Guide/driver for going through Julian Alps and Soca River Valley

I rented a car and drove it myself. Couldn't have been easier. Maybe consider that.

Did you rent a car for the day? Is that easy to do at Lake Bled?

Several agencies have locations in Bled, it's very easy to rent a car there.

If I need an automatic transmission is it important to reserve ahead of time?

My wife and I visited this area with Tina Hiti in 2014, and she was wonderful (her web page is http://www.pg-slovenia.com/). In fact we also spent a second day with her in the southwest of Slovenia. Tina is one of the guides on some of the Rick Steves tours (or was at the time at least). She picked us up in Ljubljana, but lives close to Bled. She works with other guides as well, if she is not available.

Thanks. I will try to contact her. And also look into car rentals.

It's important that you book well ahead to secure a car with automatic transmission, especially in peak season. A guided tour is definitely another option. There is so much history in the Soca Valley, from early medieval times right down to WW1 and a quality guide would definitely add a human perspective to the impressive natural sights.