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Italy

Julian Alps to the Adriatic Cycling

Trip code: C10SV

Average customer rating 4.8 / 5(97 verified reviews)

Self-Guided Cycling
10 nights hotel-to-hotel
Leisurely
CO₂ rating 1/5
Headwater Navigation app

Trip highlights

Gentle, easy-paced cycling through wonderfully scenic countryside – vines, lush forests, sun-soaked hamlets

Rich natural beauty: magical lakes and cobalt blue Adriatic Sea

Medieval villages, Renaissance towns, Venetian squares, historic hilltop castles

Rolling river valleys, dramatic limestone peaks, sweeping 360° views

UNESCO-listed Aquileia – immense early Roman Empire site

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Trip details

This relaxed cycling holiday explores the very heart of Central Europe, beginning in
Slovenia on the shores of magical Lake Bled, passing by Austria before heading south
through Italy and on to the Adriatic.

For me, the highlight of this trip is the incredible variety. From the alpine scenery around Lake Bled to the Adriatic Sea, every day feels different, and crossing between Slovenia and Italy adds a unique sense of adventure.
Megan Wyatt — Personal Travel Consultant

What's included

Included

  • 10 nights in 2-star, 3-star and 4-star accommodation
  • All breakfasts
  • Bike fitting and briefing at the start of your holiday
  • Headwater navigation app
  • Bike hire included
  • Luggage transfers between hotels

Not included

  • Flights
  • Local taxes/fees
  • Travel insurance

Your bike

Hand-picked for the route, hire included

KTM, Life or equivalent. Your bike hire is included in the price of your holiday and comes equipped with the relevant essentials, plus rear pannier and phone holder.

Bike type

Travel options

Our travel specialists can arrange flights, rail and transfers to this holiday from wherever you are. Call us to plan your journey. +44 1606 720099

Itinerary

Route map, with each night's stop marked
The full route, night by night. Select the map to view it full screen.

Day 1 · —Arrive in Bled

Arrive in Bled

Arrive at your 4 star hotel overlooking Lake Bled. Time for a refreshing dip before a stroll along the waterfront and evening meal in a local restaurant.

You stay at Hotel Park

Standard room at Hotel Park
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Hotel Park

Bled

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Overlooking Lake Bled, Park Hotel – Sava Hotels & Resorts features a wellness centre with a large indoor pool and a gym. All rooms have balcony with either lake view or park view.

Day 2 · 29km/18.0mi or 41km/25.5miLake Bled Circular Cycle

Lake Bled Circular Cycle

Your circular warm-up ride takes you first along the shore of Lake Bled and then through a series of sleepy Slovenian hamlets and on to 12th century Kamen Castle. Explore its Gothic and Renaissance keeps, and climb the preserved Roman tower – great views from the top. Return to Bled where we strongly recommend the short uphill detour to its castle – the oldest in Slovenia – with towers, ramparts, moat and viewing terrace.

Elevation

Lake Bled Circular Cycle elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Park

Standard room at Hotel Park
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Hotel Park

Bled

  • Air conditioning
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Visa cards
  • Wifi access

Overlooking Lake Bled, Park Hotel – Sava Hotels & Resorts features a wellness centre with a large indoor pool and a gym. All rooms have balcony with either lake view or park view.

Day 3 · 33km/20.5miLake Bled to Tarvisio

Lake Bled to Tarvisio

After breakfast, we take you (25 mins) to Mojstrana, a gateway village to the Triglav National Park. You can almost reach out and touch the jagged limestone pinnacles of the Julian Alps on the one side, and the contrasting rolling hills of the Karawanken mountains on the other, as you start your cycle west through the valley. Birdlife here is prolific so look out for eagles, hawks and rare birds of prey as you approach charming Kranjska Gora, a pretty alpine ski village and fantastic lunch spot. A pine-scented stretch then leads you across the border and down to the gorgeous 4 star Hotel Edelhof, just 5 minutes’ walk from the village centre.

Elevation

Lake Bled to Tarvisio elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Edelhof

Hotel Edelhof
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Hotel Edelhof

Tarvisio

  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Sitting just a short walk from the centre of Tarvisio and at the foot of the winter ski slopes the Hotel Edelhof takes its influences from bordering Austria in its design and feel.

The breakfast room and restaurant are more akin to an Austrian Stube and the rooms are delightfully decorated, a mix of elegance with an Austrian mountain feel.

The food though is distinctly Italian with great local choices and good wines, the hotel has a small spa area (pay locally) and a garden terrace.

Day 4 · —At Tarvisio

At Tarvisio

Widely regarded as the ‘jewel in the crown’ of the Julian Alps, the twin glacial lakes of Fusine are breathtakingly beautiful. Alternatively, if you’re up for a longer cycling challenge cycle to Villach in Austria before returning by train.

You stay at Hotel Edelhof

Hotel Edelhof
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Hotel Edelhof

Tarvisio

  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Television
  • Wifi access

Sitting just a short walk from the centre of Tarvisio and at the foot of the winter ski slopes the Hotel Edelhof takes its influences from bordering Austria in its design and feel.

The breakfast room and restaurant are more akin to an Austrian Stube and the rooms are delightfully decorated, a mix of elegance with an Austrian mountain feel.

The food though is distinctly Italian with great local choices and good wines, the hotel has a small spa area (pay locally) and a garden terrace.

Day 5 · 60km/37.3miTarvisio to Venzone

Tarvisio to Venzone

A longer but totally undemanding cycling route today packed with interest, colour and natural beauty. After a 400m descent (great fun!) into the wooded Fella Valley, your traffic-free cycle trails wind through cheery mountain communities – often criss-crossing the river below – en route to Venzone, a jaw-droppingly pretty mediaeval walled town, famous for its lavender.

Elevation

Tarvisio to Venzone elevation profile

You stay at Agiturismo Casali Scjs

AGITURISMO CASALI SCJS - Exterior
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Agiturismo Casali Scjs

Venzone

The Agriturismo Casali Scjs is a quaint farmhouse in a rural setting. There
is a restaurant next door or it’s around 400m into Venzone. A national monument, Venzone is a great example of architectural renovation. The
Tiere Motus is a museum that retraces the history of the town and
especially of the earthquake and the subsequent reconstruction work.

Day 6 · 59km/36.7miVenzone to Udine

Venzone to Udine

As the sun rises the valley lights up and the mountain silhouettes come to life; you coast effortlessly along tranquil lanes, passing fruit orchards, vineyards and remote churches nestled in the rolling foothills of the Friuli hills. Lots of traditional villages – Tavagnacco, Treppo Piccolo and Osoppo – will tempt you for lunch before you continue on through gentian-carpeted meadows to the historic regional capital, Udine.

Elevation

Venzone to Udine elevation profile

You stay at Astoria Hotel Italia

Astoria Hotel Italia
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Astoria Hotel Italia

Udine

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

The Astoria hotel sits on one of the squares in the centre of the old town of Udine, the hotel building dates back to the 14th century and has been owned by many noble families.

The rooms are large and offer all modern amenities, the large breakfast room opens out into a small garden where breakfast can be taken in good weather.

The city’s historic quarter is on your doorstep with a huge choice of restaurants, and the train station is just a 20 minute walk away.

Day 7 · —At Udine

At Udine

The birthplace of acclaimed 17th century artist, Giambattista Tiepolo, Udine’s honeycomb of brightly coloured, portico-lined squares between Piazza Liberta, known as ‘the most beautiful Venetian piazza on the mainland’ and Piazza Matteotti, boast fine shops, historic cafes and traditional osterias and are the very essence of this friendly city. For a longer day out Venice can be reached (90 mins) by train.

You stay at Astoria Hotel Italia

Astoria Hotel Italia
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Astoria Hotel Italia

Udine

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

The Astoria hotel sits on one of the squares in the centre of the old town of Udine, the hotel building dates back to the 14th century and has been owned by many noble families.

The rooms are large and offer all modern amenities, the large breakfast room opens out into a small garden where breakfast can be taken in good weather.

The city’s historic quarter is on your doorstep with a huge choice of restaurants, and the train station is just a 20 minute walk away.

Day 8 · 30km/18.6miUdine to Palmanova

Udine to Palmanova

If you fancy the idea of gentle pedalling from one pretty wine village to the next – with lots of traditional tasting trattorias thrown in – then this is the day for you! Enjoy lunch in mediaeval Pavia di Udine then it’s on through sun-dappled cornfields and swaying vines to the 16th century star-fort citadel of Palmanova.

Elevation

Udine to Palmanova elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Ai Dogi Palmanova

Hotel Ai Dogi bedroom
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Hotel Ai Dogi Palmanova

Palmanova

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

This lovely 3 star hotel is in a quiet spot in the corner of the piazza which is the heart of the geometric perfect town.

With the square on your doorstep, there is a great choice of restaurants and bars, and it is easy to explore the town. It has one of Italy’s best pizzerias.

The rooms are nice and modern and the hotels small breakfast area has a well-stocked buffet.

Day 9 · 30km/18.6miPalmanova to Grado

Palmanova to Grado

The highlight of today’s cycle is, without doubt, the UNESCO-listed, ancient Roman city of Aquileia, a self-standing masterpiece of sacred art and historical treasure. Discover its immense archaeological site, magnificent 14th century mosaics and dominant patriarchal basilica before heading down the spectacular Adriatic lagoon to the island town of Grado where the elegant 4 star Hotel Hannover overlooks the charming port, and is just 200m from the beach.

Elevation

Palmanova to Grado elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Hannover

Hotel Hannover
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Hotel Hannover

Grado

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

The Hotel Hannover is in the perfect position for visiting the town of Grado, situated looking over the harbour and on the edge of the charming old fishing quarter.

It has good sized rooms some with balconies, others with views of the harbour, and a nice breakfast room and harbour side outside terrace.

The restaurants of the town are within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Day 10 · 36km/22.4miAt Grado

At Grado

It’s easy to see why Grado is known as the ‘Sun Island’ and you may well be tempted to spend the day relaxing on its sandy beaches simply soaking up the lovely views over the sea to Croatia and Slovenia! But do make time to stroll the calli e campielli (lanes and courtyards) of the well-kept historic town. Here you’ll find winding alleys, pretty little squares and traditional cason (old fishermen’s houses clustered together almost one on top of the other). There is the option to cycle along the coast through the Cavanata nature reserve to the delta of the River Isonzo too.

Elevation

At Grado elevation profile

You stay at Hotel Hannover

Hotel Hannover
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Hotel Hannover

Grado

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Market
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe

The Hotel Hannover is in the perfect position for visiting the town of Grado, situated looking over the harbour and on the edge of the charming old fishing quarter.

It has good sized rooms some with balconies, others with views of the harbour, and a nice breakfast room and harbour side outside terrace.

The restaurants of the town are within easy walking distance of the hotel.

Day 11 · —Leave Grado

Leave Grado

Extending your holiday

Grand Hotel Toplice

Grand Hotel Toplice

Bled

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Swimming pool
  • Television

The hotel has a pleasing open aspect looking out over Lake Bled, there is a lakeside promenade accessed directly from the hotel.

All rooms have a balcony.

Grand-Hotel-Union-Comfort-Double-Room

Grand Hotel Union

Ljubljana

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Swimming pool
  • Television
  • Wifi access

The Grand Hotel Union is one of Ljubljana’s most prestigious hotels. Built at the turn of the century it was considered one of the finest hotels in Europe at this time with its lift, central heating and telephones (a rarity in 1905). Its hall was used as the city’s concert hall for many years and its clientele has traditionally been associated with the arts. The hotel has hosted many famous pianists and singers over the years.

The rooms are all furnished in a contemporary style with satellite television, telephone and air-conditioning. The hotel has a swimming pool on the top floor that has an appealing glass roof dome.

HOTEL KETTE, VENICE (4 STAR)

Hotel Kette

Venice

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Other email access
  • Safe
  • Shops

The Hotel Kette is set in the heart of Venice, a short distance from Teatro La Fenice, from via XXII marzo, the elegant shopping street, 2 minutes from piazza San Marco and only 10 minutes from Ponte di Rialto. So this is an excellent base for exploring the many delights Venice has in store.

The 63 en suite rooms are immaculately furnished and are fully worthy of the four-star rating.

It is possible to reserve a non-smoking room (please contact us and we will request this for you).

Elegant entrance hall at the Savoia Excelsior Palace, Trieste

Savoia Excelsior Palace

Trieste

  • Air conditioning
  • American Express
  • ATM
  • Bank
  • Hairdryers
  • Mastercard
  • Minibar
  • Safe
  • Shops
  • Tea & coffee

This stunning 19th century palazzo has been beautifully converted into an elegant 4 star hotel which simply oozes sophistication. It blends contemporary facilities with classical elegance – expect to see marble columns and ceilings with the original stucco detail as you wander round the luxurious public rooms. The hotel boasts a superb location too, on Trieste’s pretty sea front, just a few minutes’ stroll from the town’s historic centre. There are fantastic views over the Gulf of Trieste, especially from the hotel’s panoramic bar. Other facilities include a fitness centre and restaurant.

When to travel

The best months for cycling in the Julian Alps are June and September, when temperatures are comfortable, mountain roads are fully open and the views are at their clearest. June brings lush green valleys, wildflowers and long daylight hours, while September offers warm days, crisp mountain air and quieter trails. The cycling season generally runs from May to October, with July and August being the warmest and busiest months, particularly around Lake Bled and the most popular Alpine resorts.

What our travellers say

A well balanced holiday. A good insight into Slovenia, and the part of Italy South of it. Worth researching the areas that you will travel through as they have survived some amazing changes. The cycling at the start of the holiday was more interesting than the last few days but there were still some wonderful sites to see. We had a great holiday!

Mrs Town

Fantastic Holiday with ‘Wow!’ locations and good accomodation.

Mr Pratt

We have been on 9 Headwater holidays and enjoyed them all but this one was the best. We really enjoyed the scenery in the Julian Alps. As we headed south we cycled through interesting countryside and visited places we would never otherwise have seen. The hotels were all very good, with friendly and helpful staff. The holiday definitely lived up to its “billing“ in your brochure.

Mr Isles

A beautiful trip through the Julian Alps visiting places I had never really heard of. Stunning and varied scenery from the mountains to the coast on largely safe cycle ways. fabulous hotels and food.

Mrs Helps

Very varied and beautiful scenery, excellent and varied hotels. Really enjoyable holiday.
Route notes generally very clear, just got a bit lost a couple of times.

Mrs Morison

Lovely scenery and easy cycling (even for less experienced cyclists).

Mr Richardson

Great varied holiday with beautiful scenery in the mountains and easy cycling in the main. Nice hotels, friendly welcoming staff. Cable car trip at Camporosso was fantastic on our day at Tarvisio. Route easy to follow using FVG1 signs with occasional reference to the written notes. Bike panniers were very good and bikes comfortable. Havng to change flghts in Germany made for a long journey at each end. Everywhere we went was very cycle friendly and lots of people out cycling on the route. All in all a lovely holiday.

Mrs Light

We enjoyed the holiday overall, but felt that it wasn’t the most picturesque, having been on various other cycling holidays like the Carinthian Lakes. We did not enjoy the long day’s cycle under and around motorways and through endless tunnels, some of which were pitch black and pot holey. Miroslav and his team were excellent and replied to my emails very quickly. We would really have appreciated getting our bikes and having the briefing on the first day, particularly as we arrived very early and could have cycled around the lake. We had our briefing at 0930 on the second day, which meant that we couldn’t start cycling that day until 11am, and it was really hot. The other disappointment was that the Hotel Triglav did not have an outside seating area, apart from the small terrace for dinner. We absolutely loved Lake Bled and it was wonderful to have a day on the beach in Grado which was delightful.

Mrs Roe

Lovely cycling holiday with changing landscapes from Lake Bled and the Mountains down to Grado by the sea. Opportunities to swim in lakes, rivers and the sea. Mainly well signposted dedicated cycle paths. Excellent Hotels and food. Definitely recommend this trip!

Mrs Latchford

We are a family of six, with kids 18, 15, 13 and 10. All of the cycling is completely doable on this route, with the longest day being the nicest cycling day that we have every done. We stopped at waterfalls, swam in rivers and generally glided down hill for about 50km! Nice and varied route, but the early days were my favourites up in the mountains. This is our fourth Headwater holiday and we always enjoy them immensely. The guide (Miroslav) was fantastic, really detailed induction all of which was helpful, came and changed a bike for us very promptly, and tried to help us with flight issues too.

Miss Saxby
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Positive impact

Carbon score for this trip

15.0

Kg CO₂e

per person, per night

Relative to other Headwater trips

We measure emissions from the parts of the holiday we organise — including accommodation, in-trip transport, meals and activities — and express them as CO₂e per person, per night. Our label doesn’t include your travel to and from the start of the trip. As a Certified B Corp, Headwater is committed to reducing this figure and to positively impacting local communities, the local environment and our staff. Learn more

Frequently asked questions

What makes this one of the best self-guided cycling holidays in Slovenia and Italy?

This self-guided cycling holiday combines many of the region’s highlights, including Lake Bled, the Julian Alps, historic Italian towns and the Adriatic Coast. With luggage transfers, pre-planned routes and the Headwater Navigation App, you can enjoy the freedom to cycle at your own pace while exploring some of Central Europe’s most scenic landscapes.

How difficult is the cycling from Lake Bled to the Adriatic Coast?

This is a leisurely cycling holiday designed to follow scenic cycle paths, river valleys and quiet countryside routes. While there are some longer cycling days, much of the route uses dedicated cycling infrastructure, allowing you to focus on the scenery, culture and experience rather than challenging mountain climbs.

What are the highlights of this Slovenia and Italy cycling holiday?

Highlights include Lake Bled, the dramatic scenery of the Julian Alps, the alpine town of Tarvisio, historic Udine, the UNESCO-listed archaeological site of Aquileia and the final ride to the Adriatic Coast at Grado. The route combines mountain landscapes, vineyards, medieval towns and coastal scenery in a single journey.

Is this a good first self-guided cycling holiday?

Yes. Slovenia’s excellent cycling infrastructure and the carefully planned route make this a popular choice for first-time self-guided cyclists. With accommodation, luggage transfers and navigation arranged, plus excellent local ground support throughout, you can focus on enjoying the journey from Lake Bled to the Adriatic rather than organising the logistics yourself.

How do I navigate on this self-guided cycling holiday?

The holiday includes access to the Headwater Navigation App, which provides easy-to-follow route guidance throughout your journey. This allows you to cycle independently while benefitting from expertly researched routes and local support when needed.

From the journal

From£2,279per person