Cycling Challenge in Slovenia – Following the Paths of Champions

Individual arrival at the starting hotel in Kamnik. This baroque town, located at the foot of the Alps, and the Savinja River, gave the name to the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. In the evening, a welcome meeting will be held for all participants.

The first challenge is also one of the most demanding climbs in Slovenia. The ascent to Krvavec is brutally steep, gaining 800 meters over just 10 km and reaching an altitude of 1,500 m. Every year, cyclists gather here to challenge Tadej Pogačar in the Pogi challenge race. At the top, you are rewarded with sweeping views over the Ljubljana Basin and Slovenia’s capital. After a thrilling descent, the route continues to Škofja Loka, the best-preserved medieval town in Slovenia. On the way back, flatter section leads through peaceful green fields towards the birthplace of Tadej Pogačar and back to Kamnik.

Today you will cycle along the Alpe Gran Fondo marathon route. This unique cycling event takes riders over three mountain passes along some of the most scenic routes in Slovenia. It is the country’s toughest cycling marathon, yet the effort is rewarded with stunning alpine landscapes in the Kamnik–Savinja Alps. The stage finishes in Bled, the pearl of the Julian Alps.

The iconic image of Bled—with its castle, lake, and island—is known all over the world. From here, you will cycle along a new cycling path toward Bohinj, a region renowned for its beautiful lake and traditional Alpine villages. At the entrance to Triglav National Park, you will take on today’s main climb to the Pokljuka Plateau, covered in vast forests and located just below Slovenia’s highest peak, Mount Triglav. The day concludes with a scenic ride through the stunning Radovna Valley to Kranjska Gora.

Mangart is a majestic mountain in the Julian Alps, rising along the border between Slovenia and Italy. At 2,679 m, it is the fourth-highest peak in Slovenia and is best known for its spectacular mountain road, which climbs to the Mangart Saddle at 2,200 m. Reaching this alpine gem by bike is the perfect finale—and the icing on the cake—of your cycling adventure in Slovenia.

Today features the royal stage, taking you over Vršič Pass, Slovenia’s highest mountain pass at 1,611 m. In the heart of the Julian Alps, you’ll enjoy unforgettable views of the dramatic rock walls of Mount Prisank. A spectacular descent brings you into the Soča Valley, home to one of Europe’s most beautiful rivers. Known for its striking emerald-green color, the Soča is a true paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Leaving the high mountains behind, the stage continues to Italy through the picturesque hills and vineyards of Collio Orientali/Goriška Brda.

Riding through vineyards and cherry orchards, the route leads across the Vipava Valley, past peach groves and rolling vineyards, and up onto the Karst Plateau. Here, you’ll pass numerous wine cellars inviting you to stop and taste local specialties such as Teran wine and Karst prosciutto. From the plateau, the route descends into Slovenian Istria, where your first view of the Gulf of Trieste is sure to enchant you.

The journey continues through the Istrian hinterland, dotted with vineyards and olive groves, before finishing with a scenic coastal ride to the charming town of Piran. Its relaxed seaside atmosphere provides the perfect place to unwind after an epic cycling challenge through Slovenia.

Departure or extend the stay in Istria.