From Bled to Venice: Cycling Trip

Tiny Slovenia is a perfect destination for a cycling adventure. This From Bled to Venice: Cycling Trip takes you from the spectacular Julian Alps to the Adriatic coast, combining stunning nature, charming historic towns and cultural highlights along the way. Starting among the mountains, you’ll follow emerald rivers and scenic wine hills before crossing into Italy and finishing by the sea in Lido di Jesolo, near Venice. Suitable for cyclists in good physical condition.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN BLED

Arrival in Bled, one of Slovenia’s most famous destinations, situated on the shores of its spectacular alpine lake. Depending on your arrival time, we recommend taking a walk around the town and enjoying the views of Lake Bled with its small island in the centre. You can also climb up to Bled Castle, perched dramatically on a cliff above the lake, for magnificent views over the water and the Julian Alps. To start your cycling journey from Slovenia to Italy on a sweet note, be sure to try the famous Bled cream cake (kremsnita). Overnight in Bled.

DAY 2: BLED – BOHINJSKA BISTRICA

Stage distance: 47 km, ↑ 580 m, ↓ 560 m

Breakfast. Today you will enjoy one of the most beautiful stages of the entire journey. Leaving Bled, you will cycle towards the peaceful village of Bohinjska Bela, before following the course of the Sava Bohinjka River, whose intense emerald waters accompany you as you gradually enter the spectacular Bohinj Valley. The route continues to Lake Bohinj, the jewel of Triglav National Park, surrounded by forests, mountains and small alpine villages. After enjoying this unique setting, you will continue through the upper Bohinj Valley before making your way towards Bohinjska Bistrica. Overnight in Bohinjska Bistrica.

Short option: If you prefer a more relaxed stage, you can take the direct route from Bled to Bohinjska Bistrica, covering just 28 km.

DAY 3: BOHINJSKA BISTRICA – TOLMIN

Stage distance: 55 km, ↑ 1.020 m, ↓ 1.340 m

Breakfast. Today you will leave the Bohinj Valley behind and cross the Julian Alps over the Sorica Pass. The stage begins with a challenging climb, rewarded by spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and deep alpine valleys. From the high point, the route gradually descends towards the impressive Soča Valley, where you will follow the famous Soča River, renowned for its striking emerald-green waters. The landscape changes completely as you approach Tolmin, one of the main towns in the valley. If time and energy allow, you can even take a refreshing dip in the crystal-clear waters of the river. Overnight in Tolmin.

Short option: You can take the train through the Bohinj Tunnel to Podbrdo, reducing the cycling distance to approximately 30 km, ↑ 200 m, ↓ 510 m.

DAY 4: TOLMIN – ŠMARTNO – SOLKAN

Stage distance: 46 km, ↑ 470 m, ↓ 1.410 m

Breakfast. In the morning, a transfer will take you up to the Kolovrat Ridge, where one of the most spectacular stages of the journey begins. Here you can visit the World War I open-air museum, dramatically situated high above the Soča Valley and offering impressive panoramic views of the Julian Alps. You will then continue cycling along the ridges towards the Brda wine hills, one of Slovenia’s most beautiful wine-growing regions, known for its vineyards, rolling hills and medieval villages. The route passes through Šmartno, a charming medieval village surrounded by vineyards, before descending towards Solkan. The final section follows a unique cycle corridor through the surrounding landscape and towards the spectacular Solkan Bridge, famous for having one of the largest stone arches in the world. Overnight in Solkan.

DAY 5: SOLKAN – GRADO

Stage distance: 65 km, ↑ 210 m, ↓ 300 m

Breakfast. Today you will leave Slovenia behind and cross the border into Italy. The route first takes you through Gorizia, a historic city shaped by its former border, before continuing along quiet roads through the Friuli plain. You will cycle among rivers, canals and agricultural landscapes until reaching Aquileia, an ancient Roman city home to important archaeological remains and an impressive basilica. From here, continue towards the Adriatic coast and Grado, a lively resort town situated on an island and surrounded by an extensive lagoon. After the ride, take some time to relax by the sea and enjoy the atmosphere of this elegant coastal town. Overnight in Grado.

DAY 6: GRADO – PORTOGRUARO

Stage distance: 87 km, ↑ 110 m, ↓ 110 m

Breakfast. Today’s stage takes you through the characteristic landscape of the Adriatic lagoons, following an almost completely flat route through canals, wetlands, fish farms and small fishing settlements. Along the way, you will discover the traditional casoni, simple historic fishermen’s huts that form an important part of the cultural landscape of the lagoon. Gradually leaving the coast behind, you will head towards Portogruaro, an elegant medieval town with numerous palaces and historic buildings dating back to the days of the Republic of Venice. Overnight in Portogruaro.

Short option: If you prefer to reduce the distance, you can take the train for part of the journey and complete approximately 59 km by bike.

DAY 7: PORTOGRUARO – LIDO DI JESOLO

Stage distance: 67 km, ↑ 90 m, ↓ 90 m

Breakfast. Your final cycling stage begins today. Enjoy an easy and almost completely flat ride westwards towards the Adriatic Sea. The route takes you through the landscapes of the Venetian plain, following canals and passing through small towns before gradually approaching the coast. Finally, you will arrive at Lido di Jesolo, one of the main resorts on the Adriatic coast, famous for its long sandy beaches. After several days cycling through the Alps, valleys and wine-growing regions of Slovenia and Italy, it is time to celebrate the end of your journey by the sea. Don’t forget your swimwear!

DAY 8: DEPARTURE FROM LIDO DI JESOLO

Breakfast. Your From Bled to Venice: Cycling Trip ends after breakfast. Depending on your travel plans, you can continue onwards to Venice, the ancient Serenissima, and discover its canals, palaces and famous squares, or begin your journey home.