Travel story: Bled - Trieste

Arrival at Lake Bled

From the moment we arrived in Bled, our cycling vacation revealed its most beautiful side. Lake Bled rests quietly against the backdrop of the Julian Alps, inviting us to take a refreshing dip right away. It’s the perfect start to the days ahead.

With our Eurobike Cycling Plus rental bikes, we set off on our adventure. One of the best parts: while we soak in the scenery, our luggage is already on its way to the next hotel. That means we can focus entirely on what this tour is all about: cycling, exploring, and enjoying every moment.

Between the Alps and the Adriatic

What makes this cycling vacation truly special is its breathtaking variety of landscapes. Just after setting out, we leave behind the iconic views of Lake Bled and dive into the mountain world of Triglav National Park.

For the first few days, we decided to tackle the more athletic route options. Right from the start, we chose the climb up the Pokljuka Plateau, gaining nearly 800 meters in elevation through dense forests and alpine scenery. At the top, we soaked in the peaceful atmosphere and the impressive woods before a long descent toward Lake Bohinj awaited us.

We couldn’t pass up the chance for a refreshing swim there, either. Before getting back in the saddle the next morning, we jumped into the crystal-clear lake, perfectly cooled and ready for the day ahead.

The farther south we traveled, the more the landscape transformed. The towering Alpine peaks stayed with us for a while, but gradually, Mediterranean influences began to appear. The contrasts between mountains, rivers, vineyards, and finally the coast made every day a new adventure.

Turquoise Lake Bled framed by trees, with a small island church visible in the distance and forested mountains under a blue sky.

Athletic challenges for the ambitious

The route offers countless opportunities to rack up extra elevation, and these options are a big part of what makes this tour so appealing for us.

On our second day of cycling, we faced a choice: take the train through the tunnel to Podbrdo or go for the more challenging route over the Soriška Planina. This time, we split up. Some of us enjoyed the relaxed train ride, while the others tackled the mountain route, adding about 800 meters of climbing.

Later, we reunited and continued the second part of the stage together. That’s what we love about this cycling vacation: everyone can shape each day to their own preferences, yet we still share the journey.

Just before reaching Cividale del Friuli, we once again opted for the more demanding route. The climb was tough on the legs, but the views were absolutely worth it. On a clear day, you can even see all the way to the Adriatic, a sure sign that our destination is already within reach.

Female cyclist on bike path with wooden railings beside turquoise river near Most na Soči, green mountains and blue sky in background.

Grilled trout fillets with herb-seasoned potatoes, lemon, and salad on a white plate at an outdoor restaurant in Podhom.

Three cyclists riding on a paved path on Pokljuka Plateau. Wooden fence, green meadow, traditional cabins, and dense conifer forest under blue sky.

Historic stone bridge spanning clear water at Lake Bohinj with a church tower and mountains in the background under blue sky.

Clear Bača River with pebble beach and stone viaduct bridge in background, surrounded by green forested hills under blue sky near Tolmin.

Alpine village of Podbrdo with white houses along a mountain stream. Red flowers in foreground, forested hills and blue sky in background.

Soriska Planina village nestled in green meadows with traditional houses, surrounded by forested mountains under blue sky with clouds.

The Soča: Emerald Heart of Slovenia

One of the absolute highlights of our cycling vacation is the Soča Valley. The river follows us for miles, captivating us with its extraordinary emerald-green water.

Time and again, the route leads right along the riverbank. We pass through charming villages, cross the famous Napoleon Bridge in Kobarid, and soak in the views of the crystal-clear water.

With summer temperatures, swimming breaks quickly become part of our daily routine. Whenever we spot a perfect spot along the way, we park our bikes and enjoy a refreshing dip. Whether at Lake Bled, Lake Bohinj, the Soča, or smaller rivers along the route, water is our constant companion throughout this tour.

Turquoise Soča River flowing through a rocky gorge near Kobarid, surrounded by lush green trees and steep mountain slopes under blue sky.

Italian indulgence between vineyards and the coast

Crossing the border, you can feel the atmosphere shift. The mountains slowly fade into the background, making way for gentle hills, endless vineyards, and that unmistakable Italian zest for life.

Especially around Cividale del Friuli, the tour reveals some of its most beautiful moments. Historic alleyways, inviting piazzas, and the surrounding vineyards encourage you to slow down, soak in the scenery, and simply enjoy the moment.

Aerial view of glamping huts arranged along a curved path between agricultural fields near Cividale del Friuli, with a pool visible.

Modern hexagonal glamping pod with dark wood and blue windows in a vineyard near Cividale del Friuli, surrounded by grapevines and olive trees.

Sunset over vineyard rows near Cividale del Friuli with orange sky, trees along a dirt path, and distant buildings on the horizon.

Three cyclists with panniers riding on a paved path near Kobarid, surrounded by green meadows and forested mountains under blue sky.

Turquoise river flowing through rocky gorge with stone bridge, surrounded by forested cliffs and mountains near Kobarid under blue sky.

The final stages lead you through the Collio wine region, all the way toward the sea. With every mile, the anticipation for Trieste grows. When we finally reach the port city, excitement is in the air. On the last descent, we’re treated to a breathtaking panoramic view of Trieste and the sparkling Adriatic. After days of athletic cycling, arriving at the coast feels like a well-earned reward.

Naturally, our first stop is one of the designated swimming spots, where we dive into the Mediterranean and celebrate reaching our goal. In the evening, we indulge in outstanding Italian specialties at Ristorante Navigando, right by the water. Afterwards, we stroll along the harbor and through the lively streets of the city, ending the day in true Italian style with a gelato.

Colorful houses of Cividale del Friuli perched on a cliff above a green river, surrounded by lush vegetation under a clear blue sky.

Historic church with bell tower in Cividale del Friuli overlooking the green Natisone River, surrounded by lush trees under blue sky.

Female cyclist riding through vineyard rows in Collio region. Green vines line the road under clear blue sky with hills in the background.

Rolling hills covered with terraced vineyards in Collio under clear blue sky. Green grapevines in foreground, wooded hilltop in background.

Four cyclists riding on a paved bike path with wooden railing on the left and rocky cliff on the right, green mountains in background.

Wooden signpost with text 'Domačija Škvor Holiday House Galerija' in front of stone buildings in Robidišče village on a sunny day.

Narrow paved road through Robidisce with traditional stone houses featuring red tile roofs and flowering plants under a clear blue sky.

Three cyclists riding on a paved road through a small village with white houses, vineyards on both sides, and hills in the background.

Wide square with fountain in center, surrounded by colorful historic buildings in Gorizia. Clear blue sky and mountains visible in background.

White baroque church with twin green onion domes in Gorizia. The St. Ignatius Church facade features ornate sculptures and arched windows.

Four cyclists with helmets and yellow panniers standing with bikes on Barcola promenade. Blue Adriatic Sea and hills visible in background.

Canal Grande in Trieste with historic buildings, domed church, and boats moored in calm water reflecting the pink sunset sky.

Metal pan with ravioli and scampi garnished with herbs, served with white wine and water on a gray table in Trieste.

Conclusion

The cycling tour from Bled to Trieste blends breathtaking nature, athletic challenges, and Mediterranean indulgence in a truly diverse way. From the Julian Alps, along the emerald-green Soča, through the Collio vineyards, and finally to the Adriatic coast, you’ll experience a stunning variety of landscapes in just a few days. Optional routes offer extra challenges for ambitious cyclists, while the outstanding organization, including reliable luggage transfer and comfortable accommodations, ensures a relaxed journey.

What stands out most are the countless swimming breaks at lakes, rivers, and of course the sea, the spectacular mountain views, evenings spent together enjoying Italian cuisine, and that unforgettable feeling of finally reaching the coast after so many miles. This is a tour full of contrasts, shared experiences, and moments you’ll never forget - from the mountains all the way to the sea.

My favorite place

On the way from Tolmin to Cividale del Friuli, we made a spontaneous detour and discovered a truly special favorite spot. A suspension bridge led us right through the stunning landscape, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the valley below. It was one of those moments when you just have to pause and take in the scenery. Nearby, we found an idyllic swimming spot with turquoise, almost crystal-clear water- the perfect refreshment after our little adventure. An unplanned stop that rewarded us with spectacular views and a genuine vacation feeling.

Woman with cycling helmet on suspension bridge over turquoise river near Kobarid, surrounded by green trees and rocky cliffs.

Turquoise Soča River flowing through rocky gorge near Kobarid, framed by green trees with mountain range under blue sky.

Turquoise Soča River flowing through a rocky gorge near Kobarid, surrounded by green trees and steep mountain slopes under blue sky.

Wooden suspension bridge with rope railings crossing over turquoise Soča River surrounded by lush green forest and mountains near Kobarid.

Suspension bridge near Kobarid spanning turquoise river between white rocks. People crossing bridge with mountains and blue sky in background.