Slovenia & Monte Zoncolan

Classic, flexible pace cycling holiday with daily route options
  • 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

6 days
Balcony road on Zoncolan cycling challenge with Marmot Tours road cycling holidays

Quote

Superb riding. What a lovely country. Slovenia was quiet (little car traffic) with excellent climbs and amazing descents.

S. Luther

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. If you'd like to, you can read more about cycling in Slovenia's Julian Alps and our adventures supporting Cyclist magazine with their Big Ride feature Pogačar's Playground which included conquering the Mangart Saddle.

It's important to us that you book the right holiday for you, so please click on the What’s Included, Essential Information, and Travel & Transfers buttons on this page for all you need to know about how this holiday works, including food, accommodation, travel and transfers etc. If you have any questions, you can get in touch using the Enquire Now button.

For the latest travel advice from the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice

Black and white image of road through forests and mountains on Marmot Tours guided road cycling tour Triglav National Park Slovenia
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Departure Dates & Prices

13th Sep - 20th Sep
Amount
£1,700.00
Single Room Supplement
£385.00
19th Sep - 26th Sep
Amount
£1,890.00
Single Room Supplement
£420.00

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 third Marmot Tours road cycling holiday onwards

Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.

Map

Itinerary

Bicycle on bridge over river at sunset in Slovenia on Marmot Tours guided road cycling holiday

Day 0: Arrival day

We offer included airport transfers at scheduled times during the day from Venice Marco Polo Airport to our start hotel in Solkan on the Slovenian/Italian border (a journey of 1hr 30 min).

Check in, assemble bikes, and gather with your fellow riders for a briefing from your guides before sharing a hearty meal in preparation for the adventure ahead!

Pair of female cyclists hose for photo on shore of Lake Bled on Slovenia cycling holiday with Marmot Tours

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) on a beautiful traffic-free cycle path.

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 : 89 KM with 1900m ascent [ride profile]

Harder : 94 KM with 2260m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 143 KM with 2400m ascent [ride profile]

Two cyclists on Vrisic Pass Slovenia cycling holiday with Marmot Tours

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 : 115 KM with 1600m ascent [ride profile]

Harder : 113 KM with 1800m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 108 KM with 2200m ascent [ride profile]

Two cyclists climbing Mangart Saddle Slovenia cycling holiday with Marmot Tours

Day 3: Day ride from Bovec - Mangart Saddle

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 : 53 KM with 1700m ascent [ride profile]

Harder : 62 KM with 2000m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 115 KM with 2900m ascent [ride profile]

Two cyclists on Sella Carnizza Italy Slovenia cycling holiday with Marmot Tours

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 : 68 KM with 1450m ascent [ride profile]

Harder : 85 KM with 2200m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 108 KM with 2800m ascent [ride profile]

Cyclist climbing mountain pass in Slovenia on marmot tours guided road cycling holiday

Day 5: Tröpolach to Arta Terme

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 leading 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 3 km includes a few sections over 18%!

Easier : 63 KM with 930m ascent [ride profile]

Classic : 85 KM with 1570m ascent [ride profile]

Harder : 91 KM with 2120m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 116 KM with 2810m ascent [ride profile]

Cyclist climbing Sella Ciampigotto Italy Slovenia cycling holiday with Marmot Tours

Day 6: Arta Terme to Pieve di Cadore

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 10.1 km, averaging 11.9% and including 6 km 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 29 km 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 : 63 KM with 1390m ascent [ride profile]

Classic : 77 KM with 1900m ascent [ride profile]

Challenge : 102 KM with 3110m ascent [ride profile]

Group of cyclists enjoying drinks on bar terrace on Slovenia cycling holiday with Marmot Tours

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 1 hr 30 min.

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