Slovenia Explorer Cycling Tour FAQ's

We ask all customers to pay the required deposit when they book, which confirms their reservation. The balance is due 90 days before departure. If you book less than 90 days before departure, we will ask you to pay the full price upfront.

Cancellations may occur. However, the boutique nature of our tour keeps our groups small, so this is unlikely. If we do have to cancel the tour due to insufficient participants, Covid-19 or for some other unforeseen circumstances, we will naturally provide you with prior notice and refund monies paid to date. However, we will not be liable for any flight or insurance costs you have incurred, as well as any other incidental bookings / reservations you have made.

It is a requirement that insurance is taken out for your tour of Slovenia at the time of booking, as this should then cover you immediately, should anything occur between the time you book and departure/return.

100%. We cherish the opportunity of designing bespoke tours for groups of friends, corporate clients, teams and families. Anything is possible in terms of the amount of riding you want to do, to the amount of post ride activity you’re interested in, accommodation style and any budget restraints you may have – whatever your timing and interests, please talk to us. 

Whilst some roads will be non-technical gravel, this tour is classified as a Road Cycling Tour.

Road bikes are a necessity for this tour. For those bringing their own bikes, we recommend as a minimum, 28mm tubeless tyres to minimise punctures throughout your journey.

We will have riders on standard and compact crank set ups. It is not essential that riders change the crank set up on their current bikes for this tour. For the rear, we recommend at least a 30-3. 

Day 5 is our longest ride, starting in the lush hills of Brda and heading towards the coastal town of Piran – circa 97km.
See our Itinerary for our daily agenda.

The pace of the riding will be moderate at all times.

We are never in a rush to get from Point A to Point B. This itinerary has been designed for everyone to be comfortable and enjoy the riding and beautiful surroundings.

We will always have a support vehicle for guests to use if needed.

The Slovenian Cycling Tour caters for seasoned and recreational cyclists with the required level of fitness to back up +60km days plus the longest ride of the trip (104km – Day8).

If necessary, we will split the rides into two groups, to cater for different speeds.

We also expect that riders can ride safely in a bunch situation.

Day 3 we will tackle Passo del Predil, a high mountain pass in the Julian Alps at 15.3 km long at an average percentage of 4.8%. Rest assured, we will always have a support vehicle on hand, should you wish to rest up.

You will always have at least one ride captain on the road with the group. Depending upon the group size and riding strengths, there may be two riding groups, with a ride captain leading each group.

Our rides are further enhanced with a support vehicle to provide mechanical help as and when needed, provide hydration and nutrition or just a cosy place to rest up in case of that dreaded bonk.

Après Vélo will arrange airport transfers for all guests including bike bags at pre-arranged times (both arrival and departure).

Weather can always be unpredictable and plays a big part with each ride.
Therefore, each rider must be prepared for rainy weather and colder temperatures.
Closer to the time, we will provide you with a comprehensive packing list.

Some of the best cycling routes in Slovenia include the Vršič Pass, the country’s highest paved road, known for its dramatic Alpine views and 50+ hairpin bends—perfect for experienced road cyclists. 

The Soča Valley Trail offers a stunning ride along the emerald-blue Soča River, ideal for gravel or hybrid bikes and nature lovers. 

For a longer adventure, the Juliana Bike Loop is a 290 km gravel route that circles Triglav National Park, broken into manageable daily stages. This route takes you traversing into alpine villlages, vallets, mountain passes and lakes. Giving you the best of what there is to offer.

The Parenzana Trail, following a former railway line along the Adriatic coast, is great for families and casual riders, featuring tunnels, sea views, and gentle gradients. 

The Drava River Trail, starting in Maribor, is a popular multi-day touring route with mostly flat terrain and scenic river views. This route delivers a mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences. 

For a peaceful countryside ride, the Logar Valley offers one of the most picturesque landscapes in Slovenia, perfect for leisure cycling. 

Lastly, the Goriška Brda Wine Region is ideal for road or gravel riders who enjoy rolling hills, quiet roads, and wine tasting stops along the way.

Slovenia is home to a plethora of natural landmarks that are a must see for any visitors let alone cyclists. Among the most iconic are Lake Bled, Vintgar Gorge, Triglav National Park, Lake Behind, Škocjan Caves and Soča Valley.

Lake Bled is best known for its picturesque island that is surrounded by the Julian Alps. This iconic lake with a fairytale church and a scenic path around the shore is perfect for casual rides and is well connected to countryside roads and nearby climbs. 

Just 4km away lies Vintgar Gorge, a narrow cany

Cycling in Slovenia offers not only ever-changing landscapes but also a variety of terrains. You’ll encounter everything from flat wine-country and river trails to steep Alpine climbs and gravel forest paths. Because of this diversity, choosing the right bike is extremely important. Hybrid bikes are a great all-around option, providing comfort on both paved roads and dirt trails. Additionally, a bike with at least 18 gears is ideal to handle the challenging mountain climbs.

Slovenia features well-marked bike paths and low-traffic roads, especially in rural and mountainous areas. Many towns are very bike-friendly. To make navigation easier, digital tools like Komoot, RideWithGPS, and Outdooractive come highly recommended.

The loop around the lake is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles), making it ideal for a relaxed ride, typically taking between 30 to 60 minutes to complete. The terrain is mostly flat, with gentle inclines, and the route is well-paved, making it accessible for families and casual cyclists and being considered appropriate for all levels of cyclists.

Hill climbs in Slovenia vary in difficulty but are generally considered challenging, especially in the Alpine and mountainous regions.

Many climbs, like the famous Vršič Pass, reach elevations over 1,600 meters (about 5,300 feet) and feature steep gradients that test even experienced cyclists.

When biking in Slovenia, it’s important to bring a reliable bike suited to your planned terrain, whether that’s a road bike, gravel bike, hybrid, or e-bike. Always wear a helmet—mandatory for children under 14 and highly recommended for all riders—and carry reflective clothing and bike lights for riding in low visibility conditions.

Navigation tools like a GPS device or smartphone with apps such as Komoot or RideWithGPS, plus offline maps, will help you stay on track. Be prepared for basic repairs by packing spare tubes, tire levers, a multitool, a pump, and a patch kit.

Since the weather can change quickly, bring breathable layers, a lightweight rain jacket, and gloves to stay comfortable. Staying hydrated is key, so carry refillable water bottles and energy-rich snacks, especially for longer or remote rides.

Slovenia offers its most rewarding cycling experiences from late spring through summer into early autumn. Each season creates its own picturesque landscape that is unique like no other. 

Late Spring (May–June)

Late spring is one of the best times to cycle in Slovenia. Meadows burst into bloom and the landscape transforms into breathtakingly vibrant greenery. Daytime temperatures range between 15–25 °C (59–77 °F)—perfect for long, comfortable rides through valleys, forests, and Alpine villages. Trails and mountain passes are open but not yet crowded, offering peace and space to take in Slovenia’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Summer (July–August)

As summer arrives, the days grow warmer and significantly longer, giving cyclists more time to explore. While temperatures can reach 30 °C (86 °F) or higher, Slovenia’s many crystal-clear lakes and rivers—like Lake Bled, Bohinj, or the Soča River—offer perfect places to cool off. Although it’s peak tourist season, summer is ideal for those who want to combine cycling with swimming, hiking, and festivals in Slovenia’s vibrant towns and countryside.

Early Autumn (September–October)

Autumn brings a return to milder weather and fewer crowds, making it another excellent time to cycle. Vineyards, forests, and mountain landscapes shift from green to brilliant golds and reds, creating a stunning backdrop. Harvest season also adds a cultural bonus—cycling through wine country offers the chance to experience local food, wine, and rural traditions along the way.

In Slovenia, there are plenty of routes which are easily accessible from the magnificent landmark of Lake Bled. These routes as well include incredible sites including Bohinj, Radovljica & Begunje, Kropa and Pokljuka Plateau. Tailored to the individuals personal preference and strength, all routes incorporate some of Slovenia's finest and true beauty. Here are some more specifics on the bike routes from Lake Bled.

The Julian Alps West Loop is a popular multi-day bike packing circuit through Slovenias stunning alpine landscape. This route is approximately 420km and generally stretched across 6-8 days for most riders allowing for roughly a weeks worth of amazing views in Slovenia.The total elevation gain across the trip is 9000-9230m of climbing.

Highlights include iconic climbs over the Vršič Pass (1,611 m) and Mangart Saddle (2,055 m), both known for their dramatic switchbacks and alpine scenery. This challenging but rewarding route is perfect for experienced cyclists, especially those using mountain or rugged gravel bikes. The extensive ascent and mixed terrain require good fitness and comfort with long climbs and technical descents. Many bikepackers recommend completing the loop in 6 to 8 days, though ultra-fit riders may go faster.

Slovenia is a highly bike-friendly country swiftly movings its way into one of the most popular cycling destinations in Europe. With excellent infrastructure, beautiful routes for all levels, and a supportive cycling culture, making it a fantastic destination for cyclists.

Featuring a well-marked network of cycling routes that suit all levels, from flat trails to challenging mountain climbs. Many towns, including Ljubljana and Bled, offer bike rentals, repair shops, and bike-friendly public transport options.

The country’s traffic laws protect cyclists, and drivers are generally respectful on the roads. Cycling is popular in Slovenia, supported by local clubs, events, and a welcoming community. While some remote mountain areas can be tough and services limited, overall Slovenia provides an excellent environment for cyclists.

You can hire biking equipment at many locations across Slovenia, especially in popular cycling regions and tourist towns. Some of the best places to rent bikes include; Ljubljana, Lake Bled, Kranjska Gore, Maribor, Piran and the Slovenian Coast. 

Many bike rental shops also offer accessories like helmets, locks, and repair kits. For connivence, some guided tours include bike hire and luggage transfers, allowing you to focus on the rise and enjoy the scenery. 

Guided tours like those offered by Apres Velo are a great way to experience a hassle free cycling experience with all those logistics taken care of for you.