Slovenia and Italy are the perfect pairing of countries to combine into one exhilarating bike tour. What’s to like? Slovenia is bordered by Italy, Hungary, Austria and Croatia and has been influenced in its cuisine, art and culture. The country is small with dramatic scenery, quiet roads to bike and some wonderful hotels. Starting in Ljubljana, you will have a full day to see the many sites of this city, with its Old World Plazas, baroque churches and dramatic castles. Then Bled, with its wondrous turquoise lake, and island monastery, and divine cycling, some along new dedicated bike paths that wind majestically through bucolic countryside and past aqua-marine lakes. If you need assistance over the Vrsic pass, we’re there for you with assistance. But don’t miss the unending descent down the Soca valley, following the serpentine Soca river towards Italy. In Friuli, Italy, you will ride through vineyards and orchards, and in Unesco World Heritage town of Cividale, you will, as we did, find heaven on earth. Did we mention the food is some of the best in Europe? We’ve got a treasure trove of ‘off-the-beaten path’ restaurants, wine tasting opportunities and other discoveries to share. This will surely become one of our most popular trips –go soon, before the secret is out.

Only Great Explorations:

  • Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences
  • A ride you will never forget: from Vrsic pass to Bovec
  • Order off the menu at restaurants you won’t find in guidebooks
  • Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups
  • Wine included at first and final night receptions
  • We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises

Location

Ljubljana

Ljubljana

Day 1

Bled

Bled

Day 2+3

Bovec

Bovec

Day 4

Cividale

Cividale

Day 5+6+7

Venice

Venice, Metropolitan City of Venice, Italy

Extension: Day 7+8

What’s Included in the Cost of Your Trip?

INCLUDED IN REGULAR TRIP

Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides
Support vehicle
6 nights lodging
All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1
Wine included at reception on first and final nights
Wine tasting in Cividale
Entrance fees for selected tastings, historical sites and museums
Detailed map and route instructions
All baggage transportation
All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
Gratuities for all meals, hotels etc. are included; tips for Great Explorations guide(s) are additional and at your discretion

Not Included

Bike rental

Particulars

EVENT DATES

2023

Jun 6-12
Jun 13-19
Jul 3-9
Jul 10-16
Jul 17-23
Jul 31-Aug 6
Aug 14-20
Aug 21-27
Aug 29-Sep 4
Sep 4-10

2024

Jun 4-10
Jun 11-17
Jul 1-7
Jul 8-14
Jul 15-21
Jul 29-Aug 4
Aug 12-18
Aug 19-25
Aug 27-Sep 2
Sep 2-8

Trip can start at any date. Custom trips also available. Call or email for details.

TRIP SIZE

4-16 participants

TOTAL DAYS

7 days / 6 nights

ARRIVE / DEPART

Ljubljana / Venice

ACTIVITY LEVEL

Moderate
30-55 km daily (20-40 miles)
Van supported

TERRAIN

Slovenia is moderately hilly and there is the opportunity to challenge yourself on two mountain passes. Friuli, Italy is less so. See elevation gains in itinerary.

COST

Land Cost:
US $3,650
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $920

Bike Rental:
US $280

E-Bike Rental:
US $480*

*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. Rental rates include delivery to the first hotel and pick-up from the last hotel. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable. 

Optional: Extension Venice US $495 pp
Single sup: US $150
Includes 2 nights hotel with breakfast daily and a 1/2 day guided walking tour.

Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@great-explorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247.

Getting there

Ljubljana: You can fly into Venice Italy or directly into Ljubljana, Slovenia and back out of Venice. If flying into Venice, it takes approximately 2 hours by bus to reach Ljubljana.


1

Day 1

Ljubljana

Described as one of Europe’s most livable cities, with pedestrian and bike-friendly streets, and  an active cultural scene. Surely one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, but without crowds (yet). We recommend arriving late afternoon in time to walk along the emerald green Ljubljanica River which is lined with vibrant cafes and then have dinner at the acclaimed Gostilna na Gradu, situated in the castle above town ; it will be the first of many memorable meals.

2

Day 2

Bled

Bike lanes depart right from the center out of town  so if ever there was a city to ride from, this is it (no transfer needed). You will be soon be out in the countryside and enjoying the dramatic scenery of Slovenia. Lunch in the medieval village of Skofa Loka, with its castle and restored historical center. You will arrive to splendid Lake Bled along a little known bike path. The setting here is nothing short of spectacular. Take a dip, or take one of the pletnas out to the island to visit the monastery. We have several restaurants for you to choose between.
Distance: 40 km, elevation gain 620 m or 71 km, gain 1460 m.*

3

Day 3

Bled

Ride through Triglav National Park to Lake Bohinj, quite possibly even more beautiful than Lake Bled. Optional hike to the Savica waterfall, which at 60 m is one of the most impressive sights in the Julian Alps. On your return ride circling Lake Bled, stop at one of the beaches or at the rowing center, where world-class rowers train. Visit the castle above town.
Distance: 43 up to 84 km, elevation gain 445 up to 1610 m.*

4

Day 4

Bovec

Leaving Bled, you will ride to Kranska Gora where you can enjoy lunch at a recommended gostilna. If you wish a lift up and over Vrsic Pass (at 1611 m), we have a shuttle option for you and you can enjoy the long descent into  the Soca River valley. The afternoon ride to Bovec will surely rate as one of the most spectacular of your life. With the Julian Alps high above, the Soca River below, and Triglav National Park all around, this dramatically situated village is one of the adventure centers of the country. Rafting is possible, either on the afternoon you arrive or next morning.
Distance: 41 up to 81 km, elevation gain 480 up to 1700 m.*

5

Day 5

Cividale

From Bovec, you ride south towards Italy, but not so fast. We recommend having lunch at Hiso Franko before continuing on to Cividale (or Cormons for the luxe trip). Arriving to Cividale, you will discover a beautifully intact Unesco World Heritage site. It’s central plaza is one of the most beautiful of any Italian city and yet devoid of tourists.
Distance: 48 km, elevation gain 725 m or 91 km, gain 2005 m.*

6

Day 6

Cividale

For your last day in Friuli, we have designed options that range from flat to hilly. Our favourite ride dips back into Slovenia to wine taste and enjoy those quiet roads that wind through vineyards, past castles and quiet roads, with street-side fruit stalls and wine tasting opportunities abound. Finish your trip with a well-deserved dinner at Enoteca de Feo, an intimate wine bar & restaurant where “the music is jazz, the service professional, and the food impeccable” (Frommers). As you wash this down with the local wines, toast your journey that will have given you memories to last a lifetime.
Distance: 47 km, elevation gain 350 m or 67 km, gain 980 m.*

7

Day 7

Departure Day

Trains for Venice depart frequently. From Cividale you connect through Udine (travel time to Venice is 1h50).

*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.

8

Day 7 & 8

Post-trip Extension in Venice

Add 2 days/2 nights to Venice, staying at our favourite hotel in Venice, with a guided walking tour on day 2. US $595 per person (single supplement US $200).

Antiq Hotel & Spa, Ljubljana

This boutique luxurious property is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and is located in the historic center. The rooms, spa and service are first class and it deserves its 4-stars.


Grand Hotel Toplice, Bled

This 5-star hotel, is located on the lake walking distance to the restaurants and sites of the city. Air-con, Wifi and LCD.


Dobra Vila, Bovec

This 4-star hotel is by far the most luxurious in Bovec; everything about the hotel is superb, including the restaurant, and the warm welcome.


Locanda Al Castello, Cividale de Friuli

This 4-star castle hotel is located just outside of Cividale, with tremendous views over the countryside. There is a wellness center and excellent restaurant on site. This is our first choice because of the proximity to Cividale and all its riches.



			

		

				

					

			
			

		

		
			


	


 

                        
                    

                        

	
	
	
	
	

	

		

			
Trip Reviews

		

				

			


	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
October 28, 2022

			

						
“Loved cycling the Julian Alps. Our guide was terrific with a deep knowledge of the area. He was very attentive to all members of our group, their fitness level and amazing when first aid was required in one instance. Gorgeous mountain towns. Extremely clean. The Slovenian people were courteous and welcoming to us.”



					

	






	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
October 8, 2019

			

						
“The trip was consistently good! Hotel in Lubjana excellent location, excellent breakfast. Hotel in Cividale was beautiful. The WW1 museum was very, very good. Meals were all good.”



					

	






	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
October 7, 2019

			

						
“The scenery was spectacular. Loved Slovenia! The rides for the first 4 days all challenging. Hotel in Bled was our favorite, location superb. Breakfast awesome. Ljubljana castle meal was good. Maps & route instructions were all good. Much harder rides on consecutive days was more difficult than we expected. Only 2 easy days. Van and guides were awesome. We of course love Veronika, and will ask for her again. Dimitri was also a nice guy.”



					

	






	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
July 22, 2015

			

						
Veronika and Grega in combination with

the beautiful, charming and unique Slovenia and Italy countryside made the trip just amazing.



					

	






	
			
	

		

						
		

		

			

												
June 15, 2015

			

						
Excellent guides. Great group of participants. Very professional guides They knew there material and was always willing to help.



					

	



		


		
								

				
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