Slovenia Champions Road Ride
(2 ratings)
Fully renewed for 2027 — new route
Kisovec and the monument to Primož Roglič
Krvavec — Pogačar's training climb — and his home roads of Komenda
Podblica (Matej Mohorič) and the panoramic church of Jamnik
Queen stage over Vršič and Predel — almost 2.000 m of climbing
Roads from a possible 2029 Tour de France Grand Départ Departure
Daily departures
Duration
8 Days / 7 Nights
Starting Point
Arrival in Ljubljana
Total Distance
493 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.
How challenging is the Slovenia Champions Ride?
This tour is designed for experienced road cyclists with good fitness. It includes
long alpine climbs, demanding stages, and routes inspired by professional cycling.
Is this tour inspired by Slovenian professional cyclists?
Yes. The route follows iconic roads and climbs frequently used by Slovenia’s top
professional riders, including areas where they trained and raced.
What type of bike is recommended for this tour?
A lightweight road bike with a wide gear range is recommended, as the tour includes
several sustained and steep climbs.
Is the tour guided or self-guided?
The Slovenia Champions Ride is offered as a self-guided cycling tour with GPS tracks,
route notes, and full local support. Guided options may be available on request.
Itinerary
Arrive in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s lively capital and the starting point of your road cycling journey.
Depending on your arrival time, take a relaxed walk through the old town, along the Ljubljanica River, or up to Ljubljana Castle before the serious riding begins.
The first stage leaves Ljubljana and heads into the rolling roads of central Slovenia. After leaving the capital, the route passes GEOSS near Vače, the geometric centre of Slovenia, before continuing towards Kisovec, the home area of Primož Roglič.
Kisovec is the symbolic highlight of the day. Here, riders pass the monument dedicated to Roglič, celebrating one of Slovenia’s greatest cycling champions and the remarkable journey from ski jumper to Grand Tour winner.
From Kisovec, the route continues over varied, rolling terrain towards Kamnik, a historic town at the foot of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps. This is a proper opening stage for road cyclists: not the hardest day of the tour, but already long and hilly enough to set the tone for the week.
Today brings the first major climbing challenge of the tour: Krvavec, one of Slovenia’s best-known road cycling ascents and a serious test for any rider. The climb is closely linked with the training roads of Tadej Pogačar and offers the first real “champion’s challenge” of the journey.
After the descent, the route passes through Komenda, Pogačar’s home area, before continuing west across rolling roads and smaller villages towards Škofja Loka.
The stage combines a demanding climb, fast connecting sections and classic Slovenian countryside riding. Škofja Loka, with its medieval old town and castle, makes a beautiful overnight stop — but for road cyclists, the main memory of the day will be the Krvavec climb.
This stage connects several Slovenian sporting stories in one scenic and varied road cycling day.
From Škofja Loka, the route heads into the Selška Valley towards Dolenja vas near Železniki, an area associated with the Prevc family and Slovenia’s ski-jumping champions. The story then shifts back to cycling as the route continues towards Podblica, the home village of Matej Mohorič.
Podblica lies on the lower part of the climb towards Jamnik, so the route naturally links Mohorič’s home roads with one of Slovenia’s most recognisable cycling viewpoints. The climb to Jamnik, with its famous hilltop church and panoramic views over the Gorenjska region, is the clear highlight of the day.
From Jamnik, the route descends through Kropa and Radovljica before finishing at Lake Bled. This is one of the most complete stages of the tour: sporting heritage, beautiful roads, a classic climb and a spectacular finish.
A big alpine road cycling stage from Bled to Kranjska Gora.
The route first heads towards Lake Bohinj, one of the most beautiful corners of the Julian Alps, before turning upwards to the forested Pokljuka plateau. The climb to Pokljuka is long and steady — a real endurance effort rather than a short punchy ascent.
After reaching the plateau, the route continues through quieter alpine roads and descends towards the Radovna Valley, one of the most peaceful and scenic approaches to Kranjska Gora.
The day finishes in Slovenia’s best-known alpine sports resort, surrounded by the high peaks of the Julian Alps. For strong road cyclists, this is a superb mountain-transition stage: long, scenic and physically demanding without being as extreme as the queen stage that follows.
This is the queen stage of the tour and the most iconic climbing day.
From Kranjska Gora, the route climbs the legendary Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s most famous road cycling ascent, known for its hairpin bends, cobbled sections and dramatic high-mountain scenery. It is the kind of climb every serious road cyclist wants to experience in Slovenia.
After crossing Vršič, the route descends towards the Soča Valley before continuing over Predil/Predel Pass into Italy. The loop then returns via Tarvisio and the cycle corridor back towards Kranjska Gora.
With two major passes and almost 2,000 metres of climbing, this is a demanding alpine loop and the hardest day of the tour. It is challenging, spectacular and unforgettable.
The final stage leaves the Julian Alps and follows the foothills eastwards towards Preddvor. After the big mountain days, the profile is faster and less vertical, but this is still a proper road cycling stage with rolling terrain, smaller climbs and excellent riding roads.
The route passes Jesenice and Tržič before reaching the Preddvor area, where the final challenge awaits: the climb to Možjanca, the deciding climb of the 2026 European Road Championships. It is not a long alpine pass, but it is steep enough to make a strong final test, especially after a week of demanding riding. Finish in Preddvor with a well-earned sense of achievement.
The tour ends after breakfast in Preddvor. 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: 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 or gravel 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
493 km
6,435 m
6,334 m
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: 4★ hotel in Ljubljana
- Day 2: 3★ hotel in Kamnik
- Day 3: 3★ hotel in Škofja Loka
- Day 4: 3★/4★ hotel in Bled
- Day 5: 3★/4★ hotel in Kranjska Gora
- Day 6: 3★/4★ hotel in Kranjska Gora
- Day 7: 3★ guesthouse in Preddvor
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.
What Our Guests Say
Travelled with us? Share your experience
We did the Slovenia Champions Ride as a couple from the Netherlands and absolutely loved it. Riding through Slovenia, Austria, and Italy was an amazing experience, with challenging climbs and stunning alpine scenery every day.
The highlight was definitely the Mangart Saddle—tough but unforgettable. Some roads were a bit busier than we’re used to back home, but Slovenian drivers were very courteous, and we always felt safe.
A fantastic tour for strong riders looking for a real alpine challenge.
Dear Matija and team
Now I'm back in Germany and I 'd like to give you a short review of my experience.
Thank you so much for the planning, everything was perfect, this cycling tour was the best ever.
All stages had the right length and elevation, there was enough time to see your culture (world war museums, Postojna cave, Jasna lake, Mangart.....). It was exactly as I had imagined this trip.
First of all, it's the policy of your country:all these "Slovenia goes green" signs, all these cyclist friendly roads, nearly everywhere a lane for the bicycles, love these old railway paths (Mostrana-Travesio, Stanovisce-Tolmin) exclusively for us, all tarmac roads in perfect conditions, even if there's no special space, the slovenian car drivers are paying attention. I like the way Sloveniens are : lost my wallet at the slap Pericnik and I was sure that someone would find it and let me know and this is exactly what happened.
It's impossible to say which stage was the best, all were beautiful.
The Guesthouse Ursa in Preddvor was by far the best hotel. Ursa was a sensational host, she provided me with a lot of information, warm-hearted and personal. I could stop my trip here and stay for a week in Preddvor. All other hotels were big and impersonal, if I were to repeat this journey, I would choose smaller hotels (but I understand, it's a lot of work for these Guesthouses just for one night).
If you like to hear something negative as well: your route guidance leads me to Hotel Park in Bled, it took an hour to find Hotel Trigrav in Jezero in the pouring rain. This hotel has seen better days, beautiful view, lovely furnishings, but no food in the evening, no food in Jerezo, long way to Bled in the thunderstorm.
I understand this whole track was a project (Italy/Slovenia), without the sedlo I would have missed this beautiful valley (but the Soca valley to Kobarid is beautiful as well).
But these are minor details.
It was a perfect summer holiday! I will come back, perhaps with Bohinj Lake, Predjamski Grad, Maribor, Celje...
In the meantime I will share my experience with my biker friends and will highly recommend planning and booking with you.