Main Information
Welcome to another unforgettable SFIDA cycling adventure.
This time, we are taking you to two exceptional cycling destinations: Friuli and Slovenia.
From Friuli to Slovenia
Our route explores the mountainous heart of Friuli, part of the wider Friuli–Venezia Giulia region, before crossing into Slovenia for several memorable days of riding. There, the character of Eastern Europe meets spectacular alpine scenery, with the Vršič Pass and Mangart climb among the standout highlights.
The trip begins in Buttrio, Friuli. Our first ride offers an early taste of Slovenia as we pedal through the vineyards of the Brda wine region.
We then cross into Slovenia and spend two nights in Kranjska Gora. From this alpine base, we will ride to and around Lake Bled, one of the country’s most picturesque destinations.
Friuli’s Signature Climbs
Back in Friuli, the serious climbing begins. Before tackling Monte Zoncolan, we have a surprise in store: Passo del Cason di Lanza. You may not know the name now—and you may question why you needed to discover it while climbing—but one day, we hope you will remember both the mountain and Tony fondly!
Monte Zoncolan has featured in several editions of the Giro d’Italia, and a stage finishing on its famously steep slopes never disappoints. We will conclude our riding in Friuli with a series of rewarding climbs on the way to San Daniele del Friuli.
A Grand Finale in Venice
Our final day takes a gentler pace, with a flatter ride to beautiful Portogruaro before transferring to our hotel in Venice. We cannot wait to celebrate the end of the trip in one of the world’s most beautiful cities!
Trip Details
- Destination: Italy, Slovenia.
- Duration: 8 days
- Dates: 25 July – 2 August 2027
- Hotels: 3-4 stars
- Meals: All meals included
Travel Information
- Arrival: Venice (VCE)
- Departure: Venice (VCE)
Options and Pricing
- Non-rider discount: 10%
- Rental bike: Available
- Rental e-bike: Available
- Price: €4,550.00
Ride Statistics
- Total distance: 642km
- Average daily distance: 80km
- Total climbing: 15,260m
- Average daily climbing: 1,910m
MORE INFORMATION
Pricing
- Twin room: 4550 Euros pp
- Single supplement: 850 Euros
- Rental bike: 750 Euros
- Rental e-bike: 800 Euros
Own bike fee: 200 Euros. This fee applies to guests bringing their own bikes.
Payment terms
A deposit of 1,000 Euros is due at the time of booking. The remaining balance must be paid no later than 120 days before the trip begins.
Included
- Eight nights of accommodation in 3–4-star hotels.
- One SFIDA Cycling jersey.
Meals included
- Eight breakfasts.
- Eight lunches.
- Eight dinners.
Not included
- International flights.
- Travel insurance.
- Personal hotel extras, such as minibar and spa charges.
- Tips for staff.
Support
- Experienced ride leaders and at least one mechanic.
- A staff-to-client ratio of 1:4.
- Fully equipped support vans are available throughout each ride.
- On-ride nutrition and supplies, including gels, energy bars, drink mix, water, fruit, tools, pumps, spare tubes, and tyres.
- A professional first aid kit.
Cancellation policy
In response to post-COVID changes in international travel, and in line with most hotels’ terms and conditions, our cancellation policy is as follows:
- 120 or more days before the trip starts: Your deposit will be refunded, minus any non-reimbursable expenses.
- Less than 90 days before the trip starts: No refund is available. Make sure your travel insurance covers all the SFIDA Cycling trip costs.
Travel insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance as soon as you pay your deposit and book your international flights. Please make sure your policy covers the following:
- International flights.
- Reimbursement of amounts paid if you need to cancel for any reason.
- Damage to your rental bike (see our terms and conditions).
Reserving your spot
To reserve your place, the full deposit must be paid. Because hotels are now stricter about holding rooms for groups, we cannot hold or confirm a spot until the deposit has been received.
Itinerary
After meeting at Venice Marco Polo Airport, we will transfer to Buttrio, our first destination of the trip. On arrival at the hotel, there will be time for lunch, bike assembly, and preparations for the riding days ahead.
In the afternoon, we will set out on our first ride, which takes us through part of Slovenia’s Brda wine region. Highlights include the hilltop village of Šmartno and Dobrovo Castle—both well worth the effort.
Day 1 Ride
Distance: 62 km | Climbing: 670 m
Hotel: Castello di Buttrio
Today’s spectacular ride takes us to the Slovenian border via Livek Pass. The ascent from Italy is the gentler side, followed by a steep descent into Slovenia.
Our first stop in Slovenia is Kobarid, a town with a compelling history shaped by intense fighting in the region during both World Wars.
Along the way, we will also see Napoleon’s Bridge and other notable sights before continuing to Bovec.
Bovec marks the gateway to the Soča Valley, a beautiful, unspoilt landscape where the river runs beside the road.
Farther up the valley, we will climb Vršič Pass, one of Slovenia’s major cycling challenges. We will tackle both sides on different days; coincidentally, each ascent features around 25 switchbacks.
From the summit of Vršič Pass, a superb descent leads to Kranjska Gora, where we will stay for two nights.
Day 2 Ride
Distance: 108 km | Climbing: 2,755 m
Climbs: Livek Pass and Vršič Pass
Hotel: Hotel Kranjska Gora
Today offers a more relaxed ride to Lake Bled and back.
There may be a few surprises along the way, but the main goal is to enjoy this beautiful corner of Slovenia at an easy pace.
Lake Bled is one of Slovenia’s most picturesque destinations, with turquoise waters, a tiny island crowned by a fairytale church, and a medieval castle perched high on a cliff.
After coffee and cake by the lakeshore, we will return to Kranjska Gora for lunch and a restful afternoon.
Day 3 Ride
Distance: 75 km | Climbing: 1,085 m
Hotel: Hotel Kranjska Gora
After yesterday’s easier ride, we return to the high mountains for a day of major climbs and spectacular scenery.
We begin by climbing Vršič Pass from Kranjska Gora. It is one of the most memorable ascents imaginable, with many of its 25 switchbacks laid in cobblestones.
From the summit, a long descent carries us into the Soča Valley, retracing part of the route we rode two days earlier.
Near Bovec, we turn towards Italy and Passo del Predil. Before reaching the border, we leave the main road and begin the climb to Mangart.
Mangart is one of cycling’s hidden gems—a breathtaking ascent that ends high in the mountains, with extraordinary views from the summit.
We descend along the same road, cross back into Italy via Passo del Predil, and finish with an enjoyable ride from the pass to our accommodation in Tarvisio.
Day 4 Ride
Distance: 93 km | Climbing: 2,950 m
Climbs: Vršič Pass and Mangart
Hotel: Hotel Il Cervo
Today’s route is relatively short, but it features several rewarding climbs.
After leaving Tarvisio, we will follow the Alpe–Adria Cycle Path to the town of Pontebba.
From Pontebba, we begin the climb to Passo del Cason di Lanza. It may be unfamiliar now, but we can assure you that it will be memorable by the time you reach the summit.
We then descend to Paularo before climbing Forcella di Lius. Our final ascent is Sella Valcalda, which leads us into the quiet town of Ravascletto, where we will spend the next two nights.
Day 5 Ride
Distance: 77 km | Climbing: 2,240 m
Climbs: Passo del Cason di Lanza, Forcella di Lius, and Sella Valcalda
Hotel: Hotel La Perla
A few days in the saddle are tougher than combining Monte Zoncolan and Monte Crostis in a single ride.
After a gentle descent from Ravascletto to Ovaro, we will begin the ascent of Monte Zoncolan—one of the hardest climbs ever featured in a Grand Tour and an occasional highlight of the Giro d’Italia.
Three routes lead to the summit; naturally, we will tackle the traditional Giro ascent.
From the top, we will descend to Ovaro, ride towards Comeglians, and head straight into the climb of Monte Crostis.
Monte Crostis has never featured in the Giro, largely because staging a race on these narrow, steep roads in northern Italy presents significant logistical challenges.
Day 6 Ride
Distance: 64 km | Climbing: 3,000 m
Climbs: Monte Zoncolan and Monte Crostis
Hotel: Hotel La Perla
After yesterday’s demanding ride and steep climbs, today’s route continues through the hills on more moderate gradients.
The main challenge is Passo Rest, another spectacular climb that has featured in the Giro d’Italia and is well worth discovering with us.
The ride finishes in San Daniele del Friuli, renowned as the home of Prosciutto di San Daniele DOP, one of Italy’s most celebrated culinary specialties. Naturally, we will make time to enjoy some prosciutto.
Day 7 Ride
Distance: 96 km | Climbing: 2,090 m
Climbs: Passo Rest and I Piani
Hotel: Hotel San Daniele
After a week of memorable climbs, today’s route offers a gentler finale with a flatter morning ride to Portogruaro.
Portogruaro is an ideal place to finish our riding. Like several towns near Venice, it is crossed by picturesque canals and waterways, earning it a reputation as another “Little Venice.”
Once the ride is complete, we will transfer to our hotel in Venice and spend the late afternoon and evening exploring La Serenissima before enjoying a celebratory dinner—a fitting conclusion to another epic SFIDA Cycling adventure.
Day 8 Ride
Distance: 67 km | Climbing: 200 m
Hotel: Hilton Garden Inn Mestre
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE).
We expect to arrive at the airport by 10:00 am, so please plan your onward travel accordingly.
