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Based at Lake Bled, this is a collection of easy day trips suitable for all cyclists and ideal for those who prefer to stay in one place rather than move accommodation each night. Each day is packed with great sights, attractions and exquisite views.
Tour highlights:
• a cosy hotel with a view of the lake
• ring the "Bell of wishes" on the island church
• treat yourself to a delicious cream cake
• visit the thundering rapids at Vintgar Gorge
• cycle across lovely mountain meadows
• swim in the crystal clear glacial Lake Bohinj
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN LAKE BLED 4* hotel
(voted best overall hotel in 2014 by our guests).
As a pre-trip, we recommend our Salzburg to Lake Bled.
Located on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake, Bled is like a place right out of a fantasy novel. Its distinctive island church backed by towering alpine mountains, all guarded by a clifftop castle, has ensured Bled a place among Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. Row yourself over to the island church (or let someone else do the work for you) and marvel at the ornate golden altar while ringing the church bell and making a wish; it might come true.
TOUR A: BLED – SIGHTSEEING (15km).
A leisurely day around Lake Bled. Cycle around the lake and up to the castle for great views across the lake and church. For the best photos and views of the church, castle and Karavanke range, head over to the western side and hike up to Mala Osojnica and Ojstrica viewpoints. In the evening try out one of the many great restaurants and the local cream slice: Kremšnita.
TOUR B: BLED – BODEŠCE – KROPA – RADOVLJICA - BLED (34km).
The day begins with an easy ride along the river Sava, SE of Bled. You can stop at Kropa, a historic blacksmith town, and visit the iron forging museum. Pop up the hill to the little village of Jamnik for a picture perfect view of Jamnik Church with the Kamnik Alps right behind it. A photographer's dream. On the way back stop in the beautifully preserved old town of Radovljica with its interesting beekeeping museum, Church of Saint Peter with its ornate vaulted ceiling and beautiful frescoes, and even better - nice ice cream shop...
TOUR C: BLED – BEGUNJE – BLED (41km).
Today you'll head out to the home of Slavko Avsenik, a legendary Slovenian Folk musician, in the sunny village of Begunje. Have lunch at his restaurant, Avsenik Gostilna. After lunch you can visit the museum of hostages and the ruins of Kamen Castle. In the afternoon you will pass Brezje Basilica, an important religious site and pilgrimage destination for many Slovene people.
TOUR D: BLED – GORJE (17km).
Today's trip will take you to the beautiful Vintgar Gorge, carved 150m deep into the mountains by the Radovna River and ending at the Šum Waterfall. Then it's on to the less-visited Pokljuka Gorge, carved 10,000 years ago at the eastern edge of the plateau. Here you can leave your bike and take a stroll through ancient woodlands and a fossilized ravine left behind by the retreating glacier.
TOUR E: BLED – BOHINJ (47km).
After a car transfer to the top of the Pokljuka high plateau, you will cycle back down into the Bohinj Valley through alpine villages and past the unique Slovene hayracks until reaching Lake Bohinj. Hemmed in by the majestic Julian Alps, this dead-end alpine valley is a spectacle not to be missed. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, and then take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view of shimmering alpine scenery.
TOUR F: BLED – KRMA VALLEY (37km).
First you cycle through the Radovna valley, between two great plateaus to the foot of Mount Triglav. Here you can have lunch in the shadow of this mighty mountain before continuing on through a valley of peaceful forest littered with WW2 monuments and traditional farmhouses, one of which has been adapted into a museum that was even visited by Prince Charles.
Day 8: DEPARTURE FROM LAKE BLED or continue cycling. There are two tours starting from Bled: Lakes & Cities and Best Of Slovenia.
While you are soaking up the stunning views of Lake Bled, why not take the opportunity to improve your photography skills on a one-day workshop with British professional photographer Ian Middleton? A practical hands-on workshop starting in the afternoon and ending after dusk. More info here.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing.
Accommodation in 3* hotel: 560 EUR
Accommodation in 4* family hotel: 620 EUR
High season supplement (17.8. to 20.9.2019): 45 EUR
(Currency converter here)
Price includes:
• accommodation in hotel of choice in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• information pack including text road notes (in plain English) and corresponding maps. One per booking, every additional set 20 EUR
• free entrance to swimming pools in hotels
• personal welcome meeting and briefing upon arrival
• GPS data
• local tourist and other taxes
• backup service (hotline) during the trip
Optional extras:
• seven dinners (supplement 125 EUR in 3* hotel, 150 EUR in 4* hotel ))
• bike rental 80 EUR classic touring / trekking bikes are equipped with 21 gears. One back, side pannier per bike. One cycling odometer, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair kit per couple / pair of bikes. Every additional day: 15 EUR per bike. Additional odometer 20 EUR, payable on the spot. Bike rental period starts at 9:00 on day two of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day seven. Other bike types are available upon request
• electric bike 200 EUR
• helmet rental 12 EUR per week
• transfers: Ljubljana Airport to Bled 30 EUR. Ljubljana City to Bled 35 EUR. Klagenfurt Airport to Bled 65 EUR. All prices per person, two-person minimum, one way
• additional nights: 3* hotel in Bled 65 EUR per person in standard double room, B&B. Single room 105 EUR. 3-course dinner 15 EUR. 4* hotel in Bled 79 EUR per person in a double room, single room 135 EUR. 4-course dinner 25 EUR
Single supplement
• 120 EUR in 3* hotel, 150 EUR in 4* hotel
Not included: entrance fees, lunches, drinks with meals, saunas and massages in hotels.
Travel options
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 from Ljubljana Airport to Bled 20 EUR per person; one way, two-person minimum.
By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce Bled station on the Villach - Ljubljana mainline, 4 km away from town centre. You'll need to take a bus or call us, we'll give you a lift for free. The other station is Bled Jezero on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline, only a few trains a day. 2 km away from town centre, we'll give you a lift.
By car: take exit Lesce from A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke.
... and away
Simple, use one of the above options or - cycle away: consider our cycling trip Best Of Slovenia!
Your bike
Classic Trekking Bikes
A comfortable bike for the cycling tourist. Classic trekking bikes are equipped with 21 gears, cyclometer, lock, one pannier, one spare tube, set of Allen keys and basic puncture repair kit.
