Lakes and Cities Cycling Tour
(6 ratings)
Swim in crystal clear alpine mountain lakes.
Marvel at the beauty of the Julian Alps.
Discover the medieval city of Škofja Loka.
Visit the capital of Slovenia - Ljubljana.
Breathtaking views, quiet roads and local attractions. Departure
Daily departures
Duration
5 Days / 4 Nights
Starting Point
Arrival to Bled
Total Distance
129 km
Activity Level
Medium
National park, alpine lakes and baroque capital in a short cycling tour
Lakes and Cities Cycling Tour is a relaxed multi-day cycling holiday through Slovenia, combining iconic alpine lakes, historic towns and scenic countryside. The tour is designed mainly for leisure riders and features mostly comfortable daily stages on quiet roads.
On this short trip, one day is more demanding, with longer distance and some climbing, adding a rewarding challenge and scenic highlights to the journey. Overall, the itinerary remains well balanced and suitable for riders looking for a varied but enjoyable cycling experience.
Considering a pre-trip? We recommend our Salzburg to Lake Bled or Browse all our Touring Cycling Tours for longer holidays
FAQ
Is the Lakes and Cities Cycling Tour suitable for beginners?
Yes. This cycling tour in Slovenia is designed mainly for leisure riders and features mostly comfortable daily stages on quiet roads.
How demanding is the Lakes and Cities Cycling Tour?
Most days are easy to moderate. One day is more demanding, with a longer distance and some climbing, adding a rewarding challenge to the itinerary.
What highlights are included in the Lakes and Cities Cycling Tour?
The tour combines Slovenia’s iconic lakes, historic towns and scenic countryside, offering a varied and enjoyable cycling experience.
Is the Lakes and Cities Cycling Tour self-guided?
Yes. The tour is self-guided and includes GPS navigation, route notes and full local support.
Itinerary
Arrive in Bled, the famous lakeside town with its island church and clifftop castle. Hike to the castle for alpine views and try the local cream cake by the lake.
Today is one of the scenic highlights of the tour, as you cycle from Lake Bled into the Bohinj Valley — a route that beautifully combines riverside cycling, alpine scenery and the peaceful character of Bohinj.
Leaving Bled behind, the ride first takes you through Bohinjska Bela before joining the valley of the Sava Bohinjka River. The route follows the river upstream, with the landscape gradually opening towards Bohinj. Along the way, you pass the area of Grmečica Waterfall, a pleasant natural stop before reaching Bohinjska Bistrica, the gateway to the Bohinj Valley.
From Bohinjska Bistrica, the main route continues towards Lake Bohinj. This extra section is well worth the effort: the lake lies at the foot of the Julian Alps and offers one of the most memorable settings of the day. After enjoying the lakeside scenery, you return through the Upper Bohinj Valley, passing traditional Bohinj villages, open meadows and mountain views before finishing back in Bohinjska Bistrica.
For a shorter day, you can also finish the ride in Bohinjska Bistrica and check into your hotel there, making this stage easy to adapt according to your pace and energy.
From the Bohinj Valley, climb towards the Jelovica high plateau, leaving the lakes behind for forested hills and wide mountain views. An optional transfer to the top of the Sorica pass is available if you would prefer to shorten the climbing section.
The route then descends towards Sorica and the Selška Valley, passing through the countryside around Železniki. Your destination is Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia’s best-preserved medieval towns. Its old streets, riverside setting and castle above the town make an inviting place to explore after the ride.
A shorter stage takes you from the medieval streets of Škofja Loka towards Slovenia’s capital. Enjoy the transition from the countryside to Ljubljana, with time left in the afternoon to discover the city at your own pace.
Walk through the old town and its elegant squares, visit the castle above the city or settle into a café beside the Ljubljanica River. The compact centre is particularly pleasant in the evening, when the riverside terraces fill with people and there is a wide choice of places for dinner.
The tour ends after breakfast in Ljubljana. Continue independently or reserve one of the optional private transfers listed below.
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 or gravel 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 – Ideal for recreational cyclists who ride regularly and enjoy exploring at a relaxed pace. The route includes gentle hills and occasional gravel sections, so you should be comfortable cycling on consecutive days. Check the day-by-day itinerary for each stage’s distance and ascent.
Accommodation
Carefully selected 3-star and 4-star hotels and guesthouses, with ensuite rooms and breakfast. The exact accommodation may vary according to availability while the published comfort level is maintained.
- 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
What Our Guests Say
Travelled with us? Share your experience
The scenery on the 5-day Slovenia bike tour from Lake Bled was breathtaking! Incredible countryside and views. Choosing an e-bike was a lifesaver on the 750-meter climb day!
The team was very knowledgeable and provided an excellent itinerary and experience. The route was stunning from start to finish—one of the best we’ve done! We didn’t get lost at all, and the app worked perfectly.
They organized a 3 day self guided bike tour in Slovenia for me and my husband. Everything went smooth. The hotels chosed were beautiful and had each its own charm. The routes were fantastic, enjoying the rolling landscapes, sights and food!
Great e bikes!
Thanks! Alvaro
There was very good communication pre tour and all my queries were promptly answered. Irina was so helpful at our welcome meeting and in all aspects was friendly, professional and extremely helpful. This set us off to a great start. My bike was fine and the panniers worked very well. My only other comment would be that having hotels close to city centres is what we had hoped for as we also wanted to explore the towns after arriving. Consequently we changed two of our hotels. Thank you
Everything went well from our meeting with Irena in bled to our handover of bikes in Ljubljana.. My only comment would be that you should give people an option of accommodation.. We changed 2 of the 4 hotels as we wanted to be in the city/town centres.
Great bikes, excellent staff that explained how everything works. Flexible to change to our needs. Loved the rides and the accomodation was great.