Cycle From the Alps to the Adriatic in Slovenia

Touch down at Ljubljana Airport in Slovenia, where your local host will meet you for the drive to Kranjska Gora, a charming alpine town tucked into the edge of the spectacular Triglav National Park. In the afternoon, meet your guide and fellow riders for a welcome briefing and bike fitting. Then head out on a gentle warm-up ride: either a short loop around Lake Jasna or, if time allows, a classic route into the Krnica Valley, climbing to a mountain hut before rolling back along a gravel road beside the Pisnica River. In the evening, stroll into town for dinner at a traditional Slovenian gostilna – a cosy spot with shared tables, ideal for getting to know the group over a hearty spread of seasonal fare like grilled trout, wild mushroom soup, roast meats and struklji dumplings.

Pedal out from the hotel and cycle along the eastern edge of the Julian Alps, passing through Gozd Martuljek on a smooth route to Mojstrana — a small mountaineering village at the foot of Triglav, Slovenia’s highest peak. You'll roll past the cascading Pericnik waterfall and ride into the peaceful Krma Valley, stopping for lunch at a local tavern serving traditional dishes like jota (a hearty bean and sauerkraut stew) and struklji (rolled dumplings). After lunch, continue on to the pastel-green waters of Lake Kreda, then descend through quiet alpine hamlets to the western shore of Lake Bled. Loop around the lake’s glassy turquoise waters, passing the island church and clifftop castle, before cooling off with a swim.

Start your day with a steady climb into Triglav National Park, from Lake Bled up to the forested Pokljuka Plateau, passing through the village of Zatrnik. As you reach the spruce woods, switch to gravel tracks and ride through the tranquil pastures of Zajamniki and Zajavornik, where clusters of wooden shepherd huts create a classic Slovenian mountain scene. Continue across the highland meadows of Goreljek, then enjoy a long gravel descent into the Bohinj basin which winds through one of the most scenic alpine pastures in the Julian Alps, with views across Zajamniki. It continues past the Uskovnica mountain hut and descends to the village of Studor, where you'll pass the region’s distinctive wooden hayracks. From there, roll past the narrow Mostnica Gorge to the shores of Lake Bohinj. Tucked beneath steep forested slopes and framed by the Julian Alps, Bohinj is a quieter and wilder lake than Bled – the perfect place for a swim or an evening wander.

Today you’ll journey from the central Julian Alps to their wilder western edge, where the emerald Soca River carves its way through limestone gorges. Begin your ride from Lake Bohinj along the Bohinj Cycle Trail, which links the lower and upper valleys as it follows the Sava Bohinjka River. You’ll pass through the traditional village of Stara Fuzina and across the sweeping meadows of Dobrava before reaching Bohinjska Bistrica. Here, hop aboard the historic Bohinj Railway for an hour, embarking on a spectacular journey through the mountains to Most na Soci. Back on the bike, you’ll follow the stunning, turquoise Soca River south on a mix of quiet roads and gravel trails, stopping to cross the old stone Napoleon Bridge and walk to the Kozjak Waterfall, set in a dramatic natural amphitheatre. Head to the warmer Nadiza River near Kobarid for a dip in its emerald pools. Your ride finishes up in the peaceful hilltop hamlet of Robidisce, Slovenia’s westernmost village, where forested hills meet traditional farm lands.

This morning you'll briefly hop across the border and cycle into Italy, descending down from Robidisce into the Friuli–Venezia Giulia region where stone villages and vineyards meet Alpine backdrops. Ride into Cividale del Friuli, a UNESCO-listed town where coffee and pastries await in its lively piazza. Continue cycling on lovely gravel roads all the way to the Collio Hills – straddling both countries, the area is renowned for its excellent wineries and gourmet traditions. Climb to the stone-built village of Smartno back in Slovenia, where you can take in the sweeping views from the Gonjace Tower. From here, the route weaves through the gloriously green vineyards and orchards of Goriska Brda, before descending once again to meet the Soca River at Solkan.

Today you’ll ride across the dramatic Karst Plateau, starting out by heading towards Nova Gorica, a town straddling the Italy–Slovenia border which was the European Capital of Culture in 2025. From here, pedal through the striking Red Karst, winding along quiet lanes and gravel tracks, surrounded by vineyards and characteristic red-soiled fields. Pass through terracotta-roofed villages like Pliskovica and Tomaj, typical of the Karst region's landscape. You’ll finish the ride near Sezana, where you can relax by the pool at your hotel before heading underground for a guided walking tour of the UNESCO-listed Skocjan Caves. Begin at Silent Cave, filled with towering stalagmites, before entering Murmuring Cave, where the Reka River thunders through one of Europe’s largest underground canyons. After crossing the soaring Cerkvenik Bridge above the gorge, the path winds past archaeological sites, natural bridges and vast sinkholes, emerging in the village of Matavun. The full route is about 5km, with a shorter 3km option available.

Your final ride begins with a cycle to the Lipica estate, an elegant stud farm home to the famed Lipizzaner horses. Pedal on to Kozina, then begin a long, flowing descent along a disused railway line that once linked the Karst Plateau to the port city of Trieste. After lunch in the city, board a boat across the Gulf of Trieste to Muggia. Back in saddle, continue your journey to follow the Parenzana Trail – a former narrow-gauge railway line turned scenic cycling route, which winds through olive groves, vineyards and fishing villages. Ride through the seaside town of Izola before reaching the terracotta rooftops of Piran. You’ll finish your cycling adventure in Tartini Square, where you can take in the sea views. Alps to Adriatic journey complete! As evening falls, celebrate your achievement with a well-earned seafood dinner as the sun sets over the coast, marking the end of your unforgettable cycling adventure.

After a final sea swim (if you fancy it) and breakfast by the coast, your group will be transferred back to Ljubljana Airport together. If you're not quite ready to call it a day, you can extend your adventure in Slovenia and get dropped off in Ljubljana city centre.