Gravel
Trans Dinarica Slovenia and Croatia Gravel Cycling Tour
Description
Trans Dinarica is an adventurous cycling route that leads through eight countries of the Western Balkans. As we at Visit Goodplace are the co-creators of the Trans Dinarica cycling route and have an in-depth knowledge of its highlights, we decided to offer the section closest to us as a guided or self-guided cycling tour. On the Trans Dinarica Slovenia and Croatia Gravel Cycling Tour, you will get to know the entire section through Slovenia, from the Soča River Valley, the wine growing Goriška Brda and Vipava Valley, the world-famous Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle to the wild nature around Ilirska Bistrica. After crossing the border to Croatian part of the route, you will cycle the less-travelled roads above the Adriatic Sea, climb one of the most beautiful parts of the Velebit mountains and finish the cycling tour with a jump into the sea in the historically important seaside town of Senj. We hope you’ll enjoy the route as much as we enjoyed creating it.
*Note: Some stages of this gravel tour are for cyclists who are physically fit (pay attention to the elevation of individual stages) and for whom the fact that you might not meet a living soul all day (not to mention there are no shops and caffes on some stages) is not scary but inspiring. Having a basic understanding of bikes is essential, this includes being comfortable with bike maintenance and making self-adjustments/ repairs if needed. Moreover, there is always the possibility to customize the tour and offer some easier stage variants as well.
Highlights:
- Incredible diversity – you’ll cycle from the foot of the Alps, along the Soča River, through vineyards, over stony Karst, and along the Adriatic coast.
- Historical heritage along the route.
- Possible visit to Postojna Cave and Predjama Castle.
- Wild, remote gravel roads in Velebit Nature Park.
- Breathtaking views of the islands from the mountains.

Gallery
Itinerary
Transfer from Ljubljana to Tolmin
Your cycling adventure starts with a transfer from the capital Ljubljana to Tolmin, a small town in the west of Slovenia, known for sports and music festivals, but above all for its exceptional nature, ideal for active and relaxing cycling holidays. If you arrive early, we recommend hiking through the Tolminka Gorge (Tolminska Korita) or walking to Sotočje, the confluence of Soča and Tolminka rivers, a spot with beautiful beaches and calming energy. We could suggest some (challenging) cycling trips, but you better save your energy for tomorrow, when the real adventure begins.
Tolmin – Goriška Brda: Leaving the Alps behind
The first cycling day offers two options, a more leisurely cycle through the Soča Valley or a more challenging climb to Kolovrat, where you can be proud to cycle on the road where the world’s best aces rode at the Giro d’Italia and Tour of Slovenia road cycling races. On the top, you can park the bike and walk around the open-air WWI museum, which is also part of the Walk of Peace long-distance hiking trail. The effort of climbing is rewarded with exceptional views of the mountains in the Triglav National Park, with the mighty Krn Mountain on the other side of the Soča valley, and far south, you can see the Adriatic Sea. The stage ends in one of the most famous wine regions in Slovenia, Goriška Brda, where you will fill up the lost calories and toast with excellent wines. Cheers! (No need to cycle up to Kolovrat again tomorrow, don’t worry.)
75 % paved
25 % unpaved
Goriška Brda – Vipava Valley: Mediterranean style
If you’re on this gravel tour in early summer, most likely you’ll have famous sweet and juicy Goriška Brda cherries for breakfast. Along this stage you can expect a bit more of a Mediterranean feeling: easy, fragrant, probably hot. From one you will descend to another wine region, the Vipava Valley, where you can enjoy more relaxed cycling between vineyards and orchards. For about half of the day, gravel will rustle under the tires, and the finish line will be in the vicinity of the town of Vipava at the source of the river of the same name. From the green-inspired accommodation, with a glass of local Sauvignon, Zelen (it’s typical for Vipava!) or Merlot, you will already be able to admire the steep edge of the valley to the north. Yes, that’s what awaits you! But that’s tomorrow. Now, enjoy the moment.
55 % paved
45 % unpaved
Vipava Valley – Postojna: Empty roads and top tourist attractions
Today’s menu includes cycling around Mount Nanos, a recognizable plateau-shaped mountain that guards the northern edge of the Vipava Valley and where strong wind that sweeps the valley is born. Fortunately (although the view is phenomenal) you won’t have to go to the top, as the route avoids it by taking the traffic-free routes north or south of Nanos. The destination is Postojna, a town that appeared on the world tourist map for two things: Postojna Cave and the unique Predjama Castle (‘pred jama’ means ‘in front of the cave’ and yes, the castle is built on the edge of a karst cave!). If you haven’t seen these two yet, we recommend a visit, just be prepared for something you don’t have to deal with on this gravel tour: crowds of tourists (in the top season).
70 % paved
30 % unpaved
Postojna – Ilirska Bistrica: Into the Wild
For us, it is an incredible discovery of what gems are hidden in parts of Slovenia that we thought we knew – because we drove past there on the main road on our summer vacation to Croatia. When you turn a few kilometers off the main road between Postojna and Ilirska Bistrica, you find yourself in the wilderness of endless forests, where you can feel the presence of bears, wolves, and lynx. Don’t worry, they will hear the rolling wheels long before you see them. Without a doubt, even those who may have been bothered by the crowds on the tourist train through the beautiful Postojna Cave will relax here. If you cycle the longer version of this stage and walk for a mere 10 minutes at the highest point, on a sunny day you will be able to see the Kvarner Bay in the north of the Adriatic Sea, where you will cycle in two days. In Ilirska Bistrica, you will sleep for the last time in Slovenia, and if you liked Slovenian wines, this is your last chance to get one to bring home.
35 % paved
65 % unpaved
Ilirska Bistrica – Čavle: Welcome to Croatia
Prepare your passports, although after Croatia joined the European Union and the Schengen border was moved to the southern Croatian border, police officers no longer control border crossings (at least not always). Welcome to Croatia! You may know the country for its beautiful coast and thousands of islands, but this time you will get to know a slightly different, less touristy side. You will cycle through the hinterland of the important port city of Rijeka and spend the night in Čavle, near the idyllic fortified village of Grobnik with its Frankopan castle. In Čavle, they are clearly obsessed with food, as they organize events such as the Kobasica Open (Saussage Festival in January) and the Polenta and Cheese Festival (at the end of June), where they cook polenta in a giant 700-litre pot. Perfect for hungry cyclists Dobar tek! (Bon Appetit in Croatian.)
70 % paved
30 % unpaved
Čavle – Crikvenica: an easy trip towards the coast
The bike tour starts out relatively easily, it crosses small towns above the Bay of Bakar and follows the roads above the busy Adriatic Road. You’ll ride past Lake Tribalj and then on a pleasant macadam cycling road along the river Dubračina to the seaside town of Crikvenica. It is a well-known resort and spa town in the Kvarner region with a pleasant climate, clean sea and long pebble beaches. At the end of the stage, you can relax on the beach or maybe take a boat trip to the island of Krk, which lies opposite. Every year on August 15, a swimming marathon is organized there – yes, people swim from Krk to Crikvenica. You don’t have to try it yourself. You’d better save your energy for the days ahead.
65% paved
35% unpaved
Crikvenica – Senj: almost like flying over the Adriatic
Leaving Crikvenica, you’ll be heading towards the slopes of Velebit and enjoying the views of the islands of Krk, Goli otok (the ‘naked island’), Rab, and others. After the quite challenging first part (you better have had a strong breakfast), you can expect a perfect cycling gravel romance, riding parallel to the rugged coast of the Adriatic Sea somewhere below on your right. The scenic day will end with an adrenaline-filled road descent to Senj, the oldest town in the northern part of the Adriatic. If you still have some strength in your legs, drive to the 16th-century Nehaj fortress to see the magic sunset, although you will also see the impressive fortress the next morning when you leave Senj. Dinner at the Bura Hotel is excellent, if you would like to walk a little through the narrow streets, we recommend the Tropicana Inn and pizzeria.
Congratulations, you made it! If you liked the Trans Dinarica cycling tour, send us a postcard.
60% paved
40% unpaved
Departure
This is your last morning on the coast of the Adriatic Sea. Take a swim while we pack your bikes onto the trailer and drive back to Ljubljana.
Craving more gravel thrills after the Trans Dinarica? Pedal your way through Croatia’s hidden coastal treasures on our Trans Dinarica Croatia Gravel Bike Tour.
Pre-scheduled dates
- May 16 - 24, 2025 GUIDED
- Sep 26 - Oct 4, 2025 GUIDED
- May - September *TAILOR MADE, SELF-GUIDED
*In season, tour can be organised on any date. Please contact us for individual offer.
Prices
GUIDEDfrom 2.740 €What’s included?
We highly recommend our guided gravel bike tours to everyone who seeks complete relaxation with a singular focus on enjoying cycling in Slovenia and Croatia. Our expert guides will handle everything else – from seamless navigation through country’s scenic routes to providing interesting local insights and comprehensive technical support.
These bike tours are not just about exploring new terrains; they’re perfect for connecting with other enthusiastic cyclists from around the globe and forging lifelong friendships. Experience the best of Slovenia and Croatia cycling tours with us, where every pedal stroke brings a new adventure.
This cycling tour is designed for experienced cyclists who are comfortable with consecutive days of riding and can maintain the indicated average daily length and elevation. E-bike can be helpful for the climbs, but require more bike handling skills due to their increased weight and demanding terrain. Participants must be able to cycle independently from each day’s starting point to the endpoint.
The price for a guided Trans Dinarica Gravel Cycling Tour: from Slovenia to Croatia includes:
- 8 nights accommodation at 3 to 4-star quality hotels.
- 8 breakfasts and 8 dinners; meals include typical local food.
- Fully qualified and experienced guide for the entire trip.
- Baggage transfer between tour stages (not support van!).
- Entrance fee to Postojna Cave.
- Extensive Tour Booklet.
- Arrival transfer from Ljubljana to Tolmin.
- Departure transfer from Senj to Ljubljana.
Rates are valid per person, based on double occupancy on pre-scheduled departures. For individual departures feel free to contact us about the offer.
Optional:
- Single room supplement: 480 €, on request.
- Bike, e-bike and other accessories rental for Trans Dinarica cycling tour.
Price excludes:
- Travel and activity insurance.
- Personal safety and cycling equipment.
- Lunches.
- Any beverages consumed with dinners that are included in the package.
- Any other items not mentioned as included.
SELF-GUIDEDfrom 2.110 €What’s included?
If you’re contemplating a self-guided bike tour in Slovenia and Croatia, it’s important to consider a few key aspects to ensure this type of adventure suits you. Our self-guided cycling trips are perfect for those who have experience in navigating gravel bike tours and are adept at using GPS devices for route finding. A basic understanding of bike mechanics is crucial, especially skills like fixing flat tires or making minor adjustments.
You should be independent and capable of navigating and orienting yourself using the provided information. E-bike can be helpful for the climbs, but require more bike handling skills due to their increased weight and demanding terrain.
If you feel that this level of self-sufficiency might be a challenge, perhaps a guided cycling tour would be a more enjoyable and stress-free option for you.
The price of a self-guided tour depends on the number of people in the group, the touring dates, and the time of booking/availability. Please contact us for the offer. See starting prices per person based on double occupancy below.
# | 2 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
Price | 2.110 € | 1.820 € | 1.730 € | 1.680 € |
The price for a self-guided Trans Dinarica Gravel Cycling Tour: from Slovenia to Croatia includes:
- 8 nights accommodation at 3 to 4-star quality hotels.
- 8 breakfasts.
- Baggage transfer between tour stages (not support van!).
- Navigation pack: Ride with GPS Tour Experience. Package, including detailed Guide and complete off-line navigation data (tracks, maps, POI), and online briefing.
- Arrival transfer from Ljubljana to Tolmin
- Transfer from the route ending point to Ljubljana.
- Helpline for emergencies during the tour.
Rates are valid per person, based on double occupancy on pre-scheduled departures. For individual departures feel free to contact us about the offer.
Optional:
- Single room supplement 480 €, on request.
- Bike, e-bike and other accessories rental for Trans Dinarica cycling tour.
Price excludes:
- Travel and activity insurance.
- Personal safety and cycling equipment.
- Lunches, dinners.
- Any beverages consumed with dinners that are included in the package.
- Any other items not mentioned as included.
TAILOR MADEWould you like to customize this tour?
Would you like to customize this tour? Are you worried you are not prepared enough physically? Would you like to select a different starting or ending point, or perhaps have a day off before, after or during the tour? Send an e-mail to [email protected].
Logistics
The Trans Dinarica tour starts with a transfer from Ljubljana to Tolmin on DAY 1 and ends with a transfer from Senj to Ljubljana on DAY 9.
GETTING THERE
Ljubljana has its own international airport which is 20 min drive away from the center of the city. Ljubljana is also surrounded by 6 international airports, those of Venice, Trieste, Klagenfurt, Treviso, Graz, and Zagreb, each of them within a 2-3-hour driving distance.
ACCOMMODATION
Our tours are mostly operated through small towns and villages. We always make an effort to select the most authentic and visitor-friendly accommodation and dining arrangements available. This way the tour groups can enjoy local hospitality and great food on the entire route.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- One guided group can include a maximum of 8 people.
- On guided tours, a briefing session is organized every evening. During the briefing, the guide(s) reveal details about the next day’s cycling stage, including the altitude, length, difficulty, etc.
- On most cycling stages alternative trail variations can be chosen according to the specific requirements of the group.
- The meeting instructions and final trip arrangements are sent to participants two weeks before the tour start date.
FAQ
You can find answers to frequently asked questions here: FAQ.
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