Epic Slovenian Gravel Roads
Eight days from Ljubljana to the Adriatic: marshes and forests, karst plateaus, the vineyards of the Vipava Valley and Goriška Brda, the stone villages of the Karst, and a finish in Piran with a swim in the sea.
From the capital to the coast
Discover Slovenia on an unforgettable eight-day gravel journey through one of Europe’s most diverse and captivating landscapes. Though small in size, Slovenia offers an extraordinary range of scenery: majestic Alpine views, rolling hills, pristine forests, karst landscape, celebrated wine regions, and the sparkling Adriatic coast. This carefully designed gravel adventure brings them together in one remarkable experience.
Your journey begins in Ljubljana, Slovenia’s elegant and lively capital, where striking architecture, riverside cafés, and a relaxed atmosphere create the perfect starting point. From there, the route leads you through quiet forests to Rakitna, across the vineyards of the Vipava Valley, and into the enchanting hills of Goriška Brda, a region renowned for exceptional wines, refined cuisine, and warm local hospitality.
The final stages take you across the iconic Karst, a landscape of stone villages, sweeping views, and timeless character, before descending towards the Adriatic Sea. Here, your ride ends with a well-earned and refreshing swim in the sea.
- From Ljubljana to the Adriatic Sea – a varied journey through marshes, forests, karst plateaus, vineyards and historic villages, finishing on the Slovenian coast.
- Gravel, nature and hidden landscapes – scenic backroads, Lake Cerknica, Rakov Škocjan, the Nanos Plateau, the Karst and former railway trails through Val Rosandra and along the Parenzana.
- Culture, wine and coastal charm – Predjama Castle, the Vipava Valley, Goriška Brda, Štanjel, Italian coffee in Gorizia and a memorable finish in Piran with a swim in the Adriatic Sea.
Tell us how many of you are riding and we’ll confirm availability.
Four things we don’t compromise on
Amazing routes
We love being on the road and we ride out every route ourselves. Whatever your ability, goals or time, you get the best roads we know.
Impeccable guides
Our tour leaders know this territory completely. They set each day around your ability, safely and with the fun left in.
Balanced nutrition
Foodie travellers do well here. Local cuisine, regional specialities and tastings chosen for discerning appetites.
Adventure
We know these roads like the back of our hands, and we’re ready to share our secrets with you.
Eight days, six stages
Six riding days linked by an arrival and a departure day, with the support van available throughout. Every stage splits by pace, so nobody is dragging or being dragged.
Arrival and transfer to Ljubljana
Upon arrival, a van transfer takes us to the capital city, Ljubljana. The rest of the day is dedicated to preparing the bikes, exploring the lively city, and enjoying a traditional Slovenian dinner.
Around Ljubljana
We discover Ljubljana and its surroundings on a scenic cycling loop that combines city charm, green hills, peaceful gravel roads, and local history.
The ride begins just outside Ljubljana, then heads into the forests above the Ljubljana Basin. Scenic trails lead us to the Church of St. Jakob, offering beautiful views towards the Alps. The route then descends to the Sora River and continues across fields, forests, and the slopes of Rašica. A relaxing gravel section along the Sava River brings us back towards the edge of the capital.
The final stretch follows the historic Path of Remembrance and Comradeship before we climb over Golovec and descend back into the city. A perfect ride for experiencing Ljubljana like locals.
Across Rakitna, past Lake Cerknica, to Postojna
The second cycling day begins on excellent flat gravel roads across the peaceful Ljubljana Marshes. From there, the route gradually starts to climb, following a beautifully scenic gravel road through the cool shade of the forests above the Iška Gorge and all the way to Rakitna lake.
The journey then continues towards the intermittent Lake Cerknica. Varied and picturesque gravel roads lead us across the lake area and along its edge before reaching Rakov Škocjan, another remarkable karst gem shaped by the fascinating forces of nature.
We finish this long and rewarding day in Postojna, a town best known for the magnificent Postojna Cave.
Past Predjama Castle, into the Vipava Valley
This stage combines medieval history, endless gravel roads, and the most renowned wine-growing regions of western Slovenia.
The day begins with a visit to Predjama Castle, known as the largest cave castle in the world. From here, beautiful gravel roads lead us across the forested Nanos Plateau to the charming Vipava Valley, where we are treated to views of vineyards, orchards, and picturesque small villages along the edge of the valley. Just before the end of the stage, we stop in the town of Vipava and take some time to enjoy an ice cream.
Through vineyards to Goriška Brda
We begin the day with a scenic ride along the Vipava River, making our way through the valley towards Nova Gorica. En route, we pause in the charming medieval village of Vipavski Križ, beautifully perched above the Vipava Valley and offering a wonderful glimpse into the region’s character and heritage.
The day finishes in Šmartno, a small fairytale-like village in Goriška Brda, right next to the Italian border. Surrounded by rolling vineyards and timeless stone houses, it offers the perfect ending to this cycling stage.
Through the mystical Karst landscape
We begin the day with a descent from Goriška Brda towards the Soča River and Gorizia, where we pause to enjoy a proper Italian coffee. From there, a steady climb takes us up to the Karst Plateau, opening beautiful views towards the Vipava Valley, the Trnovo Forest Plateau, and the Alps beyond.
The route continues along varied roads and gravel tracks, winding through pine forests and across the distinctive karst landscape before reaching the charming village of Štanjel. From there, we ride past vineyards and through quiet woodland.
We end the day in Sežana, where a charming hotel offers the perfect place to relax after another memorable stage.
From the Karst to the sea
The final stage begins with a ride through a peaceful pine forest towards the border village of Basovizza, a place of great historical importance for Slovenians. Once again, we briefly cross into Italy, riding through an area that is part of the Slovenian ethnic territory.
From there, we descend into the hinterland of the Gulf of Trieste along an old railway line, with beautiful views opening over the Val Rosandra. Reaching the Slovenian coast, we continue along the Parenzana, another former railway line that now offers one of the most scenic cycling routes in the region.
The route leads us to Piran, a charming coastal town, where we end the journey in the best possible way: with a well-deserved swim in the sea. We will spend our final night in the Karst region as well, with transportation arranged by us.
Sežana
After a nice breakfast and excellent coffee, we take a moment to gather all the impressions and memories from the journey, before slowly waving goodbye to Slovenia.
In the price
- Seven nights’ accommodation with breakfast in 3★/4★ hotels along the route – Ljubljana (2), Postojna, the Vipava Valley, Goriška Brda and the Karst (2) – tourist tax included
- 6× lunch along the way, from a wine bar with a traditional Karst-style lunch to a picnic with homemade local delicacies, a small local restaurant and seafood
- 7× dinner in local restaurants, with an emphasis on traditional Slovenian dishes typical of the region you’re staying in (à la carte, up to three courses)
- Daily snacks on the road
- 6× guided riding, including a local bike guide
- Gravel bike and helmet for the whole trip
- Luggage transportation between hotels
- Transportation from the coast to the Karst region after the final tour
- Support van available at all times, with a driver and technical support
- Pick-up and drop-off at Ljubljana airport or in Ljubljana
- Planning and organisation
Not included
- Transport to Slovenia
- Entry to Predjama Castle and other optional activities
- Travel insurance
- Single supplement, if you’d rather not share
Based on 3★/4★ hotels with breakfast. Send us your group size and dates and we’ll confirm availability.
Ride the Epic Slovenian Gravel Roads
Tell us your dates, your group size and roughly the kind of days you’re after. We’ll come back with availability, a firm price, and an honest read on whether this is the right trip for your group.
We usually reply within two business days.