Biking from Alps to Adriatic on a fast track!
For lovers of the fast lane, this "Cross Country Road Cycling Tour" whisks you through the majority of Slovenia's greatest historical places, along with the many natural wonders this diverse little country has to offer from the majestic peaks of the Julian Alps to the hot, sunny seaside towns of the Adriatic coast. It is suitable for cyclists with a good fitness level.
Considering a pre-trip? Have a look at our Salzburg to Lake Bled.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LAKE BLED
Arrival in Bled. Bled is renowned for its beautiful setting: glacial lake, clifftop castle and a pilgrimage church on an island. Arrive early enough and you can take a boat out to the church and ring the bell of wishes, head up to the castle for a great view across the valley, or take a circular walk around the lake and hike up to Mala Osojnica for the best view of all. (Accommodation in 4* hotel)
Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA (↔ 58 km, ↑ 1.090 m, ↓ 1.050 m)
Today's cycling adventure commences with a climb up to the elevated plateau of Pokljuka, ascending 700 meters over a distance of 12 kilometers. From these serene mountain meadows, you'll then embark on a descent towards the breathtaking Lake Bohinj. Nestled in the corner of this secluded valley, Bohinj stands as the largest and deepest lake within the Triglav National Park, encircled by majestic alpine peaks. Cycle along the lake's perimeter to reach Savica Waterfall, the wellspring of the Sava Bohinjka River. (Accommodation in 4* hotel)
Day 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA (↔ 80 km, ↑ 1.000 m, ↓ 1.210 m)
Leaving Bohinj you cycle up 750 m / 2400 ft to the Sorica Pass, from which you then drop off into a lush wilderness valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. Stop in the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki and one of Slovenia's oldest and most charming towns, Škofja Loka, before finally arriving in Ljubljana, the Slovene capital. Visit the Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill overlooking the old town and city center. From its tower, you get a breathtaking view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul and of the mountains you have just cycled from. (Accommodation in 4* hotel)
Day 4: LJUBLJANA – VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (↔ 83 km; ↑ 910 m, ↓ 670 m)
To start the day, a gentle ride across the beautiful 160-sq km Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje), home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. Head up to the hilltop church of Saint Ana for the best views. Then head to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, in a crevasse halfway up the side of a 123m-cliff. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight; Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies. (Accommodation in 4* hotel)
Day 5: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL - KOMEN (↔ 50 km; ↑ 510 m, ↓ 780 m)
Today will start with a visit to the beautiful Postojna caves, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, through a world of large and colorful stalactites and stalagmites, and the unique “human fish”. Your final destination is a romantic Carst village Komen, know for great wines and gastronomy. (Accommodation in 3* guesthouse)
Day 6 : KOMEN – LIPICA – DIVAČA (↔ 47 km, ↑ 500 m, ↓ 340 m)
First stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizzaner horses, whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and see them close up in their stables. You can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in a lovely Venetian tower. (Accommodation in 3* hotel)
Day 7: DIVAČA – MUGGIA – PIRAN (↔ 74 km; 94 km with a side trip, ↑ 470 m, ↓ 900 m)
If you missed the Postojna Caves, don’t worry—you can explore the Škocjan Caves this morning. They’re just as fascinating but much less crowded. Enjoy a cappuccino or gelato in the charming old harbor town of Muggia. There's also a new cycling path along the coast, following the route of the old railway line, offering stunning views of Slovenia's modest yet beautiful coastline. Be sure to stop in Portorož, part of the Slovenian Riviera, before concluding your trip in the picturesque Venetian harbor town of Piran. (Accommodation in 4* hotel)
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast your tour ends.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Season A: 29.3. to 2.5. and 5.10. to 11.10.2025 1.095 EUR
Season B: 3.5. to 14.8. and 20.9. to 4.10.2025 1.175 EUR
Season C: 15.8. to 19.9.2025 1.235 EUR
Date of Day 1 sets the trip's season.
Price includes:
• Seven nights accommodation in hotels and guesthouses 3*/4* in a two bedded en-suite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast
• Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kg / 50 lb, Lufthansa dimensions, every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on spot
• Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form, one download per room
• Welcome meeting and bike handover
• Local tourist and other taxes
• Backup service (hotline) during the trip
Optional extras:
• Single travelers season A 365 EUR, season B 380 EUR, season C 395 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone and includes single room supplement.
• Single room season A 295 EUR, season B 335 EUR, season C 395 EUR. Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
• Hotel in Ljubljana City center – price at request
• Road racing bike rental 270 EUR. Included: one under saddle poach per bike, helmet. One repair set per pair of bikes – includes: one long lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tyre levers and a basic puncture patch set. Every additional rental day 50 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day two of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day seven.
• Electric touring bike rental 270 EUR, every additional day 50 EUR per bike
• Printed information package in English or German, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR.
Additional nights:
• 4* Hotel in Bled: Season A 95 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 105 EUR. Season B 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 200 EUR. Season C 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 210 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana (city middle ring): Season A 90 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR. Season B 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 160 EUR. Season C 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 170 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana (historic center) at request
• 3* Hotel in Štanjel area: Season A 65 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 95 EUR. Season B 70 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 100 EUR. Season C 80 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 110 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Muggia: Season A 75 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 110 EUR. Season B 85 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 125 EUR. Season C 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Piran (old town): Season A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 165 EUR. Season B 120 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 180 EUR. Season C 125 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 185 EUR.
Not included: lunches, dinners, entrance fees, saunas and massages in hotels
Route Profile
Total length: 392 / 412 km with side trips
Waytype: 75% regional country roads, 10% cycleways, 15% main road (town approach sections)
Surface: 100% asphalt and paved
Difficulty: challenging - One cycling trip yearly is a must! For cyclists who like to go on cycling trips in the surrounding area at the weekends and are not afraid of a climb or a day's stage with a demanding profile. Average daily elevation gains does between 500 and 1.000 meters.
Accommodation
Helia supports responsible travel. On our trips we therefore use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character operated by locals or their families. Here you can find the list of standard accommodation we primarily use on the trip. The actual hotels may differ from this list, depending on time of booking and rooms availability.
Day 1: 4* Hotels Savica, Park, Kompas, Lovec or Triglav in Bled
Day 2: 4* Eco Hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica
Day 3: 4* M-Hotel in Ljubljana
Day 4: 4* Hotel Kras in Postojna
Day 5: 3* Hiša Špacapan in Komen area
Day 6: 3* Hotel Malovec in Divača
Day 7: 4* Hotel Marina San Rocco in Muggia
Day 8: 4* Hotel Piran in Piran
Travel options & Local Transfers
Starting point of this trip is Bled in NW Slovenia.
Getting there...
By plane: closest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve it. From the airport you can travel to Bled by bus (change once, takes about two hrs) or book our transfer: Ljubljana Airport to Bled (faster - 20 min).
By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce-Bled on the Villach - Ljubljana mainline, four km away from town center, you'll need to take a bus or call us, we'll give you a lift for free. The other is Bled-Jezero on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline only a few trains a day. Two km away from town center, call us and we'll give you a lift.
By car: take exit Lesce from A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke. Please consult us about parking options.
.... and away
By plane: closest airport is Trieste, 50 km NW. We can best arrange you a transfer. Next is Ljubljana (LJU). You can return to Ljubljana by bus, train or our transfer.
By train: Koper railway station is 15 km away from Piran. Trains leave from here to Ljubljana. If you wish to travel onward to Rijeka (Croatia) you need to change in Pivka, however, only a few trains cross the border! There are no train connections to Italy, you'll need to travel first to Trieste.
By boat: there are ferries operating to Greece from Koper and seasonal sailings along the Slovene coast to Croatia. Also - the daily catamaran service can shorten your trip to Venice!
By car: if your car is in Ljubljana, you can return there by bus or train. Our transfer is available.
Local Transfers:
Ljubljana Airport to Bled: 1–3 persons: 85 EUR, 4–8 persons: 120 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled: 1–3 persons: 120 EUR, 4–8 persons: 160 EUR
Trieste Airport to Bled: 1–3 persons: 375 EUR, 4–8 persons: 420 EUR
Villach to Bled: 1–3 persons: 170 EUR, 4–8 persons: 190 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled: 1–3 persons: 200 EUR, 4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station to Bled: 1–3 persons: 20 EUR, 4–8 persons: 30 EUR
Piran to Trieste City: 1–3 persons: 150 EUR, 4–8 persons: 200 EUR
Piran to Trieste Airport: 1–3 persons: 160 EUR, 4–8 persons: 210 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana City: 1–3 persons: 225 EUR, 4–8 persons: 265 EUR
Piran to Ljubljana Airport: 1–3 persons: 250 EUR, 4–8 persons: 290 EUR
Piran to Bled: 1–3 persons: 275 EUR, 4–8 persons: 320 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia road bikes are available in different sizes and models
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- combination bike lock
Only for self-guided tours - one repair kit per two bikes: one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, two Allen keys and tire levers
