Revisit the 'Velvet Divorce', 30 Years Later

Exploring the Czech Republic by bike | Petr Slavík

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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.

> View the 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.

> View the Hungarian Rhapsody cycle; e-bike upgrade also available

Danube to the Iron Gates Bike and Boat

The picturesque city of Passau, on the border of Germany & Austria | <i>Pat Rochon</i>

The bikes provided on our Danube Explorer aboard the MV Carissima | <i>Pat Rochon</i>

Cycling by the Danube river in Austria | <i>Martin Steinthaler</i>

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.

> View the Danube to the Iron Gates Bike and Boat; e-bike upgrade also available

The Greenways: Cycle Prague to Vienna

Riding bikes is a great way to reach castles in Czechia. | <i>Vlastimil Kotyk</i>

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.

> View the 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.