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 Venice 
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 light and fruity Collio wines 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") Cap off the day with a tasting of Slovenian wines.
Days 4-6 Bled
In Triglavski National Park, a stunning alpine area named for Slovenia's iconic mountain, follow the turquoise-colored Soča River on an unforgettable ride up the Vrič Pass, an ascent reminiscent of classic Tour de France climbs Find villages steeped in tradition en route to Lake Bohinj, where you may choose to hike Rejuvenate in Bled, one of Slovenia's most glamorous resort towns Journey to the Slovenian capital Ljubljana, with its unique Austrian flavor and vibrant cultural scene, then continue to Trieste, Italy.
NOBILE TRANQUILITY : Premiere Inns
Hotel Vila Bled (2 nights): This Relais & Châteaux member, once Tito's summer villa, enjoys a spectacular location on the shore of Lake Bled and offers tennis courts, a swimming pool, a private lido with row boats, and a new wellness studio featuring healing baths and massage treatments.
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
Dobra Vila Bovec (1 night): This informal and charming boutique hotel welcomes us with distinctively styled guest rooms and a sunny terrace with magnificent mountain views.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Level 2
1 Route Option Available
- 21 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 5 4 Route Options Available
- 19, 34, 44, 56 miles
- 500 - 4500 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 3 to 5 2 Route Options Available
- 31, 57 miles
- 1500 - 4000 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Level 4 3 Route Options Available
- 42, 50, 51 miles
- 2500 - 5000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 22, 33, 45 miles
- 500 - 3000 elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 1 Route Option Available
- 18 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| 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 |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/27-8/1Price: $3898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
The trip you have selected is different from the one displayed. Here's how:
Hotel change: We will stay at the Hotel Kanin in Bovec on Night 3.
Please note that this is a Casual Inn. Please contact your Trip Consultant for detailed information. - 9/7-12Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/21-26Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/28-10/3Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $950 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
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