8 Days
From US $1,495
Self-guided Bled to Venice Bike Tour
This cycling tour from Lake Bled is a spectacular journey through Slovenia’s alpine wonders and into the heart of northeastern Italy’s coastal charm. Beginning in the postcard-perfect setting of Bled, you’ll explore glacial lakes, alpine meadows, and forest trails before descending into the stunning Soča Valley, famed for its emerald-green river. You’ll cycle across high ridges, glide through nature reserves, and even cross borders, both geographic and cultural, as you ride from Slovenia into Italy.
Each day unfolds with a new landscape and a deeper connection to the natural and historical richness of the region. Visit waterfalls, castles, medieval towns, and relics of World War I as you travel through protected national parks and picturesque vineyards. Once in Italy, enjoy quiet canals, Roman ruins, seaside resorts, and Venetian architecture. The route ends on the sandy shores of Lido di Jesolo, where you can relax or extend your adventure with a visit to Venice.
Expect a rewarding mix of nature, history, and regional cuisine, paired with comfortable accommodations. You will cover manageable distances, with optional detours and train shortcuts to customize your ride.
Self-guided
Casual+ hotels
Bled
Lido di Jesolo
moderate to challenging
56 km / 34 mi
6
Min. 2, Max. 12
Ljubljana Jože Pučnik Airport (LJU)
Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE)
Highlights
Bled & Bohinj Lakes
Ride between Slovenia’s most iconic lakes—Bled and Bohinj—both nestled in the Julian Alps. Enjoy panoramic viewpoints, peaceful waterside paths, and the stunning Savica waterfall.
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_plus Inns | Meals | Distance | Activity |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| DAY 1 | Bled | Hotel Lovec (4-Star) | |||
| DAY 2 | Bohinjka Bistrica | Bohinj Eco Hotel (4-Star) | B | 27 km / 17 mi | cycling |
| DAY 3 | Tolmin | Hotel Dvorec | B | 55 km / 34 mi | cycling |
| DAY 4 | Solkan | Hotel Sabotin | B | 46 km / 29 mi | cycling |
| DAY 5 | Grado | Hotel Diana (4-Star) | B | 65 km / 40 mi | cycling |
| DAY 6 | Portogruaro | Hotel Spesotto (4-Star) | B | 73 km / 45 mi | cycling |
| DAY 7 | Lido di Jesolo | Hotel Bali (4-Star) | B | 67 km / 42 mi | cycling |
| DAY 8 | Departure | B |
Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Bled
Your journey begins in magical Bled, nestled beside a glacial lake with its postcard-perfect island church and clifftop castle. Wander the lakeside promenade, hop aboard a traditional pletna boat to the island, or hike up to Mala Osojnica for breathtaking views. If you’re up for a short climb, Bled Castle rewards you with sweeping panoramas of the Julian Alps.
Day 2: Bohinjka Bistrica
A short morning transfer takes you up to the Pokljuka Plateau. From there, you cycle through forests and quiet alpine villages down to Lake Bohinj, tucked into the heart of Triglav National Park. Its glassy waters reflect towering peaks—truly a place to pause. You can cycle on to the Savica Waterfall, the lake’s source, or take the Vogel cable car for views of Mount Triglav. Bohinj’s serene beauty contrasts beautifully with lively Bled.
Elevation: +130m / -830m
Day 3: Tolmin
Today offers two choices: Tackle the scenic Sorica Pass on your bike, or take a train through the Bohinj Tunnel to skip the climb. Either way, you’ll emerge in the dramatic Soča Valley, home to one of Europe’s most stunning rivers. The emerald-green Soča winds through lush gorges and past quiet hamlets. Stop at Tolmin Gorge to spot the Bear’s Head rock and enjoy a peaceful forest walk. The descent into Tolmin rewards you with charming alpine scenery and a laid-back town to explore.
Elevation: +1.020m / -1.340m
Day 4: Solkan
After a scenic transfer up to Kolovrat Saddle, hop on your bike for a spectacular ridge ride with expansive views over the Soča Valley and beyond. You’re cycling near the border of Italy, where bunkers and battlefields whisper stories of World War I. Stop in Kambreško for a drink at Mrs. Josephine’s rustic pub, then continue past vineyards and hilltop churches. The day’s descent brings you into Solkan, located near Nova Gorica.
Elevation: +470m / -1.410m
Day 5: Grado
Today you ride from Slovenia into Italy, following a route steeped in history. Stop in Gorizia, once a divided city, and visit the museum detailing its Cold War past. Continue past the world’s smallest military museum and the Kostanjevica Monastery, resting place of France’s last king. As the scenery softens, canals and lagoons lead you to the Adriatic coast. Your destination is Grado, a sun-soaked island town with Venetian charm and endless seaside strolls.
Elevation: +210m / -300m
Day 6: Portogruaro
Pedal inland through the unique “Valli da pesca,” coastal lagoons enclosed by dikes and teeming with birdlife. Traditional fisherman huts, or casoni, dot the wetlands. Stop to watch the waterbirds or enjoy a picnic by the shore.
If you don't want to cycle the full 87kms for the day, you can always hop on to a train along the way (ticket not included) to shorten the distance to 59kms.
You’ll eventually reach Portogruaro, a once-prosperous Venetian town with elegant arcades and stately palaces. Its cobbled streets and Renaissance façades offer a glimpse into the grandeur of the Republic.
Elevation: +110 m / -110m
Day 7: Lido di Jesolo
Today’s ride takes you through fertile farmland and alongside the Adriatic coast. Stop for a swim at quiet beaches, and savour the breeze as you pedal west toward Jesolo. This lively seaside resort town is a great place to unwind, with easy access to Venice if you’d like to extend your stay. Enjoy the relaxed beachside atmosphere, sip a cold spritz by the promenade, and toast to the end of your adventure. Your final night is spent in a charming 3-star hotel near the beach.
Elevation: +90m / -90m
Day 8: Departure
After breakfast, your cycling tour comes to an end. From Jesolo, you can continue your travels to Venice, fly out from a nearby airport, or spend more time along the coast. Let us know if you’d like help with transfers or extending your stay.
Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.
Map
Dates and Prices
Single Supplement
From US $500
E-Bike Upgrade
From US $230
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
Bergamont E-Horizon Tour 5 Wave 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 Lido di Jesolo in Venice. You can take a direct ATVO bus to Venice Piazzale Roma, the main transport hub for Venice. The journey takes approximately 1 hour. From Piazzale Roma, you can connect to Venice Marco Polo Airport. It is the closest international airport, located just 35 km from Lido di Jesolo.
Another option is Treviso Airport, which is around 50 km away and primarily serves budget airlines. To reach it, take a bus to Mestre or Venice and then transfer to a shuttle service or train to Treviso. The full journey takes 1.5 to 2 hours.
By Train
There is no train station in Lido di Jesolo, but you can take a bus to San Donà di Piave train station (about 45 minutes) to connect to trains heading towards Venice, Treviso, Padua, and beyond.
Weather
The best months to cycle from Lake Bled to Venice are May, June, September, and early October, when mild temperatures, low rainfall, and clear skies create perfect conditions for long days on the saddle. Expect daytime temperatures between 18°C and 26°C with blooming alpine meadows in spring and golden vineyard landscapes in autumn.
April can be a lovely time to ride, especially around Lake Bled and the Julian Alps. While occasional spring showers are possible, you’ll enjoy quiet roads, crisp mountain air, and budding nature. Temperatures average around 12–18°C.
July and August are the warmest months, particularly on the Italian plains and near the Adriatic coast. Temperatures often rise above 30°C. While mornings are ideal for cycling, afternoons may be hot and humid—coastal breezes do offer some relief. Stay hydrated and plan for earlier starts.
By October, the air cools down, especially in higher altitudes near Bled or Bohinj. With temperatures between 15–20°C and fewer tourists, it’s a peaceful time to ride—just bring a light jacket for the evenings.
January
Offseason
February
Offseason
March
Mixed
April
Good
May
Best
June
Best
July
Good
August
Good
September
Best
October
Good
November
Mixed
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
This route is 90% paved and 10% unpaved.
75% of the route is along regional country roads, 15% on cycleways, 7% on main road, and 3% on street (town and city approach sections).
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.
