Hotel Astoria, Bled
This hotel, with its contemporary design and upscale furnishings is in a class of its own. The wellness centre is superb with jacuzzi, sauna, and massage services available.
This itinerary starts in Bled, where you spend two nights amid turquoise waters, island churches, and dramatic views of the Julian Alps. Continue through Kranjska Gora with its crisp mountain air and smooth forest roads, then cross into the Soča Valley for a stay in Bovec or Kobarid, where emerald rivers, World War I history, and wild peaks define the landscape. The journey flows seamlessly into Italy, following vineyard-draped hills and quiet roads to Cividale del Friuli, where you’ll stay for two nights. Here, Roman heritage, Lombard history, and exceptional Friulian cuisine provide a warm, flavorful finale to a trip rich in nature, culture, and unforgettable riding.
Read more about owner, Robbin McKinney’s, cycling trip through Slovenia and Italy on our blog.
Slovenia & Italy Biking 6 Days
Bled
Bled
Day 1+2
Bovec
Bovec, Slovenia
Day 3
Cividale
Cividale del Friuli, Province of Udine, Italy
Day 4+5+6
Cormons
Cormons, Province of Gorizia, Italy
Day 4
Trip Inclusions
What’s Included
- 5 nights hotels
- All breakfasts and 1 dinner
- Luggage transfers
- Comprehensive Tour Details with detailed pre-trip information
- GPS routes and maps
- Orientation with our Area Manager
- Area Manager available on call throughout the tour
- Access to Loyalty Program and other exclusive benefits
What's Not Included
- Bike rental
Particulars
Departure Dates
| Start any date between May 15 and October 15 |
|---|
Total Days
6 days / 5 nights
Arrive/Depart
Bled / Cividale del Friuli
Activity Level
Moderate
Average daily distance: 30-55 km (20-40 mi)
Terrain
Slovenia is moderately hilly and there is the opportunity to challenge yourself on two mountain passes. Cividale del Friuli, Italy is less so.
Cost
Classic Accommodation: US $2,320
Single Supplement: US $580
Luxe Accommodation: US $2,700
Single Supplement: US $680
Bike Rentals
Hybrid Bikes: US $260
Racing Bikes: US $360
E-Bikes*: US $400
*E-bikes are generally available but are on an ‘on request basis ‘ and will be confirmed on receipt of your booking registration. E-bikes provided are the best rentals available in the region. Our regular fleet of hybrid and race bikes are fun to ride and light and fast, but if having an e-bike will make your trip, we’ll do our best to provide. E-bike rentals are non-refundable.
Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. If you have any questions before making your reservation, please contact us.
Getting There
You can fly into Venice, Italy or directly into Ljubljana, Slovenia and back out of Venice. If flying into Venice, it takes approximately 4 hrs by train to reach Bled. If flying into Ljubljana, it takes approximately 1 hr by train to reach Bled. Your trip finishes in Cividale de Friuli and you can reach Venice by train via Udine.
1
Day 1
Bled
Arrive to Bled from either Ljubljana or from Venice, Italy. We recommend arriving late afternoon to get fitted to your bike and take a warm-up ride to the nearby city of Radovljica, returning on a quiet bike path along the Sava Bhinjka. The setting of Bled is nothing short of spectacular — take a dip, or take one of the pletnas out to the island to visit the monastery. We have several restaurants for you to choose between, many with splendid views of the lake.
2
Day 2
Bled
Ride through Triglav National Park to Lake Bohinj, quite possibly even more beautiful than Lake Bled. There is an optional hike to the Savica Waterfall, which at 60 m is one of the most impressive sights in the Julian Alps. On your return ride circling Lake Bled, you can stop at one of the beaches or at the rowing centre, where world-class rowers train. Before settling into your hotel for the evening, visit the castle above town.
Distance: 43 up to 84 km; elevation gain: 445 up to 1,610 m*
3
Day 3
Bovec
Leaving Bled, you’ll ride to Kranjska Gora where you can enjoy lunch at the recommended gostilna. If you wish to get a lift up and over Vršič Pass (at 1,611 m), we have a shuttle option for you and you can enjoy the long descent into the Soča River valley. The afternoon ride to Bovec will surely rate as one of the most spectacular of your life. With the Julian Alps high above, the Soča River below, and Triglav National Park all around, this dramatically situated village is one of the adventure centres of the country. Rafting is possible, either on the afternoon you arrive or next morning.
Distance: 41 up to 81 km; elevation gain: 480 up to 1,700 m*
4
Day 4
Cividale del Friuli
From Bovec, you’ll ride south towards Italy, but not so fast. We recommend having lunch at Hiša Franko (Classic) or Cormons (Luxe) before continuing on to Cividale del Friuli. Arriving to Cividale del Friuli, you’ll discover a beautifully intact UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its central plaza is one of the most beautiful of any Italian city and yet devoid of tourists.
Distance: 48 km; elevation gain: 725 m or 91 km; elevation gain: 2,005 m*
5
Day 5
Cividale del Friuli
For your last day in Cividale del Friuli, we have designed options that range from flat to hilly. Our favourite ride dips back into Slovenia to wine taste and enjoy those quiet roads that wind through vineyards, past castles, and quiet roads with street-side fruit stalls and wine tasting opportunities. Or, from Cormons, pedal south to the Roman site of Aquiela and reach the sea on a longer, flat ride. Finish your trip with a well-deserved dinner at Orsone, opened by Lidia & Joe Bastianich (yes, that Joe Bastianich) or at La Subida, in their Michelin starred dining room. Over a glass of local wine, raise a toast to an incredible journey and memories that will last a lifetime.
Distance: 47 km; elevation gain: 350 m or 47 km; elevation gain: 980 m*
6
Day 6
Depart
After breakfast, depart at your leisure. Trains for Venice depart frequently, from Cividale del Friuli connect through Udine (travel time to Venice is 1 hr 50 min). From either Castle Spessa or La Subida, you will take a short taxi to Cormons and then train to Venice.
*Distance and elevation gains may vary depending on hotels chosen for specific departure.
Classic
Hotel Mangart, Bovec
An alpine-style hotel offering all modern amenities with beautiful views of the surrounding landscape.
Locanda Al Pomo D'Oro, Cividale del Friuli
This charming 3-star hotel is one of the best options in Cividale’s historic center and has been lovingly managed by the Picotti family since 1938. The guest rooms are modest in size, but the warm, welcoming atmosphere and ideal location—just steps from the central piazza—make it a wonderful base for exploring the town.
Luxe
Grand Hotel Toplice*, Bled
Overlooking the waters of Lake Bled, this 5-star hotel combines timeless elegance with a spectacular setting. Ideally located for exploring Bled, the hotel is just steps from the town’s restaurants and attractions.
*Closed until September 2027; Vila Bled will be used in the interim.
Hotel Sanje Ob Soči, Bovec
Hotel Sanje Ob Soči is a luxurious boutique hotel in Bovec, Slovenia, offering refined accommodations, exquisite local cuisine, and breathtaking views of the Kanin Mountains.
Alternatively, you may choose to stay at Hiša Franko in Kobarid. Please, indicate your preference upon registration.
Al Castello, Cividale del Friuli
This 4-star castle hotel is located just outside of Cividale del Friuli, with tremendous views over the countryside. There is a wellness center and excellent restaurant on site. This is our first choice because of the proximity to Cividale del Friuli and all its riches.
Alternatively, you may choose to stay at Castello di Spessa or La Subida in Cormons. Please, indicate your preference upon registration.
Tour Reviews
“Beautiful countryside and very welcoming people. Our Travel Advisor was great.”
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