Bled to Trieste 8-Day Self-Guided Cycling Tour (Level 2)

Duration
8 days
Guided Status
Self-Guided
Difficulty
Moderate
D-Score™
N/A - Unknown

Overview

From the crystal-clear lakes of Triglav National Park to the vibrant port city of Trieste, this cycling tour takes you through two countries rich in landscapes, culture, and culinary delights. In Bled, with its tiny island set in a turquoise lake, you begin with Slovenia's most iconic postcard view before following clear rivers and gentle valleys to Lake Bohinj. Riding through the Soča Valley, emerald waters, dramatic gorges, and striking mountain scenery accompany your journey. Across the border, picturesque Friuli awaits, with the medieval town of Cividale and the rolling Collio hills, where wine and gastronomy are part of everyday life. Passing through lively Gorizia and the Slovenian Karst Plateau, you finally descend to the Adriatic - to Trieste, where Italian flair and sea breeze mark a perfect finale. You will mainly cycle on well-developed bike paths and quiet side roads, with only a few sections along busier routes. The terrain is mostly asphalted, with shorter stretches on well-maintained gravel paths. The route is gently undulating to hilly, with some longer climbs to tackle. On three days, more demanding alternative routes over impressive mountain passes are also available. 7 nights accommodation in 3***- and 4****-hotels and typical local accommodation, Breakfast, Welcome briefing, Luggage transfer, Digital travel documents incl. navigation app, GPS-data, route book, 1 train ride Bohinjska Bistrica - Podbrdo excl. bike, Service hotline Printed route book, per room EUR 20, Bike rental, including rental bike insurance, Return transfer to Bled every Thursday and Saturday, costs EUR 139 per person (minimum 2 persons) incl. bike, reservation is necessary, to be paid for in advance, Bike ticket for the train ride Bohinjska Bistrica - Podbrdo (self-arranged), costs approx. EUR 2 per bike, Tourist taxes, Anything not mentioned in 'included' Rental bike PLUS - 189 EUR, Mens bike is available on request, Extra nights: Bled: From 125 EUR p.p (+99 EUR single room), Triest: From 99 EUR p.p (+65 EUR single room), Departures every Saturday and Thursday Arrival by train to Bled Lesce or Bled Jezero, continue by bus to the city centre or by taxi directly to the hotel, costs approx. EUR 20 to EUR 25, Klagenfurt airport, by bus and train to Bled, duration approx. 2 hours with 1x change in Villach, Ljubljana airport, by bus to Bled in approx. 1 hour, Car park Želeče, costs approx. EUR 15 per night, Departure by train from Trieste to Bled Jezero, duration approx. 4 hours with 1 change in Gorizia, change of station necessary (distance approx. 3.5 km) Day 1: Arrival in Bled. Bled is the jewel on the edge of Triglav National Park. Explore the charming town on the shores of the glacial lake, crowned by a hilltop castle and featuring the famous island at its center – Slovenia’s ultimate postcard view! Day 2: Bled – Lake Bohinj, 30-35 km. Lake Bled, also known as the jewel of the Julian Alps, is the sparkling starting point of this cycling journey. Following the clear Sava Bohinjka River, the route takes you through a green valley and idyllic mountain villages to Bohinjska Bistrica and Lake Bohinj, set in an alpine postcard landscape. Alternatively, ride up to the Pokljuka Plateau in the heart of Triglav National Park and enjoy a stunning panoramic road leading down to the lake. Day 3: Lake Bohinj – Tolmin/Surroundings approx. 35-60 km + train ride. From the picturesque Lake Bohinj, the cycling route leads you through a quiet valley back to Bohinjska Bistrica. A train ride takes you through Slovenia’s longest tunnel into the neighboring valley, followed by a long descent to the emerald-green Soča River. From there, you cycle upstream to Tolmin. Those who choose the mountain road to the Soriška Planina plateau are rewarded with a spectacular panorama before an extended, exhilarating descent into the Soča Valley. Day 4: Tolmin/Surroundings – Cividale del Friuli approx. 45-60 km. Accompanied by the vibrant green of the Soča, you cycle through a valley framed by towering mountains. Near Kobarid, you cross an impressive gorge on a narrow bridge – a photo stop is irresistible – before continuing toward the Italian border. Following the Natisone River, you arrive in the beautiful old town of Cividale del Friuli. Alternatively, take the mountain pass road and be rewarded for your efforts with a spectacular high-altitude ride and breathtaking views. Day 5: Collio round tour approx. 45 km. Today’s cycling is all about enjoyment. In the Slovenian-Italian border region, you cycle through the enchanting rolling hills of the Collio. Vineyards stretch as far as the eye can see, dotted with countless wineries offering tastings, before you round off the evening with the delights of Italian cuisine. Day 6: Cividale del Friuli – Gorizia approx. 55 km. From Cividale del Friuli, you follow the vineyards into a quiet valley toward the Slovenian border. A winding serpentine road takes you over a mountain ridge into the enchanting Soča Valley and down to Kanal ob Soči. Here, the river shimmers in captivating shades of blue and green, accompanying you all the way to the impressive Solkan Bridge. Finally, you arrive in Gorizia, a vibrant cultural hub that blends Italian flair with Central European elegance. Day 7: Gorizia – Trieste approx. 50 km. After just a few pedal strokes, you cross the border into Slovenia and cycle through scenic vineyards before climbing onto a karst plateau. From here, sweeping views open up over the deep-blue Adriatic and the Bay of Trieste. Passing through idyllic villages, you roll back into Italy, where the lively port city of Trieste awaits – with Mediterranean flair and an unmistakable zest for life. Day 8: Departure

Daily Ride Schedule

Accommodation & Services

Accommodation

Hotel

What's Included

Catering services
Accommodation arrangements
Bike rental

About the Slovenia

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