Superb riding. What a lovely country. Slovenia was quiet (little car traffic) with excellent climbs and amazing descents.
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.
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
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Several of the Challenge route climbs on this trip are quite steep compared to typical gradients in the French and Italian Alps. Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
bike lights
a pump
tyre levers
inner tubes
brake pads
a chain link
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.
We are pleased to offer some tempting discounts off the basic trip cost (not including extras such as single rooms or bike hire):
Please note that there is a maximum 10% discount on any holiday.
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!
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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.
We hope you’ll have sunshine and perfect cycling temperatures during your holiday, but obviously it’s the one aspect of your trip over which we have no control! Weather in the mountains can be highly changeable, and sometimes extreme. You’re likely to encounter a range of conditions and temperatures during your trip. You should bring warm and waterproof layers to protect you from the cold and rain. This is particularly important for the long descents that you’ll encounter on this trip.
This Classic, flexible-pace holiday itinerary offers a lot of flexibility, with a Classic and a Challenge route available each day (and sometimes an additional easier route too - see the trip description on the webpage for details of the route options available each day). Several of the Challenge route climbs on this trip are quite steep compared to typical gradients in the French and Italian Alps. Have a look at the daily stats of distance and climbing on the trip webpage. Although we move on most days, the distance and altitude gain between hotels are manageable for most people who road-cycle regularly. Please get in touch if you’d like further guidance.
We stay in comfortable 3* hotels with ensuite facilities. We have selected the hotels for their location and for their customer service towards cyclists. You will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender) unless you book a single room for a supplement (contact [email protected] for availability). Each hotel has a garage/locked room to ensure that your bike has a comfortable night too.
All the hotels have WiFi but it is not always reliable! Some only have WiFi in reception as opposed to in individual rooms. Also, WiFi can be slower in the evenings when many riders choose to upload their routes to Strava, stretching the bandwidth.
We move on most nights of this trip, so opportunities to use hotel laundry facilities (where they exist) are limited. However, we can help dry your hand-washed kit, so consider bringing some hand-wash detergent with you.
The hotels and restaurants we use can cater for most dietary needs and allergies if we know what these are well in advance. Each day, your guides will also double-check with the kitchen, to ensure they have something suitable planned for you.
You can let us know about any special dietary requirements on the booking form or via email. Please note that we request you stick to your dietary preference for the entire trip, as it’s very complicated for the hotels (and guides) if an individual has dietary requirements for some meals and not for others.
Your day will usually start with breakfast from around 08:00 with set off time at around 09:00 to 09:30. Lunch is typically served in restaurants and cafes from 12:00 to 14:00. Depending on which route you choose each day, you’ll be back at the hotel any time between 14:00 and 18:00. Dinner is usually served at 19:30. Your guides may occasionally need to adjust these timings depending on the needs of the group or the weather conditions.
Our holidays are cycling holidays (with an emphasis on cycling!), but you are welcome to have a lift in our vans during the day if you need one, for example if you’re injured, exhausted, or unsure about riding in challenging weather conditions. If you become ill or injured and are not planning to ride for the whole day (or if you would just like a day off the bike!), then we will normally recommend that you take a taxi directly to the next hotel. This will give you the maximum possible time to rest and recover at the hotel, or to enjoy other activities off the bike.
If you have rim brakes on your carbon wheels then we definitely do NOT recommend you bring them on this holiday - this is because we have witnessed several cases of sudden and catastrophic delamination of these wheels on descents. Take a look at our blog about this issue.
If you’re bringing your own bike, then please also bring:
bike lights
a pump
tyre levers
inner tubes
brake pads
a chain link
a spare rear derailleur hanger.
Tools for bike assembly are not required as Marmot Tours has them available for you to use on arrival (including a torque wrench). See FAQS for more detail.
If you are a non-EU national, to enter the EU you will need a passport issued within the last 10 years, that is also valid for at least 3 months after the date you intend to leave the EU.
Residents of many countries can enter the EU for short stays without a visa. From 2027, all non-EU visitors to the EU will require an ETIAS electronic travel authorisation.
Travel insurance is essential for all Marmot Tours holidays and anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the tour.