Milan to Ljubljana Cycle: The Landmark Ride on the Road to Istanbul
The Milan to Ljubljana cycle route marks a major milestone in our long-term journey from Western Europe to Asia by bike. This epic multi-day ride takes cyclists from the bustling streets of Milan, Italy to the green, vibrant capital of Slovenia — and, crucially, pushes us past the halfway point to Istanbul.
If you’re looking for a challenging yet achievable European cycling adventure, Milan to Ljubljana delivers spectacular scenery, rich culture, and a powerful sense of progress.
The Story Behind the Milan to Ljubljana Cycle
Back in 2020, I shared a simple idea on social media: What if cycling to Asia didn’t have to be done all in one go?
The response was overwhelming.
Cycling from Europe to Asia has always been a dream of mine, but the reality is that very few people can disappear for months at a time. So the idea evolved into something more accessible:
Breaking the journey into manageable 4–5 day rides that work as standalone adventures — while still contributing to one huge, long-term goal.
The Journey So Far
Each leg has been designed to feel like a complete adventure in its own right. So far, we’ve completed:
All fantastic rides across varied terrain and cultures — but the Milan to Ljubljana cycle route is different.
This one changes everything.
Why Milan to Ljubljana Is a Landmark Cycle Ride
At 334 miles, the Milan to Ljubljana cycle route is challenging without being overwhelming. But what really makes it special is what it represents.
When riders roll into Ljubljana, they will be over halfway to Istanbul.
The Numbers:
Total journey (London to Istanbul): 2,468 miles
Total ridden on arrival in Ljubljana: 1,316 miles
Distance remaining to Istanbul: 1,152 miles
From this point on, every pedal stroke is taking us closer to Asia.
Milan to Ljubljana Cycle: Route & Distance
Total distance: ~334 miles
Riding days: 5
Average per day: ~67 miles
Trip length: 7 days (including arrival & departure days)
Following feedback from previous rides, this leg features slightly shorter daily distances, allowing more time to enjoy the riding, the scenery, and the towns we pass through.
It’s demanding — but absolutely achievable for riders with a solid base level of fitness.
Dates for the Milan to Ljubljana Cycle
We’re currently offering two preliminary dates:
– July 2026 – Late September 2026
Each departure requires a minimum of 10 riders to go ahead.
Both dates offer great cycling conditions, with September providing slightly cooler temperatures and quieter roads.
What About Bikes & Travel?
Because of the distances involved, riders will need to bring their own bicycles.
If that sounds daunting — don’t worry.
Flying with a bike is far easier than most people expect once they’ve done it once, and we’ll provide full support with:
Bike reassembly on arrival
Packing bikes for return flights
Advice on bike boxes and travel prep
Don’t let logistics stop you from riding one of the most rewarding routes in Europe.
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Is the Milan to Ljubljana Cycle Ride for You?
This ride is ideal if you:
Want a multi-day European cycling adventure
Like the idea of being part of a bigger, long-term journey
Enjoy well-planned rides with a strong sense of purpose
Want to challenge yourself without committing months of your life
Each leg stands alone — but together, they’re building something extraordinary.
© 2026