The Bled and Beyond Route is suitable for cyclists of all abilities. It's a great route for groups because the scenery is magical & you will want to share it with your friends. You will average 50km a day on this tour, however we can change daily routes to suit you or members of your groups abilities.
Day 1 - Arrival - Ljubljana.
Welcome to your Simply Cycling Slovenia Holiday and Slovenia's capital and largest city which also happens to be one of Europe's greenest and safest capitals. Car traffic is restricted in the centre, leaving the leafy banks of the emerald-green Ljubljanica River, which flows through the city's heart, free for pedestrians and cyclists. Once you have been collected from the airport, you will be driven to your city center hotel which is situated in the old town, close to the river, cafes, restaurants and shops. Today is a day for relaxing and settling in. Your bikes will be waiting, cleaned, oiled and ready to go in the hotel garage. We will have a brief meeting to discuss your routes and your capabilities so that we can adapt any routes to your needs. Our self guiding tourists will be introduced to their Garmin GPS system and maps.Day 2 - Ljubljana - Kamnik.
The route goes through the heart of the capital city Ljubljana following designated cycling paths. The route keeps close to Ljubljanica river. What will surprise you is that despite the fact that you are in a capital city, you will rarely see a car. Our route takes us to the end of the Ljubljanica river where it meets the river Drava. As you leave the city you are surrounded by beautiful lush green countryside where you will have views of the mountains in the distance. This evenings accommodation is within a converted barn which has been transformed into a boutique hotel. The adjoining restaurant is renowned for it's excellent homemade desserts and selection of superior quality wines. You will spend two nights here!Day 3 - Kamnik (Round trip).
There are two routes to choose from today. For those riders who like a challenge and who feel like conquering a 1166 meter climb then we have the route for you. The climb is obviously challenging but hugely rewarding as the route and views are simply stunning (Oh and don't forgot the THRILL of the descent to look forward to). You will pass through alpine forests and Karst rock, but will eventually reach the mountain plateau of Velika Planina. Velika Planina has been used for centuries for grazing animals, mostly cattle. Once at the top you can explore the herdsmen's settlement & feel the simple way of the herdsmen's life. You will be able to taste home made dairy products, pine needle schnapps hot chocolate or indulge in home made Goulash while you admire the unique architecture of the cottages, as well as take in the 360 degree views which define Velika Planina. To give you an idea of what's in store, check this short video. For riders who prefer an easier route to Velika Planina, a short cycle to Bela Bistrica will enable you to take the cable car to the top.
Day 4 - Kamnik to Škofja Loka.
Today the cycling will be mainly across picturesque flat-lands as you head towards Škofja Loka, one of Slovenia's oldest towns. When you ride this route you will really appreciate just how lush & green Slovenia is as the countryside opens up around you. Most of our cycling tourists comment at this stage how pretty and well looked after the little villages are which they are passing through and that Slovene people must be very proud people & that they care a lot for their enviroment. To give you an incite into today's destination, simply check out this short video. Tonight's hotel is located in the old town of Škofja Loka, close to most of the local tourist attractions. It is situated in a quiet, romantic location by the river, with a view of the castle.
Day 5 - Škofja Loka - Lake Bohinj.
The host of last nights accommodation, Igor will usually wave you off this morning. Igor has become a bit of a legend with the SCS cycling tourists due to his genial giant nature. Today's cycle route takes you between two mountains. The further you travel, the closer together the mountains become. As with many of daily routes, today you or your group members can choose between an 'over the top' or through the valley. The valley route follows the Selška Sora river which is well inhabited by trout, predominantly brown trout and rainbow trout. Eventally the tour takes you to a junction. If you decide to take a right, you will need professional climbing equipment, however, no one has tried this route so far. Therefore we shall turn left and take the train through the mountain. Once off the train, its back onto the saddle where you will follow the river to my favorite lake in the whole of Slovenia, Lake Bohinj. And to make the most of the lake view, the balcony of tonight's accommodation will over look Lake Bohinj.
Day 6 - Bohinj - Bled.
You will find it very hard to tare yourself away from the magnificent Lake Bohinj. Your route today (between accommodations) is just 24km. The reason is that you will be heading for Bled, which is the most popular location in Slovenia, drawing everyone from honeymooners lured by the romantic setting to backpackers, who come for the hiking, biking, water-sports and canyoning possibilities. Yes, it's every bit as lovely in real life. With its emerald-green lake, picture-postcard church on an islet, a medieval castle clinging to a rocky cliff and some of the highest peaks of the Julian Alps and the Karavanke as backdrops. Most tourists like to take a Gondala across the lake to the church on the island where they can ring the bell and make a wish. You can walk all around the lake or cycle on traffic free paths. Tonight you will staying in a hotel overlooking the lake which is super quirky and which reminds me of a hotel straight out of a Alfred Hitchcock movie. As a bonus you can also use the facilities at the local thermal spa (pools & sauna) at no additional cost.
Day 7 - Bled - Ljubljana.
Our route today follows the river Sava towards Ljubljana. Today's route is gentle with only a couple of small hills. We shall pass through Kranj, Slovenians forth largest city before heading back into the countryside towards Ljubljana on cycle paths. You will have the rest of the day to shop, buy souvenirs or to simply sit by the river, sipping on locally produced wine, beer or good coffee. Ljubljana is a small but beautifully formed city.. Take a look here of what you can expect.