Lakes and Cities
First Hand Experience
(2 ratings)
Departure
Daily from March 28 to October 10, 2026
Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Starting Point
Bled
Total Distance
347
National park, alpine lakes and baroque capital in a short cycling tour
This “Lakes And Cities Tour” takes you on a bicycle from the Julian Alps to the Baroque capital of Slovenia, Ljubljana. Begin your cycling adventure at the enchanting Lake Bled, then proceed to the serene beauty of Lake Bohinj, cradled by the majestic Alpine peaks. Your ride continues through the medieval charm of Škofja Loka, culminating in the vibrant city of Ljubljana, Slovenia’s capital. Suitable for cyclists with an average fitness level, and ideal for lovers of nature and culture with not much time to spare.
Considering a pre-trip? We recommend our Salzburg to Lake Bled!
Itinerary
Begin your adventure in Bled, a charming town on the shore of a glacial lake. Admire the iconic island church in the middle of the lake and the castle perched on a cliff with the Karavanke Alps as a backdrop. After checking in to your hotel, take an evening hike to the Ojstrica viewpoint for stunning sunset views over the lake.
Take a short transfer to the Pokljuka plateau and start your self-guided cycling tour through picturesque alpine villages. Descend to Lake Bohinj, the largest and deepest lake in Triglav National Park, surrounded by majestic Julian Alps. Optional side trip to the breathtaking Savica Waterfall, the source of the Sava Bohinjka River.
Cycle from Bohinjska Bistrica and ascend 750 meters to the Jelovica high plateau. An optional lift service is available (€30 per person). Ride through dense forests and tranquil valleys before reaching the green hills of Škofja Loka. Pause in the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki before arriving at Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia’s oldest and most enchanting towns. This section is a highlight of your self-guided cycling tour.
Head to Slovenia’s capital, Ljubljana, and explore its vibrant streets. Ride up to Ljubljana Castle for panoramic views over the old town and surrounding mountains. Enjoy a relaxing evening with a drink at an outdoor café along the Ljubljanica River, or take a short boat ride to soak in the city’s charm. This final stage completes your memorable self-guided cycling tour.
After breakfast, your self-guided cycling tour concludes, or you can extend your stay by continuing on our Emerald Tour towards the Adriatic Coast.
Price
Price per person based on two people sharing:
Date of Day1 sets the trip's season.
(Currency converter)- 4 nights accommodation in 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 30 EUR per trip, payable on spot.
- Welcome meeting and bike handover.
- Tour description and maps in GUIBO application electronic form. One download per adult person. Every additional download 15 EUR.
- Local tourist and other taxes.
- Backup service (hotline) during the trip.
- Single travelers – Applies when a person travels alone. Includes single room supplement.
Season A: 330 EUR;
Season B: 350 EUR;
Season C: 375 EUR. - Single room – Applies when a person is traveling together with other persons in a party.
Season A: 295 EUR;
Season B: 315 EUR;
Season C: 345 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Ljubljana City Center location supplement:
Season A and B 45 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 70 EUR.
Season C 60 EUR per person per night in a standard double room B&B, single room 90 EUR. - Standard touring bike rental 70 EUR. Bikes have 18 gears (XL frames 11 gears).*
Every additional day 25 EUR per bike. - Electric bike rental 180 EUR. *
Every additional day 50 EUR.
* Bike rental period starts 9:00 of day 2 of the tour and ends at 18:00 of day 4.
- Additional transfer to the top of Sorica pass 30 EUR.
- Printed information package in English, including route notes and detailed maps, delivered upon arrival 30 EUR.
Price is per person per night.
- 4* Hotel in Bled
Season A: Double Room 100 EUR. Single room 195 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 210 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 125 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Bohinjska Bistrica
Season A: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 185 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 120 EUR. Single room 200 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 135 EUR. Single room 215 EUR. - 4* Hotel in Ljubljana
Season A: Double Room 95 EUR. Single room 150 EUR.
Season B: Double Room 105 EUR. Single room 165 EUR.
Season C: Double Room 110 EUR. Single room 177 EUR.
- 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 per third person only.
Entrance fees, lunches, dinners, additional transfers, not mentioned in tour program.
Route Profile
107 km / 123 km with side trips
80 % regional country roads, cycleways, 20 % main roads (town and city approach sections)
100% all paved
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: Hotel Lovec, Kompas, Savica 4* or Astoria 3*Superior in Bled
- Day 2: Eco Bohinj Hotel 4* in Bohinjska Bistrica
- Day 3: Mini Hotel 3* in Škofja Loka
- Day 4: M Hotel 4* in Ljubljana
Travel Options & Local Transfer
Starting point of this trip is Bled in NW Slovenia.
Getting to Bled
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 check here below.
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.
By car: take exit Lesce on the A1 motorway Ljubljana – Jesenice, Karavanke. Please consult us about parking options.
Back from Ljubljana
By plane: Ljubljana Airport is the closest airport. You can reach it by taxi or bus. If you would like to book a transfer, check below.
By car: if your car is in Bled, you can return there by bus or train. Our transfer is available – please check below.
Available Transfers
Ljubljana Airport to Bled
1-3 persons 90 EUR
4-8 persons 130 EUR
Ljubljana City to Bled
1-3 persons 130 EUR
4-8 persons 170 EUR
Villach to Bled
1-3 persons 170 EUR
4-8 persons 200 EUR
Klagenfurt Airport to Bled
1-3 persons 200 EUR
4-8 persons 240 EUR
Lesce Bled Railway Station to Bled
1-3 persons 20 EUR
4-8 persons 30 EUR
Ljubljana City to Ljubljana Airport
1-3 persons 90 EUR
4-8 persons 130 EUR
All prices per transfer, one way. Price includes transport of bikes.
Rental Bikes
Helia bikes are available in different sizes and unisex frame model:
All rented adult bikes are equipped with:
- Pannier
- Helmet
Only for self-guided tours: per two bikes – one repair kit, one spare inner tube, glue, patch, a pump, Allen keys and tire levers. + one combination lock.
Other available rental bikes