Ljubljana and Lake Bled Small-Group Day Tour from Zagreb
by Toural Travel
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This full-day small-group tour begins with a hotel pickup in Zagreb at 8am, traveling in an air-conditioned van toward Slovenia. The journey takes about 1.5 hours to reach Ljubljana, crossing the Sava River and passing notable landmarks like Castle Mokrice, a medieval fortress with ties to noble families and a Pet Shop Boys music video. The route also includes views of the Krško nuclear power plant, which supplies significant energy to both Slovenia and Croatia, and towns such as Novo Mesto and Radovljica. In Ljubljana, the capital of Slovenia, the group takes a walking tour lasting around an hour. The guide explains the city’s origins as the Roman settlement Emona, Napoleon’s influence, and its development over time. Key stops include the Dragon Bridge, named after a local legend involving Jason and the Argonauts; the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, a Baroque church originally Gothic in style with an optional entrance fee; the Triple Bridge designed by architect Jože Plečnik; and Prešeren Square, the city’s central square linked to the poet France Prešeren. After about two hours of free time in Ljubljana to explore local cafes and restaurants, the tour continues to Lake Bled. The drive passes mountain views including Storžić, one of Slovenia’s most dangerous peaks, and the Julian Alps. At Lake Bled, participants have an hour-long boat ride on a traditional Pletna boat to the island, where they can visit the Church of Mary the Queen and ring the fortune bell. The day ends with an hour at Bled Castle, a medieval fortress overlooking the lake. Visitors can explore the castle grounds, visit the winery, and try Bled Cream cake while taking in views from the castle’s position on a precipice. Included in the tour are hotel pickup and drop-off in Zagreb, transport in an air-conditioned vehicle for groups up to eight (or a bus for larger groups), a professional local guide, fuel surcharge, raincoat if needed, infant and booster seats free of charge, and optional seasonal swimming at Lake Bled from June to September. Meals, personal expenses, and entrance fees are not included. The tour operates regardless of weather conditions.
Highlights
What's included
What's not included
Itinerary
Zagreb
The tour starts with pickup from your hotel in Zagreb at 8am. You depart the city and begin a drive lasting about 1.5 hours toward Ljubljana, crossing the Sava River as you leave Croatia.
Sava River
Crossing the Sava River marks the exit from Zagreb and the start of the journey into Slovenia.
Castle Mokrice
Before crossing the border, the route passes Castle Mokrice, a medieval fortress on a hill dating back to the 15th century. The castle housed noble families including the Auerspergs and was featured in a Pet Shop Boys music video.
Krsko
Driving past the city of Krško, home to a nuclear power plant built jointly by Slovenia and Croatia during Yugoslav times. This plant provides over 25% of Slovenia’s and 15% of Croatia’s electricity.
Novo Mesto
The route includes passing Novo Mesto, a river town known for its archaeological heritage.
Dragon Bridge (Zmajski Most)
A 15-minute walking stop in Ljubljana includes seeing the Dragon Bridge, named after a legend about Jason and the Argonauts slaying a dragon. The guide explains the bridge’s history and its role in the city.
15 min
Cathedral of St. Nicholas
The tour visits Ljubljana Cathedral, a Baroque church rebuilt from its original Gothic design starting in the early 18th century. Outside the cathedral, the Slovenian doors depicting the country’s history are viewed. Entrance is possible for a 2 euro fee.
15 min
Triple Bridge
A 15-minute stop to view the Triple Bridge, designed by Slovenian architect Jože Plečnik between the World Wars. The bridge is a key feature shaping Ljubljana’s urban design.
15 min
Preseren Square
The walking tour concludes at Prešeren Square, Ljubljana’s central square hosting major events. The guide discusses the square’s name origin related to poet France Prešeren and his love story.
15 min
Ljubljana
There is about two hours of free time in Ljubljana for visitors to explore on their own, including local restaurants and cafes.
120 min
Storzic
On the drive to Bled, the mountain Storžić is visible. It is known as one of Slovenia’s most dangerous peaks.
Julian Alps
The route features views of the Julian Alps, a major mountain range running through Slovenia.
Kranj
Passing Slovenia’s fourth largest city, Kranj, known for its medieval history and local sausage specialty.
Radovljica
The tour passes Radovljica, a small town near the Alps famous for its annual chocolate festival held every April.
Lake Bled Boat Ride
A one-hour boat ride on Lake Bled takes place on a traditional Pletna boat exclusive to this area. The boat carries visitors to the island where they can explore, visit the Church of Mary the Queen, and ring the fortune bell.
60 min
Bled Castle (Blejski Grad)
The final stop is Bled Castle, perched on a cliff overlooking the lake and town. Visitors have one hour to explore the medieval castle, visit its winery, and try Bled Cream cake while enjoying views from the castle.
60 min
Meeting point
You can wait in front of the meteorological post. It is possible for the guide to be up to 20 minutes late because of multiple pick up locations and traffic.
End point
You can wait in front of the meteorological post. It is possible for the guide to be up to 20 minutes late because of multiple pick up locations and traffic.
Languages
Cancellation policy
- Cancel at least 24 hours before start for a full refund.
Additional info
More things to do in Zagreb
- Zagreb Small-Group Walking Tour Featuring WW2 Tunnels with Licensed Guide
- Zagreb Private Walking Tour of Old Town and Downtown including Cathedral, Dolac Market, and St. Mark's Church
- From Feudalism to Communism - Private Tour
- Zagreb Lower Town - Walking Tour with Coffee Break
- Zagreb Unveiled Private Walking Tour with Local Guide including Funicular Ride
- Zagreb Classic Bike Tour with Local Guide