Vienna to Prague: Exploring the Czech Republic
Day 1: Haussbrun - Valtice
Individual arrival in Vienna. Meet with CzechWalking guides at the hotel at 6 p.m.; dinner and general information about the tour. Overnight in Vienna.
Day 2: South Moravia
Palavske Hills Morning transfer to Lower Austria; biking towards the Czech border through lovely countryside whose hills are patterned with the regular rows of vineyards. Once in South Moravia, enjoy a number of Romantic-era sights of the famous Lednice-Valtice complex, created over centuries by the Liechtenstein family. The power and glory of the noble family are reflected in the majestic Baroque and Neo-Gothic palaces and monuments like the Colonnade, Diana's Temple, the Three Graces and others, scattered throughout the vast park and linked by vistas. Overnight at the former Knights' Templar mansion in Cejkovice.
Day 3: Around Palavske Hills
After breakfast, starting from the hotel, a ride around Nove Mlyny Reservoir, its surface mirroring the ruins of a medieval castle looming high on the whitish cliffs of the Palava hills. A visit to the museum of Dolni Vestonice, a world-famous prehistoric site with finds of small statues, the earliest artistic expressions of the mammoth hunters. Follow a comfortable road to Mikulov, the center of this wine-growing region with a Baroque château, the Dietrichstein Tomb, and a lovely square. Dinner and wine-tasting in a cozy wine cellar with traditional dulcimer music. Overnight in Cejkovice.
Day 4:Valtice - Telc
Cervena Lhota Morning transfer to Cizov. A stop at the remains of the infamous Iron Curtain is the perfect opportunity to learn more about the country's Communist past. Afterwards, a scenic ride through the undisturbed nature of the Podyji National Park. Passing the picturesque Vranov château perched atop a steep cliff, we will follow a pleasant road through woods and fields to Slavonice, a charming little town with sgraffito-decorated houses and honeycomb vaults. Transfer to Telc, a gem of a town with gabled houses on the spectacular 16th century square; overnight.
Day 5: Trebon Lake District
A guided tour of Telc château with its arcades, carved ceilings and exhibits of armor, porcelain, and hunting trophies. Transfer to Cervena Lhota; picnic lunch at this picture-perfect crimson château surrounded by a lake. Continue through the Trebon Basin, passing a number of lakes and weaving our way through meadows, woods, fields and ancient oak alleys. The area, a protected natural reserve, is a rare example of a truly healthy and harmonious relationship between man and nature. Arrival in Trebon, another picturesque South Bohemian town; overnight.
Day 6: Trebon - Cesky Krumlov
Cesky krumlov Setting out from Trebon, enjoy a ride on the dike of Svet, one of the largest lakes in this area. Pass an old brewery dating back to 1379 and the majestic Schwarzenberg Tomb. Follow a scenic road in gently undulating countryside, enjoying the lovely views of the Novohradske and Sumava Mountains looming in the distance. Today's destination is Cesky Krumlov, a real gem among Renaissance towns, with an imposing castle overlooking a warren of crooked streets lined by beautifully-preserved medieval houses. Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Day 7: Cesky Krumlov (day off)
Having ridden so many miles, everyone is sure to welcome the opportunity to take a day off. A morning guided tour of Cesky Krumlov Castle highlights its state rooms, the chapel of St. George, a special gilded coach, and the famous Hall of Masks. Attached to the castle is a unique Baroque theatre with a set of ornate wings and a complex mechanical system for changing scenery. Afternoon at leisure; wander around the town, take a walk in the castle gardens, or visit one of the museums: the Town Museum, the Marionette Museum, the Museum of Torture, or the Egon Schiele Art Centre. Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Day 8: Holasovice - Hluboka
Transfer to Prague, the vibrant heart of Europe, with dozens of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings alongside Art Nouveau and modern masterpieces. A guided city tour through the most noted sights includes the Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, St. Nicholas' Cathedral, Old Town Square, the astronomical clock, and the Municipal House. Remainder of day at leisure; overnight in a centrally-located hotel in Prague.
Day 9: Prague
After breakfast, we part as the tour ends. Prague is the culmination of our journey; we recommend that that you take a couple of extra days to explore this exciting city on your own.
Tour in detail and pricing
GROUP SIZE: 4-14 participants
Departure Date
Sun September 26
MEETING POINT: Vienna airport or your hotel in the city centre
Sun September 26
MEETING POINT: Vienna airport or your hotel in the city centre
Price
The all inclusive land price of this tour:
8 days at 2095 USD
455 USD single room supplement
Our price includes:
- all travel as noted in the itinerary
- all accommodation based on double/twin rooms
- 3 meals per day (starting with dinner DAY1, finishing with breakfast DAY 8): generally breakfast at the accommodation, packed lunch, dinner (consists of 3 courses and caffe)
- services of the leader(s)
- trip materials
- Rental of top quality trekking bicycles