We’ve combined some of the most distinctive architectural styles found in Czech Republic in this tour with what we consider the best little towns in Southern Bohemia. Historically important and rich in culture, most of the towns you stay in will be listed UNESCO World Heritage sites.
It’s easy cycling along rivers, and undulating barley fields and forests that surround the tiny villages. Some days you will be in the midst of tree shaded lanes in a unique pond landscape, others will find you along ridges skirting a valley. Fly in and out of Prague.
Tour type guided includes:
- 2 trip guides.
- 3-4 star lodging, van support, luggage transfers, and transfers to/from Prague.
- All dinners except 1, all breakfasts, all lunches except 2.
- Private group guides of most towns, picnics and snacks.
Your Itinerary:
Day 1: Heading south, the day blends cycling through sleepy hamlets and rolling wheat fields with long, gentle descents through wooded forests as you drop into the river valley. Country lanes meet with the river providing undulating cycling through blue-light forests.
Pull over to explore the mock-Gothic castle at Hluboka, the Schwarzenbergs’ private domain overlooking the Vltava river valley with its beautiful English gardens. Moving on, the route will take you along the river past the “real” Budweiser brewery then into the heart of Ceske Budejovice, with its second largest square in Central Europe. Stop off at one of the many open cafes to celebrate your arrival in style. Distance: 45km/28miles.
(L), (D)
Day 2: It’s a day of variety as you move further south, into the uplands near a deep river canyon. A thrilling descent through pine forest drops you at the foot of Zlata Koruna, a 13th century fortified monastery. Take a moment to explore its ramparts before moving on.
Soon the views of the Sumava Mountains appear. Riding the ridge, you find yourself cycling through shady beech forest, before a dramatic downhill entry into Cesky Krumlov, the most exquisite medieval town in Southern Bohemia where you'll stay two nights.
(B)
Day 3: Next day explore the winding alleyways on foot and get a glimpse of what a medieval town looked like. Eighty percent of the old town's buildings are part of this unique UNESCO World Heritage site. Cycle, river raft or relax on a sunlit patio. For those eager to explore, the Baroque peasant village of Holasovice, is worth the effort as the return is all downhill. Loop distance: 45-65km/28-40miles.
(B), (D)
Day 4: Moving away from the mountains you’ll cycle into Trebonsko, an area unlike any found in the Czech lands. It's a UNESCO protected wildlife biosphere and nature reserve cris-crossed with fish ponds and forest tracks perfect for easy cycling. At its heart is Trebon, a picture-perfect, medieval and minute spa town dating from the 12th century.
Take in the Renaissance chateau, which takes up a full quarter of the town and learn about its eccentric owner. Wander down the canals and join the locals for a quick beer at the 16th century Regent brewery before heading off for a superb dinner of the local fish. Our hotel sits on the pedestrian only main square. Distance: 61km/36miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 5: Cycle along flat forest tracks by fishponds within a stone’s throw of the Austrian border and across barley fields to the UNESCO listed town of Slavonice, one of the most beautiful and isolated Renaissance towns in Europe. Due to its sensitive proximity to the Austrian border, the Communist regime kept it cocooned from view for over 40 years.
Take in the view from the bell tower, wander among the fascinating 16th century graffito "cartoon" facades of the square and shop for beautiful ceramics at Mariz. Our comfortable hotel sits nicely on the main square. Distance: 56km/32miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 6: It’s an undulating day of pasture lands as you head north. Slavonice’s sister towns couldn’t be any different. Although they’re not as visited, the towns of Telc and Dacice bear remarkable similarities to their forgotten twin. The ride will take you into the heart of each, with Telc being the fairer of the two.
Telc’s odd, pie shaped square is surrounded by lakes, forests and the old walls of the fortress. Our hotel is directly on the old square. The castle is well worth exploring as are the grounds and narrow back streets. Distance: 35km/23miles.
(B), (L), (D)
Day 7: After a leisurely breakfast, you will be transferred back to Prague where the tour comes to an end.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Bike rental: $130/110 euros.
Single supplement: $350/275 euros.
Also see tour packages in:
Europe
Czech Republic
Bicycle Touring
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