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National park, alpine lakes and baroque capital in a short cycling tour
This "Lakes And Cities Tour" takes you on a bicycle from the Julian Alps to the Baroque capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. You start cycling from the magical Lake Bled and continue on to the peaceful setting of Lake Bohinj, nestled among towering alpine mountain peaks. Then you'll ride on to the medieval city of Škofja Loka and the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana. Suitable for cyclists with an average fitness level, and ideal for lovers of nature and culture with not much time to spare.
Cycling tour highlights:
• swim in crystal clear alpine mountain lakes
• visit the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana
• marvel at the beauty of the Julian Alps
• discover the medieval city of Škofja Loka
• breathtaking views, quiet roads and local attractions
• stay in small independent hotels, great food
Considering a pre-trip? We recommend our Salzburg to Lake Bled!
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.
Itinerary
Day 1: BLED 4* hotel.You will begin in Bled, a lovely little town on the shore of a picturesque glacial lake. A beautiful island church sits peacefully in the middle of this large body of water with the Karavanke Alps providing the backdrop. The castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town completes the picture. After you check in to your hotel, take an evening hike up to Ojstrica viewpoint for a beautiful sunset view.
Day 2: BLED – BOHINJ 26 km, 3* hotel.
Starting on the high plateau at Pokljuka, from here you will cycle down through alpine villages to Lake Bohinj, the jewel of the Triglav National Park. Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, and is encircled by the majestic Julian Alps. Visit 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 range.
Day 3: BOHINJ – ŠKOFJA LOKA 48 km, 3* hotel.
Leaving Bohinj you cycle to the largest town in the valley: Bohinjska Bistrica. Then it’s up 750 m/2400 ft to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to the top of the mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at an extra cost of 20 EUR per person). From the top the route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into a wilderness valley, leading to the lush green Škofja Loka hills. Stop in the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki before arriving in one of Slovenia's oldest and most charming towns, Škofja Loka.
Day 4: ŠKOFJA LOKA – LJUBLJANA
31 km, 4* hotel.
Today you'll ride to the Slovene capital: Ljubljana. Here you can take a short ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched on a hill overlooking the old town. From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul and, on a clear day, of the mountains from which you have just ridden. 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 a boat ride.
Day 5: DEPARTURE from Ljubljana.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:Low season: March 20 to May 8 and September 18 to October 10, 2021: 425 EUR
High season: May 9 to September 17, 2021: 455 EUR
(Currency converter)
Price includes:
• accommodation in hotels 3*/4* in a two-bed room with WC and shower, on a bed & breakfast basis
• luggage transfer – one piece, max 20 kgs / 45 lb
• information pack including text road notes (in plain English) and corresponding maps, one per booking
• personal welcome meeting, detailed briefing upon arrival and bike handover
• GPS data
• local tourist and other taxes
• backup service (hotline) during the trip
Optional extras:
• single room supplement 75 EUR
• upgrade to city historic center 4* hotel 60 EUR
• bike rental 50 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 and ends at 18:00 on day four. Other bike types are available upon request
• electric bike rental 130 EUR
• “Help out lift” to top of the pass on day three - 20 EUR (payable on the spot, needs to be reserved at least two days ahead)
• helmet rental 6 EUR
• transfers: please ask us for a favorable quote
Additional nights:
• 3* Hotel in Bled 65 EUR per person in standard double room, BB. Single room 120 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Bled 85 EUR per person in standard double room BB. Single room 140 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Ribčev Laz / Bohinj 65 EUR per person in standard double room, BB. Single room 80 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana mid-ring 65 EUR per person in standard double room, BB. Single room 94 EUR
• 4* Hotel in Ljubljana historic center 80 EUR per person in standard double room, BB. Single room 135 EUR
Discounts:
• children up to 12 years when sharing room with parents 30% discount on basic price
• third adult in the room 10% discount on basic price
Price excludes: flights, entrance fees, meals not mentioned in itinerary, drinks with meals.
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 hours) or book our transfer: Ljubljana Airport to Bled (faster - 20 min) - please ask us for a favorable quote!
By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce Bled station on the Villach - Ljubljana mainline, 4 km away from town center, you'll need to take a bus to Bled center. The other station is Bled Jezero on the Jesenice - Nova Gorica sideline only a few trains a day. 2 km away from town centre, call us and we'll give you a lift.
By car: take exit Lesce on the A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke. Please consult us about parking options.
.... and away
Simply use one of the above options.
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.
