Cycling Holidays - Best of Slovenia - Lake Bled to Piran

Best of Slovenia - Lake Bled to Piran

Slovenia

From £895 P/P

Experience the best of Slovenia on this self-guided cycling holiday from Lake Bled to Piran. Swim in crystal clear mountain lakes, admire majestic mountain ranges and stroll through colourful old towns.

Take a break at “The Triple Bridge” in Ljubljana, Visit the Postojna or Škocjan caves, and see the famous Lipizzaner horses. Relax with a cappuccino in the famous Piazza Unita in Trieste and experience a unique stay on a vineyard, where you can try the Teran wine.

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Itinerary
Itinerary

Day 1: Bled

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

You will arrive in Bled, a world famous town on the shore of a beautiful glacial lake. Defined by its unique island church sitting proudly in the middle of this immense body of water, surrounded by towering alpine mountains, and the castle perched high on a cliff standing guard over the town, Bled is one of Slovenia’s most popular tourist attractions.

Day 2: Bled to Bohinjska Bistrica (Bohinj Valley) (27 km (+ 16.5 km side trip to Savica Waterfall)

An easy descent into the valley. Accommodation in 4* hotel.

You will be taken by bus up to the high plateau at Pokljuka. From here you can marvel at the stunning views before gliding down into the neighboring Bohinj Valley, the jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park.

You will cycle through the many small alpine villages scattered across the valley until reaching the small settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass) lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Wedged into the corner of this dead end valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, and is surrounded by shimmering mountain peaks.

The view across this lake from the bridge at Ribčev Laz is unrivaled. Cycle around the lake to 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 Julian Alps.

Explore the forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the cosy village pubs and trying the local home made honey Bračdy. Cycling downhill, at the foot of Mount Triglav. Triglav National Park, very peaceful area.

Day 3: Bohinj Valley to Skofja Loka (49 km)

Accommodation 3* hotel.

Leaving Bohinj you cycle to the lovely village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect backdrop. Then it’s up 750 m/2400 ft to the Jelovica high plateau (a “help out” lift to top of mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at extra cost of 20 EUR per person).

From the top the route takes you through a deep forest which soon drops off into the Selška Dolina Valley leading to the Škofja Loka hills. The first stop is at the little alpine village of Sorica, set among low green hills. This is the birthplace of the famous Slovene painter, Ivan Grohar. As you ride into the village his statue will greet you.

Visit his gallery where you’ll find a limited collection of his work. The next stop is at the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki, where you will find the remains of an old blast furnace dating from 1826.

Stop in one of the village inns along the way and try the delicious trout. Finally you arrive in the wonderful town of Škofja Loka, one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. If you are not too tired you can cycle up to the castle on the hill overlooking town. Spend the rest of the evening wandering through the old streets of this historic medieval town.

Day 4: Skofja Loka to Ljubljana (31 km). Flatlands, an easy biking trip

Accommodation in 4* hotel.

Once settled into your hotel, you will visit the historic old town of Ljubljana and marvel at the ornate, old-world architecture and lovely “fin de siecle” mansions. Then it’s a short walk or ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill and standing guard over the old town and city center.

From its tower you get a commanding view of Ljubljana’s heart and soul. 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, enjoying the lights and viBračt sounds of the city and its charismatic people. Or perhaps do both!

Day 5: Ljubljana to Vrhnika (39 km (+18 km optional side trip to Iski Vintgar Valley)

A nice easy first day across the historic and richly diverse plains surrounding the capital. As the morning sun begins to rise high in the sky, you will be cycling across an immense 160-square kilometer marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape that is now home to some of Europe’s rarest forms of bird, plant and insect life.

Along the way you can take a short walk into the picturesque Iški Vintgar gorge nature reserve, carved deep into a stunning
limestone dolomite plateau, and visit the remnants of the world’s highest railway viaduct in Borovnica.

In hot summer months you can even freshen up in a typical Carst Lake of Podpec. Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection
and an interesting exhibition of Tito’s cars.

Day 6: Vrhnika to Postojna (32 km (+12 km optional side trip to nature reserve Rakov Skocjan)

Hilly day, side roads. A slightly more demanding day over gentle hills, forest roads and a typical Carst polje (field).
Accommodation in 4* hotel. On this day the roads will take you away from the main tourist routes and off the beaten track.

You will experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the intermittent lake of Planina, and marvel at the wonders of this vast world of limestone.

You can stop for a picnic lunch in the Rakov Škocjan nature reserve, where the Rak River has carved out a stunning gorge containing some of nature’s most incredible landscape formations, including two natural bridges.

Day 7: Postojna to Stanjel (42 km (+6 km optional side trip to Predjama Castle)

Hilly, one long descend afterward. Accommodation in 3* guesthouse. So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited this stunningly beautiful underground Postojna cave formation, carved deep into the heart of the limestone hills.

This is the most extensive cave system in Slovenia, covering a total of 21 kilometers. The 1½ hour tour will take you through a fairytale 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.

You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama castle, wedged tight into a crevasse halfway up a 123-meter cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight.

Erasmus kept a whole army at bay by utilizing the secret of the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies, which included freshly picked cherries which he used to throw at his adversaries to taunt them. 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: Stanjel to Divaca (48 km) Rolling terrain with flat sections

Accommodation in 3* hotel.

First stop is perhaps at the botanical garden in Sežana, then it’s on to the stud farm of Lipica, where you can visit these beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and gentle, graceful dancing have earned them a worldwide reputation. The history of the Lipica horses is closely linked to the Vienna riding school.

Take a tour in a traditional carriage, watch them perform and visit them close up in their stables. This will be a day to remember. If you have the time for a couple of side-trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting “War Museum” set in the village tower of Lokev.

Day 9: DIVAČA – MUGGIA - 38 km, 4* hotel
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, 3* old town hotel

Accommodation in 3* hotel.
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 harbour 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 from Piran

End of trip after breakfast, or extend the trip with our Istrian Coastal Tour.
Route Overview

Route Overview

Route Map (For guidance only):

Routes maybe subject to change or alteration. All route notes, maps and day-by-day information will be given to you upon arrival at the first hotel or at the welcome meeting. GPS/GPX Files are available for most our the cycling holidays we offer. Please ask us for details.

Total distance cycled: 343 km

Starting point of the cycling holiday: Bled
Getting There

Getting There

We recommend flying to Ljubljana airport to reach the starting point of this cycling holiday.

TO LJUBLJANA AIRPORT (Jožef Pučnik Airport): distance to Lake Bled 35 km Ljubljana airport is very small and simple, snack bar and toilets available in arrival hall. Airport information: http://www.lju-airport.si/eng

Getting to Bled: Personal transfer – our driver will be waiting at landing time in arrival hall with your name labeled It is 30 min journey - cost: 30 €/ person. Taxi available outside airport building – prices vary a lot. Bus bus stop is outside airport building. Buy ticket on bus. Take a bus in direction: Kranj - cost 1,80 €; 15 min journey, time table: http://www.lju-airport.si/eng/passanger-visitors/getting-here/bus-and-shuttle. Then from Kranj to Bled – cost 3,60€; 40 min journey time table: http://www.ap-ljubljana.si/eng/. Get off at Bled station. From here go right and cross main road, then turn left in about 15 meters you will reach hotel. From bus stop it is less then 5 min walk. Train is advisable only for traveling from city of Ljubljana. Bled has two train stations – Lesce-Bled station is 5 km from Bled and you will need to combine with bus or taxi only. Next train station is Bled-Jezero and it is located 5,2 km from your hotel, local taxi costs around 15 eur. Check connection for both stations here for inbound and outbound Slovenia connections on: http://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/passengers/slovenia or http://www.bahn.de TO TRIESTE AIRPORT (Aeroporto Friuli-Venezia-Giulia): distance to Lake Bled 150 km Good connections with Ryanair. Airport information: http://www.aeroporto.fvg.it/it/home/index.htm

Personal transfer:– our driver will be waiting at landing time in arrival hall with your name labeled it is a 120 min journey – please ask us about the price. Taxi parked outside airport building – prices vary a lot. Bus bus stop is outside airport building. Buy ticket at station / info point / machine. Take a bus in direction Gorizia main bus / train station - cost 3,50€; 90 min journey. Coach 1 and 26, time table: http://www.aeroporto.fvg.it/en/come_arrivare/trasporto_pubblico/partenze/28/Gorizia.htm

Train from Trieste Centrale station to Gorizia; 50 min journey time table: https://www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml Taxi from Gorizia to Nova Gorica (across the border, 5 km), taxi available at station or call +386 31 239 399 (Taxi Point).

Then short hop to railway station in Nova Gorica to Bled-Jezero station - cost 6,50 €; 110 min journey. Your hotel is located 5,2 km from your hotel, you will need a taxi to take you to hotel, local taxi costs around 15 eur. Our best advice is to check low price airport transfers with www.Goopti.com. TO VENICE MARCO POLO AIRPORT: distance to Lake Bled 300 km Convenient for international and flights from Europe.Airport information: http://www.veniceairport.it Personal Transfe r – our driver will be waiting at landing time in arrival hall with your name labeled it is a 180 min journey - please ask us about the price. Taxi parked outside airport building – prices vary a lot. Bus from airport to Santa Lucia (lagoon) or Maestre (mainland) Venice train station – 30 min journey time table: http://www.veniceairport.it/page/servizi/trasporti/treno?m=01020201

Train from Santa Lucia train station to Bled-Jezero station or Lesce-Bled Station with one or two changes 4 – 9 hrs journey, different changing stations, best via Gorizia, time table: http://www.bahn.com/i/view/GBR/en/index.shtm Taxi from Gorizia to Nova Gorica (across the border, 5 km), taxi available at station or call +386 31 239 399 (Taxi Point) Train from Nova Gorica to Bled-Jezero station - cost 6,50 €; 110 min journey, your hotel is located 5,2 km from train station, local taxi costs around 15 eur.

Check connection for both stations here for inbound and outbound Slovenia connections on: http://www.slo-zeleznice.si/en/passengers/slovenia or http://www.bahn.de . Our bets advice is to check low price airport transfers with www.Goopti.com. TO VENICE TREVISO AIRPORT distance to Lake Bled 300 km Mainly convenient for low cost international and flights from Europe. Airport information: http://www.trevisoairport.it/ Personal transfer – our driver will be waiting at landing time in arrival hall with your name labeled; 180 min journey - please ask us about the price. Taxis parked outside airport building – price vary a lot. Bus from airport to Treviso train station – 20 min journey – time table: http://www.trevisoairport.it/trasporti.html Train from Treviso to Gorizia station – 130 min journey check best conections here: http://www.bahn.com Taxi from Gorizia to Nova Gorica (across the border, 5 km), taxis available at station or call +386 31 239 399 (Taxi Point); 40 min time between trains. Train from Nova Gorica to Bled-Jezero station - cost 6,50 €; 110 min journey Our bets advice is to check low price airport transfers with www.Goopti.com.

ARRIVALS BY TRAIN Bled is served by two railway stations: Lesce-Bled and Bled-Jezero: If you arrive by train from northern direction (Munich / Salzburg / Villach) you need to change at Jesenice border station and travel to Bled-Jazero station, hotel is located 5,2 km from train station, local taxi costs around 15 eur. From southern direction (Venice / Gorizia) just get off the train at Bled-Jezero station. If you arrive from eastern direction (Zagreb / Ljubljana) get off the train on Lesce-Bled station. There are buses to Bled main station and taxis to your hotel from there or give us a call and will come to pick you up (time permitting). ARRIVALS BY CAR National motorway A1 (Villach to Ljubljana) is passing Bled. Correct exit is „Lesce“. From this exit it is 5 km journey to Bled, on traffic lights, turn right and continue straight on 500 meters than turn left to the main bus station. Hotel is behind bus station. Note you need to buy Slovenia's Road Vignette to drive on motorways - 1 week costs 15

Flights are available with a number of airlines to your required airport or you can travel to the start using alternative methods such as rail or road.

We recommend using Skyscanner to find the best flight prices by date or Rail Europe for European rail travel. There is customer car parking available at most hotels for a supplement. Please contact us for more details.

Please use local transport to arrive at the starting point or call us on 0161 703 8161 for more specific travel advice.

You do not need to go back to the starting point of the cycling holiday as all hire bikes are left at the final hotel.

Important: Please book your flights only after the cycling holiday has been confirmed by invoice or email. Flights and transfers are not included in the advertised holiday price.
What’s Included?
What’s Included?

The Lake Bled to Piran cycling holiday includes the daily transfer of luggage to the next hotel and local support if required.

Included Services (Subject to confirmation)
- 11 days, 10 nights in 4* hotels
- Room with Shower/Bath and toilet
- 7 x breakfast buffet
- Luggage transport (1 piece per person until 20kg)
- City tax
- Maps, tourist information and road book in English
- Service-Hotline (in weekends)
  
  Not Included
- Flights to/from the start and finish
- Evening meals (unless stated)
- Local daily taxes (Payable at the hotel)
- Helmets
- Water Bottles
- Travel Insurance
- Bike Insurance (unless stated)
- Welcome Meetings (unless stated)
- Transfers (unless included)
Bike Hire

Bike Hire

About the Rental Bikes

This cycling holiday uses quality crossbar and unisex hybrid bikes. Each bike is equipped with a comfortable saddle, Shimano components and puncture-proof tyres to ensure that you have an enjoyable cycle tour. The bikes feature modern V-brakes, bottle holders, computer meters, adjustable seats, aluminium frames with mudguards and a rack for a supplied waterproof pannier.

Bike are maintained systematically in the workshop on a regular basis. You will receive an accessories package including a bicycle pannier bag with a 10L capacity, repair kit, lock, key, and air pump when you collect your bike.

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike size is matched up accordingly. Helmets are not provided and you will need to bring your own to use. We always recommend wearing a helmet when on your cycling holiday.

Prices advertised on the website include standard bike hire (unless stated). Colour and specification may vary from the image shown.

When you make a booking with us, we take your height(s) and the appropriate bike frame size is matched up accordingly.

Unisex Bike (Colour may vary):

Men's Bike (Colour may vary):

E-Bike (Electric Bike) Upgrades:

Why not upgrade your cycling experience to an E-Bike (Electric Bike)? Using a power assisted bike is a great way to go on a cycling holiday and will help you smooth out inclines or longer days in the saddle. Each electric bike features a detailed LCD display, removable batteries for easy charging and assistance up to 25 km/h with a range of around 80 km for each full charge depending on usage.

Electric Bike (Colour and specification may vary):

E-Bike upgrade prices vary per tour, but if you require any more information about bike hire and electric bikes, please get in-touch with us on 0161 703 8161.

Hotels

This cycling holiday stays in good quality hotels with private facilities carefully selected for their proximity to your cycle route and comfort. If you wish to know specific information about the hotel facilities, Wi-Fi and upgrades used on the holidays, please contact us on 0161 703 8161 for more information.

THE HOTEL LISWE WILL CONFIRM THE EXACT HOTELS PRIOR TO ARRIVAL.T BELOW IS SUBJECT TO CHANGE AND SHOULD BE USED AS A GUIDE.

Lake Bled to Piran	Sample Hotel List
Bled	Hotel Jelovica Bled
Bohinjska Bistrica	Bohinj Eco Hotel
Loka	Mini Hotel
Ljubljana	M Hotel
Vrhnika	Hotel Mantova
Postojna	Hotel Kras
Stanjel	Hisa Posebne Sorte
Divaca	Hotel Malovec
Muggia	Hotel San Rocco
Piran	Hotel tartini

You will receive your final hotel list approximately 4 weeks prior to your arrival date detailing the hotels used on your cycling holiday. If you wish to know more about the hotels prior to completing a booking form, please contact our Customer Services team via email or by phone.

Date & Prices

2021 Cycling Holiday Prices:

Season	Date Band	Arrival Day
Season 1:	20.03. – 08.05.2021 \| 18.09. – 12.10.2021	Daily
Season 2:	09.05 - 17.09.2021	Daily

Hotel Category Descriptions:

Category Type	Accommodation Overview
Category A:	3 / 4* Hotels

Category A Information:

Season	Season 1 Season 2
Double;	£895.00 £930.00
Single Supplement;	£230.00 £230.00

Bike Hire:

Bike Type
Rental Bike	£125.00
E Bike	£250.00

EXTRA NIGHT PER PERSON PER NIGHT PRICES (YOU WILL STAY IN THE SAME HOTEL AS PER THE CYCLE TOUR):

Location	Price DBL/BB	Single Room Price SGL/BB
Bled (3*)	£60.00	£115.00
Bled (4*)	£80.00	£135.00
Ljubljana (3*)	£60.00	£90.00
Ljubljana (4*)	£95.00	£170.00
Piran Old Town (4*)	£75.00	£105.00

Transfers:

From/To	Pax	Price
Ljubljana airport to Bled	1-3 Pax	£60.00
Ljubljana airport to Bled	4-8 Pax	£80.00
Ljubljana city to Bled	1-3 Pax	£85.00
Ljubljana city to Bled	4-8 Pax	£115.00
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled	1-3 Pax	£160.00
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled	4-8 Pax	£200.00
Lesce Bled Railway to Bled	1-3 Pax	£20.00
Lesce Bled Railway to Bled	4-8 Pax	£30.00
Ljubljana (Cat A):	£79	£109

Date From	Date To
20 March 2021	12 October 2021

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