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Cycling Prague Vienna 10 Day
offered by supplier M10030 (view this supplier profile)
Key Information:
Tour Duration: 10
day(s)
Group Size: 6
- 13
people
Destination(s):
Czech Republic
Austria
Specialty Categories:
Bicycle Touring
Season: April - October
Airfare Included: No
Tour Customizable: No
Minimum Per Person Price: 2750 US Dollar (USD)
Maximum Per Person Price: 3300 US Dollar (USD)
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Starting in Middle Bohemia, you cycle through tiny villages, staying in 3-4 star accommodation in some of the most beautiful fairytale towns in Central Europe. Cycling into Southern Moravia, you ride thru protected, biospheres, national parks and Greenways, skirting old Iron Curtain outposts and Cold War pillboxes along the way. Then a short transit delivers you into the fabled Danube River valley of Austria where you will cycle above and along the great river. Your final day will be spent cycling through the gorgeous and historic, 1000 year-old wine-producing region of the Wachau where the tour will come to an end. A short transit will then take you into Vienna for your onward journey.
Mixed tour type includes:
- 2 trip guides, private group tours, route books, maps.
- 3-4 star lodging, transfers to-from tour, van support, luggage transfers.
- All breakfasts, all dinners except 1, most lunches.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Gather in Prague and transit to the tour start. The route takes you through relics of old silver mining towns and old villages as you follow a quiet river before pulling over for a picnic lunch. Soon you enter the Taborsko region, known for its fortified villages and rebellious past.
We'll get you into town early enough to explore before a private guided tour. But first, a quiet beer in the town square is reward for your day's efforts. For adventurous types, try climbing the bell tower for a stunning 360 degree view of the countryside and river. Your home is either an old gothic mansion right out of The Adams Family or a converted castle hotel. Distance 45 km/28 miles. Terrain: rolling. Difficulty: easy - moderate.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 2: After a climb out of the valley floor, you'll cycle along open farmlands. The day blends cycling through sleepy hamlets and rolling wheat fields with long, gentle descents through wooded forests to the valley floor. A coffee stop below the exquisite mock-Gothic castle at Hluboka, the Schwarzenbergs’ private castle overlooking the Vltava river valley, is a must stop before cycling the final miles into town. Soon the ancient town of Ceske Budejovice comes into view, the home of the real Budweiser. The old square is the second largest in Europe and is simply superb. Your 4 star hotel is in the old town, just off the main square. Terrain: rolling. Difficulty: moderate to easy. Distance: 60km/37miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 3: You will begin the day riding toward the stunning, medieval town of Cesky Krumlov, a protected UNESCO World Heritage site and jewel of Southern Bohemia. A short climb onto the local hills begins the day. The route is a mix of river, farmland and forest lanes with great views along the way before entering the gates of the old town. A drop back down into the valley floor takes you by a 16th century fortified monastery before the last 10km of the ride. Terrain: Flat to rolling. Difficulty: easy-moderate. Distance: 39km/23 miles.
(B)
Day 4: Loop Day in Cesky Krumlov. The town is like going back in time. Take time to explore the fascinating back alleys and stunning castle, the second largest in the country. There are optional rides on hand for the more athletic or relax at one of the riverside cafes. Loop day cycling options: 30-60km/18-36miles.
(B), (D)
Day 5: It's hard to leave Cesky Krumlov, but the next 2 days are unlike anything else in the Czech lands. After a climb out of the valley floor, it's along a gentle ridge which rises before dropping you into a cool forest. Soon you'll be cycling in the Trebonsko region, a protected wildlife biosphere and nature reserve. It's an area of over 6000 fish-ponds and has a unique industry. At the heart of it is Trebon, a picturesque, medieval and minute spa town dating from the 12th century. Park your bike at the on-square hotel and wander down the canals or join the locals for a quick beer at the 16th century Regent brewery before heading off for a superb dinner.
Difficulty: moderate, then easy. Distance: 59km/35miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 6: Start the day with easy cycling along by the lakes of the nature reserve. A 4km shaded jeep tracks open to gentle fields and open country as the route meanders towards Austria, only a stone’s throw away. The route takes you again into bike-only forest paths before emerging for lunch at a quaint forest hotel. The remaining day is spent cycling on ribbon roads before a thrilling descent leads you into the fascinating Renaissance town of Slavonice. Known as the most isolated town in the Czech Republic, it has a past as sad and beautiful as its sgraffitoed buildings. Your whimsical 4 star hotel is right out of Architectural Digest.
Difficulty: easy - moderate. Distance: 68km/39miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 7: As you get closer to the Austrian border you enter the dramatic Dyje river valley region, known for its deep gorges and stunning views. The Podyji National Park surrounds the area and is the summer playground of the country. An optional tour of the knife-edge Vranov castle, dominating the village is on offer after a picnic lunch. The stunning Baroque style Ancestor’s Hall dome is a must see for fresco lovers.
After lunch you'll cycle into the park itself. While only 18 miles in length, it acts as a natural border to Austria and has a number of excellent canyon overlooks. You can also visit the last remaining section of the Iron Curtain still standing. Only now it's a reminder of things past. The barbed wire, watch towers and raked "death zone" make for a chilling reminder of the Cold War border life. Soon the Austrian plains are within site as is your hotel, comfortably equipped with a spa and pool for those tired legs. Rating: early easy - then moderate with two 2km hills. Distance: 68km/39miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 8: A short transit takes us over the border into Austria. The land changes again as we cycle toward the Danube River. There's much downhill cycling to be had before a climb brings you to your home for the night, an authentic Austrian guesthouse nestled above the Danube valley.
Before dinner take a tour of Archduke Franz Ferdinand's ancestral home prior to his unfortunate demise in Sarajevo. Later, the stars and clear air make for excellent companions as we dine on the terrace. Rating: easy to moderate with a number of short climbs late in the day. Distance: 55km/32miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 9: Begin your cycling day with a visit to the most celebrated church in all Austria, sitting on a promontory with a 270 degree view of the Danube River valley. After a thrilling descent to the river, it's a day of relaxed cycling on the bike-only path as you cycle into the Wachau, the Danube’s most idyllic and historic wine producing region.
The golden twin spires of the superb Benedictine Monastery of Melk reach for the sky as we cycle under its beautiful Baroque edifice. After lunch, the route takes you through 1000 year old vineyards terraced onto the hillsides where the outdoor cafes beckon for a frequent tipple and strudel. The region is stunning any time of the year but if you want to see the grapes, come in September, when the locals are harvesting and wine festivals are in abundance. There's plenty of wine on offer so take it slow before you arrive at the stunning riverside town of Durnstein, where Richard the Lion Hearted was imprisoned. Our beautiful hotel is only steps from the river and in the heart of town. Rating: easy and flat. Distance: 41km/26miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 10: After breakfast, you will transit to Vienna, one hour away. There are convenient onward travel connections for air, rail or to your hotel.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Bike rental: $150/125 euros.
Single supplement: $550/400 euros.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Czech Republic
Austria
Bicycle Touring
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