Slovenia Guided Bike Tour

Best of Slovenia!

2024 Tour Dates: September 5 – 12

This tour will be accompanied by Chuck & Judy Nichols

The tiny country of Slovenia is an undiscovered gem for biking. Nestled between the Alps and the Adriatic Sea, Slovenia has a wealth of uncrowded roads, wonderful walking trails, fantastic scenery and friendly people. Mountain lakes and pastoral farmland sit juxtaposed with medieval castles and vineyards dating back to Roman times. Comfortable lodgings, hearty local food and tasty local wines add to this unforgettable biking adventure!

Perhaps the first question that most people ask before coming on our Slovenia Bike Tour is “Where is Slovenia?” This tiny country is located on the sunny side of the Alps between Austria, Italy, Hungary and Croatia. Here, one finds a land of fantastic scenery and natural beauty; alpine peaks tower above pastoral farm valleys and mountain lakes reflect the alpenglow of sunset. Vineyards dominate the eastern portion of the country and medieval castles emerge from tree-covered hillsides and echo a rich past. The rural character of Slovenia makes it a natural for cycling.

2024 Price: €2,800 Euros/pp (double occupancy), €350 Euros single supplement

BIKE RENTALS: Hybrid bike or Road bike rental /€140 Euros, Electric bike rentals /€270, Helmet Rental €20

Charters Tours Available

Price Includes:
  • 7 nights hotel
  • 7 breakfasts and 7 dinners (beginning with dinner Day 1 to breakfast Day 10)
  • wine tasting
  • support vehicle w/ driver & bilingual local guide
Price Does Not Include:

International flights, Bike rental, helmet rental, lunches, beverages, gratuities for local guide & driver.

Slovenia has a fascinating history influenced by numerous empires and conquering nations. It existed under the Hapsburg dynasty from the early 14th century until the end of WWI, and by the middle of the 20th century became part of Yugoslavia. In 1991, Slovenia declared its independence and has remained a prosperous, peaceful nation that tourists are just beginning to discover. Formally recognized by the European Community in 1992, it was admitted into the European Union in 2004. Slovenian people are friendly, industrious, easy going and many speak English, making travel rather easy.

The dry weather and warm sunny days of late summer make this the perfect time for cycling, and with the seasonal harvest underway, there will be plenty of fresh produce and good local wines to treat the palate. During the tour, we will use a comfortable van to connect a few of the more distant areas of the tour. This tour crosses a large part of Slovenia and visits the most unique and interesting places to highlight the diversity, history and beauty of this little known country.

So, the next time someone asks, “Where is Slovenia?” you can say, “It’s that little country where I’m going on my next vacation!” We hope you will join us on this fun cycling adventure in one of Europe’s most undiscovered regions.

Tour Difficulty

This tour is for experienced riders.  Slovenia is a hilly country and each day you can expect 40 to 65 km of riding. Many days include hill climbs of more than 3,000 feet.  If you are not accustomed to this amount of climbing, we strongly suggest that you rent an ebike.

  • Difficulty: Hilly ride with many days that have more than 3,000 feet of climbing
  • Road Conditions: Smooth & Paved
  • Recommended Bike:  We suggest ebikes for experienced riders who are not accustomed to climbing 3,000 feet a day for several days in a row.  Road bikes are also available for those who are comfortable with this level of climbing.

Tour Highlights

  • Breathtaking landscapes
  • alpine peaks
  • mountain lakes
  • Uncrowded Roads
  • Charming Inns
  • Wine Tasting

“The trip was perfect!! Loved everything about it from the weather, bikes, scenery, other bikers on the trip, accommodations, food. I can not think of one thing that I would change.”

~ Diane M. (Guided Bike Tour of Slovenia)

Itinerary

Day 1

Arrival in Bled, a picturesque town that is surrounded by mountain peaks and borders a gorgeous lake. Bled’s medieval castle is perched atop a steep cliff overlooking the lake and was the seat of power for South Tyrolean bishops for over 800 years. It now houses a small museum dedicated to the area’s history. Hotel in Bled. We will meet in the late afternoon for a bike fitting, trip orientation followed by dinner.

Day 2 – Kranjska Gora to Bled (45 km. 350 meters ascent)

We begin with a van transfer to Kranjska Gora, a lovely alpine village in the Julian Alps. This is a popular year around sports region that is famous for its World Cup skiing and jumping competitions. The ride begins with a gentle downhill through the river valley, climbs over a small pass, levels out and ends with a downhill into Bled. This picturesque town is surrounded by mountain peaks and borders a gorgeous lake. Bled’s medieval castle is perched atop a steep cliff overlooking the lake and was the seat of power for South Tyrolean bishops for over 800 years. It now houses a small museum dedicated to the area’s history. Hotel lodging in Bled.

Day 3 – Bled to Bohinj (45 km, 960 meters ascent)

The ride starts with a climb to the top of the Pokljuka Plateau, (or take an optional transfer by our van) and then enjoy a magnificent downhill to the romantic Bohinj Valley. From the shore of scenic Lake Bohinj you can see Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav. Hotel lodging in Bohinj.

Day 4 – Bohinj to Adergas (60 km)

Our ride begins with a climb to Sorica pass. At the hidden Alpine village of Sorica, we start an unforgettable downhill cruise through a beautiful mountain valley to Skofja Loka. In medieval times, this was an important trade and industrial craft center where many famous artists, writers and scientists worked to create a rich cultural environment. The old town still preserves many of its 14th century buildings. After visiting this tidy little town, we continue on to Adergas for the night. Hotel lodging in Adergas.

Day 5 – Adergas to Loganska Dolina (70 km, 1010 meters ascent)

We warm up on a relatively flat route that passes through Kamnik where the narrow streets in the old town center have homes still decorated with medieval and Baroque facades. The day’s challenge is climbing Crnivec Pass (our support van will be standing by). A scenic downhill follows through the Podvolovjek Valley into Luce. The ride finishes with a splendid ride into the Loganska Valley. Country Inn lodging in Loganska Dolina.

Day 6 – Lenart to Jeruzalem (38 km, 500 meters ascent)

The day begins with a transfer to Lenart where we enter the outstanding Jeruzalem-Ljutomer wine region. Numerous vineyards grace the hillsides, and you will hear the sound of the ingenious wind-driven rattles that keep birds off the ripening grapes. Rolling terrain and grand vistas lead us up the wine road to Jeruzalem for a comfortable night’s rest. Country Inn lodging in Jeruzalem.

Day 7 – Jeruzalem to Ptuj (48 km, 300 meters ascent)

Today’s stage begins with a scenic ride through the vineyards as we leave Jeruzalem. Our route winds through the famous Haloze wine region as we head to the gorgeous riverside town of Ptuj, Slovenia’s oldest city. Tonight we visit our favorite restaurant overlooking the Drava River. Hotel lodging in Ptuj.

Day 8 – After breakfast, tour ends with a transfer to Ljubljana