An unexpected journey to Bled
2 days with local guide + 2 days self-guided (4 days/ 3 nights) An extraordinary journey from the Adriatic to the Alps. Leaving the typical topography of the Karst plateau behind, an evocative train ride will take you through the Soča Valley to Lake Bled. A full but relaxed itinerary, taking you on an unforgettable tour of Slovenia’s most beautiful side.
Experiences and emotions in green Slovenia
Our journey begins with two full days on the Karst plateau, discovering its hidden treasures and ancient villages. As we wind our way through vineyards, we will pay a visit to large and small local businesses, stopping off at a family-run winery. We will take a trip to the impressive Lipica estate where we will visit the world’s most famous horses. In the narrow streets of the medieval village of Štanjel, we will visit several artisan workshops. As our Karst adventure concludes, you will have the opportunity to plan your own itinerary for the following days. We will inspire you to enjoy the best of Lake Bled, sharing our tips on how to experience this stunning location at its finest. You will arrive in this magical place by train, taking an unforgettable journey along the most beautiful stretch of the historic Transalpina railway. The Bled part of your trip is self-guided, enabling you to discover its wonders and seek out adventure and relaxation independently.
Route and details of the tour
Departure location
at 9.30 anywhere in the Trieste and Karst area (Slovenian and Italian). Please contact us if you are arriving from elsewhere.
Return location
Self-guided in Bled. The local tour guide will accompany you to Štanjel train station.
Day 1
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Magic and flavours of the Karst
Our journey begins with a visit to Lipica, the famous horse stud founded in 1580 by the Archduke Charles of Habsburg, which remains an oasis of tranquillity, a nature-lover’s paradise. Tree-lined avenues and oak groves lead to ancient stables while herds of white thoroughbreds roam freely on the estate’s green meadows, considered by many to be the most elegant horses in the world. A guided tour will take you to the park and interactive museum dedicated to the Lipizzaner horse. After the tour, we will take a gentle stroll through the tranquil and serene surroundings of the estate. The afternoon will involve a trip to the ancient Karst villages, experiencing a slower pace of life in which tradition and modernity coexist. The plateau’s charming villages are renowned for their well-preserved, ancient Karst houses and their numerous family-run wineries. We will visit a typical wine cellar to sample the famous Terrano wine along with other local produce, listening to local farmers recount stories of their daily lives. We will spend the night on the Karst plateau.
Day 2
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Štanjel – A medieval gem
The first part of our day will be dedicated to visiting the medieval village of Štanjel with its hilltop castle, which has overlooked the Karst plateau for centuries. Accompanied by a guide, we will visit the famous Ferrari garden designed by local architect Max Fabiani. We will then visit the oldest house in the village to learn how its inhabitants used to live in these lands. At the end of the guided tour, we will spend some time exploring the narrow streets, now home to numerous artisan workshops and local artist studios.
The evocative Transalpina railway
After lunch, we will head to the village’s small railway station to take the train to Bled. The second, self-guided part of the trip begins here. Before saying our goodbyes, we will provide you with all of the necessary documentation to continue your trip, sharing our tips on how to experience Bled at its finest. One way is by travelling through the Alps by train, slowly leaving the valleys and rivers behind to ascend the mountains. Soothed by the rocking of the carriages, you will cross bridges and go through tunnels, passing through pretty village stations and arriving at Lake Bled in the late afternoon. You may wish to end your day with a walk by the lakeshore or simply by relaxing in your hotel.
Day 3
Bled: self-guided experience
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
Lake Bled in all its glory
You will have the entire day at your disposal to explore the treasures of Bled, considered one of the greenest destinations in Europe. To minimise environmental impact, sustainable and self-guided tourism is favoured in this area and it is easy to get around independently. All of Bled’s main attractions can be visited on foot, while the island with its wishing bell can be reached by rowing boat. Slow travel will enable you to discover the real magic of Bled, which can be found in its finer details. You may find yourself passing the time on one of the lakefront benches looking out at the horizon or fall madly in love with the traditional Bled cream cake of the town’s patisseries. In summertime, you can swim in the lake or take part in other water sports. Not to be missed is the walk up to the castle which, overlooking the lake, offers unforgettable views of the lake and surrounding mountain peaks. The romantics may wish to round off their day relaxing in the thermal pools overlooking the lake.
Day 4
Bled: self-guided experience
Meals and accommodation
Highlights of the day
More time to explore Bled
Our services end after breakfast and check-out from the hotel. You will have the whole day free to explore Bled and its surroundings before continuing your travels in Slovenia or returning home. There are regular bus and train connections from Bled to the capital Ljubljana and its airport, while several long-distance buses serve various international routes.
What we love about this tour
Encountering Bacchus on the Karst plateau
The cobbled streets of Štanjel
Crossing the Soča River on the Solkan Bridge
The waterscape of the Vintgar gorge
Waking up on the doorstep of Triglav National Park
The reflection of the castle on the lake
Price per person
565,00 €
Group size
2 - 8
Price includes
Accommodation in double room; meals as scheduled: wine-tasting with platters at a family-run winery and dinner on the first day (drinks not included), breakfast every day; admission to the Lipica equestrian park; guided tour of Štanjel; private transfers for the discovery part; train travel to Lake Bled; local tour guide MaroWays for the discovery part; guidebook MaroWays of Bled; documentation for the self-guided part.
Price excludes
Meals not expressly mentioned above; drinks during mealtimes; medical insurance; tips, expenses and personal extras; anything not expressly mentioned above.
Supplements
During peak season, prices may be subject to changes due to availability at the time of booking. Any changes will be communicated at the time of the request.
Information
Important information
Please disclose any food intolerances at the time of booking.
What to bring
Valid ID for crossing the border; closed-toed and comfortable walking shoes; water; sunscreen; appropriate clothing (sun hat, cagoule, waterproof jacket, etc.); pack your swimwear; camera.
Weather
Excursions take place outside. Itineraries may therefore be affected by inclement weather. We do our utmost to best interpret the weather forecast. If, due to particularly adverse conditions, it is understood that a tour cannot go ahead or if the weather conditions may pose a risk to your safety, we reserve the right to modify or cancel the travel contract based on the provisions laid out under the Terms & Conditions.
Mobility
This tour is not suitable for those with reduced mobility.
More discovery trips
If you are interested in other discovery and self-guided trips, try looking at this:
→ Sea, nature and culture: from Piran to Ljubljana
If you are interested in other self-guided trips, visit our dedicated page.
Booking
30% of the total amount must be paid at the time of booking. The balance is due 30 days before departure. In the case of a reservation being made within 30 days of the departure date, payment of the full amount is required. Payment can be made by bank transfer or credit card.
Cancellation policy
In the case of cancellation by the client, the following fees will be applied:
→ 59 to 30 days prior to departure: 10% of the cost of the trip to cover the management costs
→ 29 to 15 days prior to departure: 50 % of the cost of the trip
→ 14 to 7 days prior to departure: 75 % of the cost of the trip
→ less than 6 days prior to departure: 100% of the cost of the trip
PHOTO: Pikakonec; www.slovenia.info – Franci Ferjan; Marco Coppo; Tomo Jeseničnik; Marijan Močivnik