Julian Alps to Istria Cycling Tour
Experience the best of Alpine Slovenia, including Bled, Kranjska Gora, Vršič Pass, and the Soča Valley
Pedal through Slovenia’s vineyards, the Karst plateau, and along the romantic coastline with Piran as its gem
Daily cycling of 40-50 kilometers, suitable for most fitness levels
Enjoy a peaceful ride on cycling paths and less busy roads with our 24/7 support
Uncover the charm of Croatian Istria’s picturesque villages and coastal towns like Rovinj and Pula
A 13-day diverse cycling adventure from the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Sea
Challenge yourself on the iconic Vršič road
Bask in the tranquil beauty of Lake Bled
Discover the serenity of Lake Jasna in Kranjska Gora
Savor the thrill of open roads and stunning vistas
Connect with nature and fellow cyclists in the Alps
Lose yourself in the moment at the Great Soča Gorges
Explore sun-drenched Adriatic shores on Parenzana
Cycle through the history-laden tunnels of Parenzana
Feel the Mediterranean charm in romantic Rovinj
Discover the romance of Rovinj's cobblestone streets
Capture memories from the highest point in Piran
Dive into azure waters for a refreshing break in Pula
Dive into Croatian Istria’s cultural hub of Pula
Itinerary
If you arrive at Bled early enough, consider visiting Bled Castle, taking a boat ride to the church island, or strolling around the lake. Bled offers a variety of activities to start your adventure, from exploring the castle perched atop a cliff to enjoying Lake Bled’s serene beauty.
Transfer from the airport
Hotel in Bled
Lake Bled
Bled Castle
The first day of cycling is a warm-up with relatively flat terrain. You’ll cycle through the idyllic Radovna Valley, a hidden gem nestled between the Pokljuka and Mežakla plateaus. You’ll pass by Lake Kreda, a picturesque spot perfect for a short break. Gradually descending to Mojstrana, a village known for its alpine museum, you’ll follow the Upper Sava Valley cycling path to Kranjska Gora, a well-known ski resort town.
36 km (22 mi), 650 vertical meters (2150 feet)
Hotel in Kranjska Gora
Scenic Radovna alpine valley
Mojstrana village
Cycling in Upper Sava valley on former railway path
On the second day, you’ll tackle the steep ascent over the panoramic Vršič Pass. With its 50 hairpin bends, the pass offers stunning views of the Julian Alps. After reaching the top and enjoying the breathtaking mountain peaks, you’ll descend to the Soča Valley. You’ll cycle alongside the emerald Soča River, known for its vibrant color and crystal-clear waters, to reach Bovec, a town famous for its outdoor adventure activities.
45 km (28 mi), 1000 vertical meters (3300 feet)
Hotel in Bovec
Lake Jasna
Slovenian highest mountain pass
Spring of Soča River
Continue your journey down the Soča Valley, cycling on peaceful side roads and macadam trails. The valley is known for its unique emerald river and rich history. At Kobarid, you can ascend to the idyllic Drežnica village under Mount Krn. The day ends in Tolmin, where the Tolmin Gorges offer a refreshing retreat at the lowest point of the Triglav National Park.
40 km (25 mi), 600 vertical meters (2000 feet)
B&B in Tolmin
The beautiful Soča River
Kobarid WWI Muesum
Kozjak Waterfall
The village of Drežnica
As you head further south, you’ll enter the warmer Mediterranean climate and the magical wine-growing region of Goriška Brda. Known as the “Tuscany of Slovenia,” this region is dotted with vineyard-covered hills and charming villages. The panoramic views and the exquisite local wines make this area a paradise for wine lovers.
40 km (25 mi), 700 vertical meters (2300 feet)
Hotel in Goriška Brda
Lower Soča Valley
Goriška Brda wine region
You’ll traverse the relatively flat area of Italian Gorizia and then ascend to the Karst plateau. Known for its unique limestone terrain and rich wine culture, the Karst region offers a blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage. You’ll cycle through the picturesque villages of Komen and Štanjel, reaching Sežana, a town bordering the coastal area.
60 km (37 mi), 800 vertical meters (2600 feet)
B&B in Sežana
Gorizia
Rustic villages of Komen and Štanjel
Start the day with a quick detour to Lipica to check out the Lipizzaner stud farm, home to the world-renowned Lipizzaner horses. Then, head to Socerb for a stunning view of the coast. Follow the green Rižana River to the sea coast and cycle along the Adriatic seacoast to Piran, a charming coastal town known for its Venetian architecture and rich cultural heritage.
53 km (33 mi), 450 vertical meters (1500 feet)
Hotel in Piran
Osp Valley
Lipica and Lipizzaner horses
Coastal town of Piran
Continue along the coastline to the Sečovlje Saltpans, a nature park known for its traditional salt production. Then cross the border to Croatia. Head inland to the Mediterranean countryside and Istrian villages like Buje, known for its olive groves and vineyards. Your final destination of the day is Grožnjan, a medieval hilltop town known as the “town of artists.”
33 km (20,5 mi), 410 vertical meters (1350 feet)
Hotel in Grožnjan
Portorose
Sečovlje Salt pans
Authentic Istrian villages Buje and Grožnjan
This stretch of the Parenzana route is the hilliest but the most beautiful. It crisscrosses between many valleys, but magnificent viaducts or tunnels make your cycling more attractive. The day ends in the touristy coast town of Poreč, known for its UNESCO-listed Euphrasian Basilica and vibrant nightlife.
60 km (37,5 mi), 500 vertical meters (1650 feet)
Hotel in Poreč
Old tunnels and viaducts of the Parenzana trail
Poreč coastal town
From Poreč, cycle along the coast towards Vrsar, a charming fishing village. Here, the Lim Channel interrupts the coastal route. Follow a scenic path inland to the charming town of Rovinj. Known as the “blue pearl of the Adriatic,” Rovinj is famous for its colorful houses, narrow streets, and the hilltop church of St. Euphemia.
43 km (27 mi), 650 vertical meters (2200 feet)
Hotel in Rovinj
Vrsar coastal town
Lim Channel
Istrian pearl Rovinj
Start your day in Rovinj and continue along the coast to Pula, the peninsula’s largest city. Pula is rich in history and cultural landmarks, including the well-preserved Roman amphitheater, the Forum, and the Temple of Augustus.
45 km (28 mi), 350 vertical meters (1200 feet)
Hotel in Pula
Lively coast between Rovinj and Pula
Historic town of Pula
Spend your last day exploring the area around Pula. Visit Kamenjak, Istria’s southernmost point, known for its rugged coastline and crystal-clear waters. Or enjoy the Mediterranean atmosphere of Premantura and Medulin, two popular seaside resorts. Return your bikes to Pula and reminisce about your journey.
48 km (30 mi), 520 vertical meters (1800 feet)
Hotel in Pula
Cape Kamenjak natural reserve
After almost two weeks of adventure, we’ll assist with your travel arrangements, including airport transfers if needed. You might depart Croatia, but the memories you made here will stay with you forever.
Self guided
Included in price
Description
Step into a world of adventure with our Julian Alps to Istria Cycling Tour, a journey transcending borders and cultures. It’s time for this voyage of discovery to immerse you in the heart of two distinct regions: the Alpine landscapes of Slovenia and the Mediterranean charm of Croatian Istria.
This tour offers you an opportunity to challenge yourself, to explore, and to connect with nature. From the tranquil beauty of Lake Bled to the rugged peaks of the Julian Alps, from the vineyard-covered hills of Goriška Brda to the sun-drenched shores of the Adriatic Sea, every pedal stroke brings a new experience, a new story.
Here, we value the freedom to explore at your own pace, to lose yourself in the moment, and to find yourself in the process. It’s about the thrill of the open road, the wind in your hair, and the sun on your skin. It’s about the satisfaction of a day well spent and the anticipation of what tomorrow will bring.
And while the journey is yours to shape, you’re not alone. Our team is always on hand to provide support, from detailed itineraries and GPS tracks to emergency assistance. We’re here to ensure your journey is smooth, safe, and unforgettable.
Are you ready to discover, explore, and challenge yourself? Then take on this incredible journey and allow us to help you create unforgettable memories of Slovenia and Croatia.
Location
Things to know
Croatia has a Mediterranean climate along the coast and a continental climate inland. Pack light clothing for summer months and warmer clothing for winter. A swimsuit, sunblock, and a hat are musts for the sunny beaches. Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring historic cities.
Croatia is considered very safe for tourists. However, like anywhere, it’s good to stay aware of your surroundings, especially in busy tourist areas.
Croatia is part of the European Union, so many visitors won’t need a visa for short stays. It’s best to check the current visa requirements with your local Croatian embassy if you want to be 100% sure.
The best time to visit depends on what you want to do. The warmest months are July and August, perfect for beach holidays. However, May, June, and September offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds.
Croatia recently switched to Euros (EUR) at the start of 2023. Therefore, you won’t need to exchange them for Kunas anymore. Credit cards are widely accepted, but it’s worth carrying some cash for smaller establishments.
We strive to provide the utmost flexibility and tailor our tours to meet your specific needs. That’s why we work with various accommodations of the same quality to accommodate different preferences, budgets, and availability, especially during peak seasons. You can rest assured we will inform you well in advance about all the details regarding your stay.
We believe in giving our guests the freedom to choose their dining experiences, as everyone has different preferences. You have the liberty to select restaurants that cater to your taste and dietary requirements. We can certainly provide recommendations and even assist with reservations at specific restaurants upon request. Our knowledgeable guides are also more than happy to suggest excellent dining options. There is absolutely no way you will go hungry throughout the journey!
The availability of restaurant options may vary depending on the severity of your dietary restrictions. Most restaurants readily offer vegetarian meals. However, finding vegan or gluten-free options, especially in suburban areas, smaller towns, or villages, can be more challenging. While specific dishes may not be listed on menus for more specialized diets, you can always contact restaurants in advance or inquire on-site about accommodating your dietary needs.
We craft each itinerary from scratch based on your expectations and the type of holiday you desire. The itineraries showcased on our website serve as inspiration, providing a glimpse of what we can create. Once we’ve had our initial conversation, our dedicated travel expert will start designing a customized itinerary tailored specifically to your preferences.
We understand that every traveler has different preferences and may desire personal time during the journey. Therefore, most of our tours are self-guided, meaning you do them at your own pace, so what you’ll do is only up to you. Our priority is to ensure that every guest feels comfortable and has the opportunity to fully enjoy their time in Croatia, making the most of the tour while allowing for personal moments.
Absolutely! We understand that as time goes on, you may come up with new ideas and desires. Depending on availability, we are more than happy to incorporate any additional experiences or services you wish to include. Our goal is to ensure your journey is as personalized and enjoyable as possible, accommodating your evolving preferences throughout the planning process.
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