Slovenia & Monte Zoncolan
Road Cycling Holidays in Slovenia
Road Cycling Holidays in the Dolomites
- Experience stunning cycling in the breathtaking mountains of Slovenia, Italy and Austria
- Flexible pace itinerary with two to three routes to choose from daily
- Explore the Triglav National Park, cycle the Mangart Saddle and Vršič Pass
- Includes the optional opportunity to cycle the infamous Monte Zoncolan climb
- Comfortable and friendly 3* hotels with local cuisine geared to cyclists
- Exceptional support from two expert, proactive, and fun Marmot guides, focused on making your holiday the very best it can be, with two customised support vans for full support on the road
- Numerous flight connections to Venice Marco Polo airport
Days on the bike
Excellent - Perfect. Plenty of distance/elevation options, with lots of opportunities to change plans depending upon how you feel on the day.
A Stafford
Introduction
The mountainous region of Europe where Slovenia, Austria and Italy meet is a delight for road cyclists looking for a week of spectacular riding away from the crowds. We have crafted this Marmot Classic style itinerary to make the most of the glorious landscape whilst also having opportunities for more time off the bike if that is your preference.
You’ll start the week exploring Slovenia’s magnificent Triglav National Park with its glacial lakes and towering limestone peaks, the highlights being the Vršič pass and the Mangart Saddle. We then head briefly into Italy and Austria to explore the border region on gravity-defying roads that were built to mobilise arms during the Great War. We end our week getting to know the beautiful but less explored eastern Italian Dolomites, and also the infamous Monte Zoncolan. Please note, the gradients in this region and on this tour are steeper than on most of our other tours.
Assisted by two exceptional, proactive, and fun Marmot guides with fully equipped support vehicles, you can ride at your own pace, stop when you want, and make each day your own. This is an exceptional week of cycling in a magnificent location. It’s our goal to help you have an unforgettable cycling experience.
It is important to us that you book the correct road cycling holiday for you, so do download and read the Trip Notes for all you need to know on how this holiday works: food, accommodation, travel and so on…
Foreign travel advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, click here.
Departure Dates & Prices
2026
Discount Information
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
- Book & pay your deposit more than 6 months in advance of the start of your holiday for our 5% early bookers discount
- Get a group of 10+ people together for a 7.5% group discount and, as the group organiser, receive a £150 voucher for your next holiday
- Be rewarded for your loyalty by receiving a 10% discount from your 3rd Marmot trip onwards
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
Map
Itinerary
Day 0: Arrival day
We offer included airport transfers (a journey of 1hr 30 min) at scheduled times during the day from Venice Marco Polo airport to our start hotel in Solkan on the Slovenian/Italian border.
Full travel advice (essential reading before booking your flights) and airport transfer timings can be found in our Trip Notes.
Check-in, assemble bikes and share a hearty meal in preparation for the adventure ahead!
Day 1: Solkan to Ribčev Laz
Here we go! Our destination is the picturesque lake of Bohinjsko Jezero on the southern flanks of the Triglav National Park. Our Slovenian road cycling adventure starts relatively gently, undulating through picturesque and unspoiled countryside to the base of Bohinjsko Sedlo (1277m). This is a ‘cheeky’ little climb up through the forest with varying gradients. From here you have the options of descending to our 4-star hotel on the lake and exploring the local surroundings, or extending your ride by heading down to Lake Bled (with its iconic island church).
For those wanting a taster of the gradients on Mt Zoncolan, heading up to the monastery and viewpoint of Sveta Gora (630m) first thing in the morning is a good option.
Classic route: 87km with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 137km with 2400m ascent [ride profile]
Day 2: Ribčev Laz to Bovec
Today is all about the Vršič Pass (1611m), a truly remarkable road on which to ride a bike. It was built by Russian prisoners of war, so is often known as the ‘Ruska cesta’ – Russian road. Its northern flanks are epitomised by 24 hairpin bends, many of which are still cobbled! As the road meanders higher and higher it commands spectacular views of the Triglav National Park. From the pass, we descend into the lush green valley and onto the mountain town of Bovec, where we stay for two nights.
To get to the base of the climb, there are two good options. The first descends gently to Lake Bled, where we climb slightly before joining the valley road. Our Challenge route takes a more mountainous ride over the cross-country ski haven of Goreljek (1256m).
Classic route: 110km with 1600m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 109km with 1800m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 108km with 2200m ascent [ride profile]
Day 3: Day ride from Bovec
The spectacular Mangart saddle (2055m) is the highest surfaced road in Slovenia and our destination for today. We start by riding up the deep green valley surrounded by an amphitheatre of limestone mountains. When we approach the Italian border, we branch off on a narrow road that winds its way into the high pastures with constantly breathtaking views – this is one of the most beautiful road cycling climbs in Europe. What goes up, must come down and the descent is a fabulous reward for your efforts.
The afternoon can be spent lapping up the ambiance of Bovec or taking on the southern side (steeper, but no cobbles!) of the Vršic Pass (1611m).
Dinner tonight is not included, so you are free to explore the vibrant town of Bovec with its many cafes and restaurants.
Classic route: 53km with 1700m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 62km with 2000m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 115km with 2900m ascent [ride profile]
Day 4: Bovec to Tröpolach
Today you’ll start the day by catching a lift in the van, or cycling up to the Italian border on the Passo del Predil (1156m). A short descent takes you to the picture-perfect Lago del Predil with its well-placed cafe.
Next up is the Sella Nevea (1195m), followed by a spectacular descent to Chiusaforte in the Fella Valley. Here we join a wonderful, surfaced cycle path on the bed of the old railway line up the deep gorge to the town of Pontebba. From there, we take on the Passo di Pramollo (1530m) and descend into Austria for the night.
Today’s Challenge route heads down the cycle path and then climbs up through a remote but beautiful valley to the Sella di Cereschiatis (1065m), before re-joining our Classic route at the base of the Passo di Pramollo.
Classic route (lift up the Fella valley): 68km with 1450m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 85km with 2200m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 108km with 2800m ascent [ride profile]
Day 5: Plöckenpass (1357m), Monte Zoncolan - East (1735m) and Passo Duron (1071m)
You’ll start your day in Austria, winding your way gently up a wide, glaciated valley, dotted with picture-perfect villages. You’ll then climb back into Italy over the Plöckenpass/Passo di Monte Croce Carnico (1358m). This well-constructed road has been used as a trade route since the Middle Ages, and was the scene of a gruelling battle during WW1, leaving the pass adorned with military remnants.
This leads into a spectacular technical descent. Tight switchbacks cut into the mountainside lead you to the hamlet of Paluzza, where you have several route options. The first takes you directly to our hotel in Arta Terme. The town is famed for its thermal waters which can be enjoyed in the luxurious baths, just over the river from the hotel. However, you also have the option of cycling a wonderful loop into the Carnia mountains through some rural countryside over the Passo Duron (1071m).
Another option includes Monte Zoncolan (1735m) from the ‘easier’ eastern side. We say ‘easier’, but it’s still a 13km route with an average 13.2% gradient, and the final 3km includes a few sections over 18%!
Easier route: 63km with 930m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route: 86km with 1570m ascent [ride profile]
Harder route: 91km with 2120m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 117km with 2810m ascent [ride profile]
Day 6: Sella Valcalda (958m), Monte Zoncolan - West (1735m) and Sella Ciampigotto (1790m)
Today is an epic day!
Monte Zoncolan (1735m) from the west is by no means the highest, but it is undoubtedly the steepest climb in the area. The Giro d’Italia first introduced it in 2007 and it quickly became a game-changer, mixing things up in the peloton. The climb is 10.1km, averaging 11.9% and including 6km at 15%! It is entirely optional, and doing a U-turn if the going gets tough is always a possibility. Having said that, the dopamine hit you get as you pass through the tunnels, knowing that only a few zig-zags remain, makes all the pain worthwhile.
All routes begin by riding or catching a lift up the Sella Valcalda (958m). Here you must make a tough choice – to Zoncolan or not to Zoncolan! Regardless of your choice, the 29km of the Sella Ciampigotto (1790m) lie between you and our hotel. This climb is a wonderful journey and a fitting end to your week of cycling. You climb gently passing through villages with distinctive green-tiled church towers, through a cross-country ski station and over high Alpine pastures. The cherry on the cake is the cafe at the top, which offers us a warm welcome and views towards the Dolomites. (If you opted for the Zoncolan and cannot face any more cycling, then we can give you a lift up this climb.)
From here there is a lovely, sweeping descent into the Cadore valley, where we pass around a large reservoir to our hotel – a great ride to end this week of exceptional cycling in Slovenia, Austria and Italy.
Easier route: 63km with 1390m ascent [ride profile]
Classic route: 76km with 1900m ascent [ride profile]
Challenge route: 101km with 3110m ascent [ride profile]
Day 7: Departure day
Sadly, you’ve reached the end of your amazing week of cycling, though no doubt your legs will thank you! We offer included transfers from Calalzo di Cadore to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in the morning, a journey of around 1hr 30min.
Trip Album
