Our 12 day adventure starts in the fortified town of Prague – a UNESCO world heritage site – set on the Vltava river, with its magnificent architecture, medieval lanes and impressive castle, the largest in the world.
The Czech Republic has an amazing number of very impressive castles; we start our biking from Karlstejn Castle on the outskirts of Prague and make our way along the excellent network of marked bike paths crisscrossing the country.Gently rolling hills take us from one charming town to another as we make our way to stunningly attractive Cesky Krumlov where we have a rest day. Continuing south we cross the now deserted border into Austria, heading for the Danube and then the picture postcard town of Steyr, set on the confluence of the Enns and Steyr rivers. Austria is very well served by off road cycle ways that are well used by both locals and visitors.
Heading for the mountains we have an overnight at Gmunden on the shores of Lake Traunsee. Our last day of biking takes us over the one significant hill on the tour to Kamersee and Mondsee lakes as we make our way to Salzburg, a grand baroque masterpiece set on the Salzach river. Here our biking comes to an end, but the city, with cliff top fortress and little lanes and cafes selling decadent chocolate cake, is very worthy of an additional few days’ relaxation.
Day 1. Prague.
Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with its setting on both banks of the Vltava River and its townscape of burger houses and palaces punctuated by towers.
Day 2. Konopiste.
Start from Kalstejn Castle, one of the most impressive castles in Europe, and cycle on one of the Czech Republic’s many cycle routes.
Day 3. Tabor.
Follow quiet country lanes, through attractive countryside to Tabor, one of Bohemia’s most attractive town squares.
Day 4. Hluboka.
The Tabor region is wonderful biking with its forests and meadows, streams and lakes and gently rolling terrain.
Day 5 + 6. Cesky Krumlov.
Cesky Krumlov, with its fairy tale castle, is among the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic and features on the prestigious UNESCO list of World and Cultural Heritage.
Day 7. Freistadt.
Follow the Vlatava River through the woods heading to the Austrian border.
Day 8. Steyr.
Follow an off-road cycleway along the Danube to Steyr, one of Austria’s most attractive towns.
Day 9 + 10 Gmunden.
Enjoy spectacular views of the mountains of Salzkammergut from the shores of Lake Traunsee, all achieved with very little climbing.
Day 11 + 12. Salzburg.
Bike over the one major hill on this tour to Salzburg, a small but very pretty city that deserves an additional few days.
Accommodation:3 and 4* character hotels that are well located
Included:
• Individual transfers airport – hotel in Prague
• 6x accommodation with breakfast in the Czech Republic
• 5x accommodation with breakfast and 3-course dinner in Austria
• Cycling guide, from 14 people there will be two cycling guides
• Support vehicle 8+1 during cycling days
• Return transfer hotel – bike fitting
• If more than 7 pax, two vans to carry pax from Prague to the starting point
• Bikes transfer Salzburg – Prague
• Two water bottles per rider
• RideWithGPS maps
• Pedaltours cycling jersey