Highlights
- Experiencing the restorative powers of Lake Bled
- Discovering the medieval Bled Castle
- Taking a boat ride over to Bled Island
- Marvelling at the Triglav National Park
- Exploring the Vintgar and Pokljuka Gorges
- Riding a cable car up the awe-inspiring Mount Vogel, offering breath-taking views
Itinerary
On arriving at your hotel you’ll be able to unpack and make yourself at home. You’ll be met by a member of our local team, who will provide your hire bikes (if hiring), as well as your route notes and maps for your upcoming trip.
The rest of the day is yours to discover the enchanting Lake Bled. Why not head over to the Park Restaurant and Café to take in the astonishing views of the Lake from its relaxing terrace, accompanied by a sweet Bled Cream Cake from the hotel’s famous patisserie? It’d be rude not to!
- Meals: Breakfast
On your first day, a leisurely cycle allows plenty of time to discover Bled Castle, an awe-inspiring, medieval fortress, and the Bled Island Church. Leaving your hotel, a gentle cycle takes you around the lake and up to the iconic castle, perched on a cliff. From the castle you’ll take in unrivalled views of the island and the lake, as well as enjoying its fun-filled offerings, from a printing shop to bottling and sealing your own wine! The castle has its own coffee shop and restaurant (booking recommended), where you can sample some tasty local fayre. (Entry into the castle around €10 per person).
Next you’ll head to the lake where there are an array of boats available to hire to get you across to Bled Island. Take your time on the island, exploring the charming church, and don’t forget to ring the famous wishing bell!
For mind-blowing views of the lake and castle, head up to Osojnica – don’t forget your camera!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 510 Metres Approx.
You’ll begin your second day cycling at the foot of the Jelovica Plateau, where you’ll be surrounded by wildlife, including some endangered species, and the glorious sounds of the forest. Your cycling will be rewarded with astounding views of the Triglav National Park, home to the Julian Alps and the highest mountain in Slovenia, Mount Triglav.
Next you’ll cycle to Kropa, formerly a major blacksmith town, where you can learn how to make your own nails at the iron-forging museum and visit the old town. Kropa is a great place to refuel with some lunch. You’ll continue on to the charming town of Radovljica, an old town offering museums and galleries, including the fascinating beekeeping museum. The town has plenty of cafes where you can rest and soak up the chilled atmosphere and the ice cream is delicious!
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 490 Metres Approx.
Today you’ll pedal to Begunje, the birth place of the legend of Slovenian folk music, Slavko Avsenik. Enjoy a tasty lunch at the Avsenik Gostilna restaurant (closed on Mondays) and then take your time exploring this characterful village.
Don’t miss the Hostage Museum – said to hide the dark story of World War II, it housed the Gestapo prisons and is now a memorial museum. Hopping back on your bike, you’ll cycle to the ruins of the Kamen Castle, at the entrance to the Draga Valley. You’ll encounter some ups and downs along the way, but the views you‘re rewarded with at the top of the climbs will be well worth the effort!
On your route back to Bled, you’ll pass through the village of Brezje, where you can explore the Basilica, a renowned pilgrimage destination for many Slovenes.
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 310 Metres Approx.
Today’s cycle will take you first to the beautiful Pokljuka Gorge, a 2km ravine carved at the end of the last Ice Age, creating the largest fossil in Slovenia. Take your time exploring the tranquil Gorge and its surrounding woods.
Jumping back on your bikes you’ll make your way to the famous Vintgar Gorge, carved 150 metres deep into the mountains by the Radovna River. Leaving your bike, you’ll discover the Gorge on foot, via paths, wooden walkways and observation bridges, as you follow the river from rapids to pools, until you reach the mighty Sum Waterfall. There are snack bars at the beginning and the end of the walkway, so you can grab some refreshments, before hopping back on your bikes and making your return journey to Bled.
Please note! The gorge has recently reduced its capacity and tickets now need to be booked in advance – you can book tickets online here (entrance fee not included)
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 310 Metres Approx.
You’ll be transferred to the top of the Pokljuka plateau and from here you’ll cycle back down into the Bohinj Valley through idyllic alpine villages and past the unique Slovene hayracks until you reach the enchanting Lake Bohinj. Cycling around the lake, you’ll reach the impressive Savica Waterfall. From here you can take a cable car up to Vogel Mountain where you’ll be rewarded with astonishing views.
(Cable car return ticket around 29,50€ per person).
- Meals: Breakfast
- Ascent: 480 Metres Approx.
Today you’ll cycle through the Radovna Valley, nestled at the foot of the Julian Alps, between two great plateaus until you reach the foot of Mount Triglav. Resting in the shade of the mountain it’s the perfect spot for a picnic lunch, while you enjoy the breath-taking mountain views.
You’ll continue on through a valley of peaceful forest, while taking in World War II monuments and rustic farmhouses, one of which has been converted into a museum so popular that even King Charles III has visited!
- Meals: Breakfast
Today it’s time to say adijo to this Slovene paradise and head back to Ljubljana for flights home. If you’d like a few more days however to explore Bled please do let us know and we can help organise this for you.
Gallery
The Cycling
Terrain
The tour will see you cycling in the Julian Alps area, so there will be some ups and downs and climbs to conquer! The majority of this route is a Grade 2, however due to some steeper sections we have raised the grading up to a Grade 3.
You will have the flexibility to ride on whichever days you so choose. When you are on the bikes, however, expect both flat, and undulating / rolling terrain.
Around 10% of sections are along cycle paths, and some short sections on gravel tracks, but the majority of the route is paved (Approx. 90% asphalt and paved with 10% being unpaved). The route takes you mostly along quiet side roads (about 80% of the time) with little traffic, but about 10% of sections will be along busier / main roads.
We recommend a hybrid bike for this tour (not suitable for road bikes). An e-bike is also suitable for this tour and would be a great option, and highly recommended, for those looking for a boost up those cheeky climbs in the Julian Alps area. Although this is a relatively easy-going route, using an e-bike will help make your trip even more relaxed and leisurely. For more information about riding an electric bike on our holidays please click here
Leisure Cycling Grade
Distances generally between 20-45 miles / 32-72 kms per day
For the leisure cyclist with a good level of physical fitness
May include some steeper, cheeky climbs
Possibly sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc).
Our grading guidelines have been carefully created based on our many years of cycling experience, as well as customer feedback from our trips. Of course, if you're still struggling to figure out where you fit on the scale, do feel free to give us a quick call and we'll be more than happy to help!
For more information about our grading system click here.
Is this suitable for you?
Although you may not cycle everyday, you do keep yourself relatively fit and maybe enjoy an afternoon out on your bike at the weekend. Your preference is perhaps for flatter terrain but you don’t mind tackling some hills, and the occasional steep climb if you can take it at your own pace. For those happy to tackle some ups and downs, and possibly some sections of varying terrain (eg. forest tracks, gravel paths etc) we’d recommend our grade 3 trips. We’d generally expect those on a Grade 3 trip to have a decent level of physical fitness and be comfortable with some longer days in the saddle.
For more information about the grading of this holiday in particular, please check out the terrain section which will give you some specifics of what to expect on this tour.
Dates & Prices
Daily departures available. The season prices below are per person, and are applicable for all start dates between and inclusive of the stated dates.
2024 23 Mar – 12 Oct
Season 1 – $1395 23 Mar – 03 May and 21 Sep – 12 Oct
Season 2 – $1480 04 May – 20 Sep
2025 12 Apr – 11 Oct.
Season 1 – $1445 12 Apr – 06 Jun and 22 Sep – 11 Oct
Season 2 – $1555 07 Jun – 21 Sep
Please note, we are generally not able to confirm any bookings for this tour made within 3 weeks of departure. Please contact our office if you are looking to book and begin your holiday within this period and we will do our best to accommodate your request.
Secure Your Holiday With A Deposit
Book now with a $375 deposit and nothing more to pay until 60 days before departure. Choose a date to start your booking and see all prices, including bike hire and single room supplements.
Whats Included
A) Accommodation (shared twin / double en suite rooms) in hotel
B) Meals as per the itinerary (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
C) Local representative (with welcome meeting)
D) Detailed route notes and maps (1 per room – additional packs £40 per pack)
E) Digital navigation information
F) Transfer on Day 6 (to Pokljuka high plateau)
G) GPX tracks (available on request)
H) City or visitor‘s tax where applicable
I) Financial Protection through ABTOT
What's not Included
A) Bike rental (available if required)
B) Flights and charges for travelling with your bike (if applicable)
C) Meals not stated in the itinerary
D) Single room (available if required)
E) Travel insurance
F) Personal clothing and equipment
G) Personal expenditure (souvenirs, bar bills, hotel facilities etc)
H) Entrance fees to museums and other attractions en route
I) Travel to first hotel on arrival day
J) Travel from final hotel on departure day
The Essentials
News, Reviews & Stories
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Reviews
Dawn, Manchester, UKFabulous views and an amazing holiday...Slovenia was stunning and we kept stopping to take photos, as around every corner was another fabulous view. The people were all very friendly. Everything went according to plan and there was a really good mix of being on the bikes every day but then being able to sample many of the restaurants in the town.