fbpx

Slovenia to Croatia by Gravel Bike From Alpine Lakes to Istrian Coast

7 nights/6 cycling days

From 3.100 Eur

From 7th to 14th April 2026

From Alpine Lakes to Istrian Coast

Like locals ride it

This is the kind of route you’d design if you knew the region like a local—and wanted to ride it like a pro. In one week you connect two countries and several distinct worlds: the calm of Bohinj, the iconic scenery of Bled, the culture of Ljubljana, the drama of Karst landscapes, and finally the Mediterranean rhythm of Istria.

We take care of the details—guiding, support, daily logistics—so you can focus on the ride, the views, and the post-stage moments. It’s a big adventure with a premium feel: smooth flow, smart pacing, great stops, and the confidence of being in very experienced hands.

Because this is the rare kind of ride that truly travels—from Slovenia’s Alpine calm to Croatia’s Adriatic finish—without ever feeling rushed or stitched together. You begin between Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled, two of the country’s most beloved lakes, then roll into Ljubljana for a stage finish in a capital defined by its iconic old town and riverside energy. As the route heads south, the landscapes turn dramatic in the Karst region, with a stop in Postojna, famous for its world-renowned cave system, before you reach Lipica, home of the legendary white Lipizzaner horses.

From there, the tour shifts into a Mediterranean rhythm: you descend to the coast for an evening in Piran, then cross into Istria for the storybook hilltop towns of Grožnjan and Motovun, riding through vineyards and olive groves on quiet gravel lanes. The finale is pure satisfaction—coastal Poreč followed by the finishing city of Pula, where Roman heritage and seaside atmosphere make the perfect last chapter. Throughout the week, you’re supported by a professional guide team and premium logistics, so you can ride confidently, soak up the scenery, and enjoy a true stage-tour experience—without the stress.

Chapter One: Slovenia’s Signature Landscapes

The first part of the tour is a deep dive into Slovenia’s most iconic landscapes and cultural gems—starting in the Julian Alps and flowing south through the country’s green heart. Think legendary lakes, a vibrant historic capital, and the dramatic Karst world that sets the stage for what comes next.

Highlights

Highlights

Chapter Two: Croatia’s Istrian Coastline & Culture

Crossing into Croatia, the mood shifts to Istria’s Mediterranean rhythm—quiet lanes, vineyard-covered hills, and postcard hilltop towns. It’s the perfect build-up to the Adriatic coast, finishing in a city where Roman history and seaside atmosphere make a memorable final chapter.

Highlights

Highlights

this trip is for

this trip is for

The tour is generally upper-intermediate level. A solid base of fitness and some experience with longer rides and climbing will make the week more enjoyable.

Pedal Together!

want to join?

INCLUDED

  • 7 Accommodations in 3/4**** Star Hotels in double room, half-board
  • 6 fully guided riding stages
  • Technical support and daily bike maintenance/bike wash
  • Feed stops on the route
  • Luggage transfer day by day
  • Bike Box transfer from start to finish day

NOT INCLUDED

  • Transport and flights
  • Visas
  • Insurance

OPTIONAL

  • Airport transfer to and from Ljubljana, Trieste, Venice, Zagreb
  • Bike rental: gravel bike 310,00 Eur, e-gravel bike 440,00 Eur
  • Single room supplement from 240,00 Eur per person

ARRIVAL

By plane:

The closest and most convenient airport is Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU). From there it’s around 30 minutes by shuttle or taxi to the tour starting point in Lake Bohinj.

From finish town Pula there is about 2 hours drive back to Ljubljana Airport.

Other nearby airports are: Trieste or Venice (Italy) or Zagreb (Croatia).

Love for Cycling
Customize it!

want it your way?

need a bike

Bikes

Scott Speedster Gravel 20 Bike for Rent

FROM 55 EUR

Scott Aspect 940 Mountain Bike for Rent

FROM 30 EUR

Scott Sub Cross 30 Men Trekking Bike for Rent

FROM 30 EUR

SCOTT SUB Cross eRide 20 Men Electric Trekking Bike for Rent

FROM 55 EUR

FAQ

How can I book a bike rental or tour?

Booking your cycling adventure with Polka Dot Cycling is a straightforward process designed for your ease. Visit our website to choose your preferred bike or tour, select the rental period or tour date, and seamlessly navigate through the checkout process. For those who prefer an in-person experience, our physical location welcomes walk-ins for spontaneous bookings. Your journey begins with a hassle-free and efficient reservation process.

Is there a minimum age requirement for rentals or tours?

Safety is our priority. For bike rentals, the minimum age requirement is 18 years. However, our family-friendly bike tours cater to participants of all ages. Specific age requirements and recommendations for tours are detailed in the tour descriptions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

What is your cancellation policy?

We understand that plans can change. At Polka Dot Cycling, our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility and transparency. We kindly advise to notify us of your cancellation as soon as your plan changes and we will try to do our best. For more details and exceptions, please refer to our comprehensive cancellation policy, here: read more

How are rental prices determined?

Polka Dot Cycling delivers transparent and competitive pricing for an array of budgets. Our rental prices are determined based on the type of bike and duration. Detailed pricing is available on our website, ensuring clarity and simplicity in your booking process.

Are there any additional fees I should be aware of?

Our pricing is straightforward, with the rental fee covering the bike, helmet, and basic safety gear. Any additional services or requests may incur extra charges, which we communicate clearly during the booking process. We aim to provide you with a seamless and predictable experience.

What forms of payment do you accept?

At Polka Dot Cycling, we prioritize convenience. We accept major credit cards and cash for in-person transactions. Our secure online booking system accommodates various payment methods, ensuring your financial information is handled with the utmost care.

We understand that plans can change. At Polka Dot Cycling, our cancellation policy is designed to provide flexibility and transparency. We kindly advise to notify us of your cancellation as soon as your plan changes and we will try to do our best. 

Cycling Tours:

Payments:

  • Non-Refundable deposit of 20% is needed to confirm your booking.
  • 50% payment 60 days before a tour begins.
  • 30% payment 15 days before a tour begins.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Non-refundable deposit 20%.
  • 15 up to 30 days before a tour – 50% refundable.
  • Up to 15 days before a tour – 0% refundable.

Custom Cycling Tours, Special Events, Private Groups & Private Tours:

Payments:

  • Non-Refundable deposit of 30% is needed to confirm your booking.
  • 50% payment 60 days before a tour begins.
  • 20% payment 15 days before a tour begins.

Cancellation Policy:

  • Non-refundable deposit 30%.
  • 15 up to 30 days before a tour – 50% refundable.
  • Up to 15 days before a tour – 0% refundable.

Polka Dot Cycling recommends their guests to contact their insurance company for travel insurance packages before booking and payments, to see what are the refund options in case of cancellations due to unforeseen circumstances. For more details please see our Terms & Conditions.

Love for Cycling

More Gravel tours

Gravel

Other Polka Dot Gravel Tours you might be interested.

South Africa

1 1
gravel, bike, Slovenia, Julian Alps

From Julian Alps to Adriatic Sea

2 2