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One-Stop Resource for Bike Tours in Europe - and Now Beyond!
Representing Overseas Bike Tour Companies
More Than 200 Tours in 40 Countries
Get our newsletter | Contact Us
Call (877) 462-2423 or (423) 756-8907
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| Type of tour: | Self-guided |
| Level: | Leisurely |
| Duration: | 10 Nights |
| Distance: | 28 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: Apr 7- Oct 13, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €820 |
| Start city: | Lake Bled, Slovenia |
| End city: | Koper, Slovenia |
This "cross country tour," focuses on visiting Slovenia's main attractions and countless natural points of interest.
Beginning in Bled, known for its beautiful setting and island church, you cycle towards the Bohinj valley high in the Juliun Alps. From there you will cycle to such sites as the Triglav National Park, the Pokljuka high plateau, the capital city of Ljubljana, vineyards in the Karst region and Lipizzaner horses.
Along the way you will pass through vineyards, beautiful countryside and small villages as you make your way to the coast. Such a combination reveals the best that Slovenia has to offer!
This "cross country tour," focuses on visiting Slovenia's main attractions and countless natural points of interest.
Beginning in Bled, known for its beautiful setting and island church, you cycle towards the Bohinj valley high in the Juliun Alps. From there you will cycle to such sites as the Triglav National Park, the Pokljuka high plateau, the capital city of Ljubljana, vineyards in the Karst region and Lipizzaner horses.
Along the way you will pass through vineyards, beautiful countryside and small villages as you make your way to the coast. Such a combination reveals the best that Slovenia has to offer!
Day 1: Bled
The tour arrives in Bled, a world famous town on the shore of a beautiful glacier 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. One of our Helia representatives will meet you and take you for a welcome drink and deliver your information pack and ensure you have everything you need for your trip.
For the rest of the day you can choose between a number of leisure activities in Bled. Visit the island church and marvel at the ornate golden altar and ring the church bell and make a wish. Hike up to the castle for a spectacular view of this glacial valley. In the evening try the local speciality, the cream cake, in one of the great little tea shops beside the lake, or sample the many bars and restaurants.
Overnight in Bled.
Day 2: Bled – Ribcev Laz (Bohinj) (11 miles/19 km; detour of 20 miles/32 km)
Today begins with a bus transfer up to the high plateau at Pokljuka. From here you can marvel at the stunning views before gliding down into the neighbouring 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 Ribcev Laz (Fisherman's Pass), lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Wedged into the comer of this dead end valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, surrounded by shimmering mountain peaks. The view across this lake from the bridge at Ribeev Laz is unrivalled.
You then can 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 brandy. The day's final stop is Ribcev Laz (Bohinj).
Overnight in Ribcev Laz.
Day 3: Ribcev Laz (Bohinj) – Skofja Loka (32 miles/53 km)
Leaving Bohinj, you cycle to the lovely village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect backdrop. Then it's up 2,400 feet (750 m) to the Jelovica high plateau. A "help out" lift to top of mountain pass is available for this part of the trip at an extra cost of 15 EUR per person. From the top the route takes you through a deep forest that soon drops off into the Sel ka Dolina Valley leading to the Skofja Loka hills.
The first stop is at the small 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, while you can also visit his gallery where you'll find a limited collection of his work. The next stop is at the historic iron-smelting town of Zelezniki, 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 Skofja 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.
Overnight in Skofja Loka.
Day 4: Skofja Loka - Ljubljana (19 miles/31 km)
From Skofja Loka, it's a short walk or ride up to the mighty Ljubljana Castle, perched high on a hill, standing guard over the old town and city centre. 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 vibrant sounds of the city and its charismatic people.
Overnight in Ljubljana.
Day 5: Ljubljana - Vrhnika (25 miles/40 km; 34 miles/58 km with detour)
Todya's route takes you 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 61 square miles (160 sq km) marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6,000 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. 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.
Overnight in Vrhnika.
Day 6: Vrhnika – Postojna (20 miles/33 km; or 27 miles/44 km with a detour)
Today's route is hilly, following side roads. There are some flat sections across the typical Carst fields. You will experience some real Slovenia, away from main tourist routes and off beaten track. You will experience the real Slovenian countryside as you cycle past the beautiful Slivnica Mountain and the magical disappearing lake of Planina, and marvel at the wonders of this vast world of limestone. A highlight of the day include a picnic lunch in the nature reserve Rakov Škocjan, underneath some beautiful landscape forms including two natural bridges.
Overnight in Postonjna.
Day 7: Postojna – Štanjel (29 miles/46 km; or 34 miles/55 km with a detour)
So far nearly 30 million tourists have visited the 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 13 miles (21 km). The 11 and a half 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 403 feet (123 m) cliff-face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin, where Erasmus, a vivacious and daring knight, lived. Learn how he 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.
Overnight in Stanjel.
Day 8: Day off in Štanjel or Round Trip (27 miles/45 km)
Today you can take a day off from cycling or take a short trip to neighboring villages. Spend the day in Štanjel, a typical Carst village in the heart of vineyard country, where you will see a museum of well-kept traditional houses built entirely from the surrounding limestone. The nearby region was once host to the World War I Battle of Isonzo and can visit many touching monuments there. You can also visit a local artist and painter. Try the food in the local hotel, including a delicious Carst ham (pršut) and tasty wine from one of the many nearby domestic cellars. Enjoy the great vistas from Štanjel village, a nice picnic area in a special garden, or a visit to the lovely Štanjel Castle.
Overnight in Stanjel.
Day 9: Štanjel – Lipica – Divaca (19 miles/31 km)
On this day's cycle tour, the route is mostly flat with one longer but gradual climb. First stop is at the lovely 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 or visit them 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, and the breathtaking Škocjan Caves, which are not as large as Postojna but just as fascinating.
Overnight in Lipica.
Day 10: Divica – Lipica – Trieste – Koper (24 miles/40 km)
Today's route is a long downhill ride from Carst high plateau to Trieste. There are two options for tours for the rest of the day's ride:
Tour A: Route through Slovenia (37 miles/60 km). Descend into the valley of Hrastovlje, where a known church featuring an interesting "death dance" fresco can be visited. This varient goes through quiet countryside.
Tour B: Route through Italy (34 miles/55 km) and the lively port of Trieste, once an important port with its worldly flair and atmosphere. All world cultures have once left a mark in this city. Visit the castle, cathedral and Piazza Unita central square.
If you skiped Postojna caves, you can visit the Škocjan Caves this morning. They are even an UNESCO natural monument! For your last day you take a slight diversion into the Italian town of Trieste, 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 theAustrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in its many old-fashioned cafes. The tour ends at Slovenia’s port town, Koper, the largest ‘island’ town on the Slovenian Adriatic coast, and, time-permitting, you can cycle along the coastal path and visit the gorgeous Venetian architecture in the little harbor village of Piran. Alternatively you can skip Trieste altogether and spend all your time on this small, but beautiful and diverse strip of Slovenian coast. Long downhill from Carst high plateau to Koper.
Overnight in Koper.
Day 11: Departure from Koper
An easy return trip is possible by train to Ljubljana. Additional nights may be booked in Koper.
Daily: Apr 7- Oct 13, 2012
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Day 1: Hotel Triglav, Bled
www.hoteltriglavbled.si/
Recenly renovated hotel with settling above the lake with fantastic wiews on teh lake, in the outskirts of Bled. It is close to railway station and has fantastic food.
Day 2: Hotel Kristal, Ribcev Laz
www.hotel-kristal-slovenla.com/
A nice family hotel, with fantastic food and an excellent location close to the lake.
Day 3: Minihotel, Skofja Loka
www.minihotel.si/
A small family-run hotel, the Minihotel offers lots of sport activity and is located about 800 yards (700 m) from the city centre, surrounded by pastures and trees.
Day 4: M Hotel, Ljubljana
www.m-hotel.si/
The M Hotel offers easy access in its close proximity to Ljubljana's city centre (1 mile/1.5 km away).
Day 5: Hotel Mantova, Vrhnika
www.mantova.s1/
The Hotel Mantova is a small, welcoming hotel.
Day 6: Hotel Sport, Postojna
www.sport-hotel.si/
The Hotel Sport is a cycling fnendly hotel with perfect location close to the Postojna caves.
Day 7 and 8: Penzion Grca, Stanjel
turizemgrca.wordpress.com/
Our most liked accommodation sits near the city of Stanjel. It is a small family-run farm, with homemade wine and prosciutto available as well as wine tastings.
Day 9: Hotel Malovec, Divaea
www.hotel-malovec.si/
This new hotel is in a fantastic location, close to Lipica and Skocjan caves.
Day 10: Hotel Koper, Koper
Day 1: Hotel Triglav, Bled
www.hoteltriglavbled.si/
Recenly renovated hotel with settling above the lake with fantastic wiews on teh lake, in the outskirts of Bled. It is close to railway station and has fantastic food.
Day 2: Hotel Kristal, Ribcev Laz
www.hotel-kristal-slovenla.com/
A nice family hotel, with fantastic food and an excellent location close to the lake.
Day 3: Minihotel, Skofja Loka
www.minihotel.si/
A small family-run hotel, the Minihotel offers lots of sport activity and is located about 800 yards (700 m) from the city centre, surrounded by pastures and trees.
Day 4: M Hotel, Ljubljana
www.m-hotel.si/
The M Hotel offers easy access in its close proximity to Ljubljana's city centre (1 mile/1.5 km away).
Day 5: Hotel Mantova, Vrhnika
www.mantova.s1/
The Hotel Mantova is a small, welcoming hotel.
Day 6: Hotel Sport, Postojna
www.sport-hotel.si/
The Hotel Sport is a cycling fnendly hotel with perfect location close to the Postojna caves.
Day 7 and 8: Penzion Grca, Stanjel
turizemgrca.wordpress.com/
Our most liked accommodation sits near the city of Stanjel. It is a small family-run farm, with homemade wine and prosciutto available as well as wine tastings.
Day 9: Hotel Malovec, Divaea
www.hotel-malovec.si/
This new hotel is in a fantastic location, close to Lipica and Skocjan caves.
Day 10: Hotel Koper, Koper
The rental bikes on the tour are hybrid touring bikes. Special rentals include road bikes, mountain bikes and special long distance trekking bikes. Tag-along bikes, child carriers, children's bike and electrically assisted bikes are also available.
All bikes are equipped with a saddle bag, repair kit, pump, allen keys, spare tube, lock, cycle computer and plastic map holder.
Price includes delivery and pick up. Every additional day costs 15 Euros per bike (the bike rental period starts on day 2 and ends on the evening of their return to Maribor on day 7).
The rental bikes on the tour are hybrid touring bikes. Special rentals include road bikes, mountain bikes and special long distance trekking bikes. Tag-along bikes, child carriers, children's bike and electrically assisted bikes are also available.
All bikes are equipped with a saddle bag, repair kit, pump, allen keys, spare tube, lock, cycle computer and plastic map holder.
Price includes delivery and pick up. Every additional day costs 15 Euros per bike (the bike rental period starts on day 2 and ends on the evening of their return to Maribor on day 7).
This tour takes you from the Julian Alps to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This portion is primarily downhill towards Bohinj with one big hill (a lift is available). From there, the route is downhill all the way to Postojna, where there is a slight uphill climb. From Stanjel you continue cycling downhill to the coast.
Approximately 70% of the tour is on quiet roads, 25% on roads shared with traffic, 3% on dirt or gravel roads and 2% on dedicated bike paths. The maximum daily elevation gain on the tour is 2,200 feet (700 m), while the maximum percentage of any grade for any climb is 7%.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
This tour takes you from the Julian Alps to Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia. This portion is primarily downhill towards Bohinj with one big hill (a lift is available). From there, the route is downhill all the way to Postojna, where there is a slight uphill climb. From Stanjel you continue cycling downhill to the coast.
Approximately 70% of the tour is on quiet roads, 25% on roads shared with traffic, 3% on dirt or gravel roads and 2% on dedicated bike paths. The maximum daily elevation gain on the tour is 2,200 feet (700 m), while the maximum percentage of any grade for any climb is 7%.
This tour is rated Leisure and is for cyclists in average physical condition.
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Ljublijana, Slovenia
Nearest train station: Beld, Slovenia has two main stations, Lesce-Bled station (located 2 miles/4 km south of Bled) and Bled Jezero.
It is best to take a taxi to Bled from Ljublijana airport. If you wish to use public transportation, you will first need to travel to Ljublijana or Kranj and take a local bus to Beld. Lublijana airport has no train connection to the Beld.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Ljublijana, Slovenia
Nearest train station: Koper, Slovenia
Available transfers (prices are per person, 1-way, minimum of 2):
- Transfer from Ljubljana Airport to Bled: €30
- Transfer from Klagenfurt Airport to Bled: €45
- Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport: €60
- Transfer from Koper to Bled: €80
- Transfer from Koper to downtown Trieste: € 35
- Transfer from Koper to Trieste Airport: €65
Tour Start
Nearest airport: Ljublijana, Slovenia
Nearest train station: Beld, Slovenia has two main stations, Lesce-Bled station (located 2 miles/4 km south of Bled) and Bled Jezero.
It is best to take a taxi to Bled from Ljublijana airport. If you wish to use public transportation, you will first need to travel to Ljublijana or Kranj and take a local bus to Beld. Lublijana airport has no train connection to the Beld.
Tour End
Nearest airport: Ljublijana, Slovenia
Nearest train station: Koper, Slovenia
Available transfers (prices are per person, 1-way, minimum of 2):
- Transfer from Ljubljana Airport to Bled: €30
- Transfer from Klagenfurt Airport to Bled: €45
- Transfer from Koper to Ljubljana Airport: €60
- Transfer from Koper to Bled: €80
- Transfer from Koper to downtown Trieste: € 35
- Transfer from Koper to Trieste Airport: €65
Slovenia's location in Eastern Europe allows you to travel from the Alps to the Mediterranean without crossing any borders. Natural wonders include Lake Bled, Mount Triglav, and Postojna Cave. A tour between Slovenia's many castles can be a great way to navigate the country, or you can plan to stop at the many white wine vineyards. Whether you want to sunbath or hike, bird watch or listen to a philharmonic, tiny Slovenia carries a sizable impact for visitors.
More on bicycling in Slovenia >
View all Slovenia bike tours >
Slovenia's location in Eastern Europe allows you to travel from the Alps to the Mediterranean without crossing any borders. Natural wonders include Lake Bled, Mount Triglav, and Postojna Cave. A tour between Slovenia's many castles can be a great way to navigate the country, or you can plan to stop at the many white wine vineyards. Whether you want to sunbath or hike, bird watch or listen to a philharmonic, tiny Slovenia carries a sizable impact for visitors.
More on bicycling in Slovenia >
View all Slovenia bike tours >
Helia Travel Agency is the leading bicycle and multisport adventure tour operator in Slovenia. Based in Lake Bled, a famous resort in the northwest part of the country, they have been offering adventure travel in our homeland since 2002, expanding their cycling and hiking tours in Slovenia every year.
Helia deal with clients on personal level. Their good selection of tours enables clients to discover Slovenia and its specialities. They make sure they are alwasy prepared and available for clients if anything is needed through the entire process from the pre-tour preparations to the tour itself. As Helia says: "Discover our beautiful country from bike or hike: welcome to Slovenia!"
Helia Travel Agency is the leading bicycle and multisport adventure tour operator in Slovenia. Based in Lake Bled, a famous resort in the northwest part of the country, they have been offering adventure travel in our homeland since 2002, expanding their cycling and hiking tours in Slovenia every year.
Helia deal with clients on personal level. Their good selection of tours enables clients to discover Slovenia and its specialities. They make sure they are alwasy prepared and available for clients if anything is needed through the entire process from the pre-tour preparations to the tour itself. As Helia says: "Discover our beautiful country from bike or hike: welcome to Slovenia!"
Cancellation Conditions
Cancellations must always be made in writing and are applicable only on the day received by Helia Travel.
The following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to 56 days prior to holiday start date = 20% of total holiday cost
- 35-55 days prior to holiday start date = 40% of total holiday cost
- 28-35 days prior to holiday start date = 70% of total holiday cost
- 1-27 days prior to holiday start date = 90% of total holiday cost
Cancellation costs are calculated in percentage of final payment amount on invoice issued. No cancellation fee will be applied to bike hire.
Additional info
Helia covers damage on rented bikes (normal wear and tear) up to value of 10 EUR per bike. Bikes are not insured against theft. Clients are invited to take out travel insurance covering such events. As of 1.1.2011 in Slovenia helmets are obliged for cyclist. From Januray 1, 2012 this law will strictly be enforced by Slovene police. Clients may hire helmets from Helia or bring their own.
Cancellation Conditions
Cancellations must always be made in writing and are applicable only on the day received by Helia Travel.
The following cancellation terms apply:
- Up to 56 days prior to holiday start date = 20% of total holiday cost
- 35-55 days prior to holiday start date = 40% of total holiday cost
- 28-35 days prior to holiday start date = 70% of total holiday cost
- 1-27 days prior to holiday start date = 90% of total holiday cost
Cancellation costs are calculated in percentage of final payment amount on invoice issued. No cancellation fee will be applied to bike hire.
Additional info
Helia covers damage on rented bikes (normal wear and tear) up to value of 10 EUR per bike. Bikes are not insured against theft. Clients are invited to take out travel insurance covering such events. As of 1.1.2011 in Slovenia helmets are obliged for cyclist. From Januray 1, 2012 this law will strictly be enforced by Slovene police. Clients may hire helmets from Helia or bring their own.
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