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Best of Slovenia
Bled – Piran
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Discovery tour through Slovenia
This “Cross Country Cycling Tour” whisks you through the majority of western Slovenia’s most interesting attractions and along the many natural wonders packed into this diverse little country. Starting at the enchantingly beautiful Lake Bled, then on to the vibrant capital city of Ljubljana. Then it’s over a limestone landscape laden with castles and vineyards above and huge cave systems below, as you cycle your way from the alpine center to the lovely Adriatic coast. Suitable for cyclists with time on their hands, an average fitness level, a love of fine wine and the great outdoors.
Dates 2024:
Arrival: daily
Duration: 11 days
Dates:
Season 1: March 23.-May 03. +
Sept 21.-Oct 12.
Season 2: May 04.-Sept 20.
1st Day: Bled
Individual arrival. Bled, a world famous town on the shore of abeautiful glacial lake. Defined by its unique island church sitting proudly in the middle ofthis immense body of water, surrounded bytowering alpine mountains, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions.
2nd Day: Bled – Bohinjska Bistrica, approx. 27 km
You will be taken by bus up to the high plateau at Pokljuka. From here you can marvel at the stunning views before gliding down into the neighboring Bohinj Valley, the jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. You will cycle through the many small alpine villages scattered across the valley until reaching the small settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass) lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Wedged into the corner of this dead end valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, and is surrounded by shimmering mountain peaks. The view acrossthis lake from the bridge at Ribčev Laz is unrivaled. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view into the Bohinj Valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. Explore the forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the cosy village pubs and trying the local home made honey brandy. Cycling downhill, at the foot of Mount Triglav. Triglav National Park, very peaceful area.
3rd Day: Bohinjska Bistrica – Skofja Loka, approx. 49 km
Leaving Bohinj you cycle to the lovely village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect backdrop. Then it’s up 750 m/2400 ft to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to top of mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at extra cost of 20 EUR per person). From the top the route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into the Selška Dolina Valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. The first stop is at the little alpine village of Sorica, set among low green hills. This is the birthplace of the famous Slovene painter, Ivan Grohar. As you ride into the village his statue will greet you. Visit his gallery where you’ll find a limited collection of his work. The next stop is at the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki, where you will find the remains of an old blast furnace dating from 1826. Stop in one of the village inns along the way and try the delicious trout. Finally you arrive in the wonderful town of Škofja Loka, one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. If you are not too tired you can cycle up to the castle on the hill overlooking town. Spend the rest of the evening wandering through the old streets of this historic medieval town.
4th Day: Skofja Loka – Ljubljana, approx. 31 km
Once settled into your hotel, you will visit the historic old town of Ljubljana and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Then it’s a short walk or ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city center. From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul. As the sun goes down you can choose between relaxing with a drink in the many outdoor bars/cafes beside the Ljubljanica River, or take an evening stroll, enjoying the lights and vibrant sounds of the city and its charismatic people. Or perhaps do both!
5th Day: Ljubljana – Vrhnika, approx. 39 km
As the morning sun begins to rise high in the sky, you will be cycling across an immense 160-square kilometer marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape that is now home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Along the way you can see the remnants of the world’s highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. In hot summer months you can even freshen up in a typical Carst Lake of Podpec. Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.
6th Day: Vrhnika – Postojna, approx. 34 km (44 km with additional excursion)
On this day the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track. You can stop for a picnic lunch in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve, where the Rak River has carved out a stunning gorge containing some of nature’s most incredible landscapeformations, including two natural bridges. So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills. This is the most extensivecave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometers. The 1½ hour tour will take you through a fairy tale worldfull of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, not forgetting the unique “human fish”, a mysterious creature thatlives in dark pools inside the caves.
7th Day: Postojna – Stanjel area, approx. 42-48 km
So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills. This is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometers. The 1½ hour tour will take you through a fairy tale world full of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, not forgetting the unique “human fish”, a mysterious creature that lives in dark pools inside the caves.You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama castle, wedged tight into a crevasse halfway up a 123-meter cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight. Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the secret of the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies, which included freshly picked cherries which he used to throw at his adversaries to taunt them. Take the tour and learn how Erasmus met his untimely demise in less than poetic circumstances, as he was literally caught with his pants down.
8th Day: Stanjel/Kodreti – Lipica – Divaca, approx. 48 km
First stop is perhaps at the botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. The history of the Lipica horses is closely linked to the Vienna riding school. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, watch them perform and visit them close up in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have the time for a couple of side-trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in the village tower of Lokev.
9th Day: Divaca – Muggia, approx. 38 km
If you skiped Postojna caves – this morning you can visit Škocjan Caves – no less interesting but way less frequented Karst Caves – even listed as UNESCO natural monument! You can take a diversion into the Italian town of Trieste – once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square. Trieste was once part of Slovenia whilst under the rule of the Austrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in the many old-fashioned cafes. The day-trip ends in Muggia – south of Trieste. After days’ cycling it is time to enjoy a gelato in old center of town or relax on one of beaches.
10th Day: Muggia – Piran, approx. 37 km (48 with additional excursion)
Cycling along the coastal road on new cycling path following former railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovene coast and Trieste Bay. A coffee stop in fashionable resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous Venetian little harbor village of Piran.
11th Day: Piran
Individual departure or extend your stay.
YOUR ACCOMMODATION:
On this trip you will be accommodated in 3* / 4* hotels and guesthouses in two bedded ensuite facilities rooms.
Please note, that accommodation requests are always updated daily at the time of booking. The selection is based on availability. Of course, we are happy to accept non-binding customer requests. Tell us your wishes when booking.
You will receive the accommodation we have actually booked with the hotellist and the travel documents (after the booking confirmation at the earliest).
YOUR BICYCLES:
21-speed ladies or gents
E-Bike
- aluminium frame
- mudguard
- rear rack
- comfort gel saddle
- anti-puncture Continental tyres
- ergonomic bicycle grips
- cycle computer
- one repair kit per two bikes
- combination bike lock
- one-sided saddlebag
Attention: In Slovenia it is mandatory for children under 15 yrs to wear a helmet when on a bike.
YOUR ARRIVAL:
Parking
- Directly at the hotel or at public parking areas
Train station
- Station: Bled Lesce
Airport
- Next airport: Ljubljana (LJU)
- Transfers bookable (see Prices)
- 10 nights in rooms with private facilities incl. breakfast
- luggage transfer (one piece per person, max 23 kg / 50 lb.)
- tour description and maps in electronic form
- local tourist and other taxes
- backup service (hotline) during the trip
Season 1 | Season 2 | |
Double room | 1.245,- | 1.295,- |
Single room | 1.660,- | 1.730,- |
Discounts additional bed/children
3rd adult in room | -10% |
Additional bookable
Rental bikes | |
21-speed | 150,- |
E-Bike | 330,- |
Helmet rental | 18,- |
Additional night incl. breakfast | Double room | Single room | |
Bled 4* | 105,- | 170,- | |
Ljubljana 4* | 95,- | 150,- | |
Piran 4* | 95,- | 145,- |
Transfer | price per way |
Airport Ljubljana – Bled (1-3 persons) | 80,- |
Airport Ljubljana – Bled (4-8 persons) | 110,- |
Ljubljana City – Bled (1-3 persons) | 110,- |
Ljubljana City – Bled (4-8 persons) | 150,- |
train station Lesce – Bled (1-3 persons) | 20,- |
train station Lesce – Bled (4-8 persons) | 30,- |
Piran – Airport Ljubljana (1-3 persons) | 210,- |
Piran – Airport Ljubljana (4-8 persons) | 260,- |
Operator: Helia
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