

19-night Cruise & Rail: Slovenia, Venice, Istanbul & The Balkans
Aboard
S.S. La Venezia
From
Ljubljana, Slovenia
3 Sailings
Apr 30 - Sep 24, 2026
This picture-perfect lake is Slovenia’s most famous retreat.

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Overview
Lake Bled, a mesmerizing glacial lake nestled in the Julian Alps of Slovenia, is a destination that truly embodies fairytale charm. Its iconic emerald-green waters encircle a tiny island crowned by a picturesque church, while a majestic medieval castle stands sentinel on a dramatic cliff overlooking the lake. This enchanting scenery makes Lake Bled one of Slovenia's most recognizable and beloved natural wonders, attracting visitors with its serene beauty and rich history.
While not a port for ocean-going cruise ships, Lake Bled offers a unique "lake cruise" experience on traditional, hand-rowed wooden boats called "pletna," providing intimate access to the island and its spiritual heart. The surrounding town of Bled offers a delightful blend of alpine charm, culinary delights, and opportunities for outdoor adventure, making any visit to this Slovenian jewel an unforgettable journey into a world of natural splendor and timeless romance.
The quintessential Lake Bled experience is a ride on a traditional Pletna boat to Bled Island. These charming, flat-bottomed wooden boats are rowed by standing oarsmen ("pletnaři") and transport you across the lake to the island, home to the iconic Church of the Assumption of Mary.
Tip: Once on the island, ring the "wishing bell" in the church tower; legend says it grants wishes! There's a small entrance fee to the church.
Ascend to Bled Castle (Blejski Grad), Slovenia's oldest castle, dramatically perched on a cliff 130 meters above the lake. Explore its courtyards, museum, and printing press, and be rewarded with unparalleled panoramic views of Lake Bled, its island, and the surrounding Julian Alps.
Tip: The walk up to the castle can be steep, but the views are well worth it. There's also a restaurant at the castle for a scenic meal or coffee.
Enjoy a leisurely stroll or cycle around the entire perimeter of Lake Bled. The paved, mostly flat path is approximately 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) long and offers continuously changing and breathtaking views of the island, castle, and mountains from every angle.
Tip: Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours for a relaxed walk, or rent a bicycle in town for a quicker tour.
For the most iconic postcard views of Lake Bled, undertake a short but rewarding hike to one of the panoramic viewpoints, such as Mala Osojnica or Ojstrica. These elevated spots offer the classic aerial perspective of the island, castle, and the emerald lake.
Tip: Wear sturdy shoes for the uphill climb, which can be steep and uneven in places. The views at the top are truly magnificent, especially around sunrise or sunset.
No visit to Bled is complete without tasting the famous Bled Cream Cake (Kremna Rezina). This delightful local specialty, a light and fluffy vanilla cream and custard pastry, is a must-try. Many cafes and restaurants around the lake offer this iconic dessert.
Tip: The Park Hotel is credited with inventing the modern version of the cake and is a popular spot to try it with a view.
If time permits and it's open, take a short excursion to the stunning Vintgar Gorge, located just a few kilometers from Bled. Walk along wooden walkways suspended above the Radovna River as it carves its way through dramatic cliffs, culminating in the beautiful Šum Waterfall.
Tip: Vintgar Gorge can get crowded, so consider visiting early in the morning. Check its seasonal opening hours as it closes in colder months.



Aboard
S.S. La Venezia
From
Ljubljana, Slovenia
3 Sailings
Apr 30 - Sep 24, 2026


Aboard
S.S. Maria Theresa
From
Passau, Germany
1 Sailing
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Aboard
S.S. La Venezia
From
Budapest, Hungary
2 Sailings
May 2 - Jun 6, 2026


Aboard
S.S. La Venezia
From
Ljubljana, Slovenia
31 Sailings
Apr 2 - Oct 29, 2026
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included


Aboard
S.S. La Venezia
From
Ljubljana, Slovenia
62 Sailings
Apr 2, 2026 - Oct 28, 2027
Published prices from
per person*
taxes & fees included

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