Overview
This epic multi-day ride takes you from the bustling heart of Milan to the charming capital of Ljubljana, covering diverse landscapes, historic towns, and scenic waterways. Starting with a peaceful warm-up along the Naviglio Martesana canal, you’ll traverse Lombardy’s countryside, the sparkling shores of Lake Garda, and the rolling Berici Hills. The journey continues across the Veneto plains via tranquil cycle paths, historic cities like Treviso and Palmanova, and the gentle plains of Friuli-Venezia Giulia, before crossing into Slovenia for the challenging Podkraj/Col climb and a flowing descent into Ljubljana.
This is a continuation ride from our ever-popular London to Paris, Paris to Geneva and Geneva to Milan rides but is a fantastic standalone ride too!
Scroll down to see dates of our open trips or if you have a group interested please get in touch.
Highlights
- Beginning the ride under an architectural marvel, the Duomo di Milano
- Warm up from Milan’s Duomo along the scenic Naviglio Martesana canal
- Ride Lake Garda’s southern shore, finishing with Via Monte Grappa climb
- Glide peacefully along the Ostiglia–Treviso cycle path through countryside and villages
- Stopping at Palmanova, the star-shaped UNESCO fortress in Friuli-Venezia Giulia
- Descending into Ljubljana’s historic center
Our Star Ratings
Here is an explanation of our cycling trip grades. Please bear in mind that total ascent, wind, rain and general riding conditions can play as important factors as the daily distances involved. Whilst we have stated some example distances, the overall difficulty assigned to each trip will encompass a range of these factors. If you are at all unsure of whether you think the trip is suitable, please contact us.
Easy: Suitable for those new to cycling seeking an introductory and very relaxed yet active experience on two wheels. Easy riding on short, flat and/or gently undulating routes. Approx 20 – 40 miles a day
Relaxed: Undulating terrain with occasional minor undulations for semi-regular novices who wish to develop fitness and ability. May include a few short steep climbs. Approx 40 – 50 miles a day
Moderate: Designed for cyclists with a good level of riding experience and fitness, and are comfortable riding for full days in the saddle. Routes will include some steep and/or sustained climbs. Not for those completely new to cycling. Approx 50 – 80 miles a day
Challenging: Routes with multiple steep and sustained climbs and technical descents and/or long distances. Riders need to be have a high level of fitness and stamina in addition to experience in riding over extended distances and/or tackling long ascents and descents. Approx 70 – 110 miles a day
Advanced: Designed for experienced cyclists with an excellent level of fitness and stamina. Routes are consistently long with multiple serious and steep ascents and descents throughout. High altitude ascents may be undertaken followed by technically demanding descents. Approx 80 – 120 miles a day
Itinerary
Day 1: Meet at Milan hotel
This trip starts at our hotel in Milan. Details of the hotel and how to get there will be issued once the trip has been confirmed. Here you’ll be met by the More Adventure team for a trip briefing and evening meal before making any final preparations.
Day 2: Milan to Desenzano del Garda
124km & 250m⬆ / 77 miles & 800 feet⬆
After breakfast in the hotel we’ll load up the support vehicle then begin our first days’ riding from the Duomo in Milan. Heading northeast, we’ll then join the Naviglio Martesana canal path east which offers a flat, traffic-free warm-up on a smooth towpath riding alongside the water, passing green stretches, old locks, and canal towns like Gorgonzola and Cassano d’Adda. From Cassano, we leave the canal and continue east through open Lombardy countryside on mostly flat to gently rolling roads, threading through farmland and small villages as you gradually build mileage toward Brescia, where urban riding returns and a longer break is well earned near the historic center (around the halfway point). Leaving Brescia, the route turns more scenic and slightly more undulating, skirting vineyards and rural lanes as Lake Garda draws closer, with a noticeable shift in light, air, and terrain. The final miles descend gently toward the lake, delivering you into Desenzano del Garda with sweeping views of the water, palm-lined promenades, and a well-deserved finish by the lakeside.
Day 3: Desenzano del Garda to Arcugnano
108km & 800m⬆ / 67 miles & 2500 feet⬆
We depart Desenzano del Garda along the lakeshore in the early morning light, enjoying flat, scenic riding tracing the southern edge of Lake Garda toward Peschiera del Garda. Our route then continues east through Lazise, where the road gently rolls past marinas, olive trees, and café-lined waterfronts before turning inland toward Bussolengo on quiet secondary roads. From here the route follows the Adige River corridor into Verona, where urban riding increases but rewards you with a memorable passage through the historic center with its striking medieval walls and towers—an ideal place to pause briefly for photos and a refill. Leaving Verona, the terrain gradually toughens as you head northeast through open countryside toward the Berici Hills, saving your legs for the finale: a sustained climb up Via Monte Grappa to Berici, where gradients sharpen and the day’s accumulated miles are felt, but views open across the plains below. From the crest, enjoy a fast, winding descent into Arcugnano, finishing the day with tired legs, big smiles, and a well-earned hotel overnight in the quiet foothills south of Vicenza.
Day 4: Arcugnano to Oderzo
106km & 125m⬆ / 66 miles & 400 feet⬆
We leave Arcugnano and enjoy a quiet pedal through the Veneto countryside, gently rolling out of the Berici Hills toward Padua, where you’ll pick up the historic Ostiglia–Treviso cycle path — a long, mostly flat, former railway greenway that stretches across the Veneto plain with shaded tree-lined sections, rural landscapes, small villages, rest spots and occasional historical railway relics along the way. We follow it roughly west-to-east, rolling steadily past fields and tranquil farm towns, taking short breaks as needed for water and snacks. We follow the Fiume Sile river through Treviso before the final leg northeast on quiet backroads toward Oderzo, enjoying pastoral vistas and small town charm until you reach your finish in Oderzo.
Day 5: Oderzo to Gorizia
108km & 215m⬆ / 67 miles & 700 feet⬆
Our route heads east through gentle Veneto plains toward San Vito al Tagliamento, enjoying the mix of open farmland and historic town centers, before continuing south-east to Codroipo, keeping a steady rhythm on mostly flat roads. Midway, we’ll take a scenic stop in the star-shaped fortress town of Palmanova, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was built with nine points and concentric defensive walls to protect against invasions. We’ll then cross the tranquil Torrente la Tor, and follow quiet country lanes through rolling landscapes and scattered villages as we gradually approach Friuli-Venezia Giulia. The final stretch brings you into Gorizia, perched on the Italian-Slovenian border, where you can finish your ride soaking in views of the nearby Soča/Isonzo River and reflecting on a day traversing diverse Italian towns, rivers, and historic sites.
Day 6: Gorizia to Ljubljana
92km & 1200m⬆ / 57 miles & 3900 feet⬆
We depart Gorizia in the morning, crossing the Italian-Slovenian border and easing into the scenic Slovenian countryside with gentle rolling terrain through vineyards and small villages. As you approach Ajdovščina, prepare for the climb of the day to Podkraj / Col. It’s a steady ascent of roughly 10 miles with an average gradient of 4–5%, featuring a few steeper ramps up to 7% in short bursts, winding through forested sections and open farmland, offering panoramic views of the Vipava Valley below. After cresting the climb and enjoying a well-earned coffee we’ll enjoy a fast, flowing descent toward the Ljubljana basin, passing picturesque Slovenian villages and riverside stretches. The final leg into Ljubljana is mostly flat, allowing you to roll into the capital in the afternoon, arriving relaxed and ready to explore the historic center along the Ljubljanica River. Congratulations on completing this epic journey from Milan to Ljubljana, it’s time to celebrate!
Day 7: Ljubljana – trip ends
0 km & 0m⬆ / 0 miles & 0 feet⬆
Today the trip officially ends and we say our goodbyes, what an epic journey! It is a 30 minute taxi journey from the city centre to the airport if you’re heading straight home, if not have a fantastic time exploring this incredible city!
© 2025