OVERVIEW
HIGHLIGHTS
ACCOMMODATION
GETTING THERE
PACKING LIST
FAQs
OVERVIEW
A 4.5 stage epic from the foothills of the Julian Alps to the Adriatic Coast in beautiful Slovenia.
This epic route, in the Slovenian early summer, includes amazing variety through singletrack, forest trails, back roads & bridleways.
Our journey takes us from the mountains through to the lake region, through wine country and ending on the coast.
We ride together in small groups & stay at charming 4* hotels, eating together each night to make this a social week of exploring this amazing country.
Included in Ride Package
Accommodation
5 nights in 4* local hotels. Choose private single, shared twin or shared double rooms.
Airport Transfers
Fly into Ljubljana (LJU), our team will be on hand to collect you & drop you back off on departure day.
4 Epic Stages
Full ride support with guides leading small groups, van support & regular feed stops with a short prologue on arrival day.
Meals
Bring some money for drinks but our package includes 5 dinners, 4 lunches & 5 breakfasts.
Regular Stops
Regular feed stops approx every 30km with lunch stops in beautiful local cafes / restaurants.
Luggage
We move your overnight bags from hotel to hotel each day and provide a day bag to collect at lunch.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED: Flights, Insurance (mandatory), Drinks with lunch & evening meals
REAL RIDER REVIEWS
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ITINERARY
DAY 1
Arrival in Ljubljana, transfer to Kranjska Gora at 10.30am and 5pm (transfer takes approx 1 hour). 20km prologue for those on earlier transfer.
DAY 2
Stage One: Kranjska Gora to Bohinj - 90km, 1359m elevation, 50% off road
DAY 3
Stage Two: Bohinj to Bohinj - 84km, 1800m elevation, 55% off road
DAY 4
Stage Three: Most na Soči to Lipica - 95km, 1600m elevation, 55% off road
DAY 5
Stage Four: Lipica to Portoroz - 87km, 1700m elevation, 55% off road
DAY 6
Departure day, transfer back to Ljubljana from Portoroz
*Most of the on road sections are on either dedicated bike paths or quiet country lanes. We spend almost no time on roads like home. Due to the nature of gravel riding, the routes may change based on weather / trail conditions.
RIDE HIGHLIGHTS
The Julian alps
Our ride starts in stunning Kranjska Gora in the heart of the Julian Alps just 5 miles from both Austria & Italy. Expect jagged cliffs and lush alpine meadows.
an epic journey
This is a point to point ride starting in one corner of Slovenia and ending 375km away in another. We start in ski country and end on the chic Adriatic Coast via mountain plateaus, picturesque lakes, rural plains, wine country & more.
Wild swimming
The route gives us plenty of opportunity for some great wild swimming stops - one stage one we stop by Lake Bled at our first feed stop for a dip, one stage three we can swim in Lake Bohinj & on the final day the ride ends with a celebratory dive into the ocean. Our team are on hand with towels & change of clothes at each point.
discover real slovenian culture
Ride through traditional villages, eat at feed stops in local restaurants & discover off the beaten track Slovenia.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Accommodation
We’ll stay in a 4* hotels each night. You can choose between a private single room, shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room. All of our hotels are hand picked and we stay in some really special places. In Bohinj, the hotel has water slides & a climbing wall over the pool! In Lipica, the hotel has famous Lipizzan white horses on site.
Bike & Tyre Choice
The route is suitable is designed for gravel bikes but you could also ride it on a hard tail. We have had lots of riders do this route on e-bikes and the batteries have lasted the entire stage. There is a lot of smooth gravel & lots of miles on bike paths with a few very short lumpier sections. Trail conditions can change, after a lot of rain there can be ruts but generally this route is ideal for a standard gravel bike with approx 40mm tyres.
Food
Slovenian food is one of the highlights of the trip and varies from the mountains to the coast. Breakfasts are standard buffets at the hotels (always with a few interesting options to start your day!), lunches are in local restaurants and are mainly pasta, rissotto etc. Evening meals are buffets in the hotel with plenty of options for vegans & vegetarians.
weather
We choose time of year for our trips to coincide with the best riding weather. In the mountains there is always a chance of rain and it could be cooler when we get on the top of the plateaus. In the valley temperatures should be in the mid 20s but likely to be a few degrees hotter as we get closer to the coast.
Terrain
As we take in such a large part of this country, we can expect a variety of gravel throughout the ride. The first half of this ride is in the Julian Alps with two stages on either side of the main valley. Here there are miles of gravel roads used by foresters. The vehicles keep the gravel smooth but after a lot of rain there can be ruts here. As we get closer to the coast, we use a variety of smooth gravel roads, farm tracks and bridleways. Expect a couple of very short technical sections but if you are comfortable riding the gravel in the UK you will find this easier.
The Route
There are long climbs on stage one & two to get up on the plateau (and long descents to get down). On stage one the climb is longer but never steep, whereas on stage two there are some pitchy (10%) sections. Stage three starts with a flat section along the river before a 5km climb and then its rolling from there and the last day has no major climbs but is up & down a lot. While there are no killer stages (max elevation in one day is 1800m), each day has it's own challenges so it's not one to understimate.
7 UNMISSABLE HIGHLIGHTS IN SLOVENIA
NUMBER One
Zajamniki - rural alpine life
Up on the Pokljuka plateau, deep in the Julian Alps lies the picture postcard village of Zajamniki.
This village is spread out on a long line of shepherd huts with stunning alpine pastures all around and gorgeous views of the surrounding mountains. One of the highlights of stage two and worth the long climb up here.
NUMBER TWO
Lakelife: Bled & Bohinj
Probably Slovenia's most famous draw to international visitors is Lake Bled but just up the road is possibly and even more beautiful spot at Lake Bohinj.
Both are small lakes surrounded by mountains, Bled has a church on an island in the middle. We get a chance to swim in both and see the lakes from up close and from afar when we get onto the plateaus.
number three
Rural Slovenian Gravel
Slovenia is a country of 2m people but regularly produces world class rowers, climbers, skiers & cyclists and when you get here you realise why.
The country really prioritises outdoor activity and there is a huge network of bike paths and masses of very well maintained gravel trails going into remote and stunning areas.
Number Four
Kranjska Gora & the Julian Alps
We start our Slovenian journey in the north west corner with Austria & Italy a short ride away. This region looks a bit like the Dolomites with some stunning rock formations.
As there are so few people living in Slovenia, it doesnt take long to get away from the ski resorts and into some amazing mountain scenery. Our prologue takes us over a river, past a lake and through glorious alpine meadows.
Number five
The Soca River
Flowing between north west Slovenia and Italy, this turquoise river is our companion for the first half of stage three.
The river is very popular for fishing, kayaking and swimming with a number of natural beaches. It was also the sight of major WW1 battles & this region has a fascinating history.
Number six
Forests & Unlimited Gravel
Stage one and stage two take us into the forests either side of Lake Bled & Bohinj. These large woodlands contain a massive network of gravel trails, all well managed by the local foresters.
Both forests include long (gravel) climbs to get into them and have a great mix of traditional forest riding with tall trees on either side and the occasional opening with views of alpine meadows, ski resorts or sweeping vistas of the valley below.
Number seven
Portoroz & The Adriatic
The ride finishes on the coast at the chic resort town of Portoroz.
Slovenia only has a very short coastline, wedged between Italy & Croatia. Our ride ends at the Marina with a pasta party, beers & an ocean swim near the luxury yachts and sailboats. This is also a fun town for a celebratory night out after four big days on the bike!
STAGE DETAILS
Route Summary:
We roll out from Kranjska Gora and ride to Bled mostly on bike path with a couple of warm up climbs before a swim in the famous Lake. Not too long after this, we head into the forest and then start the long but gradual climb up to the plateau, stopping half way for lunch in a glorious stop overlooking the valley.
After reaching the summit, it’s almost all downhill from here on forest gravel and then tarmac before finishing our ride in the picturesque town of Bohinj
Ride Distance: 90km Ride Elevation: 1372m % Off Road: 50% Difficulty: 3.5/5
Route Summary:
Today is probably the toughest stage of the trip with 1800m elevation. We start with approx 15km of relatively flat riding around Lake Bohinj and the rural plains in the area.
We then head up onto the plateau with a 11.5km climb (avg 6.1%) on gravel with a few short, steep sections. Once on the plateau, we have some stunning riding through alpine pastures including the famous village of Zajamniki with it’s picturesque shepherd huts.
We take lunch overlooking a small ski resort before some more miles on the plateau and then a long descent back down into the valley and an optional swim in Lake Bohinj.
Ride Distance: 84km Ride Elevation: 1800m % Off Road: 55% Difficulty: 4.5/5
Route Summary:
We start with Slovenia’s most picturesque train journey and head to the banks of the Soci River.
The first section takes us along the turquoise river and we get very close to the Italian border near Nova Gorica.
After this, we have a punchy 5km climb and the last 40km is on rolling terrain as we head through wine country & finish by the famous horses in Lipica. With the train ride in the morning to get out of the mountains, we don’t start riding until mid morning so this is a slightly later finish than the other days.
Ride Distance: 95km Ride Elevation: 1600m % Off Road: 55% Difficulty: 4/5
Route Summary:
The final day takes us from the horse arena of Lipica to Portoroz Marina on the Adriatic.
The route starts on the Italian border with a lumpy first 20km before a long and fast descent. There are no climbs over 3km but most of the first 60km is up and down before a long descent to the coast.
For the final 10km we follow the Adriatic through the beautiful town of Piran and onto the finish in the marina at Portoroz for a well earned beer & pasta party.
Ride Distance: 87km Ride Elevation: 1700m % Off Road: 55% Difficulty: 4/5
ACCOMMODATION
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PACKING LIST
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GETTING THERE
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Flights
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Transfers
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Outbound
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Your Guides
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Rental Bikes
getting to slovenia
Fly Into: Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
Flights From: There are regular direct flights from London Gatwick with Easyjet & London Heathrow with British Airways.
Transfer Times:
Arrival: There will be two transfers on 3rd June, with one in the morning at 10.30am and one in the afternoon at 5pm. Transfers from the airport will take approximately an hour
Departure: We pack up our bike boxes after the final stage. On Sunday 8th June, transfers arrive back at Ljubljana 6.30pm for the evening flights back to London.
Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.
Accommodation & Meals
The hotels in Slovenia are a good standard. We stay in a mix of superior 3* and 4* hotels. Choose between a single, shared twin or double room. You can add your preferred room mate in the booking notes.
In Kranjska Gora & Bohinj the hotels overlook the mountains & lake. Our hotel in Lipica is world famous for it’s white horses and we finish overlooking the Adriatic. Luggage is transferred from hotel to hotel & bike boxes are transferred from Bled to Portoroz on the first afternoon.
Evening meals are buffets with pasta, salads, meat & vegetables. Lunches at feed stops are local restaurants as we try some of the local delicacies. Vegan, gluten free and other dietary options are available.
packing list
Cycling Kit
Bibs/shorts | Jerseys/tops (consider LS t-shirts for cooler temperatures)
Gilet | Waterproof jacket | Arm warmers
Cycling shoes | Socks | Mitts
Helmet | Sunglasses
2 bottles | Chamois cream | Sun cream
GPS device with handle bar mount
Bike spares
2 x inner tubes suitable for the size of your tyre
Spare tyre | Tyre levers
1 x puncture repair kit (if running a tubeless set up, have a tubeless repair kit including plugs and spare sealant)
Multitool | Chain link specific for your bike chain
Spare rear mech hanger for your bike
Small pump | Rear light
Spare batteries/charging cables for lights
Personal Medical kit
1 x crepe roll bandage | Gauze or similar absorbent dressing
Small set of scissors | Tweezers | Pain Killers (paracetamol)
Steri-Strips | Antiseptic (spray, cream or wipes)
Assorted plasters | Rubber gloves | Prescribed medication
Hotels & Meals
Accommodation: We’ll stay in a 4* hotels each night. You can choose between a private single room, shared twin (2 beds) or shared double (1 bed) room. All of our hotels are hand picked and we stay in some really special places. In Bohinj, the hotel has water slides & a climbing wall over the pool! In Lipica, the hotel has famous Lipizzan white horses on site.
Meals – 5 breakfasts, 4 lunches on the road, 5 dinners are included in the package. Drinks with lunch & dinner are excluded. We stay at:
Kranjska Gora – Ramada Hotel & Suites ****
Bohinj – Bohinj Eco Hotel **** (2 nights)
Lipica – Hotel Maestoso ****
Portoroz – Remisens Casa Bel Moretto ****
DATES & PRICES
START
FINISH
SINGLE ROOM
TWIN/
DOUBLE ROOM
DEPOSIT
DATES & PRICES
FAQs
This route is designed for anyone that is comfortable riding on the gravel in the UK. The off road riding is much smoother than most gravel in the UK but there are a few technical sections & after long periods of rain, some of the gravel can be cut up / rutted.
Each stage is moderately difficult with daily elevation between 1300m & 1800m. There are long climbs on the first & second stage and lots of shorter climbs on the last two stages.
The local airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). There are daily direct flights from Gatwick (Easyjet) and Heathrow (BA).
Arrival: There will be two transfers on Tuesday at 10.30am for the Easyjet flight & 5pm for the BA flight.
Departure: On Sunday we have one transfer getting back to Ljubljana at 6.30pm for the evening flights back to London.
Note: transfer times are subject to change should flight times change. Final times will be confirmed and sent to you a month before your trip.
We ride in various different parts of Slovenia from the high mountains to the coast.
There may be some rain in early June and the temperatures on the plateaus may be cooler. We have a number of long descents so a windproof jacket is used a lot.
We expect temperatures in the mid 20s in the mountains and a few degrees higher at the coast.
British citizens do not require a visa to enter Slovenia.
Travel insurance is compulsory for our trips, and you are required to provide us with your policy information before departing.
Your insurance should include adequate cover for cycling abroad, any emergency medical treatment, evacuation/repatriation, your baggage and your bike. We also recommend it includes cancellation insurance, should you be unable to join the trip for specific reasons such as illness.
