Best of Slovenia: Highlights Across the Country From Bled to Piran

Day 1: Arrival in Bled

You'll arrive in beautiful Bled, a world-famous town on the shores of a gorgeous glacial lake. Defined by its unique island church sitting proudly in the middle of this immense body of clear water, Bled is one of Slovenia's most popular tourist attractions. As well as admiring the towering mountains, you'll be in awe of the castle perched high above the town on an atmospheric clifftop.

Overnight in Bled.

Day 2: Bled – Bohinjska Bistrica
Bohinj Valley (17 miles/27 km or 26 miles/43 km with side trip to Savica Waterfall

Today you'll be taken by bus up to the high plateau at Pokljuka. From here, you can marvel at the stunning views all around you before gliding down into the neighboring Bohinj Valley, the jewel in the crown of Triglav National Park.

You'll cycle through many charming alpine villages scattered around the valley until you reach the small settlement of Ribčev Laz (Fisherman’s Pass), lying next to the stunning Lake Bohinj. Wedged in the corner of the valley, Bohinj is the largest and deepest lake in the national park, surrounded by exquisite mountain peaks. The view across the lake from the bridge at Ribčev Laz is unrivaled.

Cycle along the southern side of the lake to Savica Waterfall, the source of the Sava Bohinjka River, to discover a Slovenian natural wonder. Then, take the cable car up to Vogel Mountain for a spectacular view over the Bohinj Valley and Mount Triglav, the highest peak in the Julian Alps.

Explore the atmospheric forests surrounding the lake before spending the evening in one of the cozy village pubs, perhaps trying the local honey brandy.

Overnight in Bohinjska Bistrica (Bohinj).

Day 3: Ribčev Laz
Bohinj – Skofja Loka (31 miles/49 km

Leaving Ribčev Laz and Bohinj, you'll cycle to the blissful village of Bohinjska Bistrica, which has a postcard-perfect backdrop. From here, it's a 750 m climb to the Jelovica high plateau (a 'help out' lift to the top of the mountain pass is available at an extra cost of €30 per person, payable upon arrival with reservation required 2 days ahead). From the top, the route takes you through deep forest, down into the Selška Dolina Valley, which leads to the Škofja Loka Hills.

The first stop in the valley is the little alpine village of Sorica, set among the low green hills. This was the birthplace of the famouse Slovene painter Ivan Grohar, whose statue greets you as you ride into the village. If you fancy it, visit his gallery, where you'll find a limited collection of his work.

The next stop is the historic iron-smelting town of Železniki, home to the remains of an old blast furnace dating from 1826. Take a break in one of the charming village inns along the way and try the tantalizing trout dishes.

Finally, you'll arrive in the wonderful town of Škofja Loka, one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. If you're not too tired, take a cycle up to the castle on the hill overlooking town, then spend the rest of the evening soaking up the atmosphere in the old medieval streets.

Overnight in Škofja Loka.

Day 4: Skofja Loka – Ljubljana
19 miles/31 km

Today's the day you'll visit the magnificent Slovenian capital - Ljubljana. You'll visit the historic Old Town, admire the ornate, old-world architecture, and marvel at the 'fin de siecle' mansions. Then it's a short walk or ride up to the colossal Ljubljana Castle, perched high on the hill and standing guard over Old Town and the city center. From the tower, enjoy an unbeatable view over Slovenia's capital.

As the sun sets over the castle and towers, choose between a relaxing drink in the many outdoor bars and cafes sidling the Ljubljanica River or an evening stroll, enjoying the city's twinkling lights and vibrant sounds. Or do both!

Overnight in Ljubljana.

Day 5: Ljubljana – Vrhnika
25 miles/41 km

As the morning sun rises in the sky, you'll ride across an immense 160 square km marshy plain. The Ljubljansko Barje was once a great lake until it dried up 6000 years ago, leaving behind an incredibly diverse landscape that is now home to some of Europe's rarest forms of bird, plant, and insect life.

Along the way, visit the remnants of the world’s highest railway viaduct in Borovnica.

Just before arriving in Vrhnika, you can visit the Technical Museum of the Republic of Slovenia housed in Bistra Castle, where you’ll find a great hunting collection and an interesting exhibition of president Tito’s cars.

Overnight in Vrhnika.

Day 6: Vrhnika – Postojna (27 miles/43 km)

Today, the route takes you away from the main tourist areas and off the beaten path. You can also take a short detour to the impenetrable fortress of Predjama Castle, wedged tightly into a crevasse halfway up a 123 m cliff face protruding dramatically into the surrounding basin. Here lived a vivacious and daring knight named Erasmus who kept a whole army at bay using the secret passageways in the Predjama Caves to sneak out for supplies, including freshly picked cherries, which he threw at his adversaries to taunt them. Take a tour and learn how Erasmus met his untimely demise in less than poetic circumstances, as he was literally caught with his pants down.

Overnight in Postojna.

Day 7: Postojna – Stanjel Area
20 miles/32 km

Today the route takes you to the famed Postojna cave on the way to Stanjel. Nearly 30 million tourists have experienced the underground formation with is beautifully carved into the depths of limestone. stretching a whopping 13 miles (21 km), this is considered the most extensive system of caves within the country. On this tour, you will visit the pools of water within the caves and see the mysterious "human fish" and a world filled with stalactites and stalagmites.

Overnight in Stanjel Area.

Day 8: Stanjel Area – Lipica – Divača
31 miles/50 km

The first stop today is the lovely botanical garden in Sežana. Then, you'll cycle on to the stud farm of Lipica where you'll meet the beautiful thoroughbred Lipizaner horses whose glistening white coats and graceful dancing moves have earned them a worldwide reputation. Their history is closely linked to the riding school in Vienna! Take a tour in a traditional carriage, watch the horses perform, and visit them up close in their stables on a day to remember.

If you have time for a couple of side trips, you can also visit the unusual but very interesting War Museum set in the village tower of Lokev.

Overnight in Divača.

Day 9: Divača – Muggia
24 miles/38 km

If you skipped the Postojna Caves, this morning gives you the opportunity to visit the Škocjan Caves. These karst caves are no less interesting (they are a UNESCO natural monument!) but far less frequented. Next, head to Socerb Castle, where you'll be treated to breathtaking views of the Bay of Trieste, the Friulian Plain, and even the Julian Alps.

You can take a slight diversion into the Italian-style town of Trieste - once an important port with its worldly flair and wonderful atmosphere. Take a city transport boat that connects Trieste with the outskirts at Muggia where your hotel awaits. Visit the castle, cathedral, and Piazza Unita central square in Trieste, which was once part of Slovenia whilst under the rule of the Austrian monarchy. Relax with a cappuccino in the many old-fashioned cafes that grace this atmospheric town.

Today's route ends in the town of Muggia. After a day's cycling, it's time to enjoy gelato in the old town center or relax on the beach!

Overnight in Muggia.

Day 10: Muggia – Piran
22 miles/35 km or 29 miles/46 km with side trip to salt pans Seca

Cycle along the coastal path on a new cycle path that follows the former railway line, enjoying splendid vistas of the Slovene coast and Trieste Bay. A coffee stop in the fashionable resort of Portorož is a must. The trip ends in the gorgeous Venetian-style harbor village of Piran.

Overnight in Piran.

Day 11: Departure from Piran

Don't want the adventure to end? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Ljubljana.