Day 1
Start Prague.
Start in Prague; we recommend booking an extra nigtht prior the tour or an early arrival to meet the group and explore the city's top attractions and wander through the alleys of the pretty Old Town.
Day 2
Transfer to Ceske Budejovice; cycle to Cesky Krumlov by the Vltava River.
We transfer 150km to Ceske Budejovice to collect our bikes. Our first day is a relatively short one to warm us up, as we cycle to Cesky Krumlov on the Vltava River. A feature of the old town here is the narrow, crooked streets and the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. There may be time to visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, one of the largest in Central Europe, which overlooks the town from its strategic position on a horseshoe bend in the river.
Cycle approx. 32km
Day 3
Ride through the forests and hills to mediaeval spa town of Trebon.
Leaving Cesky Krumlov behind us we head out into the hilly countryside. Our route flattens out as we enter the Trebon Basin, a lowland area of forests, meadows and lakes. Our destination is Trebon, a mediaeval town of Renaissance architecture, now also known as a spa town. There is also a neo-gothic tomb set in an English-style Park plus a good number of cafés and restaurants in which to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. Many local dishes here make use of the famous Trebon Carp. Transfer to our hotel in Jindrichuv Hradec.
Cycle approx 55km
Day 4
Cycle through the Trebon Basin along Greenways Trail to UNESCO town of Telc.
Today we pass a number of man-made lakes as we follow sections of the Greenways Trail, part of a network of hiking and cycling trails in the Czech Republic and Austria. Our ride finishes at the Renaissance town of Telc, registered on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in 1992. From here we transfer to Znojmo on the banks of the river Dyje, often seen as the gateway to the wine-making area of South Moravia.
Cycle approx 70km
Day 5
Cycle past vineyards to Mikulov.
Today's ride aims to discover the rich fertile flatland of the region of Moravia, home to an abundance of vineyards and wine cellars. We cycle until Mikulov, a real gem located directly on the border with Lower Austria. Worth visiting are the town's pretty castle, the town square and the surrounding architecture. In the evening we enjoy a wine tasting. Overnight in Mikulov.
Cycle approx 63km
Day 6
Ride into Austria through the UNESCO grounds of Lednice, the Versailles of Southern Moravia; continue to Poysdorf and transfer to Vienna.
Today we enter Austria through the UNESCO grounds of Lednice, known as the "Versailles" of Southern Moravia; we continue to the wine-producing town of Poysdorf, from where we transfer the final 47km to Vienna. Once checked into our accommodation Cycle approx 55km
Day 7
Free day in Vienna; morning optional guided bike ride around the city.
Today is free to explore the beautiful and historically imperial city of Vienna. It's old historcal centre is bursting with cultural, historical and architectural wonders and was the former HQ of the Hapsburg Empire.The city is brimming with sights for all tastes including the majestic Schoenbrunn Palace (summer palace of the Hapsburgs),the popular Kunsthistoriches Museum and Hundertwasser Haus as well as countless breathtaking churches, cathedrals and concert halls! No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to one of it's many famous cafés for coffee and cake or soaking up all the culture this city has to offer in one of Vienna's many parks or beer gardens. An optional guided bike ride around the city is available for those who prefer a more active morning.
Day 8
Follow the Danube Cycle Path to the Donauauen N.P.; into Slovakia and on to Bratislava.
We join the Danube Cycle Path, following a quiet route out of the city and into the Donauauen National Park, past the red-tiled turrets of Castle Orth and the chateau at Eckartsau. We cross the border at the town of Hainburg and enter Slovakia, winding our way towards the capital Bratislava, strategically positioned along the Danube. Cycle approx. 70km
Day 9
Morning sightseeing in Bratislava; cycle to the Slovakia-Hungary border and continue through Halaszi to Hedervar; transfer to Esztergom.
In the morning we have some time to explore Bratislava, wandering through the narrow cobbled streets of the charming old town of Slovakia's capital city. Due to it's strategic position on the Danube, it has previously been an important economic, cultural and political centre of Central Europe. Whilst the old town is quite compact, it is packed with beautiful 18th century buildings and sights such as St Michael's Gate and the mediaeval city walls. We then continue our ride and cross the border into Hungary, cycling through peaceful rolling countryside before arriving in Hedervar, a small village of around 2000 inhabitants. From here we transfer to our hotel in pretty town of Esztergom. Cycle approx. 58km
Day 10
Follow the Danube beneath Visegrad Castle, ride through rolling hills to Vac; transfer to Budapes; free time for sightseeing.
We leave Esztergom mid morning. We begin the ride with a 4km section of a cycle path alongside the Danube before joining the road. Our route meanders over rolling countryside and through rural villages until we reach Vac, where our cycling ends. From here we transfer approximately 45 minutes to Budapest. The remainder of the day is free to explore Budapest. Cycle approx. 45km
Day 11
End Budapest.
End Budapest.
