8 Days
From US $1,395
Self-guided Bled to Muggia Bike Tour
Picture starting your journey beside a glacial lake framed by alpine peaks and ending with a gelato by the sea in an Italian fishing town. This self-guided cycling tour leads you across Slovenia’s most diverse and captivating landscapes—from the dramatic Julian Alps to the gentle shores of the Adriatic.
Your adventure begins in fairytale-like Bled before you descend into the tranquil heart of Triglav National Park. Cycle through pristine mountain valleys, past waterfalls and alpine lakes, and along the dazzling emerald Soča River. Historic battlefields and vineyard-covered ridges await as you ride into Goriška Brda, Slovenia’s answer to Tuscany.
Each day offers something different: tiny border museums, medieval villages, majestic horses in Lipica, and limestone caves that plunge deep beneath the earth. From the wine-soaked Karst to the clifftop vistas of Socerb Castle, every turn reveals a new layer of Slovenia’s culture, history, and natural beauty.
You’ll cross into Italy just in time to relax in the sunlit streets of Muggia, where the scent of espresso and the sparkle of the Adriatic mark the perfect finale to your ride. This journey is more than a bike tour—it’s an immersion into a land where every mile is steeped in wonder.
Self-guided
casual hotels
Bled
Muggia
moderate
46km / 28mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 10
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU) or Trieste airport (TST)
Highlights
Lake Bled’s Alpine Charm
Start your journey beside Lake Bled, where an island church floats on turquoise waters and a clifftop castle watches over snowy peaks. Stroll the lakeside promenade, savor a slice of kremšnita cream cake, and feel the magic of Slovenia’s most iconic landscape seep into your soul.
Itinerary
Brief Itinerary
Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.
Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.
| Day | Place | casual Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Lake Bled | Hotel Lovec (4-Star) | |||
| DAY 2 | Bohinjska Bistrica | Bohinj Eco Hotel (4-Star) | B | 27km / 16mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Tolmin | Hotel Dvorec | B | 55km / 34mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Solkan | Hotel Sabotin | B | 46km / 28mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Solkan | Guesthouse Špacapan | B | 42km / 26mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Divača | Hotel Malovec | B | 50km / 31mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Muggia | Hotel San Rocco (4-Star) | B | 38km / 23mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Lake Bled
Welcome to Slovenia! Your journey begins in the fairytale setting of Lake Bled, with its emerald waters, clifftop castle, and iconic island church. After checking into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll along the lake’s western shore for postcard-perfect views.
Dip your toes in the glacial water or simply relax and breathe in the alpine air. Don’t miss trying the famous kremšnita cream cake at a lakeside café—best enjoyed as the sun sets behind the Karavanke Mountains. Your adventure begins tomorrow!
Day 2: Bohinjska Bistrica
Your cycling adventure begins with a short transfer to Pokljuka Plateau. From there, it’s a delightful descent through alpine meadows and quaint hamlets to the glassy waters of Lake Bohinj, nestled in the heart of Triglav National Park. Surrounded by towering peaks, Bohinj is wilder and more serene than Bled.
If you're up for it, pedal to the Savica Waterfall, where the lake's story begins. You can also take a cable car up Mount Vogel for sweeping views over the valley and Mount Triglav. Every moment here feels deeply connected to nature.
Elevation: +130m / -830m
Day 3: Tolmin
This morning offers two choices: take on the scenic Sorica Pass for panoramic mountain views, or ride the train through the Bohinj Tunnel to save your legs for later. Either way, you’ll descend into a narrow valley where the emerald Soča River bursts from the mountains.
Let the river guide you past serene forests and sleepy hamlets. Stop for a swim in its impossibly clear waters or discover a curious monument dedicated to military cooks—a quirky tribute in this peaceful landscape. Today’s ride is a perfect blend of adrenaline, beauty, and unexpected stories.
Elevation: +200m / -510m
Day 4: Solkan
Today, a car transfer whisks you up to the Kolovrat Saddle, once a fierce WWI battlefield and now an open-air museum with jaw-dropping views of the Soča Valley. Then, hop back on your bike and glide past ridgelines, vineyards, and timeworn villages. In one such village, you might meet Mrs. Josephine, who runs a tiny pub from a bygone era—a perfect place for a cool drink in the shade.
Ride onward to the beautifully restored medieval village of Šmartno, nestled among the vineyards of Goriška Brda. Later, cross a cycling path that sneaks through Italy and admire the world’s largest stone-arch railway bridge.
Elevation: +470m / -1.4m
Day 5: Solkan
Today you ride through a landscape where history and borders intertwine.
First up: the town of Gorizia, once split by the Iron Curtain. At its border-side train station, visit the Curtain Museum to understand how the town was divided. Pedal past the world’s tiniest military museum—a former Yugoslav outpost—then climb to the Kostanjevica Monastery, the final resting place of France’s last king.
Finally, enter the limestone terrain of the Karst region, where red soil nourishes excellent wine and prosciutto. This evening, enjoy a tasting in a peaceful village surrounded by vineyards and rustic charm.
Elevation: +550m / -370m
Day 6: Divača
Your route today winds past Sežana’s botanical gardens before arriving at Lipica Stud Farm, home to the majestic white Lipizzaner horses. These noble animals, famous for their grace and power, have performed at Vienna’s Spanish Riding School for centuries. Take a carriage ride, tour their stables, or watch a show.
If time allows, drop by the unusual War Museum in Lokev, housed in a medieval village tower. As you roll into Divača, you’ll have the sense of having travelled through both history and myth.
Elevation: +610m / -440m
Day 7: Muggia
Start your final ride with a visit to the stunning Škocjan Caves, a UNESCO World Heritage site of vast caverns and underground rivers. Then yoi further climb towards Socerb Castle for a sweeping view of the Gulf of Trieste. From here, you descend toward the Adriatic Sea and into the Italian town of Muggia.
With its colorful old town, coastal charm, and cheerful piazzas, Muggia is a gentle landing after a week of wild landscapes. End your day with a gelato or take a short trip into nearby Trieste, a city full of elegance, history, and sea breezes.
Elevation: +350m / -780m
Day 8: Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast by the sea before saying goodbye. Your unforgettable journey through Slovenia’s alpine peaks, river valleys, vineyards, and coast comes to a close. Buon viaggio!
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $400
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $220
Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?
Open your date as a join-in tour or customize further as a private one.
Essential Info
Inclusions
LODGING
All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).
bike
Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.
Luggage Transfer
Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.
meals
Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.
Exclusions
Airport pickup and drop
We recommend to book direclty from airport or hotel.
Beverages
Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.
Gratuity
Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.
Bikes
When you have a road and the thrill of a journey ahead of you, it’s imperative to have a good bike to enjoy it. Our fleet majorly consist of the below bikes as a part of this tour. However, sometimes due to height or availability constraints, we may provide a different but similar quality bike.
TREK FX 2 DISC MID-STEP GEN 3 or similar
Included in your trip price
TOURING BERGAMONT E-HORIZON TOUR 5 WAVE or similar
Available at a surcharge
Rock Machine Crossride or similar
Available at a surcharge
Arrival & Departure Details
Arrival
Your tour begins in Bled which is served by Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport. From the airport you can travel to Bled by bus which takes about two hrs with one change.
You can also arrive at Bled by train. Bled has two railway stations
-
Lesce-Bled on the Villach-Ljubljana mainline which is located four km away from the town center. After getting off the train, you can take a bus to get to Bled.
-
Bled-Jezero on the Jesenice-Nova Gorica sideline which is 2kms away from the centre.
Departure
Your tour ends in Muggia, just a few kilometers south of Trieste. From Muggia, you have several options for onward travel by plane, train, or bus:
By plane: The nearest airport is Trieste–Friuli Venezia Giulia Airport (TRS), about 1 hour away by car or public transport. You can reach the airport by bus from Trieste’s main bus station or by taxi from Muggia. Alternatively, Ljubljana Airport (LJU) in Slovenia and Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE) in Italy are both within a 2–2.5 hour drive and offer more international connections.
By train: Muggia does not have a train station, but you can take a local bus (about 30 minutes) to Trieste Centrale railway station. From Trieste, there are frequent trains to Venice, Milan, Rome, and other major Italian cities.
By bus: Regular local buses connect Muggia to Trieste, where you can catch regional and long-distance buses to cities across Italy and Slovenia, operated by companies like FlixBus and Arriva.
Weather
From March to October, Slovenia’s cycling season offers a refreshing blend of crisp mountain air and ever-changing alpine scenery. Spring (March–May) brings blooming meadows, cool mornings, and fewer crowds—ideal for quiet rides through valleys and forested slopes.
Summer (June–August) warms up with longer daylight hours, perfect for lingering at lakes and enjoying open-air cafés, though afternoon thunderstorms can occasionally roll in. September and October are golden months—less heat, more colors, and clear views across the peaks.
Outside the cycling season, November to February turns Slovenia into a snowy wonderland. Many mountain routes are inaccessible, but alpine towns like Kranjska Gora buzz with skiers and winter charm.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Good
April
Good
May
Best
June
Best
July
Best
August
Good
September
Good
October
Good
November
Offseason
December
Offseason
Best
Good
Mixed
Offseason
What to Pack
Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.
Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear
- Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
- Padded cycling shorts.
- Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
- Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
- Synthetic cycling socks.
- Sunglasses with UV protection.
- Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
- Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
- Rain jacket or windbreaker.
- Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).
Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.
Clothing
- Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
- Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
- Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
- Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
- Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
- Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.
Other Necessities
- Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
- Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
- Plug socket adaptor.
- Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.
Pro Tips
- Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
- Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
- Pack light to leave room for shopping.
Luggage
Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.
Visa Information
Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:
- UK Residents: Stay informed by reviewing the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) Travel Advice.
- US Residents: Access vital travel tips and updates through the US Department of State Travel Advice.
- Australian Residents: Plan ahead with the latest updates on the Smart Traveller website.
- Canadian Residents: Find comprehensive travel and visa guidance on the Government of Canada's Travel Advice and Advisories.
- New Zealand Residents: Get practical travel advice on the New Zealand SafeTravel website
- Residents of Other Countries: Check with your government or local consulate for tailored travel advice and requirements.
Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.
Insurance
Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.
We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.
Can I use my credit card insurance?
Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.
When should I buy travel insurance?
Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.
Is proof of travel insurance required?
Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.
Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?
We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.
Frequently Asked Questions
The road surface is 98% paved, 2% unpaved
We provide an app-based navigation system that can also be used offline. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we will share the login details ahead of your trip. Since the app works offline, it helps conserve your phone's battery during use.
For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.
Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.
For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.
We provide 24/7 emergency support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.
The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.
Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.
Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)
Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.
Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.
You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.
The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.
Yes, we can provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.
Yes, panniers will be provided.
Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.
It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.
We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.
For answers to broader questions, please visit our Comprehensive FAQs section.
