Slovenia Champions Ride
Bled's Majestic Beauty: Start your journey in the enchanting town of Bled, known for its stunning glacial lake and the iconic Bled Castle perched atop a cliff.
Cycling through Alpine Wonders: Embark on an epic road cycling adventure through the Julian Alps, with breathtaking mountain vistas and challenging climbs that will test your mettle.
Triglav National Park: Venture into Triglav National Park, Slovenia's only national park, and pedal through lush forests and alongside crystal-clear rivers in a truly unspoiled natural environment.
Champion Routes: Follow in the tracks of cycling legends as you conquer routes made famous by the Tour de France, the Giro d'Italia, and other prestigious races.
Adrenaline-Fueled Descents: Experience exhilarating downhill descents that reward your uphill efforts, offering a thrilling ride through the stunning alpine scenery. First Hand Experience
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Departure
Daily from April 25 to October 3, 2026
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Starting Point
Ljubljana
Total Distance
557 km
Activity Level
Sportive
Are you ready for the ultimate cycling challenge?
The Slovenia Champions Ride offers just that. Rise to the challenge of the country’s seven highest mountain passes as you ride 90-100 kms per day through a landscape of sweeping vistas, gushing rivers and waterfalls, lush meadows, shimmering alpine lakes and mountain peaks whose majestic beauty will spur you onward even at the toughest of moments. Along with the natural beauty, you can also take time out to visit some fascinating castles, eat great food, drink sumptuous wine, and much more in this small but wonderfully diverse country.
Itinerary
Arrival in Ljubljana. Once settled in go to the city center, where you can spend the rest of the day strolling around the lovely historic old town, and take a short walk or ride up to the Ljubljana Castle. Perched on a hill and standing guard over the old town, this is Ljubljana’s most distinctive feature. From its tower you get a commanding view of the capital’s heart and soul. As the sun goes down you can relax with a drink in the many outdoor bars/cafes beside the Ljubljanica River, or take an evening stroll, enjoying the lights and vibrant sounds of the city. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel M)
Today marks the departure from the urban landscape as you venture northward towards the breathtaking Kamnik Alps, a mountain range that extends from Slovenia to Austria. The majestic summits of Grintovec (2558 m) and Storzic (2132 m) will command your attention as you pedal toward the picturesque town of Kamnik. Explore the remnants of two ancient castles and savor a leisurely coffee in the charming old town. Continuing your cycling journey, you’ll delve deeper into the heart of the Kamnik Alps, ultimately arriving at the enchanting Logar Valley (Logarska Dolina). This tranquil alpine glacial valley will be your haven for the night, offering a serene retreat in the embrace of nature’s grandeur. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Plesnik)
Embarking from the serene Logar Valley, your cycling adventure continues towards a realm of enchantment, guided by the Pavlic Pass. Along this picturesque journey, you’ll encounter the idyllic alpine lake of Jezersko and the equally captivating artificial lake at Preddvor. Both are graced with stunning natural scenery. As you revel in the beauty that surrounds you, each lake will offer a moment of respite and appreciation for nature’s artistry. The day will end at the pearl of Slovenia’s northern region, Lake Bled. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Lovec)
Lake Bled, with its beautiful church sitting on an island in the middle of the lake and guarded by a medieval hilltop castle, is the stuff of fairy tales. Start or end your day here with a boat ride to the island and a ride up to the castle for a panoramic view of the lake and glacial valley. Your cycling day will take you to the old village of Kropa, where you can visit the iron forging museum dedicated to the town’s blacksmith trade, and the iron-smelting town of Železniki. You’ll weave your way back to Bled through forests, along rivers and around lake Bled in the end. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Lovec)
Leaving Bled, you will first ride your bike to the little village of Begunje, famous for being the birthplace of Slovenia’s folk music legend: Slavko Avsenik. As well as the Avsenik restaurant and museum, you can also visit Kamen Castle and the well preserved Robacnek Mill. Here you will leave Slovenia temporarily and head into Austria via the centuries-old Ljubel Pass, running close to Mount Stol (the highest peak in the Karavanke Alps), and then loop around back into Slovenia via the Koren Pass. Final destination for the day is charming town of Kranjska Gora.(Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel Kompas)
Today’s journey takes you from the Slovenian Alps to the Italian Alps. You’ll cross the border and make your way to Tarvisio. Nestled between the Julian, Karavanke, and Canal Alps, Tarvisio offers a picturesque spot to take a break, savor a cappuccino, and bask in the sunny vistas before tackling the incredible Predel Pass, nestled between Mt. Mangart and Mt. Kanin. On the descent, you’ll re-enter Slovenia, journeying through the radiant emerald Soča Valley, passing through the villages of Kobarid and Tolmin. (Accommodation in 3* hotel, example: Hotel Dvorec)
Your route today will eventually take you back to the Slovene capital. Get up early enough and you can visit the Tolmin Gorge, the lowest and southernmost entry point into Triglav National Park. Visit the thermal springs under Devil’s Bridge. Your cycling route to Ljubljana will take you through the Cerkno Hills, where you’ll ride from the alpine region to the Dinaric Karst region of the southwest. (Accommodation in 4* hotel, example: Hotel M)
After breakfast, your tour comes to an end. If you wish to extend your cycling holiday in Slovenia, consider our Emerald Tour from Ljubljana to Adriatic coast.
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.
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- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
Season A: 460 EUR;
Season B 540 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 420 EUR;
Season B: 490 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 rental 270 EUR.*
Every additional day 55 EUR per bike. - Electric bike rental 280 EUR. *
Every additional day 50 EUR.
- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
* 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, 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 110 EUR. Single room 210 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 125 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Ljubljana
Season A: Double Room 105 EUR. Single room 165 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 177 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
557 km
75% regional country roads, 5% cycleways, 20% main road (town approach sections)
100% asphalt and paved
Sportive – For riders who go on longer day tours at home, cycle to the neighboring town and have a solid physical condition. The terrain can be hilly and even if there are several ascents between the stage towns. Average daily elevation gains exceed 1.000 meters.
Accommodation
Helia supports responsible travel. On our trips we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character operated by locals or their families. Here you can find the list of standard accommodation we primarily use on the trip. The actual hotels may differ from this list, depending on time of booking and rooms availability.
- Day 1: M hotel 4* in Ljubljana
- Day 2: Hotel Plesnik 4* in Logarska Dolina
- Day 3: Hotel Lovec, Kompas, Savica 4* or Astoria 3*Sup in Bled
- Day 4: Hotel Lovec, Kompas, Savica 4* or Astoria 3*Superior in Bled
- Day 5: Hotel Kompas 4* in Kranjska Gora
- Day 6: Hotel Dvorec 3* in Tolmin
- Day 7: M hotel 4* in Ljubljana
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Ljubljana in NW Slovenia.
Getting to Ljubljana and back
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it. From the airport you can travel to Ljubljana by minivan shuttles, by bus or book our transfer – Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana Downtown.
By bus: several Flixbus lines stop in Ljubljana.
By train: Ljubljana is the main railway hub of Slovenia, well served from all directions. Our standard first hotel is two km away, so you’d best take a taxi.
By car: the city of Ljubljana is centrally located in Slovenia and all motorways go there.
Available Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Ljubljana
1-3 persons 90 EUR
4-8 persons 130 EUR
Trieste Airport to Ljubljana
1-3 persons 315 EUR
4-8 persons 350 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 road 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.