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Czech Republic Bicycle Tours: Prague-Vienna Epic Journey
Day 1: The Hussites and Táborsko
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 Táborsko 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 45km/28miles
Day 2: Exploring Southern Bohemia
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 Hluboká, 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 České
Budějovice 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.
Distance: 60km/37miles
Day 3-4: UNESCO Heritage Sites and the Jewel of Bohemia
You will begin the day riding toward the stunning, medieval
town of Český 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. Entering
Český Krumlov is like going back in time. For the next
two days 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
cafés.
Distance: 39km/23 miles. Loop day cycling options: 30-60km/18-36miles
Day 5: Spa towns
and fish ponds
It's hard to leave Český Krumlov, but the next two 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 Třeboňsko region, approaching
the massive UNESCO 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 Třeboň, 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.
Distance:
59km/35miles
Day 6: Southern boundary
solitude
Start the day with easy cycling along the lakes of the
nature reserve. Shaded jeep tracks (4km) 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.
Distance:
68km/39miles
Day 7: Deep gorges and the Iron Curtain
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
Podyjí 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 sight as is your hotel,
comfortably equipped
with a spa and pool for those tired legs.
Distance: 68km/39miles
Day
8: Austria and the Danube River Valley
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.
Distance: 55km/32miles
Day 9: Into the heart of the Wachau wine region
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 Benedictine Monastery
of Melk reach for the sky as we cycle under its beautiful
Baroque ediface.
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 Duernstein, where Richard the Lion Hearted was
imprisoned. Our beautiful hotel is only steps from the
river and in
the heart of town.
Distance:
41km/26miles
Day 10: Approaching Vienna
After breakfast, you will
transit to Vienna, one hour away. There are convenient
onward travel connections for air, rail or to your hotel.
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