Day 1: Lake Bled
Individual arrival at Bled, a city famous worldwide for its location on the shores of a beautiful glacial lake. The famous church on the islet that rises in the middle of this large body of water, surrounded by towering Alpine mountains, and the castle perched on a cliff guarding the city, make Bled one of the most loved spots in Slovenia. For the rest of the day you can choose between different activities in Bled: you can visit the church on the island and admire its ornate golden altar, or walk up to the castle and enjoy the spectacular view of the glacial valley. In the evening you can try the local specialty, cream cake, at one of the lakeside cafes, or try one of the numerous bars and restaurants.
Day 2: Bled – Bohinjska Bistrica (27 or 43 km; +110/-810 m)
After breakfast, a bus transfer will take you to the Pokljuka plateau. From here you can admire the breathtaking view before sliding into the nearby Bohinj valley, a jewel in the heart of the Triglav National Park. You will cross the many small Alpine villages scattered throughout the valley until you reach the small settlement of Ribčev Laz, lying next to the splendid Lake Bohinj. Located in the corner of a closed valley, Bohinj represents the largest and deepest lake within the national park. This lake, surrounded by bright mountain peaks, offers a breathtaking view from the bridge of Ribčev Laz. Then you will cycle around the lake to the Savica Waterfall, source of the Sava Bohinjka River, and then take the cable car up to Mt Vogel, where you will enjoy the spectacular view of the Bohinj Valley and Mount Triglav, the highest peak of the Julian Alps. Explore the forests that surround the lake before spending the evening in one of the village's cozy pubs and try the homemade honey schnapps.
Day 3: Bohinjska Bistrica – Škofja Loka (49 km; +980/-1130 m)
Leaving Bohinj, you will reach the charming village of Bohinjska Bistrica, where you can admire the picture-perfect scenery. Then you will climb to 750m on the Jelovica plateau (an elevator is available to reach the top of the mountain pass, for an additional cost of 20€ per person), then continue through a forest, which will accompany you on the descent into the Selška Dolina Valley, leading to the hills of Škofja Loka. The first stop is in the small Alpine village of Sorica, nestled among green rolling hills. This is the hometown of the famous Slovenian painter Ivan Grohar. If you are interested, you can visit the gallery where you can find an exclusive collection of his works. The next stop will be in the historic iron town of Železniki, where you will find the remains of an old blast furnace dating back to 1826. You can stop at one of the village inns along the way and taste the delicious trout. Finally you will 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 the town. Spend the rest of the evening wandering through the ancient streets of this historic medieval town.
Day 4: Škofja Loka – Preddvor – Predoslje (42 km; +250/-190 m)
Leaving Škofja Loka, you will cross the great plain of Sora with the majestic peaks of the Kamnik and Savinja Alps as a backdrop. The route will take you past Kranj, the fourth largest city in Slovenia. The day ends in Preddvor, where you will spend the night. Near your hotel, you will find a small lake located in the shadow of the beautiful Kamnik-Savinja Alps. If it's warm enough, you can indulge in a nice swim in the pure and refreshing waters of the Alps before dinner.
Day 5: Predoslje – Radovljica (30 or 42 km; +380/310 m)
Today's stage, mainly flat with some slight hills, will take you to discover Kranj, the capital of Carniola. The route will then take you through the fascinating village of Kropa, where you will find the museum of iron forging, dedicated to the history of the town linked to accomplished blacksmiths and miners. You can also learn how to make your own nail and take it home with you as an original souvenir! We recommend lunch in a small restaurant near Radovljica Castle. Afterwards, you will cycle along the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to Radovljica, with its beautifully preserved historical center and an interesting beekeeping museum.
Day 6: Radovljica – Kranjska Gora (50 or 65 km; +630-300 m)
Today's stage will take you along the edge of the Kamnik-Savinja Alps to the historic Begunje village: it is in this small settlement that one of the darkest moments of Slovenia took place. Visit the Hostage Museum and discover the sad story of thousands of men, women and children who were beaten and executed during the German occupation in the Second World War. After about 2 km along the road, you will come across the ruins of Kamen Castle. With the sun lighting up the mountains, you will continue along the cycle path that runs between the mountain ranges of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke Mountains, to Kranjska Gora, an alpine town famous for its ski resorts, but also an excellent hub for many summer activities. Along the way you can make a small detour to the Spik Mountain viewpoint, considered one of the most difficult peaks to climb in Slovenia. If you have ample time you can also take a turn to the Planica Valley, a place of worldwide fame for ski jumping championships. Many of the longest jumps have been accomplished here, including the current world record.
Day 7: Kranjska Gora – Bled (40 or 48 km; +310/-620)
The final bike stage will take you back into the heart of the Triglav National Park, accompanying you along the Sava Dolinka River as it makes its way south to join the Sava Bohinjka, forming the Sava River, the longest in Slovenia. From Mojstrana you will head into the Krma Valley: this lush green valley leads through a forest dotted with World War II monuments and traditional farms, one of which has been turned into a museum. You can lunch at the shelter at the foot of Triglav, the most imposing mountain of the Julian Alps, while you enjoy the breathtaking scenery of this stunning alpine landscape. From here you will cross the Radovna valley, between the Pokljuka and Mežakla plateaus and once out of the valley you will make a slight detour towards the stunning Vintgar Gorge, carved 150 meters deep into the mountains by the Radovna River. The gorge was discovered by chance by the city's mayor in 1891, who then set to work to build walkways and open the site to the public. We recommend trying the trout in the restaurant at the entrance to the gorge before heading towards Bled, where you will spend the night.
Day 8: Bled
After breakfast, end of services and individual departure.