Czech Republic & Austria Bike (From Prague To Vienna) 6D5N, Fully Guided

TWO BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 2, Approx. 42km (26 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 427m (1400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 61km (38 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 610m (2000 ft)

Our journey begins at 9.30 a.m. at the elegant Hotel Klárov, nestled at U Železné lávky 567/12 in the heart of Prague. Seek out your guides in their signature attire and arrive ready for adventure, dressed in your cycling finery with a daypack prepared for the elements. While we whisk your luggage away to our evening sanctuary, you are free to embrace the path ahead.

Welcome to Prague, a city of spires and legends. We begin with a gentle shuttle into the soul of southern Bohemia, arriving at the charming hamlet of Alenina Lhota for a leisurely lunch. Following a personalized bicycle fitting and a brief introduction to the day's journey, you will set off into a landscape that feels pulled from a storybook. Pedal through rolling pastures and emerald evergreen forests, passing tranquil ponds and quiet villages.

Your destination is the historic city of Tábor, a place where dramatic history meets modern vibrance. Once a stronghold of conflict and conviction, the main square now hums with the inviting aroma of open-air cafes and the charm of local artisans. We find refuge at the Hotel Nautilus, a boutique gem where geologic wonders like ancient fossils adorn the rooms, offering a sophisticated yet homey retreat.

As twilight falls, we gather for an intimate welcome reception followed by a feast of regional delicacies at the renowned Restaurant Goldie. It is a time to toast to the adventures to come before perhaps wandering through the moonlit square, just steps from your door.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 24km (15 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 37km (23 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 427m (1400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 48km (30 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 579m (1900 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 71km (44 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1219m (4000 ft)

Today, we embark on a peaceful ride through the scenic, lake-filled countryside, with a stop in the charming village of Holašovice. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site, this medieval village is celebrated for its well-preserved South Bohemian folk-baroque architecture and a community layout that dates back to the Middle Ages. Lunch awaits at Holašovická Hospoda, a traditional Czech tavern where the family-run kitchen serves timeless dishes like svíčková (roast beef), kvetak (crispy fried cauliflower), and koláče (freshly baked pastries). Savour the flavours before hopping back on your bike and continuing to Český Krumlov, another UNESCO World Heritage site, and our home for the next two nights.

Český Krumlov is a beautifully restored town, with 82% of its buildings designated as cultural landmarks. Its medieval center is a maze of cobblestone streets, Renaissance and Baroque houses, quaint shops, cozy cafés, and hidden squares. Overlooking it all is Krumlov Hrad, a 13th-century castle that’s the second largest in the Czech Republic, featuring a pastel-painted tower that soars into the sky like a colorful rocket.

When it’s time to unwind, head to Hotel Růže, a stunning property adorned with 16th-century Italian Renaissance décor. The hotel offers a small indoor pool, a sauna, massage services, and a sunny terrace with views of the Vltava River and the lively streets below. In the evening, we’ll gather at a local restaurant for a fun beer tasting with a knowledgeable expert, giving you a taste of Czech culture—after all, the Czechs are the world’s top beer consumers per capita! For dinner, you’re free to choose your dining spot: perhaps a unique underground restaurant, a romantic outdoor bistro, or a riverside café with views of Krumlov Hrad lit up at night.

THREE BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. km (11 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: m (900 ft)
Level 2, Approx. km (20 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: m (1600 ft)
Level 3, Approx. km (32 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: m (2800 ft)

Awaken to a morning of exploration as you spin along tree-lined roads into a pastoral landscape, where lush fields and timeless hamlets unfold like a scene from a storybook. After a series of invigorating climbs that quicken the pulse, you’ll be rewarded with a swift, exhilarating descent toward the 13th-century charm of Chvalšiny or the serene expanse of Olšina Lake—the highest man-made lake in the Czech Republic. Should you prefer a slower pace, the sanctuary of the hotel awaits for a morning of tranquil relaxation; the choice is entirely yours.

For those who remain in the saddle, the journey back to Český Krumlov traces the winding banks of the Vltava River. While this iconic waterway flows stately and wide through Prague, here it is a spirited ribbon of white water darting through ancient woodlands. Upon your return, enjoy a leisurely lunch in town before an afternoon of personal discovery. You might lose yourself in the evocative works of the Egon Schiele Museum or simply wander through the castle’s majestic courtyards, perhaps savoring a warm trdelník ice cream as the sun begins to dip.

As evening settles over the cobblestones, join a local friend for an engaging conversation on the rich tapestry of Czech history and culture. We’ll conclude the day with an elegant stroll through the Old Town, leading to a festive dinner where you will indulge in a curated array of exquisite grilled specialties.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 16km (10 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 152m (500 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 23km (14 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 427m (1400 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 58km (36 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 610m (2000 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 71km (44 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1097m (3600 ft)

Bid farewell to the enchanting Czech Republic as our journey carries you across the border into Austria's Waldviertel, a landscape of rolling, pine-clad hills. What was once a formal checkpoint now stands as a quiet marker of passage between worlds. Our first Austrian interlude takes us to Ottenstein, where we’ll savour a delightful picnic lunch at a 17th-century castle, gathering strength for the ride ahead.

From here, your path unfolds through quintessential Austria, a tapestry of deep forests, shimmering fields of corn and barley, and picture-perfect villages crowned with onion-domed steeples. As you cycle, admire the charming farmhouses, their windowsills overflowing with meticulously tended flower gardens. You may choose to trace the lush Kamp Valley to historic Dürnstein, following the gentle contours of the River Kamp as it journeys toward the Danube. Or, for a more spirited adventure, ascend a high ridge, rewarded with a breathtaking descent into the Wachau Valley through a sea of immaculate vineyards.

Tonight, we retreat to the only five-star hotel in lower Austria outside of Vienna: Hotel Schloss Dürnstein, our magnificent home for the next two nights. Housed within a 17th-century castle, this exclusive Relais & Châteaux property exudes a timeless, formal air, priding itself on its impeccably professional staff. Unwind in the pool or seek refuge in its quaint gardens. As dusk descends, we will venture into town for an authentic dinner at a local Heuriger—a traditional wine tavern—where family-style dining and a warm, convivial atmosphere await.

FOUR BIKING OPTIONS:
Level 1, Approx. 30km (19 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 213m (700 ft)
Level 2, Approx. 39km (24 miles), 2-4 hours biking, Elevation gain: 548m (1800 ft)
Level 3, Approx. 60km (37 miles), 2-5 hours biking, Elevation gain: 457m (1500 ft)
Level 4, Approx. 69km (43 miles), 4-6 hours biking, Elevation gain: 1067m (3500 ft)

Embark along the famed Donauradweg, Europe’s celebrated Danube bike path, winding south from the hotel. This iconic route, beginning in the Black Forest and stretching nearly 750 miles to Budapest, welcomes cyclists of every age and spirit. Ride past thriving apricot orchards, charming villages, and churches perched high above the river’s gentle curves.

Towering above the Danube is Melk Abbey, a Benedictine wonder and a luminary of Catholic Europe. Founded in the 10th century by Emperor Leopold and immortalized in literature, the abbey still flourishes, its restoration aided by the sale of a Gutenberg Bible to Yale. Explore its halls and gardens before a leisurely lunch in Melk.

In the afternoon, enjoy a gentle ride or shuttle back to Dürnstein. For the intrepid, a challenging detour through the Dunkelsteiner Wald awaits—forests, hamlets, and hills in their timeless splendor. Tonight, visit Austria’s oldest winery for a tour and tasting of its famed biodynamic wines, followed by a delectable dinner at the family’s on-site restaurant, where the bounty of local farmers graces every plate.

Level 1, Approx. 20km (12 miles), 2-3 hours biking, Elevation gain: 215m (700 ft)

If you find yourself yearning for one last ride, take to the saddle for a final cruise along the Danube. Cross the bridge to the town of Mautern, where the ruins of a Roman fort whisper tales of a bygone era, and admire vistas of the impressive Göttweig Abbey nestled among the Wachau vineyards. Or, should you prefer to explore on foot, a hike to the castle ruins overlooking Dürnstein awaits. From this vantage point, watch the Danube snake its way through the verdant valley—the very spot where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. It is here that one of the more vibrant legends of his story was born: when a lion was set upon him in his cell, the fearless king thrust his arm down the beast's throat, pulled out its heart, and ate it.

Of course, should the allure of a leisurely morning prove irresistible, you may choose to relax at the hotel, savoring a long breakfast before bidding farewell to your leaders and boarding the shuttle bound for Vienna.

NOTE: This itinerary is provided as an example only – prevailing conditions and local arrangements may cause variation.