Description
Our annual week-long stage ride takes place in September. We explore Slovenia in 2026.
When the Solvalla Alps start to feel like flatlands, it’s time to join Adventure Partners for a week-long stage ride.
The route changes every year, but the goal remains the same: to include as many iconic and lesser-known classic climbs as possible.
All your extra gear travels in a support vehicle, so you can focus entirely on enjoying the ride.
Each day’s stage is approximately 100 km, with the whole day available for riding after a shared breakfast. Flat sections are ridden together as a group, while uphill and downhill stretches are free pace. In the evenings, we regroup to share the day’s experiences and enjoy a well-earned dinner together, fueling up for the next stage.
Slovenia has been strongly present in professional cycling in recent years. Now it is time for Transalp Cycling to head into the Slovenian mountains to explore the roads where the stars have built their base fitness. During the final part of the trip we will ride in the Carnic Alps, and the programme for the last day includes Monte Zoncolan.
Our accommodation locations are Bled (2 nights), Tolmin (2), Tarvisio (2) and Arta Terme (2).
The preliminary total distance of the stages is 766 km with an estimated 19,126 metres of climbing.
Every day offers route options of varying length depending on how you feel.
Bled – 5–7 September
Our first destination, Bled, is located a little over 30 km from Ljubljana Airport. Bled is one of Slovenia’s most famous tourist destinations. Its best-known attraction is the beautiful church situated on the island in the middle of Lake Bled. The town lies at the edge of the Julian Alps.
On the first riding day we will familiarise ourselves with local roads and visit Lake Bohinj and the Pokljuka ski area.
Stage length: 110 km, climbing 2480 m.
Tolmin – 7–9 September
We move on to Tolmin, located southwest of Bled near the Italian border. Interesting roads and fine climbs will definitely be available again. Before arriving at the hotel, it is possible to stop and visit the Tolmin Gorges, a local natural attraction.
Stage length: 120 km, climbing 2393 m.
On the second riding day in Tolmin we head into Italy. West of Tolmin there are many excellent climbs. The main target of the route is Matajur (1638 m).
Stage length: 99 km, climbing 2990 m.
Tarvisio – 9–11 September
Next, we transfer to Tarvisio on the Italian side. The highlight of the day is one of the true gems of the entire trip: Mangart Saddle, the highest paved road in Slovenia (2055 m).
Stage length: 90 km, climbing 2316 m.
The area around Tarvisio offers many alternatives. One option is to return briefly into Slovenia, ride the Vršič Pass, and visit the well-known ski village of Kranjska Gora.
Our preliminary route heads west from Tarvisio on a loop that offers several possibilities for additional climbs. Planned optional detours from the route include climbs to Sella Somdogna and Monte Lussari — the latter made famous in the 2023 Giro d’Italia when Roglič beat Geraint Thomas despite a dropped chain.
Stage length: 131 km, climbing 3150 m.
Arta Terme – 11–13 September
The journey continues deeper into Italy. From Tarvisio it is a short distance to the Austrian border, and we will make use of this opportunity. We ride along the Gail valley before returning to Italy via the Nassfeld Pass. The day ends at our final accommodation location, Arta Terme.
Stage length: 123 km, climbing 2793 m.
The final day’s challenge is one of the toughest climbs in all Grand Tours: Monte Zoncolan.
We warm up with a small loop before reaching Ovaro, where the ascent begins. The climb offers around 10 km of very demanding gradients where speed may naturally decrease.
If Zoncolan is familiar from previous trips, additional challenge can be found by visiting Monte Crostis. The surrounding area offers many steep climbs, so alternative routes can be created depending on how you feel.
Stage length: 93 km, climbing 3055 m.
Sunday 13 September is the travel-home day. After packing the bikes, we head towards the airports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this trip suitable for?
The trip is suitable for everyone from recreational cyclists to racers. There are usually two or more daily route options, and personal modifications are often possible.
How much training is required?
It is difficult to set exact requirements, but good base fitness is essential for riding multiple days in a row. If base fitness comes from another sport, it is advisable to ride a few longer sessions (120–150 km) before the trip to feel what a full day in the saddle is like. The most important factors are training quality and nutrition.
What equipment and gear should I pay attention to?
Routes are planned mainly on paved roads. A standard road bike or cyclocross bike is suitable. The longest climbs are around 30 km with nearly 2000 m of vertical gain — lighter gearing helps maintain a reasonable cadence. Typical setups nowadays are 50/34 in the front and 11–32 in the rear.
Temperatures can be cold at the top of climbs. While climbing you may not feel the cold, but descents are a different matter. Long-finger gloves, arm/leg warmers, and a wind jacket are necessary. Weather is usually favourable but cannot be relied upon, so rain gear is also recommended. A detailed kit list will be distributed well before the trip.
What does a typical day on the trip look like?
We start after breakfast at around 08:30–09:30 and reach the hotel about 16:00–17:00. Breaks are taken as needed. Flat sections — when they exist — are ridden in groups; climbs and descents at individual pace. After the stage, pasta is usually available at the hotel (when arranged). Dinner is typically at 19:30, followed by a briefing for the next day.
How do the support vehicles work?
Two support vehicles accompany the group. Each carries tools, spare tubes, etc. At the start of the trip, each participant receives a personal plastic box for spare clothing, equipment, and food — the box goes in the vehicle following your chosen route. Support vehicles stay behind riders on climbs and wait at the top. No need to carry excess clothing or food on the bike.
How are the bikes transported?
One support vehicle leaves Helsinki a week before the trip, carrying the bikes in a trailer. Soft bike bags are recommended. You may also transport your bike by plane. The organiser provides insurance covering the bikes themselves (check your own home insurance for all other items).
How to reach the destination?
The nearest airport to the starting point (Bled) is Ljubljana. From the final destination, the distances to Venice and Ljubljana airports are similar. Finnair flies direct to Ljubljana on Saturdays and Mondays.
Prices
Trip price: 2300 € (Early Bird before 31.12.2025: 2200 €)
Includes:
- accommodation,
- meals at hotels (breakfast & dinner)
- support vehicle services
- Adventure Partners cycling jersey (extra jerseys 50 €).
Additional services:
- Bike bag transport 150 € per bag.
- Rooms in Bled have been reserved with half board for arrivals on Friday 4 September (additional 100 €).
Deposit 500 € is invoiced upon booking; the remainder one month before the trip
Reserve your seat from here BUY
Inquiries outofoffice@adventurepartners.fi
Stages
| Day | From | To | Length | Ascent |
| 1 | Bled | 110 | 2428 | |
| 2 | Bled | Tolmin | 120 | 2393 |
| 3 | Tolmin | 99 | 2990 | |
| 4 | Tolmin | Tarvisio | 90 | 2316 |
| 5 | Tarvisio | 131 | 3150 | |
| 6 | Tarvisio | Tolmazzo | 123 | 2794 |
| 7 | Tolmazzo | 93 | 3055 | |
| Total | 766 | 19126 |
Climbs
| Dat | Name | Length(km) | Ascent (m) | Percentage |
| 1 | Jamnik | 6,4 | 401 | 6,2 |
| 1 | Bohinsjko Sedlo | 9,9 | 725 | 7,3 |
| 1 | Pokljuka | 12,9 | 772 | 6 |
| 2 | Bohinsjko Sedlo | 12,9 | 774 | 6 |
| 2 | Bukovo | 7,7 | 446 | 6,2 |
| 2 | Ponikve | 8,6 | 505 | 5,5 |
| 3 | Salita di Podresca | 4,7 | 410 | 8,6 |
| 3 | Monte Matajur | 11,8 | 1084 | 9,2 |
| 3 | Kolovrat | 14,6 | 971 | 6,7 |
| 4 | Passo Predil | 14,8 | 769 | 5,2 |
| 4 | Mangart | 10,9 | 980 | 9 |
| 5 | Sella Somdogna | 17,9 | 999 | 5,6 |
| 5 | Monte Lussari | 7,2 | 874 | 12,1 |
| 6 | Nassfeldpass | 11,2 | 926 | 8,2 |
| 6 | Passo de Cazon di Lanza | 14,6 | 983 | 6,7 |
| 6 | Passo Duron | 4,2 | 398 | 9,6 |
| 7 | Plugna | 9,8 | 785 | 8 |
| 7 | Monte Zoncolan | 9,8 | 1206 | 12,3 |
| 7 | Forcella di Lius | 7,1 | 417 | 5,9 |
| Town | Dates | Hotel |
| Bled | 5.9-7.9 | Rikli Balance
|
| Tolmin | 7.9-9.9 | Hotel Dvorec |
| Tarvisio | 9.9-11.9 | Hotel il Cervo |
| Arte Terme | 11-13.9 | Hotel Alla Fonte |
Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the trip suitable for?
The trip is suitable for everyone from cycling enthusiasts to competitive racers. Usually, there are two or more route options planned for each day, and you can often make deviations based on your own preferences.
How much training is needed?
It’s hard to specify an exact amount of training. The most important thing is to have a good base fitness level so you can ride several days in a row. If your base fitness comes from another sport rather than cycling, it’s advisable to do some longer rides (120–150 km) before the trip to get a feel for spending a full day in the saddle. If anything, focus on training quality and nutrition.
What should I pay attention to regarding equipment and gear?
The routes mostly follow paved roads, with a few exceptions. The bike choice should therefore be a regular road bike or cyclocross bike. The longest climbs are about 30 km with elevation gains just under 2000 meters. On such climbs, it’s helpful to maintain a near-normal cadence, so lighter gearing is beneficial. Many people nowadays use a 50/34 chainring in front and an 11-32 cassette in the back. At the top of the climbs, it can be quite cold. You might not feel the cold while climbing, but the descents are a different story. Long gloves, removable leg and arm warmers, and a windbreaker jacket are necessary. The weather has generally been favorable, but it’s wise not to rely on that fully, so bring rain gear as well. A more detailed equipment list will be provided well before the trip.
What does a typical day look like on the trip?
We start riding after breakfast, around 8:30–9:30 am, and arrive back at the hotel around 4:00–5:00 pm. Breaks are taken as needed. Flat sections, if any, are ridden in a group, while climbs and descents are done at your own pace. Breaks are taken as needed. After the day’s stage, pasta is usually served at the hotel if arranged with the hotels. Dinner generally starts around 7:30 pm, during which the next day’s schedule is discussed.
How do the support vehicles operate?
There are two support vehicles accompanying the trip. Both have some tools, spare tires, and other essentials. At the start, each participant receives a plastic box to pack their own supplies, clothes, and snacks. The box is then loaded into the vehicle following that participant’s route. Support vehicles stay behind during climbs and then drive ahead to wait at the top. This way, you don’t need to carry extra snacks and clothes on your bike, avoiding additional weight.
How are bikes transported to the destination?
One of the support vehicles departs from Helsinki the week before the trip. It carries a separate trailer ensuring the safe and timely arrival of your bike at the destination. We recommend packing your bike in soft transport bags. You can also bring your bike with you on the plane.