Ljubljana: Lake Bled and Bohinj Tour with Savica Waterfall

If you’re dreaming of Slovenia’s picture-perfect lakes, lush landscapes, and legendary waterfalls, this tour promises an immersive day exploring some of the country’s most iconic sights. With nearly 700 reviews averaging a stellar 4.8 out of 5, it’s clear that many travelers find this experience both enjoyable and enriching.

What we love about this trip is how seamlessly it combines breathtaking scenery, knowledgeable guides, and flexible options—plus the chance to relax or explore at your own pace. The visit to Lake Bled with its medieval castle and island is simply unforgettable, especially with the option to paddle out to the island on a traditional pletnа boat. We also appreciate the peaceful vibe of Lake Bohinj and the dramatic beauty of Savica Waterfall.

A potential consideration is the extra cost for certain activities, like the boat ride or entry to the castle and church, which can add up if you’re on a budget. However, the tour’s core value is in seeing the highlights without the stress of planning, making it ideal for travelers who want a well-organized, authentic adventure.

This tour is perfect for nature lovers, first-time visitors to Slovenia, or anyone eager to see the country’s most scenic spots without the hassle of driving or navigating public transport.

Good To Know

• Stunning landscapes: The lakes, mountain views, and waterfalls are truly postcard-worthy.
• Expert guides: Guides like Luka and Maya bring the places to life with stories, tips, and humor.
• Flexible options: You can choose to swim, explore, or just relax—your itinerary allows for personal touches.
• Comfortable transportation: Roundtrip bus and van transport ensure a stress-free day.
• Cost considerations: Entrance fees and optional activities like boat rides and castle visits are extra.
• Ideal for all levels: Moderate walks and scenic stops make it suitable for most travelers.

You can check if your dates are available here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Start

Your day begins early with pickup from central Ljubljana—either at InterContinental Ljubljana, City Hotel Ljubljana, or French Revolution Square. The 8 to 8:10 am window helps ensure a smooth start. Expect a short, comfortable drive (about an hour) before reaching the first stop.

Lake Bled: The Iconic Jewel

The highlight for many is Lake Bled. It’s impossible not to be captivated by its emerald-green waters, the medieval Bled Castle perched on a cliff, and the tiny island with its romantic church and wishing bell.

We loved the way guides like Maya or Luka shared stories about the castle’s history and local legends, making the scenery even more meaningful. Reviewers often mention the opportunity to take a pletnа boat across the lake—costing about €20—though it’s optional. A few travelers, like Grace, also enjoyed simply swimming or wandering the lakeside paths.

You get around 3 hours here, which is enough for photos, a walk around the lake, and optional visits to the castle or church. Some guests recommend trying the famous Bled cream cake at a lakeside cafe—an indulgence well worth the calories.

Lake Bohinj: Peaceful and Picturesque

Next, the tour heads to Lake Bohinj, about a 30-minute drive away. This quieter lake offers peaceful views and fewer crowds. Travelers love the serenity here, with many taking the chance to simply sit by the water or walk along scenic trails. The Church of St. John the Baptist features striking frescoes, and the hike to Savica Waterfall is about 20 minutes one way, with some reviewers describing it as a moderate walk with a steep entrance point.

Reviewers like Amy highlight how the guide’s detailed explanations made this stop more meaningful, and the waterfall itself is dramatic, cascading into a lush green pool. The chance to hear the legend of Zlatorog (Goldhorn) and marvel at the mountain views of Triglav make this a truly memorable experience.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Savica Waterfall: A Natural Spectacle

The waterfall is a showstopper—its roar and spray make it a perfect photo spot. Expect about 75 minutes here, including some walking and a guided tour. Many say it’s worth the walk, with a few noting the 20-minute uphill trek as a gentle challenge.

Return to Ljubljana

After these highlights, the tour concludes with a comfortable 1.5-hour drive back to Ljubljana, with drop-offs at your pickup points. Some guests, like Victoria, appreciated the punctuality and smooth logistics, which let them unwind after a big day of sightseeing.

The Experience and Value

Guided Expertise

A standout feature of this tour is the knowledgeable guides. Many reviewers, including Amy and Ravi, point out how guides like Luka or Maya shared fascinating stories and insights, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing. Their humor, local tips, and attentiveness really make the day special.

Flexibility and Personal Touches

While the tour has a set itinerary, it’s clear that guides often allow for some flexibility. Grace enjoyed swimming instead of taking the boat to Bled Island, and Victoria appreciated the free time to explore the lakes extensively. This personal freedom, combined with guided commentary, provides a good balance for different travel styles.

Scenic Highlights

The visual contrast between the bustling Lake Bled and the tranquil Bohinj offers a variety of moods. Reviewers frequently mention how jaw-dropping the views are, with some calling Lake Bled “the image of paradise.” The waterfalls and mountain vistas deepen the sense of Slovenia’s unspoiled beauty.

Transportation and Duration

The bus and van transport are generally comfortable, and the total duration of 9.5 hours fits well into a single day. The early pickup and late return ensure you see everything without feeling rushed. The moderate walking and scenic stops make it accessible for most travelers, although some may find the uphill walk to the waterfall a bit challenging.

Cost and Additional Expenses

The base price includes transportation, a tour guide, and the Savica Waterfall entrance fee, reflecting good value considering the comprehensive itinerary. However, extras like the boat ride (€20), castle (€18), and church (€12) entry fees are paid separately. Reviewers often find these extras worth the expense for the full experience, but budget accordingly.

Overall Impressions

Most travelers leave feeling they’ve experienced a true slice of Slovenia’s natural beauty, with the guides making the journey engaging and informative. The positive reviews highlight how well the tour manages to strike a balance between sightseeing, learning, and personal time.

Who Would Love This Tour?

If you’re after a day packed with iconic sights and scenic beauty, this tour is a winner. It suits those who value expert guidance, appreciate stunning landscapes, and want an organized experience that covers multiple highlights in one go. It’s ideal for first-timers, nature enthusiasts, or anyone with limited time but a big interest in Slovenian nature.

FAQs

What is included in the tour?
Pickup and drop-off from select hotels and meeting points, roundtrip transportation, a tour guide, sightseeing, and the Savica Waterfall entrance fee are all included.

Are the boat rides and castle visits part of the tour?
No, those activities are optional extras paid separately. The boat to Bled Island costs about €20, and entrance to the castle and church are €18 and €12 respectively.

How long is the walking involved?
The walk to Savica Waterfall takes about 20 minutes one way, with some reviewers describing it as moderate in difficulty. The walk around lakes Bled and Bohinj is flexible, with plenty of time to relax and take photos.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, passport or ID, swimwear if you plan to swim, and cash for optional activities or refreshments.

Is this tour suitable for children or mobility-restricted travelers?
Most of the stops involve moderate walking, so it’s suitable for those with good mobility, but the uphill walk to the waterfall might be challenging for some.

What if I want to skip certain activities?
Guides often allow flexibility; for example, some guests chose not to visit the castle and instead spent more time at the lake. Just communicate your preferences with the guide.

Can I swim in the lakes?
Yes, especially in summer, the lakes are perfect for a quick dip if you bring your swimwear. Several reviewers enjoyed swimming at Bohinj or Bled.

What is the best time of year for this tour?
Summer offers warm weather and swimming opportunities, but the scenery is stunning year-round. Just be prepared for possible rain in shoulder seasons.

Final Thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded glimpse into Slovenia’s most celebrated natural sites, balanced with expert guidance and scenic flexibility. You’ll love the chance to snap stunning photos, learn local legends, and enjoy relaxing lakeside moments. While some extras cost extra, they’re optional and add depth to the experience—making this a worthwhile day trip for most travelers.

If you’re craving an authentic, visually breathtaking adventure that’s easy to book and thoughtfully organized, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s especially suited for those who want to soak in Slovenia’s majestic landscapes without the hassle of driving or planning every detail themselves.

Whether you’re visiting Ljubljana for a day or simply want to see the country’s highlights, this trip will leave you with memorable sights and stories to cherish long after your return home.

You can check if your dates are available here: