A first-class bicycle tour from Vienna to Prague through Cesky Krumlov
This tour offers an ideal balance between recreational cycling and historical sightseeing. The cycling days are relatively relaxed, and include the Lednice-Valtice Area, Telc, and Cesky Krumlov – all UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
For much of the way you will hug the Czech side of the Czech / Austrian border, an area taken away from Czechoslovakia before WW II under the Munich Accords. After the war the whole region was cut off from the outside world for 40 years by the Iron Curtain, the remants of which you will encounter in several places. Medieval castles and chateaus, row on row of vineyards and wine cellars, pristine rustic villages and Baroque towns, are all there to remind you of the great wealth this region once boasted. Despite the great improvement in the fortunes of the local people and the development of services since 1989, the entire region still retains the aura of mystery belonging to a hidden, fairytale land. Add to that the best beer in the world, and safe back roads with good surfaces, and you have all the ingredients for our most popular tour.

DAY TO DAY ITINERARY

Day 1 – Vienna – Valtice

Arrive by train from Vienna (or Prague) to Breclav, just on the Czech side of the Czech-Austrian border. Our contact person will meet you as you get off the train, and drive you 15 min. to your hotel. There your contact person will brief you on the tour, and hand over the bikes and information materials.
Overnight in Valtice.

Day 2 –  Valtice – Lednice – Mikulov (31 km / 19 miles)

You will start your biking trip in Lednice-Valtice area (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you will ride on forest and field trails. Two magnificent chateaux grace the area, along numerous ‘follies’, romantic structures set in a harmonious way into the surrounding landscape. A paved road with little traffic then leads you to Mikulov with its imposing castle, historic square, the tomb of the Dietrichstein family, as well as the synagogue and Jewish cemetery, where the oldest tombstone dates back to 1605. Overnight in Mikulov.

Day 3 – Mikulov – Znojmo – Vranov nad Dyji (43 km / 27 miles)

Morning transfer by car from Mikulov to Znojmo. Then cycle through Podyji National Park with untouched nature, beautiful views of the deep, forested river valley and the last remnant of the Iron Curtain in Cizov. You can do a small detour to the Austrian village of Hardegg with its ancient castle and a sweeping view of the Dyje valley, and then the trail leads back to Vranov nad Dyji. Finish your day with the tour of the magnificent Baroque chateau in Vranov, perched atop a cliff over the Dyje River.

Longer cycling option: Mikulov – Znojmo – Vranov nad Dyji without a car transfer (99 km / 62 miles). Overnight in Vranov nad Dyji.

Day 4 – Vranov nad Dyji – Slavonice – Telc (46 km / 29 miles)

From Vranov skim the Austrian border to Slavonice, a forgotten Renaissance jewel with sgraffito houses. Then transfer by local train to the town of Telc, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its perfectly preserved town center.

Longer cycling option: Vranov nad Dyji – Slavonice – Telc without a train transfer (78,7 km / 49 miles). Overnight in Telc.

Day 5 – Telc – Jindrichuv Hradec (42 km / 27 miles)

Today you will cycle through the Czech-Moravian Highlands, through fields and forests so lovingly evoked in the music of Gustav Mahler, who was born not far from here. A unique stop on the way is the memorial in Kostelni Myslova to Jewish painter Frantisek Moritz Nagl, a local artist who died in Auschwitz along with his family. Finish the day in the old town of Jindrichuv Hradec, containing the third biggest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Overnight in Jindrichuv Hradec.

Day 6 – Jindrichuv Hradec – Trebon (29 km / 18 miles)

Take in the historic town and castle of Jindrichuv Hradec, then start cycling through the mosaic of ponds, woods and meadows of the Bohemia Lake District to Trebon, a medieval town whose walls are still largely intact. Enter the historical center through a gate in the old fortifications and across a moat, part of a unique water regulation system dating back to the 16th century. Overnight in Trebon. 

Cesky Krumlov

Day 7 – Trebon – Cesky Krumlov (62,4 km / 39 miles)

The last day of cycling leads through hilly terrain to the jewel of South Bohemia, the town of Cesky Krumlov (a UNESCO Heritage Site), situated on the banks of the meandering upper course of the Vltava River. Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.

Day 8 – Cesky Krumlov – Prague

Enjoy all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer within one day. The old town preserves a virtually intact and unparalleled ensemble of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures. Among the attractions are the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic and the oldest working Baroque theatre in Europe. Afternoon transfer by bus from Cesky Krumlov to Prague and taxi transfer from bus station in Prague to hotel included in tour price.

RATING: Intermediate

Some ascents and rolling terrain have to be managed. Suitable for beginners and experienced cyclists with a reasonable level of fitness.

AIRPORT / TRANSFERS

The nearest international airport is Vienna, with your return flight from Prague. There are regular buses and trains into the city centre for approx $15 one way.

ESCORTED TOUR SCHEDULE  & PRICE

Departure Dates 2020: June 13 (includes Five-petalled Rose Festival);  July 18;  August 15;   September 11 (includes Mikulov Wine Festival)

This tour includes: 

• Professional bilingual guide
• Accommodation in selected hotels typically of 3 star standard, always with a private bathroom
• Support van to transport tired cyclists and luggage transport from hotel to hotel.
• Buffet breakfast and dinner included
• English route descriptions
• Detailed cycling maps
• Town maps
• Global Positioning System (GPS) console
• Quality TREK hybrid bike rental
• Guided tours at chateaux, castles, museums and other select attractions
• Special events, including wine tasting and picnics

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INDEPENDENT TOUR SCHEDULE  & PRICE

Departure Dates: Independent tours depart every day from April to end October

This tour includes: 

• Accommodation in selected hotels typically of 3 star standard, always with a private bathroom
• Buffet breakfast
• Luggage transfer
• English route descriptions
• Detailed cycling maps
• Town maps
• Global Positioning System (GPS) console
• Transportation by car according to program
• Welcome briefing upon arrival
• Quality TREK hybrid bike rental
• Stand-by support (cell phone and contact person)