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. 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 Worked up your appetite? Feast on delicious polenta, prosciutto San Daniele, and other Friulian specialties at Michelin-starred 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 Gorika Brda wine region for incredible riding and your first taste of Eastern European culture.
Days 3-4 Challenge yourself on two mountain passes
reminiscent of classic climbs in that famous French bike race After a thrilling descent, enter Soča River Valley for a spin to the sleepy village of Bovec (meaning "beautiful valley") Take in the turquoise Soča River and remarkable limestone peaks of Triglav National Park.
Days 5-6 Explore Slovenia's most stunning alpine destination,
Lake Bled, whose island dons a magnificent 17th-century church - you'll arrive by pletna (traditional wooden boat) 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 scene.
Trip Highlights
- Bike tranquil lanes with little traffic and unparalleled scenery
- Challenge yourself on two alpine passes, comparable to the great climbs of the French Alps
- Superlative white wines from the Collio region of Friuli, one of Italy's best-kept secrets
- An unforgettable dinner at Michelin-starred La Subida
- Explore Slovenia's most stunning alpine destination, Lake Bled
Casual Inns
Castello di Spessa Resort (2 nights): Set in charming gardens and tranquil parkland among rolling hills, this elegant castle traces its roots back to the Roman Empire and once hosted Casanova. (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 Triglav Bled (2 nights): Comfortable guest rooms with spectacular views of Lake Bled await at this lovely turn-of-the-century hotel. (pool, spa)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 23 | 300 | ||||||||
| Aquileia guided walk (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 2 | 24* | 900 | 39 | 1000 | 49 | 2200 | 60 | 3700 | ||
| 3 | 27* | 1100 | 34* | 1500 | 43* | 1700 | 60* | 3900 | ||
| 4 | 22* | 700 | 37* | 2200 | 52 | 4900 | ||||
| 5 | 16* | 700 | 25* | 2600 | 33* | 900 | 41 | 3400 | 69 | 7200 |
| 6 | 18 | 900 | ||||||||
| Castle walk (2 hours) | ||||||||||
There is less than 5% of riding on hard-packed dirt on this trip. Since the overwhelming majority of the trip is paved, we've elected to use standard road bike tires on our titanium road bikes. Most guests find this to be the right answer. If you prefer to skip the dirt, a shuttle is always a possibility.
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 9/15-20 Price: $4098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $590 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $3798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $590 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $3598 pp dbl. occ., (+ $590 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