Slovenia & Italy Biking
Northern Italy's Wine Region & the Julian Alps
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.
Trip Planning Links
- 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 La Subida
- Explore Slovenia's most stunning alpine destination, Lake Bled
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Days 1-2 Capriva del Friuli
Meet in Udine 
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 white 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").
Days 4-6 Bled
In Triglav National Park, a stunning alpine area named for Slovenia's iconic mountain, follow the turquoise-colored Soča River on an unforgettable ride up the Vrsič Pass, an ascent reminiscent of classic Tour de France climbs Find villages steeped in tradition en route to Lake Bohinj, one of Slovenia's most beautiful alpine lakes Rejuvenate in Bled, one of Slovenia's most glamorous resort towns Take a gondola ride to the rocky island in the middle of Lake Bled for a tour of its 9th-century church Journey to Slovenia's capital, Ljubljana, with its unique Austrian flavor and vibrant cultural scene, then continue to Trieste, Italy.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
Other Trips You Might Like:
Argentina Biking Tuscany Biking Dalmatian Coast BikingOther Italy Trips
Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
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 More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the tour experts. For biking tours in , trust our in-depth connections. To see all our biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning walking and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning multisport tours click here.
Slovenia & Italy Biking
NOBLE TRANQUILITY: Premiere Inns*
Castello di Spessa
Capriva del Friuli (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 Roman Empire.
Hotel Kanin
Bovec (1 night) The slope-side hotel offers a spa, sauna and swimming pool, plus comfortable guest rooms overlooking the Alps.
* Casual Inn
Hotel Vila Bled
Bled (2 nights) This Relais & Châteaux member, once Tito's summer villa, enjoys a spectacular location on the shore of Lake Bled and offers a swimming pool, a private lido with row boats, and a wellness studio featuring healing baths and massage treatments.
Slovenia & Italy Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Insider Trips | Explore at a leisurely pace—on village walks, market strolls, art history excursions, hands-on cooking classes and more. | ||
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
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, 47 miles
- 650 - 3400 elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 18 miles
- 850 feet elevation gain
- or Optional Walking 2.2 miles