This week will be officially referred to as "the ride." Starting the day overlooking Italian vineyards and by afternoon swearing you’re in Switzerland. Welcoming the challenge of two completely empty alpine passes (save for your fellow biking companions). Fighting that inner conflict between taking in the view and taking on the next corner. Spotting the Adriatic far off among the mountains. Wondering how to say "Good Morning" in Slovenian. Toasting in the stunning town of Bled. Okay, yes, tasting the local Pinot Grigio and Tocai will be incredible. But it’s still about the ride.
Day 1 Bike tranquil lanes, with little traffic and unparalleled scenery
Visit Aquileia, a World Heritage site with exquisitely restored Roman ruins Relax in historic riverside Cividale del Friuli Worked up your appetite? Feast on delicious polenta, prosciutto San Daniele and other Friulian specialties at La Subida.
Day 2 Superlative white wines from the Collio region of Friuli,
one of Italy’s best kept secrets, where low hills lie blanketed in chestnut forests, cherry orchards and tidy vineyards 
On rolling hills, venture into neighboring Slovenia and the Goriska Brda wine region for incredible riding and your first taste of Eastern European culture.
Days 3-4 Challenge yourself on two alpine passes
reminiscent of classic Tour de France climbs After a thrilling descent, enter the Soca River Valley for a spin to the sleepy village of Bovec (meaning "beautiful valley") Take in the turquoise Soca River and remarkable limestone peaks of Triglav National Park.
Days 5-6 Explore Slovenia's most stunning alpine destination,
Lake Bled, arriving by gondola Its 15th-century church is magnificent! Find villages steeped in tradition en route to gorgeous, high-altitude Lake Bohinj The glamorous resort town of Bled, beloved for its thermal spas, inspires rejuvenation Journey to Ljubljana, with its unique Austrian flavor and vibrant cultural
Premiere Inns
Castello di Spessa (2 nights): Set in charming gardens and tranquil parkland among rolling hills, this elegant castle once hosted Casanova and traces its roots back to the Roman Empire. (golf)
Dobra Vila Bovec (1 night): Hosts Andreja and Sebastijan warmly welcome us to their charming hotel, a former telephone exchange building built in 1932, with 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 private lido with row boats. (pool)
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
- Optional 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 & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
2011 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/22-27Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/19-24Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/3-8Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/17-22Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/14-19Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/11-16Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/25-30Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
- 10/9-14Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $690 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
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
We came in with high expectations and they were exceeded in every way.- Highland Park, IL