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Classic Climbs: The Slovenian and Italian Alps Bike Tour

From Slovenia's Julian Alps to Italy's Monte Zoncolan

Tour Duration

6D / 5N

Trip Style

Signature, Classic Guided

Activity Level

4

Hotel Level

Explorer

Bikes

Trek Domane SL 7
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

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Starting from

$4,199.00 per person

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Dive into a cyclist's dream that combines challenging climbs, vast forests, and charming villages, rolling three countries into one unforgettable experience.

Cycling in Slovenia's mountains may seem like venturing into the great unknown. It doesn't receive the same attention as its neighboring Alps in France or Switzerland, but here you'll find some of the most challenging and spectacular riding around. Your adventure begins with the Kravavec climb, a favorite of the Tour of Slovenia, with a quick visit to Austria. Bike through the unforgettable Julian Alps on the highest mountain pass, Vršič, with switchbacks reminiscent of Alpe d'Huez. Follow the clear turquoise waters of the Soča River before continuing up to the formidable Mangart Saddle, with its breathtaking views of Italy. Top it all off by tackling the legendary Zoncolan, a Giro d'Italia staple and one of the most demanding climbs in Europe. Join us for an extraordinary week of great cycling and discover for yourself one of Europe's best-kept secrets.

Trip Wows
  • Discover the magnificent and challenging climbs of the Slovenian Alps

  • Tackle the giant of the Giro d’Italia, Monte Zoncolan, renowned as one of the most demanding climbs in Europe

  • Test your legs on the iconic Vršič Pass, famous for its cobbled hairpin switchbacks and stunning views

  • Take on the highest paved road in Slovenia to conquer the towering Mangart Saddle before descending into Italy

  • Ride in Slovenia, Italy, and Austria and experience the hearty local cuisine, blending the delicious traditions of each country

Biker riding towards snowy mountain

Stunning vistas in the Slovenian Alps

Experience the magnificent Slovenian Alps, where challenging climbs, such as the iconic Vršič Pass, are met with breathtaking views, promising rewarding moments at every turn.


What Guests are Saying
Biker in front of old house and mountain

Slovenia is a great destination for cycling, with amazing scenery and excellent roads. Our Day 2 ride into Austria is one of my most beautiful cycling experiences ever. Until the next day, because every day on this tour is my favorite. I can’t imagine a better finale than climbing up the famous beast, Monte Zoncolan. This week is every cyclist’s dream and I can’t wait for you to experience it.

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Ilona Kohlerova, Trip Designer

Group of bikers on top of Zoncolan

Riding these mountains is an amazing and challenging experience. Each day the rides are better and better as you build towards the final big day - tackling the mighty Zoncolan. If you love climbing, you will love this trip!

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Nick, Trek Travel Guide

Biker climbing switchback

All around excellent trip. Well planned, well executed. Couldn’t have been happier with our two guides and all riding companions. A very fun group and future new friends. Thanks for a great time. Would certainly recommend to anyone who asks.

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Michael, Trek Travel Guest


Mountains with village houses in the foreground

Great Ride

Grad to Austria Loop

This century ride takes you through beautiful valleys and mountains, with challenging gradients and stunning views as you venture into Austria and back.


Dates & Pricing

Book early for the best price

  • Guaranteed

  • Join Waitlist

  • Private

  • Limited Availability


Itinerary
Rider Information

Hotels
Overhead view of Strmol hotel and surrounding gardens.
Hotel terrace overlooking the countryside
Bedroom at the Grad Strmol hotel.
Library at the Grad Strmol hotel.
A double bed with ornate wood headboards
Cerklje na Gorenjskem, Slovenia
Strmol Castle
Explorer

Strmol Castle is one of the oldest and best-preserved castles in Slovenia that has been magically transformed into a boutique 4-star hotel with a unique atmosphere and beautiful grounds. Each room has been designed differently with period furnishings to preserve the cultural heritage of the castle, and the hotel also includes newly renovated apartments above the Strmol Café. Its location is perfect for discovering the area and is set up to offer relaxation after a day of challenging riding in this spectacular region.

...

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A contemporary grey hotel building with a pool
A double bedroom at the Sport Hotel Soča
Sport Hotel Soča lobby bar area
Night view of the Sport Hotel Soca
Outdoor hot tub with deck chairs looking at a mountain view
Bovec, Slovenia
Sport Hotel Soča
Explorer

The Sport Hotel Soča is located in the heart of the Soca Valley in the town of Bovec, an outdoor paradise that sits on the threshold of the Triglav National Park, and is wrapped in impressive views of the surrounding peaks of the Julian Alps. The architects have designed a perfect connection between modern elements with classic Alpine style, creating an idyllic and relaxing environment. Their outdoor pool assures a perfect refreshment after climbing Vršič Pass and the spa will revitalize your legs to prepare you for next epic climb.

...

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Osteria Da Alvise guest room suite
Osteria Da Alvise guest room suite
Osteria Da Alvise lobby area
Osteria Da Alvise spa
Osteria Da Alvise guest room suite
Sutrio, Italy
Osteria da Alvise
Explorer

Perfectly situated at the base of the magnificent climb to Monte Zoncolan, this family-run hotel has been a meeting place in the village since 1994, and has recently undergone renovations that provide you with a contemporary stay in their relaxing, understated rooms. Enjoy delicious home-cooked meals that highlight the cooking traditions that are typical of this region of Italy. You will also appreciate the onsite spa after a solid day in the saddle.

...

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Bikes & Gear
Ride the Best Bikes in the Industry
New in 2023 Domane SL 7 Road
Trek Domane SL 7

Experiencing your cycling vacation of a lifetime is not complete without a world-class bike and the latest Trek Domane is the best way to enjoy the ride. It raises the bar to deliver incredible endurance road bike comfort without sacrificing performance and features highly responsive disc brakes and electronic shifting. This new bike is lighter than ever before, and carbon wheels come standard on every bike. The road-smoothing IsoSpeed technology lets you ride as long as you want with less fatigue. The bike you ride on a biking vacation matters. That is why we provide the newest and best bikes in the business.

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Trek Domane+ SLR bike Electric road
Trek Electric-Assist Domane+ SLR 7

Take the tailwind with you and leave your limits behind on the Domane+ SLR 7. With a groundbreaking ratio of ultra-lightweight design and electric assist, the Domane+ has everything you love in a road bike, with the extra boost to take you farther than ever before. This performance e-road bike will assist you on the climbs and enable you to venture further on your cycling vacation. So go ahead—take the long way. With Domane+ SLR 7, there’s always room for more distance, more speed, and more fun!
Upgrade to the Domane+ SLR 7 on this trip for $399 (3-6 day trips) or $599 (7+ day trips). Available in limited quantities. See trip dates for details.

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Two cyclist and one rider

Trek Travel Guides

The World’s Best

From the moment you meet our guides, you'll understand the difference. You'll feel the genuine care they take to make your vacation perfect. From their expert support to sharing their favorite hidden spots, they tailor every moment to you.

Certified Guides

Additional Gear
  • Trek Travel Santini cycling jersey to keep
  • Trek Travel water bottles to keep
  • Cinch sack day bag to keep
  • Bontrager saddle
  • Bontrager helmet
  • Bontrager front and rear Flare R lights
  • Garmin Edge 1030 GPS computer with pre-loaded routes
  • Shimano SPD-SL road style pedals, Shimano SPD mountain style pedals, caged, or flat pedals
  • A flat pack containing a tube, levers, and a CO2 cartridge with inflator
  • For the most comfortable ride, we recommend you bring your own saddle. If you prefer, you can bring your own pedals and helmet on the trip and our guides will install your gear on the first day during your bike fit.
A collage of cycling gear guests will use on a Trek Travel Classic Bike Tour.

Trip Inclusions

Additional Details

Know Before You Go!

We want you to be fully prepared for your cycling vacation of a lifetime. This involves making sure that you choose the appropriate trip for you and that every aspect of your experience is flawless. Each Trek Travel trip is unique to ensure maximum enjoyment every time.

Your Trip Need to Knows:

  • Please be aware that air conditioning is not a standard feature in this region. Your first hotel, Strmol Castle, is a historical building and by law, cannot have any changes made to its architecture. Therefore, there is no air conditioning in this hotel. However, its thick medieval walls will help keep you cool during your stay.
  • Your American Express credit card might not work in Slovenia. Other major credit cards (VISA, Mastercard) will work. If you only have an AmEx card, please make sure to bring Euros with you on your trip, just in case.
  • Adapt to the local pace, relax and enjoy longer dinners than you might be used to when at home. This is part of the culinary experience Slovenia and Italy have to offer.

Before and After Your Trip

Weather

Average monthly temperature and precipitation

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
High (°F) 40.0° 43.0° 54.0° 64.0° 72.0° 78.0° 83.0° 81.0° 71.0° 61.0° 51.0° 40.0°
High (°C) 4.4° 6.1° 12.2° 17.8° 22.2° 25.6° 28.3° 27.2° 21.7° 16.1° 10.6° 4.4°
Low (°F) 30.0° 30.0° 36.0° 44.0° 51.0° 58.0° 62.0° 60.0° 53.0° 46.0° 40.0° 32.0°
Low (°C) -1.1° -1.1° 2.2° 6.7° 10.6° 14.4° 16.7° 15.6° 11.7° 7.8° 4.4° 0.0°
Rain (in) 2.81° 3.77° 3.43° 3.36° 4.58° 4.17° 3.92° 4.71° 4.83° 3.36° 3.79° 3.99°
FAQs

In the summer months, Slovenian mountains are usually clear and sunny during the day, with warm daytime temperatures from 70s to mid-90s and evening temperatures 10-15 degrees cooler. Whenever traveling in the high mountains, it is best to be prepared for variable conditions, as weather can change very quickly and there is always the chance of snow and rain. We recommend always traveling with rain gear, as well as plenty of breathable layers, to provide warmth if the temperature drops.
View our Packing List

To reserve your space on a trip, you can either call us at 866-464-8735 to speak with an expert Trip Consultant or book online any time by clicking the “BOOK THIS TRIP” icon near the upper right of each destination’s overview page.* Once you have submitted your reservation online, a Trip Consultant will contact you within one business day to answer any questions you may have and to confirm space, bike, and room availability on your desired trip. Your booking will be finalized once your no-risk deposit is paid. If you make a reservation more than 90 days prior to the trip, a $750 no risk deposit is due at the time of booking.** If you reserve your trip less than 90 days prior to the departure, the full balance is due at the time of booking. Once your booking is complete you will receive an email confirmation with important information pertaining to your trip.

*Please note that select trips cannot be booked online at this time. For those trips, please call a trip consultant at 866-464-8735.

**Deposit amounts vary for all Race, Cross Country, Special Edition, Ride Camp, Discover, and Self-Guided tours. Please confirm deposit amounts for all trips with your Trip Consultant at time of booking.

When a trip is booked, a guest confirmation email is immediately sent out. One week prior to the trip start, you’ll receive an email containing your trip start meeting location reminder and any last-minute information that you’ll need to know. You will also receive instructions to download the Ride with GPS app before your trip to provide you the day to day plan and daily route guides.

With one person booked on a date, the trip becomes guaranteed.*

In the case where trips are at one or two guests, we will contact you prior to final payment to give you the following options:

Pay a small trip fee of $500 per person for two guests or $1000 for one guest, which ensures your preferred trip date will run. If there are three or more guests before departure date, the fee will be refunded in full.

or

Switch to a different trip or different departure date. Should there be any difference in trip price between your original trip and the new one, you will be expected to pay the difference, or we will refund you accordingly.

Offer only valid if Trek Travel contacts a guest to discuss these specific options. Trips with fewer than three guests may operate with only one guide. The guide will support all rides with a Trek Travel van. If you would like to discuss the option of having two guides, please speak with your trip consultant.

The small trip supplement for Ride Camps is as follows – for two guests an additional $250 or for one guest an additional $500.

*Cross Country, Discover, Race, and Special Edition trips as well as a small number of select departures have a minimum guest count to guarantee. Please check with your Trip Consultant for more information.

Unforeseen events may make it necessary to cancel or modify a trip. Our Guest Services team will update you with any changes. We reserve the right to cancel departures in cases of force majeure or the failure of third parties—such as hotels—to honor their reservations, in which case all payments received to date will be refunded, which constitutes full settlement. Trek Travel is not responsible for expenses incurred in preparation for any canceled trips, such as airline tickets, or for costs that are incurred due to travel delays, flight cancellations, or illness. We strongly encourage Travel Protection for complete coverage.

We understand things happen in life and sometimes you have to cancel or change your bike tour. We want to make it as easy as possible to do so and below you’ll find our timeline.

Have a question? Just give us a call, 866-464-8735.
Read our Cancellation Policy

Trek Travel recommends that you purchase a travel protection plan to help safeguard you and your travel investment against the unexpected. We offer a travel protection plan through Arch RoamRight that provides coverage for unforeseen events that could affect your ability to travel with us.
Learn more about our Travel Protection

We've collaborated with a specialized travel agency committed to delivering tailored vacation planning, ensuring your entire Trek Travel journey is nothing short of unforgettable. Learn more about our Travel Services

Sharing the joy that comes with wow moments

Trek Travel guides are dedicated to making moments that last a lifetime, and we invite you to thank them with a trip gratuity. These are customary and at your own discretion, to recognize service, hospitality, and the little extras that surprise and delight. For this Signature trip, we recommend between $240-$300 per guest and, of course, you may choose to give more if your guides made your trip an unforgettable experience.

Like everything else about your vacation, the Trek Travel team is here to make this experience easier for you. While local currency is preferred, you may also tip through the following options:

Via PayPal (please have this account set up in advance when possible) or with your guest services representative on the phone before or after the trip.

Gratuities will be divided among the guide team, so feel free to leave your gratuity with whomever you choose at the end of your trip.

You cannot put a price on a wow. But you can show your thanks for an exceptional experience.

Didn't find what you were looking for? Check out our General FAQs section. You will find answers to the most common questions that don't necessarily pertain to a specific trip. See FAQs


Guaranteed Trips

Our trips are guaranteed to run once we have one confirmed booking on the trip. Click here to view our full guarantee policy.

Trek Travel reserves the right to cancel trips with zero guests, therefore you must book with Trek Travel before making travel arrangements for the trip. We are not responsible for travel arrangements made prior to confirming your Trek Travel Trip. Select trips are not guaranteed.

Sold Out/Waitlist

This trip is currently sold out, but you may be added to the waitlist in the case of availability.

Limited Availability

If a date is marked with Limited Availability, there are few spots left to book. We will secure additional rooms from our hotels before confirming your reservation.

Looking to travel with a small group? Ask our trip consultants about private trips and learn more.

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Private

If a date is marked as Private, it is reserved for a private group.

Looking to travel with a small group or looking for a custom date?
Call our trip consultants at 866-464-8735

What is the Difference?

Ultimate Luxury:

Savor some of the most spectacular, 5-star properties in the world. Exuding luxury and elegance, these one-of-a-kind accommodations offer the chance to rejuvenate at award-winning spas, dine at Michelin-starred restaurants, and more.

Luxury:

Enjoy luxurious accommodations handpicked for a refined experience. From signature spa treatments to delicious local cuisine, you’ll be more than provided for; you’ll be pampered.

Explorer

These handpicked hotels provide relaxation and fun in a casual and comfortable environment. Delicious cuisine and great service mix perfectly for a memorable stay.

Combined

On select cycling vacations, you’ll stay at a mix of hotel levels, from Explorer to Luxury to Ultimate Luxury. Rest assured, no matter which level of hotel you’re at, our trip designers carefully select every accommodation.

Activity Level

Level 1:

Road: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 25 mi (40 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Gravel: 1-3 hours of riding. Up to 20 mi (35 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 1-3 hours of hiking. Up to 5 mi (8 km). Up to 1,000 ft (300 m).

Level 2:

Road: 2-4 hours of riding. 20-35 mi (35-60 km). Up to 2,500 ft (750 m).

Gravel: 2-4 hours of riding. 15-30 mi (25-45 km). Up to 2,000 ft (300 m).

Hiking: 2-4 hours of hiking. 4-8 mi (6-12 km). Up to 1,500 ft (450 m).

Level 3:

Road: 3-5 hours of riding. 25-55 mi (40-85 km). Up to 4,500 ft (1,500 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 20-40 mi (35-60 km). Up to 3,000 ft (900 m).

Hiking: 3-5 hours of hiking. 6-10 mi (9-16 km). Up to 2,000 ft (600 m).

Level 4:

Road: 4+ hours of riding. 40-70 mi (60-110 km). Up to 8,000 ft (2,400 m).

Gravel: 3-5 hours of riding. 30-50 mi (45-80 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

Hiking: 4+ hours of hiking. 7-15 mi (11-24 km). Up to 4,000 ft (1,200 m).

What are your trip styles?

Classic - Reserve:

Savor the finer things as you relax in luxurious 5-star accommodations and wine, dine, and ride in some of the most unforgettable destinations around the world.

Classic - Signature:

Explore beautiful destinations by bike, enjoy extra inclusions, savor delicious local cuisine, and enjoy the perfect mix of accommodations.

Classic - Discovor:

Enjoy a casual cycling vacation with fantastic routes and comfortable accommodations.

Ride Camp:

Train like the pros in some of their favorite riding destinations.

Pro Race:

See the pros in action at the biggest cycling events of the year.

Cross Country:

Tackle an epic adventure that takes you point-to-point across mountains, countryside, and more.

Self-Guided

Enjoy a bike tour on your schedule with just your chosen travel companions.

Single Occupancy

Sometimes it’s more convenient and comfortable to have your own room while on vacation. We understand and that’s why we offer a Single Occupancy option. The additional price guarantees a private room all to yourself