Slovenia to Croatia Cycle
| Dates | Availability |
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8th-12th October 2024 Full Price: £1095 Deposit Only: £395
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FULLY BOOKED |
Slovenia to Croatia Cycle Tour
We are excited by our truly magical four day ride out of Slovenia and along the beautiful Croatian coast.
With breathtaking scenery right from the start, this cycle is one that will last long in your memory. The combinations of rolling coastline climbs meeting the blue Adriatic Sea makes the ride a thoroughly enjoyable experience.
300 miles and 18000ft of climbing makes this cycle a more challenging event than our other weekend rides but the amazing views and superb descents make all the climbs worth the effort.
The Slovenia to Croatia Ride is supported by the Challenge Central team along the way. Our support vehicle is never far away, carrying your personal belongings all the way to Trogir.
There are no charity commitments for this bike ride so you are free to raise money for any charity of your choice, or simply take on the cycle challenge for a personal challenge without a minimum fundraising obligation.
Our Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan is also available on this challenge of a lifetime; please contact us for further information.
Please note that the price of the challenge includes accommodation and breakfast for five nights, along with refreshments throughout the challenge but does not include air travel costs. A number of extras are available to purchase.
Check out some Go Pro footage from our 2017 and 2018 trip from Slovenia to Croatia:
Day 1 – Meet in Slovenia
The challenge starts with overnight accommodation in the heart of Slovenia; Kranj. Participants are free to arrive at the accommodation at their leisure and relax before the challenge begins on Day 2.
There will be a welcome dinner and event briefing at 19:00. All bike setup and preparation must be completed before the evening is over ready for the ultimate adventure first thing in the morning.
To save the hassle of flying with your bike, Challenge Central can bring your bike with the support vehicle. Please see the Extras tab below for further details.
Day 2 – Breg ob Savi (Kranj) to Lovran- 85 miles (1330m elevation)
The ride begins in the morning, skirting around the busy capital city of Ljubljana before heading south through the stunning countryside of Slovenia. After an exciting border crossing, the ride concludes in style with a long down hill into Croatia and down to sea level.
Day 3 - Lovran to Senj - 51 Miles (775m elevation)
Now the fun really begins as we head further south down along the coast of Croatia. Despite the perceived big climbs on paper, the height tends to be gained very gradually and descents are long and thrilling; eating up the distance and height quickly.
Day 4 – Senj to Zadar - 88 Miles (1872m elevation)
A big day today. The longest, highest and hardest day but possibly the most enjoyable too! With a slightly earlier start under our belts, the emptiness of the morning roads provides the stand out cycling of the weekend as we glide along the coastline with some truly spectacular views.
If the morning wasn’t exciting enough, today also includes a short ferry crossing to the Island of Pag, famous for its wine, cheese and parties! There won’t be time for any partying but we will stop for lunch in the beach town of Novalja to refuel for the afternoon’s adventure.
After lunch, we will push through to the other side of the island where a bridge returns us to mainland Croatia. We will stop again at 70 miles just the other side of the bridge crossing before starting our final thrust to the coastal town of Zadar.
Day 5 – Zadar to Trogir - 74 Miles (756m elevation)
With the back of the challenge broken, there is just one day remaining with half the climbing of the previous two days. The first 50 miles are flat, straight and quick, with the lunch stop being in the port town of Vodice at 40 miles.
The only real climb of the day comes towards the end of the ride and it is gradually accumulated over a 12-mile period. The climb is then followed by probably the most memorable part of the whole challenge, a 10-mile descent into the enchanting port town of Trogir and our final destination.
Slovenia - Croatia Cycle Challenge Dates
11-15th October 2021
The video below shows part of the descent into Trogir:
What’s included:
>> Support Vehicle
>> Cycle Leaders
>> Ferry to Island of Pag
>> 5 x Nights Accommodation - Kranj, Opatija, Senj, Zadar, Trogir (based on twin rooms shared or double bed occupancy. There is the option to upgrade to single occupancy during booking process)*
>> 5 x Breakfasts
>> Welcome Dinner - Day 1
>> Light Refreshments & Fluids
What’s not included:
>> Bike and Cycle Equipment
>> Personal Insurance
>> Food / Drink (aside from those mentioned in inclusions)
>> Air Flights before and after the challenge
>> Shuttle to and from Airport (available as an extra during booking process)*
>> Bike and Kit Transfer (available as an extra during booking process)*
*Please see the 'Extras' tab for full details.
The challenge cost is based on participants sharing a twinned room. Unless informed otherwise we will place partners and joint bookings together wherever possible. We will of course only pair together same sex participants.
If you prefer to stay in a room on your own, you can select the single occupancy option during your booking.
All Challenge Central events require a minimum participation level in order to operate. On very rare occasions if this level is not reached with 3 months to go, we may unfortunately have to cancel the challenge date. Bookings can either be refunded in full or transferred to another Challenge Central event within the next 18 months.
Please find our full Terms and Conditions here.
Downloadable check list available here
Bike Clothing:
>> Bike Helmet (compulsory)
>> Bike Gloves
>> Padded Cycling Shorts*
>> Cycling Tops / T-Shirts*
>> Waterproof / Warm Cycling Clothing**
>> High Viz Vest / Reflective Clothing
>> Cycle Shoes and Socks
*You should aim for at least one cycling outfit per day and one extra for spares.
**Warm cycling clothing should include jackets / gloves / arm & leg warmers. Having layers of clothing on will also help to keep you warm if required.
Other Clothing:
>> Casual Clothing (for when not cycling)
>> Shoes / Trainers / Flip Flops
Bike Kit:
>> Bike
>> Bright Bike Lights / Head Torch
>> Water Bottle / Camelbak (to be used while cycling)
>> Small Backpack or Bento Box (for accessible food)
>> Tyre Levers
>> Bike Tools and Pump
>> Spare Inner Tubes x4
>> Puncture Repair Kit
>> High Quality Puncture Resistant Tyres (are strongly advised)
Luggage / Packing Equipment:
>> Holdall (for everything in the support vehicle)
>> Packing Sacks and Dry Sacks
>> Plastic Bag (for wet clothes)
Hygiene & Health:
>> Toiletries
>> Sun Protection
>> Bath Towel, Flannel, Hand Towel
>> Anti-Insect Spray
>> Anti-Chafe Cream
>> Anti-Nausea Tablets / Bands (for ferry crossing)
>> Prescribed Medication (if applicable)
>> Basic First Aid Kit (Guides will carry as well)
Nutrition (suggestions only):
>> Energy Snacks
>> Fluid Replacement
Documentation / Other:
>> Passport
>> Return Travel Documents
>> Travel Insurance (to cover you for cycling activities) and EHIC (if applicable to you)
>> Mobile Phone & Charger
>> European Plug Adapter
>> Power Bank Charger(s)
>> Currency
Day 2 – Breg ob Savi (Kranj) to Lovran - 85 miles (1330m elevation)
Schedule (please view as a guide only)
- Start: Breg ob Savi Accomodation 08:00
- 10 Minute Water Stop (at 14 miles)
- 10 Minute Water Stop (at 25 miles)
- 90 Minute Lunch, Postojna (at 48 miles)
- 20 Minute Break (at 72 miles); Okrepcevalnica VRH in Jelsane' before border crossing
- Finish: Lovran (at 85 miles) 18:00
Day 3 - Lovran to Senj - 51 Miles (775m elevation)
Schedule (please view as a guide only)
- Start: Lovran:00
- 90 Minute Lunch, Bakar (at 18 miles)
- 15 Minute Water Stop (at 36 miles)
- Finish: Senj (at 51 miles) 16:00
Day 4 – Senj to Zadar - 88 Miles (1872m elevation)
Schedule (please view as a guide only)
- Start: Senj 07:30
- 10 Minute Water Stop (at 16 miles)
- 90 Minute Lunch, Novalja (at 40 miles)
- 45 Minute Break, Miletici (at 70 miles)
- Finish: Zadar (at 88 miles) 18:15
Day 5 – Zadar to Trogir - 74 Miles (756m elevation)
Schedule (please view as a guide only)
- Start: Zadar 08:00
- 15 Minute Water Stop, Sveti Filip i Jakov (at 17 miles)
- 90 Minute Lunch, Vodice (at 42 miles)
- 10 Minute Water Stop (at 62 miles)
- Finish: Trogir (at 74 miles) 17:00
Bike Transfer - Pre and Post Challenge
We can help take the stress away of flying with your bike by transporting your bike in our support van that will be travelling to Slovenia before the challenge.
Most airlines will allow you to fly with your bike in a specialist bike box however at an additional expense to your airfare. If you don't have a bike box or to save on flight costs, we can transfer your bike safely and securely.
Drop-Off Date Pre Challenge to Letchworth, Hertfordshire is:
The Saturday two weeks before the challenge (09:00 - 17:00)
Collection Date Post Challenge from Letchworth, Hertfordshire is:
The Saturday two weeks after the challenge - (09:00 - 17:00)
If you would like to arrange an alternative drop-off or collection, please contact us directly with your preference and we will check staff availability.
£35.00 per Hertfordshire transfer (each way)
We can also offer a customised pick up / drop off service in London and other major cities in England. Please contact us to get a price for this personalised service.
Airport Transfers
Challenge Central can arrange collection and drop off in accordance with your flight schedule before and after the challenge to save you time and hassle.
In Slovenia: Transfer from Ljubljana Airport to Medvode
In Croatia: Transfer from Trogir to Split Airport
£50 per transfer - (a car can take 2 people with bikes, 4 people without bikes)
Cycling Jersey
Wear your CC Cycle Tours jersey with pride as you cycle from Slovenia to Croatia - the ultimate challenge memento! An image of the top can be found on our clothing page. Available in Mens and Ladies.
Sizing Guide
Please note the tops are designed to be fitted and therefore if you would prefer some extra room in them, we would recommend going one size bigger than you normally would purchase.
|
Cycle Jersey - Mens |
Cycle Jersey - Ladies |
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|
S |
M |
L |
XL |
XXL |
XS |
S |
M |
L |
XL |
|
38" |
40" |
42" |
44'' |
46'' |
8 |
10 |
12 |
14 |
16 |
£62.00
If you would like to purchase any of our challenge extras, you can add them at the time of booking or by logging onto your booking profile and adding the extras. If you have any questions, please contact us.
300 miles and 18000ft of climbing makes this cycle a more challenging event than our other weekend rides but the amazing views and superb descents make all the climbs worth the effort. Your preparation in advance of the challenge including your training is vital for this challenge.
Relevant training is always key when planning for any event. In this case, you are cycling over 300 miles in 4 days (between 65 and 90 miles each day) so your first point of training should be out on your bike. We recommend you also practice riding in groups as this will help you prepare for cycling with others on the challenge. When training you should be aiming to cycle between 14 – 16mph.
If the glorious UK weather does not allow any outdoor cycling then a turbo trainer, which uses your own bike would be a suitable replacement. This means you can get the practice whilst in the comfort of your home.
Spinning classes are another option for training although it should be noted that the intensity of spin classes is very different to endurance cycling. A spinning class is normally a high intensity blast of 30-45 minutes whereas the event will see you cycling up to 8 hours per day at a much lower intensity.
The gym can also be used to help strengthen muscles required for cycling. Exercises such as squats, leg extensions, hamstring curls and calf raises will all help to increase leg strength.
We encourage in the build up to this challenge that participants undertake physical activity for at least 6 months. All challengers will receive a plan to help support with their training.
As you will need to take your own bike with you, if you cycle with cleats/SPD's, you will need to be able to clip in/out with ease. Please ensure you are therefore comfortable with these shoes/pedals ahead of the challenge.
Yes of course. Please contact us and we can provide you with this information.
No, there will always be a leader at front and a guide at the back to ensure no one is left behind. If necessary, the group will be split into two paces to accommodate mixed levels.
We suggest purchasing puncture resistant tyres or using inner tubes with special gel inside, which help to seal the puncture. Failing that, you should have the kit with you to fix punctures and our leaders will always be there to assist if there is a problem.
We recommend you bring with you at least 4 spare inner tubes however the support vehicle will have some for you to buy if you need more.
No, flights are not included in the price. At the time of writing this document (October 2017) you can fly with Wizz Air & Easy Jet.
You can fly direct to Slovenia / from Croatia however at the time of writing this document (October 2017), you cannot fly with the same airline. We use Wizz Air and Easy Jet for our flights.
Of course, please contact us if you would like us to book accommodation for you.
We advise one rucksack for everything you need access to during the day and one large suitcase for everything else (plus bike box if you have one). Please do check baggage restrictions too with your airline.
Visas are not required by European and many other nationalities; if you are not sure, please check with your local embassy.
Your passports are required when crossing the Slovenian / Croatian Border.
There are no vaccinations needed specific for Slovenia or Croatia.
Passport
You must have your valid passport with you for the ferry.
Please ensure you state your full name as per your passport when registering for the challenge with us. You can manage your booking information here.
You may also wish to look at: https://www.britishpasspor
Visa
We recommend you check to see whether your nationality requires you to need a visa to enter into Slovenia or Croatia. A suggested website to find out is: https://www.ivisa.com/visa-requirements/
EHIC Card
You are entitled to a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re from the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
An EHIC lets you get state healthcare in other EEA countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
We recommend you having an EHIC card however please note this should not replace your travel insurance; this is still required.
To apply or renew, please visit gov.uk website.
Travel Insurance
Please ensure you have a copy of your valid travel insurance document with you. The policy must cover you for the activity you are undertaking and preferably you should have insurance to cover your bike as well as you.
Visit British Cycling website for extra support and information on this topic.
No, transfers from /to the airports are not included but they can be arranged if required at £50 each way for a maximum of 2 people / 2 bikes or 4 people / 0 bikes per car.
Euros for Slovenia (Correct as of October 2017)
Croatian Kruna for Croatia (Correct as of October 2017)
Yes, all guides and leaders speak English fluently.
Only carry what you need for cycling as the support vehicle is always close and there will be regular stops.
The support vehicle will be with us at various times where items can be accessed. We advise to have night luggage and day bike luggage kept separately so they can be stored differently in the van.
16 years old with a guardian or 18 and above without.
The remaining balance must be paid 90 days before the challenge start date.
Our Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan is also available on this challenge; please contact us for further information.
Your booking will not be 100% confirmed until we have secured our minimum number of participants for this challenge. This can take a number of months however we will inform you as soon as possible.
We strongly suggest you therefore do not purchase your flights until we have fully confirmed your place with you.
If you would like to book a room for yourself and not share a room with anyone else during the challenge, there will be an additional single supplement charge of £200.
If you are booking alone however happy to share with someone else, you will need to pay for the single supplement at the time of paying the remaining balance however we will refund you this cost if another participant in the same position books on to the challenge.
We strongly recommend anyone who has a medical condition should seek approval from their GP / Consultant before signing up to a challenge. When registering for the event, you are agreeing to be fit and healthy enough to take part.
The Health and safety of all participants and members of staff are paramount to us. Depending on the type and severity of your condition, we may require a letter from a medical professional stating that you are fit enough to undergo the activity. Please refer to 6.6 in our Terms & Conditions.
| Time before start of the challenge | Deposit refund |
| More than 3 Months | 50% Refund of Price Paid (excluding challenge deposit) OR Transfer to Another Event within 18 months (excluding challenge deposit) |
| Between 1-3 Months | 0% Refund HOWEVER Transfer to Another Event within 18 months (excluding challenge deposit) |
| Less than 1 Month | 0% Refund AND No Transfer |
Please refer to section 9 of our Terms & Conditions for full details.
We will do our best to recover any lost property from our local provider and will post the belongings out to you. If posted, please note you will be charged P&P plus a £10 admin fee in advance of the items being delivered. Please refer to 6.5 in our Terms & Conditions.
The challenge cost is based on participants sharing a twinned room. If you are joining the challenge as an individual or in a group with an odd number, you will be subject to a single supplement charge unless another participant of the same sex signs up in the same situation. In this instance, we will place you both together in a twinned room. If you have a preference to stay in a room of your own or another person of the same sex doesn’t sign up on their own / in an odd group number, we will require the single supplement fee at the time of the remaining balance (3 months before the event start date).
Yes, our Interest Free Monthly Payment Plan is available on this challenge; please contact us for further information.
You are required to have your own travel insurance and it will need to cover you for cycling activities.If you have travel insurance already, we recommend you contact your provider and inform them of your challenge to see if you require further cover.
Visit British Cycling website for extra support and information on this topic.
EHIC Card
You are entitled to a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) if you’re from the UK, European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland.
An EHIC lets you get state healthcare in other EEA countries and Switzerland at a reduced cost or sometimes for free.
We recommend you having an EHIC card however please note this should not replace your travel insurance; this is still required.
To apply or renew, please visit gov.uk website.
Yes, Challenge Central have both Public and Employer Liability cover from our Tour Operator insurance. This covers us for the costs of legal fees resulting from claims of negligence against Challenge Central. If you would like to view a copy, please get in contact.
Our insurance does not cover participants personally if Challenge Central are not at fault and Personal Insurance is essential for this challenge. We will need to receive your personal insurance information no later than 6 weeks before the event.