SLOVENIA & JULIAN ALPS

FROM 30 JULY TO 8 AUGUST 2027

A fully supported road cycling journey through Slovenia’s alpine valleys, lakes and legendary mountain passes.

Duration: 10 days / 9 nights

Experience: Road cycling

Level: Medium – Hard

Distance / Elevation: 704 km / +15,280 m

Format: Fully supported

HIGHLIGHTS

Slovenia brings together an extraordinary variety of landscapes within a surprisingly compact country. Forested valleys, turquoise rivers and quiet villages give way to limestone peaks and winding mountain roads. This ten-day journey connects them from the saddle, with seven cycling stages and time to enjoy the places between the climbs.

The lakes of Bled and Bohinj, the open meadows of Logar Valley and the emerald waters of the Soča are part of the experience, alongside the hairpins of Vršič, the ascent of Dobratsch and the spectacular road to Mangart. Crossings into Italy and Austria add another dimension to a trip rooted in Slovenia’s mountain landscape.

With professional guides, mechanical support and luggage transfers taken care of, you can focus on the riding, the scenery and the company. Inspired by Zlatorog, the legendary guardian of the Julian Alps, Slovenia Prehod combines a rewarding physical challenge with comfortable stays and shared evenings after a day on the road.

Slovenia from the saddle

Discover the country’s changing landscapes on a journey from Ljubljana to the Julian Alps. Quiet rural roads, wooded valleys and mountain villages connect the better-known landmarks with places best experienced by bike.

Bled, Bohinj and Logar Valley
Ride beside alpine lakes and into a glacial valley framed by limestone peaks. From Bled’s island church to the shores of Bohinj and the meadows of Logar Valley, the scenery is as memorable as the cycling.

Climbs worth travelling for
Vršič’s hairpins, the demanding ascent of Dobratsch and the high road to Mangart give the journey its sporting character. Expect sustained climbs, rewarding descents and days that will stay with you long after the trip.

Three countries in one journey
Slovenia is our home for the trip, with crossings into neighbouring Italy and Austria. The routes around Tarvisio, Dobratsch and the border passes reveal how closely these alpine landscapes are connected.

Ride with support, stay in comfort
Travel with ABRA cycling guides, mechanical assistance and a support vehicle throughout the stages. Selected hotels, luggage transfers and organised meals let you settle into the rhythm of riding, recovering and enjoying the journey together.

30 July · Welcome to Slovenia

Arrive at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU), where your transfer to the hotel will be organised by ABRA. Settle in and enjoy an evening at leisure before the journey begins.

Overnight: Ljubljana.

31 July · Get ready for the road

The day is dedicated to bike preparation, our trip briefing and a city tour. Riders who would like to stretch their legs can choose an optional ride into the green countryside west of Ljubljana.

The shorter route offers a gentle introduction, while the longer option continues through Polhov Gradec and climbs into the forested Polhograjski Dolomiti. We come together for our welcome dinner in the evening.

Optional long ride: 72 km / +1,080 m.
Optional short ride: 40 km / +350 m.

Overnight: Ljubljana.

Leaving Ljubljana, we follow quiet roads east into the green hills surrounding the Sava Valley. Steady climbs and flowing descents carry us through rural villages and wooded ridges before we reach Rimske Toplice, a historic thermal retreat surrounded by forest.

Main route: 83 km / +1,340 m.

Overnight: Rimske Toplice.

2 August · Stage 2 · Towards the limestone peaks

Three distinct climbing sections shape our ride through the wooded hills of central Slovenia. We approach the Savinja Valley and the village of Luče before the final kilometres rise beneath the Kamnik-Savinja Alps.

Our destination is Logar Valley, a quiet glacial valley of meadows and forests enclosed by towering limestone peaks.

Main route: 98 km / +2,126 m.

Overnight: Logar Valley.

3 August · Stage 3 · Border passes and alpine valleys

We leave Logar Valley and climb towards the Pavlič Pass, crossing the mountain border into Austria before returning to Slovenia through Jezersko. High farms and alpine scenery give way to a long descent along the Kokra Valley.

On the main route, a further demanding ascent comes before the final descent towards Brdo and Kranj. A shorter option is available for riders who prefer a lighter day.

Main route: 99 km / +2,500 m.
Shorter option: 57 km / +1,224 m.

Overnight: Brdo / Kranj.

4 August · Stage 4 · An alpine lakeside arrival

Both routes head towards Škofja Loka before entering the quiet hills of Gorenjska. The main route continues through Železniki and climbs to Zgornja Sorica, followed by a sweeping descent towards Bohinjska Bistrica.

The shorter option takes a more direct approach to Bled. Our reward is an arrival beside Slovenia’s most celebrated alpine lake, where we stay for two nights.

Main route: 85 km / +1,580 m.
Shorter option: 65 km / +1,130 m.

Overnight: Bled.

5 August · Stage 5 · Forests and lakes

Our loop from Bled climbs through quiet villages and dense forest towards the Pokljuka Plateau. We descend into the Bohinj Valley and follow the lakeshore to Ukanc, surrounded by the peaks of Triglav National Park.

The return leads through Bohinjska Bistrica and along the Sava Bohinjka corridor to Bled. A shorter version is also available.

Main route: 85 km / +1,534 m.
Shorter option: 69 km / +1,300 m.

Overnight: Bled.

6 August · Stage 6 · Three countries and the queen stage

Our queen stage leaves Bled through the quiet Radovna Valley, continuing past Kranjska Gora towards Italy and the Fusine Lakes. From Tarvisio, we cross into Austria via Arnoldstein before tackling the demanding climb to Dobratsch.

After descending, one final ascent over Wurzen Pass brings us back into Slovenia for a well-earned finish in Kranjska Gora. The shorter option offers a less demanding alternative to the full queen stage.

Main route: 147 km / +3,200 m.
Shorter option: 83 km / +1,561 m.

Overnight: Kranjska Gora.

Distance: 106 km
Elevation: +1900m
Difficulty: Hard

The final stage follows the coastline of Bizkaia, tracing the shore from Lekeitio through historic fishing towns and surf spots. Passing Mundaka and Bermeo, the route offers iconic views of San Juan de Gaztelugatxe before continuing along quiet coastal roads and turning inland towards a celebratory return to Bilbao, completing the journey around the Basque Country

7 August · Stage 7 · The final mountain loop

We leave Kranjska Gora and climb Vršič’s legendary hairpins before descending through Trenta into the emerald Soča Valley. Passing Bovec, we climb the extraordinary road to Mangart Saddle, above 2,000 metres.

We then cross Predil Pass into Italy and return via Tarvisio and Rateče to Kranjska Gora. Our final evening brings everyone together for a farewell dinner after seven days on the road.

Main route: 107 km / +3,000 m.

Overnight: Kranjska Gora.

Where we stay

PRICE: €4,690 PER PERSON

The price includes

  • Guided cycling experience
  • Professional ABRA cycling guides
  • Full mechanical support
  • Support vehicle during all cycling stages
  • Luggage transport between hotels

Accommodation & meals

  • Nine nights of hotel accommodation, including two nights in Ljubljana on arrival
  • Breakfast every day
  • Dinners during all cycling stages
  • Welcome and farewell dinners

On-the-road support

  • Sports nutrition during all cycling stages
  • One to three picnic stops, depending on stage length

Logistics & safety

  • Airport transfers to and from Ljubljana Jože
  • Pučnik Airport (LJU) on the scheduled arrival and departure days
  • Group travel insurance

The price does not include

  • Flights and baggage fees
  • Bike rental, unless booked as an extra
  • Meals not explicitly mentioned
  • Optional excursions or activities
  • Alcoholic drinks with dinner
  • Personal expenses
  • Any service not listed under “The price includes”

Optional extras

  • Bike rental: €590
  • Single room supplement: €690

Optional extras are available on request. The single room supplement can be selected during booking.

FAQ
Before booking

A ten-day road cycling journey through Slovenia, with rides into Italy and Austria. Seven stages connect alpine valleys, lakes and villages with some of the region’s most spectacular climbs, including Vršič, Mangart and Dobratsch. An optional warm-up ride in Ljubljana offers a gentle introduction before the main journey begins.

This trip is designed for cyclists who enjoy mountain riding and are comfortable spending consecutive days in the saddle. You should have experience with sustained climbs and long descents, and arrive with a good level of fitness. If you are unsure whether it suits your experience, contact us before booking.

This is a challenging road cycling trip. The main routes range from 83 to 147 km, with up to 3,200 m of climbing in a day. Shorter alternatives are available on selected stages, but some remain demanding mountain rides. Regular training and preparation will help you enjoy the experience.

Bring a well-maintained road bike with gearing suitable for sustained climbs. We recommend a compact chainset or equivalent and tyres around 28–32 mm for comfort. Have your bike serviced before departure and bring essential tools and compatible spares. Helmets are mandatory on every ride.

Yes. Bike rental is available on request for €590 and is not included in the base trip price. Please contact us in advance to confirm availability and arrange the correct size.

We travel with a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 participants. This small-group format allows for personal support and a relaxed atmosphere, both on and off the bike.

Absolutely. You are welcome to join without a travelling companion. The base price is per person, based on two people sharing a room. If you would like to share, contact us before booking to discuss room arrangements. If you prefer your own room, select the €690 single room supplement during booking.

during the trip

Yes. ABRA cycling guides, mechanical support and a support vehicle accompany the cycling stages. Your luggage is transported between hotels, and sports nutrition and picnic stops are provided during the rides. Please bring bike-specific spares, as we cannot stock every component.

Yes. Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6 offer shorter alternatives, and the optional warm-up ride also has two versions. You will find the distances and climbing in the itinerary. The guide team will explain the available options before each stage.

We ride on paved roads and cycling paths, combining quieter valley sections with sustained mountain climbs and long descents. Be prepared for warm summer riding as well as cooler temperatures and changing conditions at higher elevations.

Mountain weather can change quickly. Bring suitable layers and a waterproof jacket, even when the forecast looks favourable. The guide team may adjust departure times, shorten a stage or change the route when conditions require it.

The published itinerary is our planned route, but adjustments may be necessary because of weather, road closures, safety considerations or other circumstances. Any changes will be explained by the guide team, with the aim of preserving the experience while keeping the group safe.

The trip includes nine hotel nights across six locations: Grand Hotel Union Eurostars in Ljubljana, Rimske Terme, Hotel Plesnik in Logar Valley, Elegans Hotel Brdo near Kranj, Hotel Park in Bled and Hotel Kranjska Gora. You will find the hotel overview in the handbook.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

Plan to arrive at Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) on 30 July 2027 and depart from the same airport on the morning of 8 August 2027. Airport transfers are included on the scheduled days. Please coordinate your flight times with ABRA before booking your flights.

Bring comfortable cycling kit, a helmet, layers for cooler mountain conditions and a lightweight waterproof jacket. You should also have cycling gloves, sunglasses, sun protection, essential tools and spares, and two water bottles. A detailed packing list is included in the handbook.

Please limit your luggage to one suitcase and one small backpack or personal bag per participant. Packing lightly helps us manage luggage transfers throughout the trip. If you are bringing your own bike, contact us in advance to coordinate your bike case or box.

No touring luggage is required on the bike: we transport your bags between hotels. You only need to carry your day-ride essentials, including water, an extra layer, your phone and a basic repair kit.

Please check the entry requirements that apply to your nationality before travelling. The route crosses Slovenia, Italy and Austria, so bring the travel document required for your journey and keep it accessible during cross-border stages.

Use the Book Now button to reserve your place with a 30% deposit, or choose to pay in full. The remaining balance is split into two payments, due three months and 30 days before departure. Payments can be made by credit card or bank transfer.

If you need to cancel, please notify ABRA by email. Cancellation charges depend on how far in advance you cancel. Please read our Terms & Conditions before booking for the full cancellation and refund policy.