Slovenia Cycling Tour
This once in a lifetime Slovenia Cycling Tour is an unforgettable and unique adventure, catering for riders and non-riding partners alike. Slovenia, known as the "green heart of Europe," features lush forests covering half its land and boasts the title of "Europe’s Greenest Capital". This tour takes you through scenic backroads, vineyards, rivers, and the Julian Alps, extending into Italy and Croatia. With expert local ride captains, explore Ljubljana's vibrant culture and history before journeying to Piran. Ideal for cyclists who enjoy scenic, moderate-paced rides, group camaraderie, and cultural immersion, the tour offers fully supported rides and luxurious accommodation.
Non-riding partners have their own guided itinerary, ensuring a memorable experience for all.
Join us to discover why Slovenia is a top cycling destination, creating lasting memories with the Après Vélo lifestyle.
TOUR INTRODUCTION
If Slovenia is not already on your list of must-ride destinations, it’s time to make a change!
Known as the 'green heart of Europe', Slovenia boasts lush forests and vegetation covering around 50% of its land. This verdant theme extends to its many cities, including the capital, Ljubljana, officially named “Europe’s Greenest Capital” in 2016.
Bordering Austria, Croatia, Hungary, and Italy, Slovenia is a playground for road cyclists, with miles of quite backroads snaking between vineyards, rivers, seaside towns and traditional hamlets.
Let’s not forget the famous Julian Alps, Alpine lakes and our ride into neighbouring Italy and Croatia.
The cycling knowledge of our local ride captains will provide an unforgettable experience as we journey through Europe’s Green Heart on our fully supported Slovenia cycling tour.
Our adventure starts in vibrant Ljubljana, the capital city, and a haven for outdoor and culinary enthusiasts as well as a treasure trove of history and architecture waiting to be explored.
THE SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR IS A TRIP FOR ADVENTURE SEEKERS AND CYCLING ENTHUSIASTS WHICH WILL CREATE FOND MEMORIES TO LAST A LIFETIME.
WHO WOULD ENJOY THIS EXPERIENCE?
This Slovenia Cycling Tour is ideal for cyclists who:
- Enjoy Scenic Rides: Those who appreciate breathtaking landscapes and picturesque regions will find this adventure highly rewarding.
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Prefer Leisurely Pace: Riders who are comfortable cycling for 3-5 hours at a moderate pace, rather than racing or engaging in high-intensity riding.
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Like Group Activities: Cyclists who enjoy the camaraderie and support of riding in a group, sharing the experience, and celebrating achievements together.
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Appreciate Local Culture: Individuals interested in exploring new areas and learning about local culture and customs while cycling.
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Love Adventure: Those who seek a true cycling adventure with opportunities for both group riding on rolling terrain and individual or small group efforts on challenging climbs.
- Value Safety and Support: Riders who appreciate the safety and encouragement that comes with a supportive team atmosphere, ensuring everyone finishes the ride happy and safe.
In summary, this experience caters to cyclists looking for a balanced, scenic, and culturally enriching adventure.
Additionally, the tour caters equally for non-riding partners who have their own daily itinerary planned with their own tour guide.
WHY YOU’LL LOVE THIS TRIP
- A true cycling adventure across one of the most picturesque regions in the world, with its road quality, diverse landscapes, and breathtaking natural wonders.
- Discover why the success of riders like Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar, and Matej Mohorič has put Slovenia on the map as a premier cycling destination.
- Slovenian Vineyards and Quiet Country Roads are incredibly beautiful areas for road cycling.
- Experience and conquer the Julian Alps, a climbers paradise bordering Italy and Austria.
- The Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain road pass, offers incredible views of limestone rock formations, dramatic valleys, and classic hairpin bends.
- Cycle into Italy and enjoy the remarkable Lago di Predel, an ancient glacial valley.
- A day ride into Croatia will leave you breathless with its beauty.
- Enjoy a boat trip to the only island in Slovenia located at the famous Lake Bled, one of Slovenia’s most photographed locations.
- Fully supported rides with guides, mechanic, tools, and support vehicle.
- Experience swimming in the lakes, exploring the charming nearby towns and villages or hiking through the National Parks.
- Indulge in wellness treatments, sauna, and massages, all in the comfort of your hotels.
- Our local tour guides will showcase the best that Slovenia has to offer.
- Premium 4–5-star unique accommodation.
- Long traditional Slovenian lunches and dinners with its local wines and produce.
THE APRÈS VÉLO SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR IS NOT JUST ABOUT THE BIKE. IT'S ABOUT THE APRÈS VÉLO LIFESTYLE AND CREATING FOND MEMORIES THAT WILL LAST FOREVER.
🚲 RIDE
You will experience why Slovenia is an incredible and rewarding road cycling experience. The incredible success of Primož Roglič, Tadej Pogačar, and Matej Mohorič has put Slovenia on the map as a premier cycling destination.
🔎 DISCOVER
Discover its rich cultural history and why Slovenia is known as the 'green heart of Europe, boasting lush forests and vegetation covering around 50% of its land.
🍴 EAT
Experience a unique culinary journey with each region that we visit having its own authentic Slovenian cuisine.
🛏 REST
We understand the importance of down time, comfort and peace, and have structured our itinerary accordingly in peaceful and luxurious accommodation.
JOIN US ON OUR SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR
ITINERARY
Our team will welcome you at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) to help with your luggage, before transferring you to your hotel in the heart of the capital. For those arriving a day earlier to unwind, let us know if you would like us to arrange any extra accommodation for you.
Even though Ljubljana is Slovenia’s largest city, it feels more like a cozy, oversized town, with lots to see and do at your own pace, including half day tours which can be arranged through the hotel.
Rental bikes (for those who have rented) will be delivered to the hotel mid-late afternoon. Assistance will be provided for any fine tuning required.
Over an evening sundowner, you will get to meet your fellow adventurers and the Après Vélo team, who will provide a tour debriefing, which will be followed by a Group Welcome Dinner.
Your adventure has well and truly begun!
Lunch – Free to do as you choose
Dinner – Welcome dinner shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Grand Plaza Hotel
We’ll ride through the serene Tivoli Park, a green oasis within the city, before heading toward the rugged beauty of the Polhograjski Dolomites. The route takes us through the peaceful landscapes of the Ljubljana Marshes Nature Park, a haven for birdlife and unique wetlands, before looping back to the vibrant city centre, completing an great day of exploration.
Lunch – Free to do as you choose. We recommend the renowned Open Kitchen food market in the centre of town where chefs of Slovenian restaurants prepare various dishes from all over the world.
Dinner – Shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Grand Plaza Hotel
Passing the serene Lake Kreda, we visit the charming alpine village of Mojstrana before following the scenic bicycle lane on the old railway track toward the famous Kranjska Gora ski resort. The adventure continues as we cross into Italy, taking in the breathtaking views at Lake Fusine, before returning to Kranjska Gora for a well-earned rest.
Riders will have the opportunity of joining the non riders to visit by boat, the iconic fairy-tale church perched atop the tiny island in the middle of Lake Bled. This tourist gem of global dimensions on the edge of the Triglav National Park was nominated one of the seven new wonders of the world.
Lunch – Free to do as you choose once we arrive back in Kranjska Gora
Dinner – Shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Hotel Kranjska Gora
After reaching the summit, we descend into the stunning Trenta Valley and follow the emerald green Soča River, one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. The ride ends in the alpine village of Bovec, nestled in the heart of Slovenia’s adventure region, where nature and adrenaline meet.
Lunch – Shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – Slovenian night dinner shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Hotel Kranjska Gora
Along the way, we’ll enjoy scenic stops in the rugged Karst region and the lush Vipolže Valley, taking in breathtaking views and local culture, before settling into the heart of Slovenia’s wine country. A perfect day to relax and recharge. An optional 20km ride late afternoon for those who are keen, time permitting.
Lunch – On route to Brda
Dinner – Winery dinner shouted by Après Vélo
Accommodation – Vipolže Villa (6 rooms only) + nearby overflow accommodation
It’s the perfect day to test the legs on short, punchy climbs, many of which have featured in prestigious races like the Giro d’Italia and the Tour of Slovenia. A blend of culture, nature, and cycling history makes this ride truly special.
Lunch – Long Vineyard Lunch shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – This evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Vipolže Villa (6 rooms only) + nearby accommodation.
After settling into our beautiful hotel, we embark on a scenic loop along the Slovenian coast. Our route takes us partly along the historic Parenzana cycling lane, with sections offering stunning views from the hills above the Adriatic Sea. This blend of coastal beauty, historic towns, olive groves and panoramic hilltop vistas will make for an unforgettable ride along Slovenia's picturesque coastline.
Lunch – Casual mid ride lunch
Dinner – Shouted by Après Vélo at the hotel
Accommodation – Piran Hotel
We’ll cycle through picturesque hilltop historic villages such as Buzet and the walled Motovun, one of the most famous and attractive Istrian medieval towns in Croatia.
This beautiful ride through rolling hills and quaint villages ends in Momjan for our mid-afternoon farewell lunch, marking the perfect ending to our unforgettable cycling adventure.
Bike and body transfers back to Piran thereafter.
Long Farewell Lunch – Shouted by Après Vélo
Dinner – This evening is free for you to do as you choose.
Accommodation – Piran Hotel
Tis' time to bid farewell to beautiful Slovenia.
After breakfast, our team will provide a transfer to Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS) in Italy, unless you wish to extend your stay and take advantage of the optional day 10 (extra charges apply). Speak to us about organising additional days, accommodation, and tours in Slovenia.
14th June (optional) - PIRAN-VENICE-PIRAN
What a great opportunity for a day trip to Venice on the Catamaran Ferry. Speak to us about organising.
The Après Vélo itinerary may be subject to route and hotel changes, and other modifications subject to circumstances prevailing at the time.
PRICES & DATES
INCLUSIONS
LUXURY ACCOMMODATION
Single occupancy and upgraded suite packages may be available with surcharge. Talk to us when booking.
9 days / 8 nights.
Nights 1-2. GRAND PLAZA HOTEL LJUBLJANA
Nights 3-4. HOTEL KRANJSKA GORA
Nights 5-6. VIPOLŽE VILLA (only 5 rooms available on a 1st book basis) + nearby accommodation.
Nights 7-8. PIRAN HOTEL
MEALS
- All breakfasts, 6 x lunches, and 6 x dinners.
- Snacks & hydration during the day. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required.
- Alcohol with all meals excluding French champagne and premium branded beverages.
SUPPORT
- Ride support with safety focus paramount. We recognise that no rider is the same and we ensure that no-one is left behind.
- Min. 2 -3 guides on tour (1 bike mechanic).
- Van support throughout the tour.
- Bottled water.
- On road nutrition & hydration. We recommend that you bring your own specific nutrition and hydration intake, if required.
ACTIVITIES/TOURS (non-riding partners)
- Guided tour of Ljubljana and its many attractions.
- Hiking.
- Cold/hot bath treatments.
- Wellness Treatments (additional charge).
- Vršič Pass.
- Private guided tours along the way including Lake Bled boat trip.
- Wine Tasting.
- + More.
TRANSFERS
- Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) pick up.
- Trieste Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS) drop off on 13th June.
- All transfers throughout the duration of the trip.
- Luggage & bike transfers.
GEAR
- Après Vélo Cycling Jersey + Souvenir T-shirt.
NOT INCLUDED
- Airfare.
- Travel and personal insurance.
- Additional hotel expenses i.e. in-room hotel charges, incidentals.
- Rental bikes (Talk to us when booking).
- Laundry. Facilities are available at your hotels for your convenience.
NON-RIDING PARTNERS
APRÈS VÉLO ENCOURAGES AND WELCOMES NON-RIDING PARTNERS TO ATTEND OUR SLOVENIA CYCLING TOUR.
Riders and non-riding partners partake in all meals, and post ride activities making it an inclusive and shared experience for all.
A specific itinerary will be put together for non-riding partners that will ensure an equally satisfying and fulfilling experience.
Non-Riding partners will receive a 10% discount off the quoted prices.
HAVE MORE QUESTIONS?
See our FAQs page for answers to common questions or contact us via email.
NEED MORE INFO?
See our links below for more information about this tour.