery opens into mountain meadows and village landscapes before you reach Lake Bohinj, set beneath the high peaks of Triglav National Park.
Allow time to pause by the water and enjoy the contrast between the forested climb and the open lakeside scenery. Continue to Bohinjska Bistrica for the evening, completing a varied road-cycling stage from Bled into the heart of Bohinj.
The day begins with the climb from Bohinj towards Sorica Pass. As you leave the valley, the roads take you into a more secluded landscape of wooded hillsides, mountain views and small settlements.
Descend through the Selška Valley towards Železniki, a town with a long ironworking tradition. Further on, Škofja Loka offers an inviting stop among medieval streets, riverside buildings and the castle above the old centre.
The final part of the stage leads towards Ljubljana, where the countryside gives way to Slovenia’s capital. After a full day on the bike, explore the pedestrian old town or enjoy dinner beside the Ljubljanica River. The stage combines a mountain crossing with two very different historic towns.
Leave Ljubljana and ride across the Ljubljansko Barje, a broad landscape of open fields, waterways and small villages. The gentler opening gives you time to enjoy the countryside before the route turns towards the hills beyond Vrhnika.
As the road climbs towards Postojna, the landscape changes to forest and Karst country. It is a day of contrasts: the open marsh plain near the capital gives way to quieter inland roads and a more rolling profile.
The route takes you past Predjama Castle, whose dramatic position beneath a limestone cliff makes a memorable stop. Pause to admire the setting, or allow extra time for an optional visit inside, before continuing to Postojna, your overnight base in a region famous for its underground landscapes.
Before leaving Postojna, you can choose to visit Postojna Cave. Plan your ride around the visit if you decide to include it, then return to the bike for the changing landscapes towards the Karst.
The route leads towards Štanjel, where clustered stone houses and narrow lanes give the hilltop village its distinctive character. Take a break to explore the old centre and enjoy the views across the surrounding countryside.
Continue through the Karst landscape to Komen, with stone-built villages and vineyards setting the scene for the afternoon. Finish in a region known for its wine and local food — an inviting place to slow down and enjoy the evening after the ride.
Set off from Komen through the Karst countryside, where stone villages, vineyards and quiet roads give the day a distinctive local character. Continue towards Sežana, with the option of a break in town or a visit to its botanical garden.
From Sežana, ride on to Lipica, the historic home of the Lipizzaner horses. The pastures and tree-lined avenues create a memorable setting; if you would like to visit the stud farm, allow time for an optional stop before continuing.
The final stretch brings you to Divača, your base for the night. This stage offers a chance to enjoy the Karst at an unhurried pace, balancing the riding with whichever visits interest you most.
If you missed the Postojna Caves, don’t worry—you can explore the Škocjan Caves this morning.
Enjoy a cappuccino or gelato in the charming old harbor town of Muggia. There's also a new cycling path along the coast, following the route of the old railway line, offering stunning views of Slovenia's modest yet beautiful coastline.
Be sure to stop in Portorož, part of the Slovenian Riviera, before concluding your trip in the picturesque Venetian harbor town of Piran.
The tour ends after breakfast in Piran. Continue independently or reserve one of the optional private transfers listed below.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- Seven nights accommodation in 3* / 4* hotels and guesthouses in two bedded ensuite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast.
- Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Lufthansa airline dimensions. Every additional piece 30 EUR per trip, payable on spot.
- Welcome meeting and bike handover.
- Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form. One download per adult person. Every additional download 15 EUR.
- Local tourist and other taxes.
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip
- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
Season A: 355 EUR;
Season B: 385 EUR;
Season C 395 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is travelling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 295 EUR;
Season B: 335 EUR;
Season C: 395 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Ljubljana City Center location supplement:
Season A and B 45 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 70 EUR.
Season C 60 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 90 EUR. - Road racing bike or gravel bike 270 EUR. *
Every additional day 50 EUR per bike. - Electric bike rental 280 EUR. *
Every additional day 50 EUR.
* Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 7.
- Printed information package in English or German, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival 30 EUR.
Price is per person per night.
- 4* Hotel in Bled
Season A: Double Room 100 EUR. Single room 195 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 210 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 125 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica
Season A: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 185 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 120 EUR. Single room 200 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 135 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Ljubljana
Season A: Double Room 95 EUR. Single room 150 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 105 EUR. Single room 165 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 177 EUR. - Guesthouse in Karst Area
Season A: Double Room 65 EUR. Single room 95 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 70 EUR. Single room 100 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 80 EUR. Single room 110 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Piran
Season A: Double Room 120 EUR. Single room 185 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 145 EUR. Single room 195 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 165 EUR. Single room 215 EUR.
- Third adult person in a double room on auxiliary bed: 10% discount. This discount only applies to third person only (not all persons in the party).
Entrance fees, lunches, dinners, additional transfers, not mentioned in tour program.
Route Profile
392 km
75% regional country roads, 10% cycleways, 15% main road (town approach sections)
100% asphalt and paved
Challenging – Suitable for regular cyclists who are comfortable with longer rides and sustained climbs. Daily stages typically involve 500–1,000 metres of ascent, so a good level of fitness will help you enjoy the route at your own pace.
Accommodation
Carefully selected 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses, with ensuite rooms and breakfast. The exact accommodation may vary according to availability while the published comfort level is maintained.
- Day 1: Hotel Savica, Kompas, Lovec 4* or Astoria 3*Superior in Bled
- Day 2: Eco Bohinj Hotel 4* in Bohinjska Bistrica
- Day 3: M Hotel 4* in Ljubljana
- Day 4: Hotel Kras 4* in Postojna
- Day 5: Guesthouse Špacapan 3* in Karst Area
- Day 6: Hotel Malovec 3* in Divača
- Day 7: Hotel Piran 4* in Piran
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Bled in NW Slovenia.
Getting to Bled
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it. From the airport you can travel to Bled by bus (change once, takes about two hrs) or book our transfer: Ljubljana Airport to Bled (faster – 20 min).
By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce-Bled on the Villach – Ljubljana mainline, four km away from town center, you’ll need to take a bus or call us, we’ll give you a lift for free. The other is Bled-Jezero on the Jesenice – Nova Gorica sideline only a few trains a day. Two km away from town center, call us and we’ll give you a lift.
By car: take exit Lesce from A1 motorway Ljubljana – Jesenice, Karavanke. Please consult us about parking options.
Back from Piran
By plane: closest airport is Trieste, 50 km NW. We can best arrange you a transfer. Next is Ljubljana (LJU). You can return to Ljubljana by bus, train or our transfer.
By train: Koper railway station is 15 km away from Piran. Trains leave from here to Ljubljana. If you wish to travel onward to Rijeka (Croatia) you need to change in Pivka, however, only a few trains cross the border! There are no train connections to Italy, you’ll need to travel first to Trieste.
By boat: there are ferries operating to Greece from Koper and seasonal sailings along the Slovene coast to Croatia. Also – the daily catamaran service can shorten your trip to Venice!
By car: if your car is in Ljubljana, you can return there by bus or train. Our transfer is available.
Available Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Bled
1-3 persons 90 EUR
4-8 persons 130 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled
1-3 persons 130 EUR
4-8 persons 170 EUR
Villach to Bled
1-3 persons 170 EUR
4-8 persons 200 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled
1-3 persons 200 EUR
4-8 persons 240 EUR
Trieste Airport to Bled
1-3 persons 375 EUR
4-8 persons 420 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station to Bled
1-3 persons 20 EUR
4-8 persons 30 EUR
Piran to Trieste City
1-3 persons 165 EUR
4-8 persons 200 EUR
Piran to Trieste Airport
1-3 persons 175 EUR
4-8 persons 210 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana City
1-3 persons 225 EUR
4-8 persons 265 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana Airport
1-3 persons 250 EUR
4-8 persons 290 EUR
Piran to Bled
1-3 persons 290 EUR
4-8 persons 320 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- Helmet
Only for self-guided tours: per two bikes – one repair kit, one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, Allen keys and tire levers. + one combination lock.
If you intend to use your own pedals, bring with you tools to mount and remove pedals from the bikes.
What Our Guests Say
Travelled with us? Share your experience
We were extremely pleased with everything about this trip. The support of the staff answering questions prior to our departure was fabulous and everything was just as expected along the way. We got the Trek bikes we had requested and they were in great working order.
Superb trip. Lovely route through Slovenia. Excellent hotels. Baggage transfers worked like clockwork. A great way to discover the country. Exceeded expectations. Top tip: Make sure you have a handlebar mount for your phone.
We would like to let you and your company know that that our experience in Slovenia now sits at the top of our list of all the self guided bike tours we have done. It was exactly what we were looking for in a comprehensive tour, and everything was very professional. We have been and will continue to HIGHLY recommend to our friends and anyone else who asks, that they sign up for this tour. Thank you all for this unforgettable experience.
we loved our trip! thank you so much for a wonderful experience.
It was wonderful travelling through the beautiful natur of Slowenia by bike. The navigation with your App was very helpful and it was very good that you informed about all the interesting things on the way. So we visited the cave and the castle in Postojna, the lipizzaner horses, Ferrari Garden and many lovely cafes, lakes and places. The extra night in Piran was a good idea, because it is wonderful there. Thank you for organizing the trip.
Very good Slovenia, very clean, very good road, many cycle paths, good hotel,beautiful landscape.
The M Hotel at Ljubljana is too far from center. It would be interesting to have a hotel or B B in the center. Other suggestion. You would choose for one or two nights, apartmaji or “ chez L habitant". It an opportunity to stay with the people.
Very good. Excellent route and hotels all good. Only issue was the bikes. Mine had a problem (possibly bottom bracket) but managed to get it changed the day after notifying. The new bike however had an issue with the brakes (not great for some long descents we were doing!) so I had to take the bike to a bike shop to try and sort out – there was just a slight improvement. The bike was comfortable, just needing some maintenance.