Simple stays with essential amenities. Typically guesthouses, hostels or hotels rated below 3 stars — clean, no-frills, and great for value-conscious travelers.
Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Experience the vibrant landscapes of Slovenia on the "Secrets of Slovenia Cycling" tour, an eight-day self-guided bicycle adventure from the crystal waters of Lake Bled to the sun-kissed Adriatic coast at Koper. This tour is ideal for moderately active travelers who crave a blend of natural beauty, authentic culture, and exhilarating cycling.
Pedal through traditional villages framed by the Julian Alps, and savor the patchwork of vineyards and orchards in Goriška Brda—Slovenia’s answer to Tuscany. A scenic railway ride whisks you to the emerald Soča River, while quiet country roads lead you to medieval Štanjel and the awe-inspiring UNESCO-listed Škocjan caves. Along the way, sample local wines, discover ancient stonemason settlements, and catch glimpses of the original Lipizzaner horses at the historic Lipica stud farm.
As your journey continues, you’ll trace the Parenzana railway path toward the blue Adriatic, with panoramic views of both the Slovenian countryside and the Italian coast near Trieste. The final leg to the lively port city of Koper and the enchanting town of Piran rewards you with a true sense of achievement, as distant mountains recede behind you.
The tour package includes comfortable hotel stays, daily breakfasts, and all transfers—leaving you free to focus on cycling and discovery. The unique selling point? This itinerary offers a seamless blend of Slovenia’s contrasting regions, from alpine peaks to coastal plains, all at your own pace. It’s the ultimate journey for cyclists eager to experience the full spectrum of Slovenia’s scenic and cultural treasures.
Most of our walking takes place in the north of Slovenia in the Julian Alps. This range forms part of the Southern Alps which extend into Austria. The spectacular mountains in this area are predominately limestone, and their jagged forms produce stunning vistas wherever you look. The area is softened by beautiful, tranquil lakes in the valley bottoms and amongst the rocky crags. Two of the largest lakes, Lake Bled and Lake Bohinj, feature on our 7-night walking holiday.
The beauty of Lake Bled attracts world-wide visitors. It is a natural mineral spa lake with its medieval castle, island with church and the surrounding Alps as a stunning back drop. Nearby is Lake Bohinj, a lake set amongst the higher mountains of the Julian Alps in the Triglav National Park. The valley floors are full of picturesque villages whose inhabitants still rely on farming and its agricultural products for their income. The Slovenes are deeply proud of their way of life, and undoubtedly you will be tempted by their food which offers a host of national dishes many influenced by the cuisine of neighbouring countries. Slovenia also produces excellent wine.
There is walking in Slovenia to challenge the most demanding of walkers as well as those who require more gentle routes. The limestone peaks give many opportunities for ridge walking with stunning vistas of local peaks and lakes. You can walk to the top of Mount Vogel (1922m) with its commanding views all the way to Italy and Austria. Helpfully, some of these high walks can be assisted by the use of a cable car.
Experience routes through the mountains built by soldiers in the First World War as supply routes for Italian and Austro-Hungarian armies fighting in the area. Explore mountain paths through Alpine meadows. Take mountain routes over rocky paths; discover deep gorges and spectacular waterfalls where for most of the year, you may be the only visitor.
There are also several routes linking beautiful, unspoilt villages either on the valley floor or on the mountain slopes. They often follow fast-flowing mountain rivers which will make their way to the Danube and the Black Sea. There is plenty here to satisfy all grades of walker.
We offer a choice of hotels on this holiday, the standard price is based on the 3 Star Hotel Tripic in Bohinj Bistrica with the possibility of upgrading to the 4 Star Hotel Jezero in Ribcev Laz.
From the shimmering shores of Lake Bled to the sun-kissed beaches of Grado, the 'Julian Alps to the Adriatic Cycling' tour invites experienced travelers on an 11-day cycling odyssey through the heart of Central Europe. This self-guided private bicycle tour winds through Slovenia, Austria, and Italy, blending natural splendor with cultural intrigue.
Begin in Bled, Slovenia’s alpine jewel, and ride beneath the dramatic limestone peaks of the Julian Alps. The route takes you through lush forests, rolling meadows, picturesque hamlets, and revered archaeological sites like Aquileia. Discover medieval Udine’s artistic treasures and the restored fortress town of Venzone, each a testament to the region’s layered history.
As you approach the Adriatic, the landscape transforms—vineyards give way to lagoons and the dazzling descent into Grado, an island paradise with sandy beaches and a lively harbor. This trip’s unique selling point is its seamless blend of cross-border cycling, luxurious handpicked accommodations, and the chance to experience three cultures in one journey. With transport, meals, and all logistics taken care of, this adventure is as effortless as it is unforgettable.