National Trust - Cycling - Slovenia

Slovenia’s Gorenjska region boasts the country’s most inspiring views, including that of Lake Bled, where tiny Bled Island is almost a national symbol, and the wilder beauty of dramatic Lake Bohinj. Towering above are the most imposing peaks of the Julian Alps, including Triglav, the country’s highest mountain. Just as appealing, though, are the region’s secret hamlets and villages, where the pace of life has a beguilingly timeless feel.

Nights: 7
Grade: 2
Terrain: quiet country roads over rolling hills and across valley floors
Hotels: one inn; one guesthouse; one 3-star hotel; two 4-star hotels
Meals: breakfast each day, dinner on 4 nights
Climate: this north-western corner of Slovenia has an Alpine climate with cold winters and hot summers. Temperatures average 15ºC in May, 27ºC in August and 21ºC in October.

Starting point: Pension Zaplata (3*), Preddvor. A welcoming and comfortable hotel with a homely atmosphere and lovely views of the distant Alps. Some of the best vistas are enjoyed by the rustic restaurant which serves local cuisine featuring, in season, specialities such as venison with morello cherries and orange, and game salami.

Day 1: begin by heading west to the charming town of Radovljica (complete with a castle) which occupies an impressive position on a rocky outcrop above the wide plains. We recommend a visit to the bee-keeping museum here (pay locally), one of the most fascinating in Slovenia, and a stop in Kropa, a delightfully traditional metalworking village. (42km)

Accommodation: Hotel Avsenik (inn), Begunje. A unique hotel with a strong musical heritage (the Avsenik brothers formed a famous folk group) and its own domed concert hall! Bedrooms are simple but comfortable.

Day 2: there is a short option today, but we recommend the longer route, which rewards you with superb vistas of the Julian Alps. It rises steadily at first, then descends through the Radovna Valley to the foot of Mount Triglav, a 2,865-metre limestone peak which has been a source of inspiration for Slovenes for centuries. The last leg traverses the peaceful Krma Valley, an area of thick woodland, poignant monuments commemorating WW2 battles and traditional farmhouses to reach the panoramic Ribno Plateau above Lake Bled. (14km or 45km)

Accommodation: Hotel Ribno (4*), Ribno. Surrounded by pine woods, the hotel boasts tennis courts, spa facilities and Art Nouveau-style public areas. Choose to dine at the hotel, in the village or on the shore of Lake Bled, a 20-minute stroll away (pay locally in all cases).

Day 3: we suggest that you take things easy and simply soak up the special atmosphere of Lake Bled. Visit the castle (pay locally) which perches above the emerald-green waters of this glacial lake, hire a rowing boat so that you can reach the lake's island and ring the wishing bell there or, in warm weather, enjoy a dip. If you fancy some more cycling, a short but worthwhile ride leads through several unspoiled hamlets to the magnificent Vintgar Gorge (for which a small entrance fee is payable locally). (up to 8km)

Day 4: today starts with a transfer to the high Pokljuka Plateau, from where an exhilarating descent takes you into the Bohinj Valley. There is time on arrival to explore Lake Bohinj's idyllic shore and the waterfall of Slap Savica, another of Slovenia’s famous sights, with a 60-metre drop. (32km)

Accommodation: Hotel Bohinj (4*), Bohinj. An Alpine-style hotel which enjoys an enviable location 100 metres from the shores of Lake Bohinj and incredible views across the water to Triglav and surrounding high peaks. Facilities include two tennis courts, a garden, a sauna and a fitness room, and most of the spacious bedrooms have either a balcony or terrace. You stay on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 5: after starting on the flat, you climb steadily into the hills to the Jelovica Plateau, passing through enchanting woodland and the hamlet of Sorica, the birthplace of a famous Slovene painter. Zali Log, a restaurant which is renowned for its trout specialities, makes a pleasant lunch stop (pay locally). Your destination is Skofja Loka (literally ‘Bishop’s Meadow’ because it was an important bishopric surrounded by pastureland), one of the oldest towns in Slovenia. (53km)

Accommodation: Hotel Mini (guesthouse), Skofja Loka. A simple chalet-style guesthouse with a small outdoor pool, tennis court and just nine rooms, ensuring a real intimacy. Dinner is included at a restaurant in the nearby town centre.

Day 6: as this is a relatively short day, you could start by exploring Skofja Loka. Admire the castle and seek out the Baroque church, the 14th-century bridge commissioned by Bishop Leopold, the Gothic Homan House and the town hall. You then enjoy plenty of freewheeling on your final route which takes in Kranj and its attractive Old Town before returning to Preddvor. (33km)

Other information: if you would like to see the brochure page, you can download this (and the pages for any other holidays you are interested in) by using our brochure creation system.

£ per person based on 2 in a double rm	Cycle price*	Single room
7 nights: 5 April-11 October 2008
5 Apr-23 May	726	136
24 May-30 Jun	768	140
1 Jul-30 Sep	778	140
1-11 Oct	747	136
3rd+ person saving	0

Recommended destination airport: Ljubljana
Latest flight arrival time: flexible
Earliest flight departure time: flexible
*Connecting travel: return taxi from Ljubljana (out/home 0h20) £45pp
Book your flights through us and we'll find the best route, times and price to suit you
Extra nights can be booked at any hotel
Start: any day

Lakes & Valleys of Slovenia