Slovenia & Italy Biking
Discover Europe less traveled as you journey from Italy’s northern Adriatic to the rocky heights of Slovenia’s Julian Alps. Immerse yourself in the green Friuli-Venezia Giulia area, a hidden gem whose Celtic and Roman histories have been meticulously preserved. Pedal through the vine-draped hills of the Collio wine region, famed for producing some of Italy’s finest white. Then head into Slovenia to ride amid the alpine valleys, jewel-like lakes and limestone peaks of Triglavski National Park. Relish the challenge of two mountain passes - or take advantage of our van support - before toasting your grand finale in the postcard-perfect Bled, a town beloved throughout the centuries for its thermal spas and stunning natural surroundings.
Days 1-2 Capriva del Friuli
Meet in Udine 
Visit Aquileia, a World Heritage site renowned for its exquisitely restored Roman ruins and basilica containing one of Europe’s finest marble floors With the distant Julian Alps as your landmark, pedal flat tranquil back roads to the Collio wine region, where low rolling hills lie blanketed in chestnut forests, cherry orchards and tidy vineyards Bike to charming and historic Cividale del Friuli, set on the shores of the Natisone River Venture into neighboring Slovenia for an afternoon of incredible riding and your first taste of Eastern European culture Savor Italy's finest white wines - light fruity tocai friulano and crisp pinot grigio - and feast on Friulian specialties such as polenta and delicious prosciutto San Daniele.
Day 3 Bovec
Say arrivederci to Italy and prepare for the challenge of the mountains as you pedal the Passo di Tanamea into Slovenia After a thrilling descent, enter the Soča River Valley for a spin to the sleepy village of Bovec (meaning "beautiful valley").
Days 4-6 Bled
In Triglav National Park, a stunning alpine area named for Slovenia’s iconic mountain, follow the turquoise-colored Soča River on an unforgettable ride up the Vrsič Pass, an ascent reminiscent of classic Tour de France climbs Find villages steeped in tradition en route to Lake Bohinj, one of Slovenia's most beautiful alpine lakes Rejuvenate in Bled, one of Slovenia’s most glamorous resort towns Take a gondola ride to the rocky island in the middle of Lake Bled for a tour of its 9th-century church Journey to Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, with its unique Austrian flavor and vibrant cultural scene, then continue to Trieste, Italy.
NOBLE TRANQUILITY: Premiere Inns
Castello di Spessa (2 nights): Set in charming gardens and tranquil parkland among rolling hills, this elegantly furnished historic castle once hosted Casanova and traces its roots back to the Roman Empire.
Dobra Vila Bovec (1 night): This charming informal boutique hotel welcomes you with distinctively styled guest rooms and a sunny terrace with magnificent mountain views.
Hotel Vila Bled (2 nights): Once Tito’s summer villa, this hotel enjoys a spectacular location on the shore of Lake Bled and offers a swimming pool, a private lido with row boats, and a wellness studio featuring healing baths and massage treatments.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2 1 Route Option Available
- 23 miles
- 250 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 18, 33, 41 miles
- 600 - 1900 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 33, 59 miles
- 1500 - 3900 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4 2 Route Options Available
- 36, 51 miles
- 2150 - 4900 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 21, 29, 41 miles
- 650 - 3400 elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 18 miles
- 850 feet elevation gain
- or Optional Walking 2.2 miles
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2010 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/23-28Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/20-25Price: $3798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-17Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/1Price: $3698 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/3-8Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/10-15Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Late-fall savings of $600 per person; mention code PC02 when booking.
Guest Trip Reviews
This was an incredible trip. The biking was challenging but so rewarding. There is nothing more inspiring than working your way through a steep climb only to be rewarded with the most stunningly beautiful views of snowcapped mountains, waterfalls and crystal clear rivers. Our guides were wonderful - so full of local knowledge, completely accommodating and simply a pleasure to be around. They anticipated our every need and want, surprising us with little touches throughout each day. I hope we are lucky enough to have them again as guides!- Harrison, NY
Unique and wonderful sites, challenging biking, superb leaders! Another SUPERB Backroads trip! Having taken more than 25 trips with Backroads, we continue to marvel at the quality of your leaders, itineraries, cultural experiences, and accommodations. We plan to take many more trips with you!- Minneapolis, MN
Once again, Backroads provided what I've come to expect - top-rated guides leading us through beautiful scenery, providing historical background and context, and delivering us to fine hotels and dining.- Brookline, MA
Serious cyclists who enjoy a variety of terrain, from flat stretches to challenging climbs, will love this trip. You'll pedal through the rolling, vineyard-covered hills of the Collio region on the Italy/Slovenia border, which is famous for white wines. Also take in the dramatically rugged Alpine scenery in Slovenia's river valleys.- Regional Manager, Europe