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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: | Moderate |
| Duration: | 7 Nights |
| Distance: | 27 Miles/day average |
| Dates: | Self-guided: Daily: Apr 7- Oct 13, 2012 |
| Tour price: | €580 |
| Start city: | Lake Bled, Slovenia |
| End city: | Lake Bled, Slovenia |
This Pearls of Slovenia bike tour takes you to the most beauitful Slovene tourist attractiosn and many natural points of interest. Beginning at Lake Bled, featuring a beautiful island church, you cycle through the Bohinj Valley, the jewel in the heart of Triglav National Park.
You continue past waterfalls, mountains, plateaus and gorges. Scattered throughout the breathtaking landscape are the quaint and charming villages that serve as your nightly stops. Ribcev Laz, on the shores of Lake Bohinj, Skofja Loka, on the of oldest towns in Slovenia, and Preddvor, located in the shadows of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps are just a few of the villages you will visit.
While this tour cycles in the mountains of Slovenia, it is suitable for cyclists of average fitness and especially for photographers, who aim to capture wonderful mountian landscapes!
This Pearls of Slovenia bike tour takes you to the most beauitful Slovene tourist attractiosn and many natural points of interest. Beginning at Lake Bled, featuring a beautiful island church, you cycle through the Bohinj Valley, the jewel in the heart of Triglav National Park.
You continue past waterfalls, mountains, plateaus and gorges. Scattered throughout the breathtaking landscape are the quaint and charming villages that serve as your nightly stops. Ribcev Laz, on the shores of Lake Bohinj, Skofja Loka, on the of oldest towns in Slovenia, and Preddvor, located in the shadows of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps are just a few of the villages you will visit.
While this tour cycles in the mountains of Slovenia, it is suitable for cyclists of average fitness and especially for photographers, who aim to capture wonderful mountian landscapes!
Day 1: Arrival to Lake Bled
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. One of Helia's representatives will meet you and take you for a welcome drink, 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, cream cake, in one of the great little tea shops beside the lake or sample the many bars and restaurants.
Overnight in Lake Bled.
Day 2: Bled – Ribcev Laz (12 miles/20 km+ possible side trip of 6 miles/10 km)
Today begins with a transfer up to the high plateau at Pokljuka (7 miles/12 km). From there 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 RibcÂev Laz, with the Fisherman’s Pass, lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Cycle around the lake to Savica Waterfall, the 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 cozy village pubs and trying the local homemade honey brandy.
Overnight in Ribcev Laz.
Day 3: Ribcev Laz – Škofja Loka (35 miles/57 km)
Leaving Bohinj, you cycle to the lovely village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect backdrop. Then you have a slow climb up of 750 m/2400 ft up to the Jelovica high plateau (a lift to the top of the mountain pass is available for an additional cost of 15 Euros 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. 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 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.
Overnight in Skoja Loka.
Day 4: Škoja Loka - Preddvor (21 miles/33 km)
Leaving Škofja Loka you will head across the great Sora plain with the majestic peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps as your backdrop. The route will take you past Kranj, Slovenia’s fourth largest city. Stop for lunch in Glavni Trg, the main square of which is framed by interesting gothic architecture. As you continue northeast you’ll come across Brdo Castle, renowned as Slovenia’s most elegant presidential palace. The day ends in Preddvor where your hotel is set beside a small lake sitting in the shadow of the beautiful Kamnik-Savinja Alps. If the weather is warm enough, you can take a swim here in the pure, refreshing alpine water before having dinner.
Overnight in Preddvor.
Day 5: Preddvor - Begunje (26 miles/42 km)
Today's ride takes you through history. This route will take you along the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to Radovljica with its beautifully preserved old town and an interesting bee-keeping museum. Your route will also take you through the fascinating little village of Kropa where you will find the iron forging museum dedicated to the history of the town’s blacksmith trade. You can even learn how to make your own nail, and ether add it to the current collection of over 100 types, or take it home with you. We suggest lunch in small restaurant near the castle in Radovljica.
Overnight in Begunje.
Day 6: Begunje – Kranjska Gora (27 miles/44 km)
On today's route you will follow the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the historic village of Begunje. Begunje is also the hometown of the famous Slavko Avsenik/Oberkrainer band. A short distance down the road are the ruins of Kamen Castle. As the sun illuminates the mountains your route will take you on cycling path that goes between the ranges of the Julian Alps and the Karawanke Mountains to Kranjska Gora, a popular alpine town famous for its ski resorts, but also a great base for many summer activities.
Along the way you can take a short side trip to the lookout point for Spik Mountain, regarded as the one of Slovenia’s toughest peaks to climb. If you arrive in plenty of time you can take a ride up to the Planica Valley, location for the world famous ski jumping championships. It’s here that many of the longest jumps have been achieved, including the current world record.
Overnight in Kranjska Gora.
Day 7: Kranjska Gora – Bled (24 miles/40 km)
For your final day of cycling you will head back into the heart of the Triglav National Park. The route takes you alongside the Sava Dolinka River as it cuts its way south to join the Sava Bohinjka, where it becomes the Sava River, the longest in Slovenia. From Mojstrana you will head into the Krma Valley. This lush green valley leads through a peaceful forest littered with World War II monuments and traditional farmhouses, one of which has been adapted into a museum. You can have lunch in the mountain hut at the foot of Triglav, the mightiest mountain in the Julian Alps, and enjoy the breathtaking scenery deep in the heart of this beautiful alpine landscape. From here you will head through the Radovna Valley between the Pokljuka and Mezakla plateaus. As you exit the valley, take a short detour to the stunning 1.6km Vintgar Gorge, carved 150m deep into the mountains by the Radovna River. The gorge was discovered by chance by the town mayor in 1891, who then set to work building walkways to open the gorge up to the public.Try the trout dinner at the entrance to the gorge before heading into Bled.
Overnight in Bled.
Day 8: End of the tour
Daily: Apr 7- Oct 13, 2012
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Day 1: Hotel Triglav Bled, Bled
www.hoteltriglavbled.si
A recently renovated hotel, Hotel Triglav Bled has a beautiful setting above the lake with fantastic views on the outskirts of Bled.
Day 2: Hotel Kristal, Ribcev Laz
www.hotel-kristal-slovenia.com
Hotel Kristal is a nice family hotel close to the lake, with fantastic food.
Day 3: Hotel Mini, Škofja Loka
www.minihotel.si
Hotel Mini is a small family bed and breakfast with lots of sport activities, located 800 yards (700 m) from city centre and is surrouned with pastures and wood.
Day 4: Penzion Zaplata, Preddvor
www.pension-zaplata.com
Penzion Zaplata is a small family run hotel in small village, close to ÄŒrnjava lake. with very good food.
Day 5: Penzion Kovac, Radovljica
www.penzion-kovac.si
Penzion Kovac is a family-run hotel in KovaÄÂÂ, close to old centre of Radovljica. Enjoy an evening meal in a local restaurant.
Day 6: Hotel Alpina, Kranjska Gora
www.hitholidays-kg.si/nastanitve/hotel-alpina
Alpina Hotel features great views of Kranjska Gora and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Triglav, the highest mountain.
Day 7: Hotel Triglav Bled, Bled
Day 1: Hotel Triglav Bled, Bled
www.hoteltriglavbled.si
A recently renovated hotel, Hotel Triglav Bled has a beautiful setting above the lake with fantastic views on the outskirts of Bled.
Day 2: Hotel Kristal, Ribcev Laz
www.hotel-kristal-slovenia.com
Hotel Kristal is a nice family hotel close to the lake, with fantastic food.
Day 3: Hotel Mini, Škofja Loka
www.minihotel.si
Hotel Mini is a small family bed and breakfast with lots of sport activities, located 800 yards (700 m) from city centre and is surrouned with pastures and wood.
Day 4: Penzion Zaplata, Preddvor
www.pension-zaplata.com
Penzion Zaplata is a small family run hotel in small village, close to ÄŒrnjava lake. with very good food.
Day 5: Penzion Kovac, Radovljica
www.penzion-kovac.si
Penzion Kovac is a family-run hotel in KovaÄÂÂ, close to old centre of Radovljica. Enjoy an evening meal in a local restaurant.
Day 6: Hotel Alpina, Kranjska Gora
www.hitholidays-kg.si/nastanitve/hotel-alpina
Alpina Hotel features great views of Kranjska Gora and the surrounding mountains, including Mount Triglav, the highest mountain.
Day 7: Hotel Triglav Bled, Bled
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 10 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 10 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 cycles through gently rolling and flat terrain. Approximately 55% of the tour is on quiet roads, 25% on roads shared with traffic, 10% on dedicated bicycle paths and 10% on dirt or gravel roads. The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 2,500 feet/750 m, but you will have a whole day to the do climb on a quiet road and a help-out life can be ordered. The maximum percentage of grade is 7%. The tour is appropriate for hybrid and mountain bikes, though it is not a mountain bike tour.
This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
This tour cycles through gently rolling and flat terrain. Approximately 55% of the tour is on quiet roads, 25% on roads shared with traffic, 10% on dedicated bicycle paths and 10% on dirt or gravel roads. The maximum daily elevation gain for this tour is 2,500 feet/750 m, but you will have a whole day to the do climb on a quiet road and a help-out life can be ordered. The maximum percentage of grade is 7%. The tour is appropriate for hybrid and mountain bikes, though it is not a mountain bike tour.
This tour is rated Moderate and is for cyclists in good physical condition.
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Ljublijana, Slovenia
Nearest train station: Bled, 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 Bled. Lublijana airport has no train connection to the Bled.
Available transfers (prices per person/way, minimum of 2):
- Ljubljana Airport to Bled: €30
- Klagenfurt Airport to Bled: €45
Tour Start and End
Nearest airport: Ljublijana, Slovenia
Nearest train station: Bled, 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 Bled. Lublijana airport has no train connection to the Bled.
Available transfers (prices per person/way, minimum of 2):
- Ljubljana Airport to Bled: €30
- Klagenfurt Airport to Bled: €45
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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