Backroads guests toasting with wine
Boats socked at the harbor
Two bikers on Backroads trip
Coastline at sunset
Scenery of couch under two trees
Biking - Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour
Lake Bled, Slovenia
Lake Bled - Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour
Seafood - Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour
Biking in Slovenia
Backroads Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour
Wine - Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour
Pool - Slovenia and Croatia Bike Tour
Couple of bikers in a sunflower field
Biking
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Croatia & Slovenia Bike Tour

Julian Alps, Istrian Vineyards & the Sea

Couples, Friends & Solos

6 days 5 nights

Activity Level: 2-4

Premiere & Casual Hotels

From: $5,199 - $5,999 pp dbl occ

($1,250 - $1,550 for sgl occ)

Slow down in Slovenia. Take time to marvel at snowcapped peaks and expansive river valleys. Pause to notice the brilliant blues of glacial lakes. Resist the urge to rush toward Croatia’s coastline. Let its beauty unfold as you bike to the Adriatic Sea. Then linger to watch the sunset light it all up. Ride as fast as you’d like, but know that there’s no need to hurry here.

Croatia & Slovenia Bike Tour map
Croatia & Slovenia Bike Tour map

Croatia & Slovenia

Start Ljubljana, Slovenia / End Trieste, Italy

Start/End locations may vary. Do not book flights until your trip details are confirmed.

Highlights

  • Discover Ljubljana in Slovenia, recently named Green Capital of Europe by the European Commission
  • Bike peaceful roads through lush vineyards, verdant forests, terraced hills and charming towns
  • Explore ancient Venetian villages and castle ruins that illustrate the Istrian Peninsula's fascinating history  
  • Glide by boat across the dazzling waters of Slovenia's glacial Lake Bled and off Croatia's Adriatic coastline

Itinerary

Accommodations may vary based on departure date.
6 Days Premiere & Casual Hotels*
Accommodations may vary based on departure.
Days 1-2
Description

Begin your journey in Ljubljana, Slovenia, one of Europe's hidden gems | Bike to Bled, a picturesque resort town nestled in the foothills of the Julian Alps | Climb a beautifully forested route to Slovenia's Triglav National Park and enjoy lunch at a local cheese farm | Gaze over the mountains and Lake Bled as we tour an 11th-century hilltop castle | End the day there with a dinner fit for royalty as alpenglow lights up the surrounding peaks.

Accommodations
Exterior view of Hotel Vila Bled
Hotel Vila Bled
Bled
| *Casual Hotel

Once the summer villa of Yugoslavian autocrat Josip Tito, this hotel enjoys a spectacular location on the shore of Lake Bled and offers a private lido with rowboats. (spa)

Day 3
Description

Discover Slovenia's postcard-perfect Radovna Valley and the famed mountaineering towns of Mojstrana and Kranjska Gora | Ski jumps in winter are just another part of the dramatic landscape in summer | Follow a scenic bike path along a converted railway | Relax into beach time in the romantic Slovenian fishing town of Portorož (Port of the Roses) | Dine on fresh-caught seafood and sample fine regional wines.

Accommodations
Exterior Kempinski Palace Portoroz
Kempinski Palace Portorož
Piran
| Premiere Hotel

Overlooking the Adriatic Sea, this luxurious hotel offers stellar service and blends contemporary design with classic elegance. (pool, spa) 

Days 4-6
Description

Cross the border by bike as Croatia’s quiet roads, dense forests and terraced fields welcome you | Cycle peaceful roads to Livade, Croatia’s truffle capital, and learn to spot these fragrant culinary delights | Ride from the Venetian town of Bale through central Istria’s striking landscape | Dive into history as you pass small villages, castle ruins and the remains of medieval towns | Stop for a swim on a deserted islet as you return by boat to our coastal retreat on the Adriatic | Take a final spin to the sparkling turquoise waters of the Adriatic Sea.

Accommodations
Exterior Restaurant Meneghetti Wine Hotel
Meneghetti Wine Hotel & Restaurant
Bale
| Premiere Hotel

This tranquil country retreat is surrounded by lush olive groves and Mediterranean flora and features spacious rooms with rustic yet luxurious styling. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa) 

The earlier you book, the more choice you'll have and the lower your price. And you can always change your mind — you won't be charged to transfer to a different trip before your final payment is due. View cancellation policy.

Click on dates for pricing, itinerary variations and to book your trip. Price is per person, double occupancy in USD.

October 2023
Oct 1 - Oct 6
Sold out
Oct 8 - Oct 13
Sold out

Looks like you’re traveling with a smaller group

Our Private Trips are best for groups of 6 or more. We suggest joining a scheduled trip.

Please Select a Group Size

Group size is required to show per-person pricing. Your group size can be approximate and can change.

Activity Level: 2-4

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. Several routes and a range of levels are offered each day so you can choose how much or how little activity you want to do. Learn more about how we determine activity levels.

Route notes

You'll encounter a wide range of terrain on this trip, from rolling hills and flat valleys to climbs and descents. While most of the roads we travel are in excellent condition and lightly trafficked, some sections are on hard-packed dirt roads with patches of gravel, allowing us to bypass some of the busiest areas.

Daily Route Options

* Includes shuttle.
Day 1
Biking
Level 2 | 16 miles | 1300 ft. gain
Level 3 | 29 miles | 2100 ft. gain
Level 4 | 36 miles | 2600 ft. gain
Day 2
Biking
Level 3 | 22 miles* | 3100 ft. gain
Level 3 | 26 miles | 3700 ft. gain
Level 4 | 36 miles | 4100 ft. gain
Level 5 | 51 miles | 6900 ft. gain
Day 3
Biking
Level 3 | 24 miles* | 2500 ft. gain
Level 4 | 33 miles | 3200 ft. gain
Day 4
Biking
Level 2 | 22 miles* | 1900 ft. gain
Level 3 | 28 miles | 2500 ft. gain
Level 3 | 32 miles* | 2700 ft. gain
Level 5 | 73 miles* | 5400 ft. gain
Day 5
Biking
Level 2 | 27 miles | 2100 ft. gain
Level 3 | 41 miles | 2500 ft. gain
Day 6
Biking
Level 2 | 18 miles | 900 ft. gain

What's Included

Available Bike Options

The key to a stellar day's ride is a bike that's perfectly in tune with your cycling style… Backroads has you covered with the best bike fleet in the world! Please note that bike requests are subject to availability and prioritized based on the date they're submitted.

Click the arrow to see all bike options.

Backroads Performance Road Bike
Backroads Performance Road Bike
Performance Road Bike

Included in your trip price

This custom-designed titanium bike is lightweight and responsive, featuring Shimano Ultegra Di2 electronic shifting, 11-speed compact gearing, a premium Mavic Ksyrium Pro wheelset and a full carbon fork. 

Backroads Touring Bike
Backroads Touring Bike
Touring Bike

Included in your trip price

A proven classic, this custom-designed titanium bike is suited for a wide range of cyclists. It features a comfortable ergonomic seat and a long wheel base that add to the bike’s control and stability.

Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Backroads Electric-Assist Bike
Electric-Assist Bike

Included in your trip price

Keep pace or zip ahead, pedaling with an electric boost. This bike provides plenty of power to flatten the hills and more than enough battery range to cover the distance.
Min. age to ride e-bike: 16+

Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Cannondale Synapse Pro Carbon Bike
Carbon Bike

Ride like a pro with the top-of-the-line carbon Cannondale Synapse Hi-Mod Red ETAP AXS. Delivering phenomenal acceleration and handling in a light and powerful package.
$650 rental fee; subject to availability

Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Co-Motion Torpedo Tandem Bike
Tandem Bike

This hand-built frame features Co-Motion's custom-designed cro-moly steel tubeset, powerful Avid disc brakes, Shimano Ultegra drive train, and a custom, upgraded wheelset. For experienced tandem riders.
$400 rental fee

Also Included

  • All breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 dinners
  • Expertise and services of our experienced Trip Leaders
  • Snacks and beverages between meals
  • Additional guides and experts from the region on many trips
  • Van shuttles to support a variety of route options
  • Comprehensive Travel Planner with detailed pre-trip information
  • Private guided tours at museums, historic sites, wineries and other select attractions as noted in the Travel Planner
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants
  • Special events, including wine tastings and other select attractions as mentioned in the Travel Planner
  • On biking and multi-adventure trips, use of fully equipped Backroads titanium bike plus helmet and accessories
  • Trailercycles, carriers, and kid-sized helmets for Family Trips
  • Equipment and experienced guides for kayaking, rafting, snorkeling, sailing and canoeing as described
  • Park and other entry fees
  • Fares for trains, ferries and other modes of travel as listed in the Travel Planner
  • Select coach transfers
  • Baggage transfers and porterage

Straight talk

We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.

Summer Heat & Crowds

Croatia and Slovenia are popular tourist destinations with busy peak seasons, especially during the summer months and on national holidays. We've planned our itinerary to take you off the beaten path, but crowds are common in this region, particularly on the coast. Keep in mind that summer heat can make biking and hiking more challenging.

Air-Conditioning

While Hotel Vila Bled offers outstanding service and amenities, please note that they are not equipped with air-conditioning and guest rooms can occasionally become warm during peak temperatures.

Ask a trip expert

Have a question and need expert advice? Our team of Trip Consultants is here to help! You can also visit our Help Center.

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