Vienna to Prague Cycling
9 days
From
$ 3199
Duration9 days
Cycle through idyllic European landscapes on this nine-day exploration of southern Moravia and Bohemia. Pass through picture-perfect towns from the seat of a bike. From the enchanting medieval towns of southern Moravia and Bohemia to the vibrant and cultured city of Prague, we cycle 25-35 miles per day past incredible landscapes. Our local guides lead the way, giving us an up-close look at this fascinating, ever-evolving part of the world. Our journey takes us through three towns with UNESCO World Heritage status: Telč, Cesky Krumlov and Holasovice. Each town brings its own old-world charm, pastoral beauty and friendly, local residents and artisans. Rolling hillsides give way to dense forests, magnificent castles contrast charming red-roofed villages, and sparkling lakes are met with vast skylines. Along the way, we stop to sample local breads, cheeses, salami, local beer or some of Moravia's famed wines. Evenings are spent winding down with new friends in European-style pensions, small hotels and country inns.
This tour is operated by
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Duration: 9 daysService level: Standard
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Physical Grading: Average
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Ages: 18+
Tour Gallery
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Vienna, Austria, the City of Music.
Your trip begins by arriving at any time today in Vienna, Austria. Transfer on your own to our hotel for the evening. Meals on your own.
Day 2: Bicycle into Moravia, with Renaissance mansions and Gothic castles.
Enjoy breakfast at the hotel on your own schedule, then meet with your guides at 9am in the hotel lobby, dressed in your cycling clothes, packed and ready to depart. Following introductions and a briefing, we transfer to the spectacular Austrian countryside to begin cycling. Our route takes us towards the border of the Czech Republic and into Moravia along quiet country roads. We overnight at a 13th century mansion formerly occupied by the Knights Templar, or we may stay near Lednice/Valtice on a former Lichtenstein estate, now part of the UNESCO World Heritage status. All meals included.
Van transfer: ~1 hour; Cycling: 25 miles; Hours in the saddle 2.5: Terrain: rolling hills. Optional cycling add 15 miles; hours in the saddle: 1.5.
Van transfer: ~1 hour; Cycling: 25 miles; Hours in the saddle 2.5: Terrain: rolling hills. Optional cycling add 15 miles; hours in the saddle: 1.5.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 3: Ride through Dyje Canyon and Bohemian villages finishing in Telč.
We transfer to Vranov nad Dyje, a small market town on the Dyje River that lies in the shadow of an impressive 12th century castle. We begin cycling in the Dyje Valley and continue to the picturesque Bohemian villages of Slavonice, Dacice and Telc. Surrounded by Renaissance, Gothic and Baroque buildings, the charming UNESCO town of Telc is our home for tonight. All meals included.
Van transfer: 1.5 hours; Cycling: 25 miles: Hours in the saddle: 2.5; Terrain: rolling hills. Optional cycling add 15 miles; hours in the saddle: 1.5
Van transfer: 1.5 hours; Cycling: 25 miles: Hours in the saddle: 2.5; Terrain: rolling hills. Optional cycling add 15 miles; hours in the saddle: 1.5
Meals: B, L, D
Day 4: Pedal to the spa town Trebon, near the spectacular Lake Svet.
We take time to visit the Telc Castle, then transfer to the town of Strmilov where we begin cycling to the fortified 13th century town of Jindrichuv Hradec. Our ride continues to the walled city of Trebon, a lovely town with an exceptionally well preserved historical core. Enjoy local beer, fresh fish and overnight in a quaint hotel located on the town square. All meals included.
Van transfer: 45 minutes; Cycling: 30-38 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3.5; Terrain: Flat and rolling hills. Optional walking towards Rozmberk Lake add 5 miles; Terrain: Hard-packed dirt road.
Van transfer: 45 minutes; Cycling: 30-38 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3.5; Terrain: Flat and rolling hills. Optional walking towards Rozmberk Lake add 5 miles; Terrain: Hard-packed dirt road.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 5: Take a relaxed ride through pastoral Bohemian landscape.
A full day of relaxed cycling through the pastoral Bohemian landscape surrounding Trebon is on today's agenda. We cycle past ponds filled with fish, forests of old gnarled trees and along winding roads with little traffic. We take time from our bikes to visit the elaborate neo-gothic Schwarzenberg tomb; the chapel of the crypt is occasionally used for classical music concerts. Following our ride you have the option of partaking in a peat bath in one of Trebon's renowned "spas". We overnight in Trebon. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
Cycling: 40 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3; Terrain: mostly flat.
Cycling: 40 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3; Terrain: mostly flat.
Meals: B, L
Day 6: Ride alongside lovely rivers and sparkling lakes to Česky Krumlov.
We ride our bikes to the UNESCO town of Cesky Krumlov. Not enough can be said for the magical quality of this ancient town; archaeological findings indicate a settlement existed here as early as 1,500 BC. The second largest chateau in the Czech Republic, the Castle and Chateau Cesky Krumlov is strategically located between the Vltava and Polecnice rivers. We'll explore parts of the complex's forty buildings and palaces, which is perched above the refined Renaissance and Baroque architecture of the town. This afternoon, your time is free to discover the picturesque narrow lanes and traditional shops of the Old Town. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
Cycling: 32 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3.5; Terrain: Rolling hills.
Cycling: 32 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3.5; Terrain: Rolling hills.
Meals: B, L
Day 7: Cycle near Česky Krumlov; explore the town or raft the Vltava River.
We transfer by van to the village of Cerna v Posumavi, where we hop on our bikes for fabulous day of riding. Our route takes us to Lipno Lake and includes a downhill ride into the village of Vyssi Brod. We visit a 13th century monastery and world-famous 17th century library. The river Vltava (Moldau) becomes our guide as we head back to spend another night in Cesky Krumlov. There are many options for the afternoon including a tour of the Krumlov Castle, rafting the Vltava as it winds through town, shopping and more. All meals included.
Van transfer: 40 minutes; Cycling: 27 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3; Terrain: flat to rolling hills.
Van transfer: 40 minutes; Cycling: 27 miles; Hours in the saddle: 3; Terrain: flat to rolling hills.
Meals: B, L, D
Day 8: Ride to Holasovice village and continue to Zoo Hluboka for lunch.
Riding from Srnin for our final leg of the journey, we cycle to the UNESCO heritage village of Holasovice. The Baroque farms with gables that look like lacework are masterpieces. A celebratory lunch at Zoo Hluboka provides a fun end to our cycling. We transfer to our hotel in Prague and say our good-byes to the guides, as the trip ends this afternoon. Breakfast and lunch included; dinner on your own.
Van transfer: ~2.5 hours; Cycling: 23 miles; Hours in the saddle: 2.5: Terrain: rolling hills to begin, mostly flat at end.
Van transfer: ~2.5 hours; Cycling: 23 miles; Hours in the saddle: 2.5: Terrain: rolling hills to begin, mostly flat at end.
Meals: B, L
Day 9: Depart Prague as our cycling adventure draws to a close.
Enjoy breakfast this morning at our hotel before departing to the airport on your own. Breakfast included.
Meals: B
Inclusions
Included
- All accommodations
- meals as noted in the daily itinerary
- cycling guides and support staff
- support vehicle
- bikes (24 speed hybrid touring bikes, equipped with a small handlebar bag for your camera / map and a water bottle rack)
- sightseeing as noted in the itinerary
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Accommodation
Hotels/Inns with private bath, 8 nights