Cycling from the alpine lakes to the magnificent lagoon
Cycling from Lake Bled to Venice - can you imagine a more beautiful starting point than the world-famous lakeside town of Bled, surrounded by the Alps? Over the mountain pass, between almost 3000 m high peaks, along the cold Soča, you reach gentle hills of Goriška Brda covered with vineyards and orchards. And finally you can refresh yourself in the sea. We recommend this bike tour to cyclists who have a special inclination to observe nature and history - not only nature - also food and Slovenian Teran will ensure that the tour remains an unforgettable experience...
As a pre-trip, why not consider our Salzburg to Lake Bled trip.
Itinerary
Day 1: ARRIVAL IN BLED
Start your cycling holiday in Bled, a world-renowned alpine town on the banks of the beautiful glacial lake, with the striking island church surrounded by high peaks, and the cliff-top castle guarding the town. Bled is one of the most popular and well-known tourist attractions in Slovenia. If you arrive early enough, you can walk around the lake or take the boat to the island church and make a wish. A stay in Bled is not complete without seeing the lake from above. So walk to the castle or hike 40 minutes to Mala Osojnica for beautiful views. Round off your evening with Bled's culinary delight - the cream cake. (Accommodation in 4* hotel).
Day 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA (↔ 27 km, ↑ 130 m, ↓ 830 m) + side trip to Savica waterfall (return ↔ 16 km, ↑↓ 200 m )
A short car transfer leaves you on the high plateau at Pokljuka. From here you'll cycle through alpine villages to Lake Bohinj, the jewel of the Triglav National Park. Encircled by tall mountain peaks, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park. A side trip takes you to Savica Waterfall - the source of the lake and the Sava Bohinjka River. A cable car runs up to Vogel Mountain, where you can get a spectacular view into the Bohinj Valley and of Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps. (Accommodation in 4* hotel.)
Day 3: BOHINJ – TOLMIN (↔ 55 km, ↑ 1.020 m, ↓ 1.340 m) or (↔ 30 km, ↑ 200 m, ↓ 510 m if taking train shortcut to Bohinjska Bistrica - Podbrdo).
Today, you have two options for your cycling route. You can choose to pedal over the Sorica Pass, which takes you through the scenic Julian Alps. Alternatively, you can opt for a train ride through the Bohinj Tunnel to reach Podbrdo. From there, your cycling adventure continues through a narrow valley, leading you to the stunning emerald-green Soča River as it rushes down from the mountains on the west side of the Julian Alps. Make sure to take some time to explore the Tolmin Gorge, where you'll be treated to breathtaking natural scenery. Keep an eye out for the Bear's Head, a fascinating natural formation created by a massive boulder wedged into a narrow section of the gorge. This unique sight is bound to leave a lasting impression. (Accommodation in 3* hotel)
Day 4: TOLMIN – ŠMARTNO – SOLKAN (↔ 46 km, ↑ 470 m, ↓ 1.410 m)
Car transfer to Kolovrat Saddle. The picturesque ridge of Kolovrat, offers you a magnificent vantage point high above the Soča Valley, which serves as the border between Slovenia and Italy. This ridge spans approximately 7 kilometers and lies at altitudes ranging from 800 to 1150 meters. Don't miss the opportunity to visit Mrs. Josephine's old-fashioned pub in the first village (Kambreško) you encounter along the way. As you descend, you'll eventually arrive at your destination for the day – Solkan. (Accommodation in 4* hotel).
Day 5: SOLKAN – GRADO (↔ 65 km; ↑ 210 m, ↓ 300 m)
Starting from Solkan, you'll swiftly make your way to the so-called "Southern City of Berlin" – Gorizia. This city was once the pivotal point dividing Italy and Yugoslavia. Here, you can explore a highly interesting museum that offers insights into the region's history. Continuing cycling along the border, you'll encounter the world's smallest military museum, located in an old Yugoslavian outpost. Nearby, you'll find the ancient Kostanjevica Monastery, which serves as the resting place of the last French king. From there, you'll head south, crossing into Italy and soon reaching the coast. The afternoon will be spent in the Friuli Venezia Giulia region, passing by rivers, canals, and ancient Roman cities. Your ultimate destination will be Grado, a historic resort situated on a lagoon island. Both offer unique opportunities for exploration and discovery. (Accommodation in 4* hotel).
Day 6: GRADO – PORTOGRUARO (↔ 87 km; or 59 km if shortened with the train journey, ↑ 110 m, ↓ 110 m)
Today's journey begins by cycling a bit inland, leaving the coastal area behind. Along the way, you'll traverse numerous "Valli da pesca" – extensive stretches of lagoons enclosed by dams, which are now home to extensive fish farming. You'll also come across "casoni," which were constructions historically used by fishermen during the fishing season. Your final destination is the city of Portogruaro. Once a significant center during the Venetian Republic period, it still boasts magnificent palaces and buildings that tell tales of its rich history. As you explore this city, you'll have the opportunity to admire the grandeur of its palazzi, offering a glimpse into its past (Accommodation in 4* hotel).
Day 7: PORTOGRUARO – LIDO DI JESOLO (↔ 67 km, ↑ 90 m, ↓ 90 m)
From Portogruaro you can expect a comfortable drive west along beautiful Adriatic beaches. This route offers plenty of opportunities for relaxation and swimming, so be sure to pack your swimming gear. Jesolo serves as a convenient gateway to Venice, making it easy to travel to the airport or explore the historic city center nestled within the lagoon. Enjoy your time along the Adriatic, taking in the coastal beauty before your onward journey. (4* beach resort hotel).
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast the tour ends.
Price
Individual self guided tour: Saturdays and Sundays between 19.4. and 11.10.2025
Groups of minimum 6 persons can start on any other day of the week.
No departures from 26.7 until 23.8.2025
Price per person in double room:
Season A: 19.4. to 25.5.2025 and 26.9. to 11.10.2025 1.295 EUR
Season B: 26.5. to 25.9.2025 1.325 EUR
Date of Day 1 sets the trip's season.
Included in price:
• Accommodation in hotels 3* / 4* hotels and guesthouses in two bedded ensuite facilities room, on basis of bed & breakfast.
• Luggage transfer – one piece per person, max 23 kgs / 50 lb. Lufthansa airline dimensions. Every additional piece 60 EUR per trip, payable on spot.
• Local transfers on days two and four.
• Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form, one download per room.
• Local tourist and other taxes.
• Personal welcome meeting and bike fitting upon arrival.
• Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
Supplements:
• Single travelers 490 EUR. Applies when a person travels alone and includes single room supplement.
• Single room 345 EUR in low season, 375 EUR in high season. Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
• Bike rental 120 EUR classic touring / trekking bikes are equipped with 27 gears. One back, side pannier per bike, helmet. One cycling odometer, one lock, one spare inner tube, one set of Allen keys and a basic puncture repair set per couple / pair of bikes. Every additional day: 18 EUR per bike. Bike rental period starts 9:00 day 2 of the tour and at 18:00 of day 7.
• Electric bike 320 EUR
• Printed information package of route notes and corresponding maps delivered upon arrival 30 EUR.
Additional nights:
• 4* Hotel in Bled Season A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 200 EUR. Season B 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 210 EUR. Season C 130 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 240 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica A 105 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 180 EUR. Season B 115 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 195 EUR. Season C 125 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 210 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Grado: season A 90 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 145 EUR. Season B 95 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 155 EUR. Season C 100 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 165 EUR.
• 4* Hotel in Lido di Jesolo: 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.
Discounts:
• Children up to 12 years of age sharing a room with parents receive a 30% discount on the basic price
• Third adult in the room 10% discount on the basic price
Not included: tourist and other local taxes in Italy, from day 5 on. Lunches, dinners, entrance fees, additional transfers not mentioned in tour program.
Route Profile
Total Length: 367 km
Waytype: 75% regional country roads, 15% cycleways, 7% main road, 3% street (town and city approach sections).
Surface: 90% asphalt and paved, 10% 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 you any difficulties. Average daily elevation gains does between 100 and 500 meters.
Accommodation
Helia supports responsible travel. Therefore, on our travels we use small, authentic hotels and guesthouses with character, run by locals or their families. Here is the list of standard accommodations that we mainly use on the trip. Actual hotels may vary from this list depending on the time of booking and room availability.
Day 1: 4* Hotels Triglav, Park, Kompas, Savica, Lovec in Bled
Day 2: 4* Ecohotel in Bohinjska Bistrica
Day 3: 3* Hotel Dvorec in Tolmin
Day 4: 3* Hotel Sabotin in Solkan
Day 5: 3* Hotel Diana in Grado
Day 6: 3* Hotel Spesotto in Portogruaro
Day 7 4* Hotel Bali in Lido di Jesolo
Travel Options & Local Transfers
The starting point of this journey is Bled.
Getting there ...
By plane: nearest airport is Ljubljana (LJU). Lufthansa flies twice a day from Frankfurt to Ljubljana. From the airport you can go to Bled by bus (one change, takes about 2 hours) or book our transfer, see here below.
By train: Bled has two railway stations: Lesce-Bled on the Villach - Ljubljana main line, 4 km from the center, from there you can take a bus. Other railway station is Bled-Jezero on Jesenice - Nova Gorica branch line. 2 km from the center, Hotel Triglav is only 100 meters down the street.
By car: exit Lesce from highway A1 Ljubljana - Jesenice, Karavanke tunnel ....
.. and away
By plane: Venice Marco Polo (VEN) airport is about 20 km away. You can go to the airport by bus or by boat.
By train: Venice has two train stations: Santa Lucia on the Lagoon and Venice Mestre on the mainland. Please note that not all international trains go to the Lagoon Station!
Local Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Bled 1–3 persons: 88 EUR, 4–8 persons: 120 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled 1–3 persons: 120 EUR, 4–8 persons: 160 EUR
Villach to Bled 1–3 persons: 160 EUR, 4–8 persons: 170 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled 1–3 persons: 195 EUR, 4–8 persons: 230 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station to Bled 1–3 persons: 20 EUR, 4–8 persons: 30 EUR
Venice Marco Polo Airport to Bled 1–3 persons: 300 EUR, 4–8 persons: 410 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes in unisex frame 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
