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Slovenia

Highlights of Lake Bled

Self-Guided Leisure Bike Tour

Grade

1
2
3
4
5

Duration

8 days

Prices from

$1,335 P.P.

E-BIKE HIRE AVAILABLE

This tour is well-suited to both normal bikes and pedal assist e-bikes and you can choose to hire either when you book your tour with us. Confident cyclists will enjoy the boost from a battery for those cheeky climbs, and with less effort required on the bike, you’ll have more energy at the end of the day for off-the-bike activities.

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The Slovenian paradise of Lake Bled is famed for its ability to restore well-being, making it the perfect location for our centre based cycling holiday in Slovenia. Pedallin’ along charming lakeside cycle paths, through the valleys of the astonishing Julian Alps and around characterful towns, this trip strikes the perfect balance between adventure, culture, relaxation, family fun around the lake, offering something to suit everyone.
Your base is the gorgeous town of Bled, a destination bursting with fun-filled activities, providing plenty of gentle routes that will enable you to take in all that the area has to offer. The centre based trip gives you the flexibility to take in Bled’s amazing natural and cultural highlights.
This laid-back holiday is all about discovering the Bled area, so you’ll be rewarded on your daily rides with awe-inspiring sights. You can visit the iconic Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake, where you can make a wish by ringing the church bell. Sample tasty sweet treats in nearby old towns, while passionate locals demonstrate their trades. Continuing through serene forests and valleys, you’ll visit gorges and waterfalls, taking a cable car up the awe-inspiring Mount Vogel.
As well as daily cycling, you can take advantage of Lake Bled’s numerous other activities. Your hotel is chosen for its location, hospitality and friendly-welcome, making it the perfect spot to kick back and enjoy the restorative powers of Bled.
With flexible start dates and all the classic Skedaddle ingredients, there’s no better way to explore Slovenia than by bike.
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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

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Itinerary

Day 1
Arrival in Lake Bled

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!

Day 2
Lake Bled - Castle and Church
9 Miles / 15 Kms Approx.
  • 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!

Day 3
Kropa and Radovljica Town
21 Miles / 34 Kms Approx.
  • 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!

Day 4
Begunje Village
25 Miles / 41 Kms Approx.
  • 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.

Day 5
The Gorges Loop
10 Miles / 17 Kms Approx.
  • 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)


Day 6
Lake Bohinj and Vogel Mountain
29 Miles / 47 Kms Approx.
  • 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).

Day 7
Radovna Valley and Mount Triglav
23 Miles / 37 Kms Approx.
  • 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!

Day 8
Departure from Lake Bled
  • 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.

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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

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Leisure Cycling Grade

1
2
3
4
5
Grade 3 : Moderate

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.

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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 – $1335 23 Mar – 03 May and 21 Sep – 12 Oct

Season 2 – $1420 04 May – 20 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 $250 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.

Select a date to view prices and book
Start Date
End Date
Duration
Price p.p.
Start Date
Return Date
--/--/----
Duration
8 days
Price
$1,335.00

Whats Included Tick

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 Cross

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

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The Essentials

Travel Options

We ask that you make your own way to your hotel in Bled on arrival and onwards from here at the end of the trip.

The most convenient airport for this trip is Ljubljana airport (LJU).

Most flights from North America require overnight travel, and a stop over in an intermediary airport, with Norwegian, United or Lufthansa, combined with another airline being a common combination.

Please note that flying from North America may involve multiple travel days.

There are daily direct bus connections from both the airport in Ljubljana and the city centre into Bled, and taxis are easily available from the airport. Transfers from Ljubljana Airport to your hotel in Bled can be organised by Skedaddle on request, please enquire for details.

Please check with Skedaddle before making any travel arrangements so we can ensure they fit with the tour schedule.

Accommodation

Accommodation will usually be in a 4* hotel, in Bled. Shared twin or double rooms will have en suite facilities.

We work with a couple of different hotels in Bled – one close to the town centre and one located just outside the town, with a beautiful vantage point of the lake – your stay here will be subject to availability, but please do let us know if you have a preference, and we’ll do our best to accommodate.

If opting for triple or quadruple rooms, the extra beds might be folding beds or sofa beds. Family rooms may be available on request, at an added cost.

Bike Hire

If you don’t own a suitable bike or would prefer to avoid bringing your own, we have bikes available to hire. These bikes are typically touring bikes, equipped with 24 gears, V Brakes, one side pannier per bike and a water bottle holder. Both step-through and crossbar frames are usually available, on request (please let us know if you have a preference).

If you’d prefer a higher quality bike, we also have hybrid bikes available, equipped with 24 gears, disc brakes, one side pannier per bike and a water bottle holder.

Slovenia is a very hilly country and an e-bike could help you with those cheeky climbs. These are available to rent, however, we only have a small number available and so these are always on request.

Each group hiring bikes will receive a lock, a spare inner tube, an Allen key, tyre levers and a puncture repair kit.

All bikes come with a helmet, but let us know if you’ll be bringing along your own.

If you’d like to bring along your own pedals and saddle please remember to bring any tools needed, as you’ll need to fit them independently to your hire bike on arrival and departure.

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