Day 1: Arrival to 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 our Helia 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 numbers 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, it might come true. Hike up to the castle for a spectacular view of this glacial valley. In the evening try the local specialty - the cream cake - in one of the great little tea shops beside the lake, or sample the many bars and restaurants.
Day 2: Bled > Bohinjska Bistrica, ~27 km or 43 km with Savica waterfall (17 or 27 miles)
You will be transferred up to the high plateau at Pokljuka (12km). 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 Ribcev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass) lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. 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 cozy village pubs and trying the local home-made honey brandy.
Day 3: Ribcev Laz > Škofja Loka, ~49 km (30 miles)
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€/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 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: Škofja Loka > Preddvor > Predoslje, ~42 km (26 miles)
Leaving Škofja Loka you will head across the great Sora plain with the majestic peaks of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps as your backdrop. If the weather is warm enough, you can take a swim a small lake in the pure, refreshing alpine water in the village Preddvor. The easy cycling day ends at the Brdo estate. The former royal and presidential residence is decorated with a beautiful park where you can relax before dinner.
Day 5: Predoslje > Radovljica, ~30 or 42 km (19 or 26 miles)
A ride 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 beekeeping 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.
Day 6: Radovljica > Kranjska Gora, ~50 km or 65 km with trip to ski jumps at Planica (31 or 40 miles)
This route will take you along the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the historic village of Begunje. It was in this small settlement where one of Slovenia’s darkest moments took place. Visit the Museum of Hostages and learn how thousands of men, women and children were beaten and executed during the German occupation in WW2. On a lighter note, Begunje is also the hometown of the famous Slavko Avsenik / Oberkrainer band. 2kms 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.
Day 7: Kranjska Gora > Bled, ~40 or 48 km with trip to Vintgar gorge (25 or 30 miles)
For your final day 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 WW2 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 Mežakla plateaus. As you exit the valley, take a short detour to the stunning 1.6km long 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
Day 8: End of the tour