Cycling Best Of Slovenia

Itinerary

Day 1: ARRIVAL TO BLED. 

You will start in Bled, a cute little town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. Characterized by its unique island church protruding from this immense body of water, backed by the towering Karavanke Alps, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions. Take some time on your first day to visit the island church by boat and hike up to the Mala Osojnica viewpoint at the western side of the lake. You won't regret it.

Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA (BOHINJ VALLEY) (↔ 27 km; 43 km with a side trip, ↑ 110 m, ↓ 810 m).

Starting on the high plateau at Pokljuka, you'll glide down through alpine villages to Lake Bohinj, the jewel of the Triglav National Park. Encircled by shimmering mountain peaks, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park. Visit Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River and Lake Bohinj, 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.

Day 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA (BOHINJ VALLEY) – ŠKOFJA LOKA (↔ 49 km, ↑ 980 m, ↓1.130 m). 

Leaving Bohinjska Bistrica, 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 a supplement of 30 EUR per person). From the top the cycling 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, ↑ 170 m, ↓ 240 m). 

Today you'll ride to Slovenia's Baroque and Modernist 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 the alpine mountains you have just cycled from. 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 or riverboat ride.

Day 5: LJUBLJANA - VRHNIKA (↔ 39 km, ↑ 220 m, ↓ 230 m). 

Days trip will be a gentle ride across the immense 160-sq km Ljubljana Moors (Ljubljansko Barje). This incredible landscape is home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life. As you cycle through here you won't be able to miss the lovely church sitting atop a hill. This is the church of Saint Ana, which you can cycle up to for the ultimate view across the moors to the Kamnik Alps. Along the way you can see the remnants of the world's highest railway viaduct in Borovnica. Before you arrive at your destination, be sure to visit the Technical Museum in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.

Day 6: VRHNIKA – POSTOJNA (↔ 32 km; 44 km with a side trip to nature reserve Rakov Škocjan, ↑ 590 m, ↓ 350 m). 

Today biking tour you'll experience the real western countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the seasonal lake of Cerknica. Stop at Slovenia's oldest landscape park, Rakov Skocjan, for a picnic lunch. This is a stunning limestone gorge containing some of nature’s most interesting landscape formations, including two natural bridges.

Day 7: POSTOJNA – ŠTANJEL AREA (42 km; 48 km with a side trip to Predjama Castle, ↑ 410 m, ↓ 790 m). 

Today you will start with a visit to the beautiful Postojna caves, the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometers. The 1,5 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. Then head to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, in a crevasse halfway up a 123-metre cliff-face. Once home to a cunning knight, Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the caves underneath the castle to sneak out for supplies. 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.

Day 8: ŠTANJEL AREA – LIPICA – DIVAČA (48 km, ↑ 630 m, ↓ 370 m). 

First stop is at the lovely botanical garden in Sežana, then cycle 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 made them famous worldwide. Take a tour in a traditional carriage, and visit them up close in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have time for a couple of side trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in a Venetian tower.

Day 9: DIVAČA – MUGGIA (↔ 38 km, ↑ 280 m, ↓ 700 m).

If you chose not to see Postojna caves the other day you can visit Škocjan Caves, equally fascinating but without the big crowds; even listed as a UNESCO natural monument! A diversion into the Italian town of Trieste is highly recommended - 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 ends in Muggia south of Trieste, where you can treat yourself to a gelato in the old town or relax on one of the beaches.

Day 10: MUGGIA – PIRAN (↔ 37 km; 48 km with a side trip, ↑ 320 m, ↓ 330 m).

For your last day, you'll cycle along the coastal road on a new cycling path following the old railway line. Enjoy great vistas of Slovenia's lovely coastline, and Trieste Bay. A stop in the interesting harbor town of Izola is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous little Venetian town of Piran, where you can ascend to the church bell tower and watch the sunset over the sprawling red roofs and sparkling blue Adriatic Sea.

Day 11: DEPARTURE.

After breakfast your tour ends. However, you can prolong your stay in Piran, take a one-way boat trip or day-cruise to Venice or continue cycling by taking our Croatia Istrian Coastal Tour down to Pula or Bike and Boat tour of Kvarner bay.

Price

Price per person based on two people sharing:

Low season: March 23 to May 3 and September 21 to October 12, 2024: 1.245 EUR
High season: May 4 to September 20, 2024: 1.295 EUR

(Currency converter)

Price includes:
•    10 nights accommodation in hotels 3*/4* and guesthouses in a two bedded en-suite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast
•    luggage transport between hotels, one piece per person, max 23 kg / 50 lb. Lufthansa dimensions. Every additional piece 60 EUR, payable on the spot
•    transfer on day 2 
•    tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form
•    welcome meeting and bike handover
•    local tourist and other taxes
•    backup service (hotline) during the trip

Optional extras:
•    single traveler 610 EUR, applies when a person travels alone
•    single room 415 EUR in low season, 435 EUR in high season, applies when a person in traveling together with other persons in party
•    upgrade to 4* hotel in Ljubljana city center 80 EUR per person per night in a double room, 120 EUR in a single room
•    bike rental 150 EUR, classic touring bikes are equipped with 24 gears, helmet, one pannier per bike, one lock, one repair set per couple /pair of bikes - one long lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys, tire levers and a basic puncture patch set. Every additional rental day: 25 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts at 9:00 on day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 on day 10.
•    electric bike rental 330 EUR
•    additional transfer to top of the pass on day 3 - 30 EUR per person
•    printed information package including route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival - 30 EUR per set

Additional nights:
•   4* Hotel in Bled 130 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 170 EUR
•   4* Hotel in Bohinj 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 165 EUR
•   4* Hotel in Ljubljana (mid-range) 95 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 150 EUR
•   4* Hotel in Ljubljana (historic center) 110 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 190 EUR
•   3* Hotel in Štanjel area 65 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 90 EUR
•   4* Hotel in Muggia 80 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 130 EUR
•   4* Hotel in Piran (old town) 95 EUR per person per night in a standard double room, B&B. Single room 170 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

Not included: entrance fees, lunches, dinners, drinks with meals, saunas and massages in hotels

Transfers:

Ljubljana Airport to Bled
1–3 persons: 80 EUR
4–8 persons: 110 EUR

Ljubljana City to Bled
1–3 persons: 110 EUR
4–8 persons: 150 EUR

Trieste Airport to Bled
1–3 persons: 340 EUR
4–8 persons: 390 EUR

Villach to Bled
1–3 persons: 160 EUR
4–8 persons: 180 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: 140 EUR
4–8 persons: 180 EUR

Piran to Trieste Airport
1–3 persons: 145 EUR
4–8 persons: 180 EUR

Piran to Ljubljana City
1–3 persons: 190 EUR
4–8 persons: 230 EUR

Piran to Ljubljana Airport
1–3 persons: 240 EUR
4–8 persons: 290 EUR

Piran to Bled
1–3 persons: 240 EUR
4–8 persons: 270 EUR

All prices per transfer, one way. No pooling permitted. Price includes transport of bikes.

Route profile

Total Length: 349 km / 404 km with side trips

Waytype: 80% regional country roads, 13% cycleways, 7% main road (town and city approach sections)

Surface: 95% asphalt and paved, 5% unpaved

Difficulty: medium - for those who, for example complete daily trip to the market by bike in nice weather and consider cycling should be fun but not training. Gentle hills or stretches on gravel paths do not cause any difficulties. Average daily elevation gains between 100 and 500 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 Triglav, Park, Kompas, Savica, Lovec in Bled

Day 2: 4* Eco Hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica

Day 3: 3* Mini Hotel in Škofja Loka

Day 4: 4* M-Hotel in Ljubljana

Day 5: 3* Hotel Mantova in Vrhnika

Day 6: 4* Hotel Kras in Postojna

Day 7: 4* Guesthouse Hisa Posebne Sorte in Stanjel area

Day 8: 3* Hotel Malovec in Divaca

Day 9: 4* Hotel Marina San Rocco in Muggia

Day 10: 4* Hotel Piran in Piran

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 bus: Flixbus lines stop at Lake Bled.

By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce-Bled station on the Villach - Ljubljana mainline, 4 km away from town center, need to take a bus or call us, we'll give you a lift for free. The other is station 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 on the A1 motorway Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke. Please consult us about parking options.

.... and away

By plane: Trieste airport (TST) or Ljubljana (LJU). Several airlines serve them. You can book our transfer: Piran to Ljubljana Downtown or Ljubljana Airport - please ask us for a favorable quote.

By train: Koper railway station is 25 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 first travel to Trieste.

By boat: there are boats operating from Piran to Venice and to Trieste and ferries from Poreč to Venice.

By car: if your car is in Ljubljana, you can return there by bus or train. Our transfer is available - please ask us for a favorable quote.

Your bike

Helia bikes are available in different sizes in unisex model:

Touring bike 24-gear Shimano Deore
Touring Ebike 4 electronic gears / 9 mechanical gears Shimano

Features:

• aluminium frame
• mudguard
• rear rack
• comfort gel saddle
• anti-puncture Continental tires
• ergonomic bicycle grips

All rented adult bikes are equipped with:

• Vaude one-sided saddlebag
• 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

Important note: For a seamless experience using an app while cycling, we recommend bringing a mobile phone mount (to attach to the handlebar) and a power bank.

Other available rental bikes

First hand experience

We stayed at Hisa Posebne Sorte with our cycle tour of Slovenia (we went with Helia - fantastic by the way). This charming guesthouse is nestled in a tiny village in the heart of wine country, the accommodation is large, comfortable, clean, and every need catered for. The views are outstanding.
What makes this place truly special is two things, firstly, the hospitality truly is outstanding. The hosts have a wonderful personal touch, and we are truly grateful to them. Secondly the restaurant, lovingly handmade, and then the food, exceptional.
In fact, it was so special that we got engaged here! It is a very popular location for weddings, so we may be back. Highly recommend for a weekend away, a relaxing stay, or a wedding!

Thank you Helia for organizing the wonderful self-guided trips we did with you in September. Everything was just perfect. The different hotels were interesting, always in lovely locations, always clean and very welcoming. The maps and instructions combined with your stickers on various fences and posts made navigation really easy. After 23 years of cycling on our own, this was the first 'self-guided tour 'we've done and now we are hooked on this way of cycling. Many thanks for all your efforts and help.
- Rosemary and Colin

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