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Revisit the 'Velvet Divorce', 30 Years Later
2023 marked the 30th anniversary of the Dissolution of Czechoslovakia: also known as the ‘Velvet Divorce’ – to this day it remains the only former socialist state to have had an entirely peaceful separation – it resulted in the creation of two independent countries, the
Czech Republic (Czechia) and
Slovakia.
UTracks offers a number of cycling trips that will immerse you in central Europe’s lively history. E-bike options are available on all trips to make the journey physically easier (but without taking away from the adventurous spirit!).
Czech Castles Cycle
A cycle that takes you from the UNESCO-protected medieval town of Cesky Krumlov to Czech Republic’s romantic capital, Prague. Follow the country’s longest river as you cycle a paved route on quiet country roads, through untouched forests and along historic buildings and grand, imposing castles. Trip highlights include Pisek, where you can see the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic, and Ceske Budejovice, the city that inspired the naming of Budweiser beer.
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Czech Castles Cycle; e-bike upgrade also available
Hungarian Rhapsody
Take in a performance of the ‘Blue Danube’ waltz, the melody that evokes Vienna the world over, before you start your cycle into northern Austria and Slovakia, where vineyards climb the slopes of the Little Carpathian Mountains and baroque architecture is ever-present. Wind past picturesque towns and communities such as the unusual artist village of Szentendre before reaching the capital of Hungary, where Sissi’s favourite palace towers high above the Danube.
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Hungarian Rhapsody cycle; e-bike upgrade also available
Danube to the Iron Gates Bike and Boat
A family-friendly, boat-based trip that lets you experience at your own pace life along one of Europe’s most important rivers and the surrounding peaceful countryside. On your way to the mighty canyon of the Iron Gates National Park on the Romanian border, over two weeks you will marvel at imposing fortifications that sit high above the river and take in four capital cities: elegant Vienna, picturesque Bratislava, majestic Budapest, and revived Belgrade.
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Danube to the Iron Gates Bike and Boat; e-bike upgrade also available
The Greenways: Cycle Prague to Vienna
The Greenways cycle trails are a collection of routes linking Prague and Vienna. The trip follows the section south of the Czech Republic’s capital, from the hills of Cesky Krumlov (famous for its UNESCO-protected historic centre) to the east along the Austrian border. Passing numerous medieval towns where castles and impressive squares dominate, the route traverses forested national parks before heading south through Austria’s wine country towards Vienna. It's possible to cycle this route self-guided or to join a small group and expert guide.
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Greenways: Cycle Prague to Vienna - Self-Guided; e-bike upgrade also available
> View the
Greenways: Cycle Prague to Vienna - Guided; e-bike upgrade also available
Have you explored the Czech Republic and Slovakia before? Let us know in the comments.