Trans Slovenia is a four-stage, self-guided bike tour across western Slovenia, from Tolmin in the Julian Alps, wedged between the Soča and Tolminka rivers, to the port city of Rijeka on Croatia's Adriatic coast. You choose one of two routes. Both mix gravel tracks with quiet roads, and both pass through towns and villages often enough to stop for a drink, a local lunch or a break, so you never feel cut off.
The Valley Route (198 km, 3,070 m of climbing, about a quarter unpaved) starts in the alpine Soča Valley and heads south to Nova Gorica and the rolling vineyards of Goriška Brda. From there it crosses the Karst Plateau to Sežana, past stone villages and the Škocjan Caves. The third stage runs through remote forest to Ilirska Bistrica, near the wild Snežnik Plateau, and the last crosses into Croatia and drops down to the sea at Rijeka.
The Medieval Route (191 km, 3,720 m) is the slightly harder option, with more climbing. It leaves the Soča Valley for the highlands of Trnovski gozd and Sinji Vrh, then continues to Postojna, home of the Postojna Cave; Predjama Castle, built into a cliff face, is also on this route. From Postojna it joins the forest stage to Ilirska Bistrica and the descent to Rijeka.
ZenCycle book five nights in B&Bs and hotels with breakfast, chosen for location, service and attention to detail. You get a roadbook with points of interest and a detailed route description, GPX tracks or the route in the Komoot app, and a 24/7 bike assistance service. Arrival and departure transfers are included: an airport pick-up and drop-off if you fly, or a return transfer to your car if you drive. You can start any day from May to October, on a trekking, gravel or mountain bike.
ZenCycle rate the tour intermediate but say both routes are accessible to cyclists of all levels, with daily stages of 41 to 54 km. You can add luggage transfers, a room upgrade, a fully guided version with technical support, bike rental or a visit to the Postojna Cave Park.
What's included
5 nights in B&Bs and hotels selected along the route; Breakfast every morning; Roadbook with points of interest and a detailed route description; GPX tracks, or the route in the Komoot app; 24/7 bike assistance for breakdowns you can't fix yourself; Arrival and departure transfers: airport pick-up and drop-off, or a return transfer to your car
What's not included
Lunch and dinner; Bike rental (€35–55 per day); Luggage transfer between accommodations (€200 per person); Luxury upgrade: spacious room, sea view and pool (€150 per person); Fully guided option with technical support and luggage transfer (€325 per person); Visit to Postojna Cave Park (€65 per person); Extra nights (on request); Flights and travel insurance
