The Slovenia Traverse - Cycling from famous "Balloon" to Madona near Adriatic sea
SLOVENIA | CYCLING TOUR | TRAVERSE FROM EAST TO WEST OF SLOVENIA | 2025
Extraordinary Cycling holidays in Slovenia with riding through typical Pannonia, alpine, karst and adriatic landscapes, taking in the beauty of old towns and alpine valleys with emerald colors rivers and lakes. Explore the beauty of the pure and intact Slovenia nature by bike. Slovenia Traverse Cycling tour is one of the most beautiful long distance adventurous tours in region. A true Slovenian cycling delight.
The Slovenia Traverse cycling tour takes you where you will feel the true pulse of life in five different region of Slovenia and learn about the rich natural and cultural heritage. This tour takes you mostly along backroads, which are surrounded by forests, rivers, mountains and remote farms.
On this extraordinary tour, the riders discovers five different regions of Slovenia, experiences extraordinary natural beauty and diversity, and tastes the best that culinary Slovenia has to offer. This cycling tour is not just a tour, it is the best that "Green Slovenia" can offer you.
Facts:
- Destination: Slovenia
- Duration: 13 days / 12 nights / 12 daily stages
- Activity: Cycling - Touring
- Style: Touring, bikepacking
- Length: 715 km | 55–65 km daily | Elevation: Climb +3.400 m
- Grade: Easy to Moderate.
- Accommodation: Small hotels and Family run Hotels.
- Date: From April 15th to November 15th.
- Booking: Any day of the week.
- Start of the tour: Arrival city is Ljubljana, Slovenia.
- End of the tour: Piran, Slovenia
- Price self-guided tour: 1.695,00 €/person (min. 2 bikers in group).
- Note: This bike tour involves the most beautiful backroads in Slovenia.
At LIFE Bike we specialise in designing epic bike tours. We are committed to seeking out the very best in everything for our riders that only the knowledge and experience of our local team can provide. This Slovenia Traverse cycling tour is designed by our team back in 2021. In 2004, we launched the first two cycling tours in Slovenia; Cycling around the Julian Alps and Slovenia Cycling Holiday.
We have designed your perfect cycling experience through Slovenia, which combines great riding and exploring. Everything you love about
1.695,00 €
13 days | 12 stages
Cycling - Touring
INFORMATION
Difficulty: Easy to Moderate
Bike skill level: Intermediate
Bike fitness level: Level 3/4 (7 is max)
EXPERIENCE
On this extraordinary tour, the riders discovers five different regions of Slovenia.
WHEN TO GO / DATE
April 15th - November 15th
START / END LOCATION
"Baloon", Ženavlje
Rt Madona, Piran
FAMOUS "BALLOON" TO OLIMJE
DISCOVERING TRUE PANNONIAN, VINEYARDS AND THERMAL BATHS
A day on the bike. Picturesque stages with open views.
Day 1 | Stage 01
-
- Morning introductory meeting in Ljubljana.
- Train ride from Ljubljana to Šalovci (east of Slovenia).
- Cycling from famous Balloon (Ženavlje) to Ljutomer.
- Accommodation: Small Hotel, Ljutomer
- 57.9 km / C-238 m, D-211 m / 3–4h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%
Day 2 | Stage 02
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Ljutomer to Ptuj via Ormož.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Ptuj.
- 50.5 km / C-460 m, D-340 m / 3–4h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 3 | Stage 03
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Ptuj to Olimje via Podčetrtek.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Olimje.
- 52 km / C-570m, D-440 m / 3–4h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.


FROM OLIMJE TO ŠKOFJA LOKA
TRUE ADVENTURE CYCLING
A day on the bike. Picturesque stages with open views.
Day 4 | Stage 04
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Olimje to Kostanjevica na Krki.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Kostanjevica na Krki.
- 59.3 km / C-660 m, D-540 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 5 | Stage 05
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Kostanjevica na Krki to Žužemberg
- Accommodation: Family run apartment, Žužemberg.
- 60.4 km / C-845 m, D-820 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 6 | Stage 06
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Žužemberg to Škofja Loka via Ljubljana.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Škofja Loka.
- 65 km / C-830m, D-7150 m / 5–6h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.


ŠKOFJA LOKA TO KOBARID
TRUE MOUNTAIN RIDE
A day on the bike. Picturesque stages with open views.
Day 7 | Stage 07
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Škofja Loka to Bled.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Bled.
- 55.4 km / C-580 m, D-490 m / 3–4h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 8 | Stage 08
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Bled to Bohinj (Bohinj Lake).
- Accommodation: Hotel, Bohinj.
- 49.5 km / C-845 m, D-820 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 9 | Stage 09
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Bohinj to Bohinjska Bistrica.
- Train ride to Most na Soči.
- Cycling from Most na Soči to Kobarid.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Kobarid.
- 61 km / C-780m, D-560 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.



KOBARID TO RT MADONA (PIRAN) CYCLING
AN INCREDIBLE LANDSCAPED PATRIMONY
A day on the bike. Picturesque stages with open views.
Day 10 | Stage 10
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Kobarid to Šmartno.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Šmartno/Kozana.
- 65.4 km / C-980 m, D-770 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 11 | Stage 11
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Šmartno/Kozana to Sežana.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Sežana/Lipica.
- 65.6 km / C-745 m, D-650 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 12 | Stage 12
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Cycling from Sežana/Lipica to Rt Madona, Piran.
- Accommodation: Hotel, Piran.
- 64.4 km / C-645 m, D-760 m / 4–5h.
- Asphalt/tarmac 100%.
Day 13
-
- Breakfast in hotel.
- Train ride from Koper to Ljubljana.



WHY RIDE THE SLOVENIA TRAVERSE
- Stunning scenery of the Slovenias five different regions.
- Experiences extraordinary natural beauty and diversity of Slovenia.
- Beautiful towns of Ptuj, Kostanjevica na Krki, Škofja Loka, Bled, Kobarid, Piran ...
- Explore magical Lake Bohinj and Lake Bled.
- Experience Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia with its wonderful atmosphere along the Ljubljanica river.
- The best that culinary Slovenia has to offer.
- Experience the Triglav National Park with a view of Slovenia's highest peak - Mt Triglav.
- Culinary enjoyment and pampering in the hills of Goriška Brda - wine area Collio region.
- Explore beautiful Soča Valley: The valley of the magic emerald river.
- Exploring the extraordinary Karst with the famous Skocjan Caves (UNESCO).
- Ride the best backroads offered by Slovenia.
- Stay in charming accommodations.
- Taste the richness of the Slovenian local produce on the way.
- Welcoming hosts and expert.
- Only the best cycling itinerary prepared by us. - 24 years of experiences in Slovenia.
MAP

INFORMATION AND PRICE
Included in the price:
- Full organization of the tour.
- Introductory briefing in Ljubljana on day 1 - face to face with welcome drink.
- 12 nights in 3-4* hotel accommodation or family run apartments - small hotel.
- Self Guided LIFE Bike Booklet with detailed itinerary and route instructions, all tickets with timetables and details with all vouchers for accommodations, transfers, train tickets, ...
- GPS track for all stages/days.
- Navigation pack: navigation APP for phone or tablet with phone holder.
- Daily collaboration and tracking on the communication app - additional customer support.
- Emergency contact number and 24/7 support.
- Main luggage storage - depo.
- Train ticket from Bohinjska Bistrica to Tolmin; train ticket from Ljubljana to Šalovci and train ticket from Koper to Ljubljana.
- Private transfer from Piran to Koper (day 12).
- Tourist tax and VAT.
Not included in the price: Travel to Slovenia (the start point of the tour). / Food and drinks: all food and drinks, except breakfast at the accommodation. / Items of personal nature. / Travel Insurance. / Bike rental.
Surcharges:
- High season (June 15th to Sept. 15th): 340 €/person
Optional extras:
- Private transfer from Ljubljana to Ženavlje: 290 €/group.
- Private transfer from Piran to Ljubljana: 240 €/group.
Bike rental:
- *Bike rental: Trek DS or Canyon Roadlite touring bike: 30€/day/bike
- *Bike rental: E-Touring Trek Allant+ 7: 40 €/day/bike
- *Bike rental: Trek Checkpoint ALR5 gravel/road bike: 40 €/day/bike
- Bike panniers - classic (2x20L) + front: 60€/tour
- Rental: Ortlieb bikepacking bags - full / 80€/tour
* Bike rental includes: bike rental with helmet, lock, pump, spare tube, Squirt chain lube and repair kit.

Every company needs a responsible person behind the scenes. Every cycling tour needs a person who knows the destination, who knows more about cycling, who is also a passionate cyclist and dedicated to cycling. Matej, who has been working in cycling for two decades, is there for you and with you on your biking tour. He has excellent knowledge of destinations in Slovenia, Croatia, Austria, Italy and elsewhere in the Balkans. He is the creator of the following cycling events: Human Fish Gravel, Bled Bike Festival, Women Ride Together Day, Gravel Epic, No Borders Bikepacking, Trans Balkan, ... and the creator of more than 100 cycling routes, products and programs.
He advises on many destinations regarding cycling content and cooperates with the economic sector in the development of cycling routes, contents, concepts and organization of cycling events. He is here mainly for you, to offer advice, to brief you before the tour and to be, with the rest of Life Bike team, the greatest possible help to you and your fellow travellers on your bike tour. Welcome!