Alps to the Sea on Gravel

Alps to the Sea on Gravel

Duration

7 days / 6 nights

Riding level

3 - 4

Length

60 - 70 km

Price

From 1545€ / person

About This Journey

Experience the best of Slovenia on a gravel cycling journey from the iconic Lake Bled to the charming coastal town of Novigrad, Croatia. Covering around 60 km per day, with varied terrain and occasional longer climbs, the route offers a perfect balance of challenge and enjoyment. Highlights include pristine gravel trails on the Jelovica Plateau, UNESCO-listed Cerknica Lake, and the scenic Parenzana bike path. End each day in comfortable 3-4 hotels, enjoying local hospitality and stunning surroundings.

Highlights of the Tour

  • Start at Lake Bled: Begin your journey at Slovenia’s most famous lake and the stunning Alpine scenery.
  • Diverse Terrain: Cycle through pristine gravel trails, valleys, UNESCO-listed Cerknica Lake, and changing landscapes from mountains to the seaside.
  • Scenic Finish: Ride along the Parenzana bike path, ending in the charming coastal town of Novigrad, Croatia, with time to enjoy the sea.
  • Comfortable Accommodations: Stay in well-selected 3-4* hotels with breakfast included, offering rest and relaxation after each day’s ride.

Itinerary

Bled – Jelovica Plateau – Kranj

Cycle through pristine nature as you climb the Jelovica Plateau, with gravel trails in the shade of the trees offering beautiful views and a refreshing mountain experience. Descend into the town of Kranj, known for its rich history and lively atmosphere, where you’ll spend the night.

Kranj – Ljubljana

Enjoy a valley ride as you make your way to Slovenia’s vibrant capital, Ljubljana. This stage offers a mix of gentle terrain and scenic countryside, with time to explore the city the evening.

Kranj – Ljubljana

Ljubljana – Cerknica

Venture into the wild as you cycle towards Cerknica, home to Slovenia’s famous disappearing lake, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This day features some of the best gravel trails in the country, surrounded by untouched nature.

Ljubljana – Cerknica

Cerknica – Sežana

Ride through central Slovenia as the landscape transitions to the Karst region, known for its unique rock formations and vineyards. Finish in Sežana, a charming town with small, welcoming hotels that reflect the region’s character. Afternoon trip to Lipica horse stables is a possibility.

Cerknica – Sežana

Trieste – Izola

Travel from Slovenia’s northern Primorska region to the Adriatic coast, passing through Trieste, Italy, before arriving in Izola, a gem of the Slovenian coast. This day combines diverse scenery with your first glimpse of the sea.

Trieste – Izola

Izola – Piran – Buje – Novigrad

Cycle along the Parenzana bike path, a historic railway route, through coastal towns and rolling vineyards. Finish in the Croatian town of Novigrad, where you can celebrate with a swim in the Adriatic sea and enjoy the vibrant coastal atmosphere.

Izola – Piran – Buje – Novigrad

Good to know before the tour

What to pack for your cycling and hiking holiday

Cycling equipment:

  • breathable cycling clothing
  • padded cycling shorts for longer days in the saddle
  • a lightweight windproof jacket or rain layer
  • cycling gloves for comfort and grip
  • sunglasses with good UV protection
  • sunscreen for exposed mountain and coastal roads
  • a refillable water bottle or hydration flask

Hiking equipment:

  • comfortable hiking shoes with good grip
  • clothing that can be worn in layers
  • a waterproof jacket or rain protection
  • a compact backpack for water, snacks, and extra clothing
Why is Slovenia such a good destination for a cycling holiday?

Slovenia is an excellent choice for riders who want a lot of variety in a short amount of time. The country is small enough to explore easily, yet diverse enough to offer a new landscape every day. One stage can take you through quiet alpine valleys, the next past vineyards, forests, karst villages, or towards the Adriatic Sea.

Cycling here feels personal and relaxed. Many routes follow smaller local roads, scenic valleys, and well-maintained paths where the pace of travel allows you to notice more than just the distance covered. For active travellers, Slovenia combines nature, food, culture, and outdoor sport in a very compact and enjoyable way.

Is cycling in Slovenia safe?

Slovenia is generally considered a safe and comfortable country for cycling. Outside the main towns and larger roads, traffic is often light, especially on carefully selected cycling routes that we provide. From years of our experience, we will design the routes for you with the least amount of traffic possible. The road surface is usually good, and cycling is a familiar part of everyday outdoor life in many parts of the country.

As with any cycling holiday, normal road awareness is still important. We plan routes with safety, scenery, and ride quality in mind, avoiding busy sections whenever possible. But you are always responsible for your safety on the bike and must always adhere to road laws to ensure a smooth tour.

When is the best time of year for cycling in Slovenia?

The best months for a cycling holiday in Slovenia are usually from April to late October. During this period, the weather is most suitable for longer days outdoors, mountain roads are more accessible, and the countryside is at its most enjoyable.

May, June, September, and early October are especially good choices for riders who prefer milder temperatures and quieter routes. July and August can also be beautiful, particularly in the Alps, but these months are warmer and busier in popular tourist areas.

Can I bring my own bike?

Yes, you are welcome to travel with your own bike. Many experienced cyclists prefer using equipment they already know and feel comfortable with, especially on multi-day tours.

If bringing your own bike is not practical, we can provide premium road, gravel bikes and e-bikes for an additional fee. All options are carefully chosen for Slovenia's mixed terrain, from rolling countryside and paved climbs to gravel roads and longer touring days.

Do you offer group tours or private tours?

Our tours are mainly private and tailor-made. This means the tour can be adapted to your group, your riding level, and the type of holiday you want.

You can choose a relaxed pace with more time for food, wine, and sightseeing, or a more active version with longer stages and extra climbing. The daily schedule, route difficulty, and overall rhythm of the trip can all be adjusted before the tour.

Booking cancellation policy

If you need to cancel your booking, the refund depends on how much notice is given before the tour start date.

For cancellations made more than 30 days before the beginning of the tour, guests receive a full refund of the amount paid for the reservation.

For cancellations made from 30 to 14 days before the tour start date, guests are entitled to a refund of 50% of the booking amount. If anything happens and you need to cancel the tour in the last 14 days prior to the start, we will find a suitable solution together. We know that things happen and before anything else we want to ensure that our guests are happy and comfortable in booking a tour with us.

Who is this tour for

  • This tour is perfect for gravel cycling enthusiasts who enjoy diverse landscapes, challenging (but not too hard) days on the bike, and exploring cultural and natural highlights. It’s ideal for those seeking a well-balanced adventure with comfortable accommodations and time to relax or explore after each ride.

Inclusions

  • 6 nights in 3 or 4* accommodations with breakfast
  • Luggage transfer between destinations
  • Route creation and maps for easy to use navigation in Strava, Garmin etc.
  • 24/7 support, if you need anything, we will be glad to help
  • Tour design and customizations

Optional Extras

  • Bike and helmet rental
  • Airport transfers
  • Wine tastings & dinner reservations