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Regarded as one of Europe's most beautiful cities with its fairytale ambiance and golden spires, Prague is a fitting starting point to this grand cycle tour to discover the Bohemian countryside and idyllic river landscapes en route to the beautifully restored city of Dresden. The cycle begins by following the Moldau River to Melnik with its great wine growing tradition. It continues along quiet backroads and nature trails along the Elbe River, through classic scenery of hilltop castles, lovingly renovated villages, spa towns and during the last stage, through 'Saxon Switzerland' where massive Elbe sandstone formations have attracted rock climbers from around the world. From the devastation arising from WWII, Dresden has regained its former glory, with its impressive buildings including the magnificent Zwinger Palace.
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28kg of CO2-e PP per day
(169kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Arrive Prague
On arrival in Prague check into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to begin your exploration of this historical city. This is essentially a pre tour night with the commencement of the guided tour tomorrow morning. If you are arriving in Prague early, optional tours available from Prague are available on request, please ask our consultants: - cycle to Karlstejn Castle and back - operates daily except Monday, minimum 2 people - a walking tour in Prague (3hrs)
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Cycle to Melnik in the heart of the Bohemian wine growing area (58-70km/35-42mi)
This morning you will meet your guide and group, have an arrival briefing, bike fitting and short cycle safety talk. After receiving your bike, the group begins cycling from the hotel in Prague. Despite the first small ascent, today's stage follows a easy trail to the heart of the Czech wine region - the town of Melnik. Just before you leave Prague, you pass the Troja Baroque Castle and then continue north following the bank of the Vltava River. You will cycle past some very interesting rock formations and deep valleys with the castles in Nelahozeves and Veltrusy en route. Overnight in Melnik*, an old wine town at the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers. After the cycle you can relax with a glass of good wine or refreshing beverage. *or alternatively overnight in nearby Liblice
Meals: B,D
Day 3
Cycle via the Terezin fortress to Litomerice (50km/30mi)
Following the Elbe River (or in Czech "Labe River"), the cycle route leads out of Melnik past the Libechov Castle to the historic town of Roudnice nad Labem. We continue on the bend of the river to Terezin fortress. Named after Empress Maria Theresa, the vast fortress was built in the late 18th century covering an area of nearly 4km square and during WW II was used as a concentration camp. After a visit to the fortress, we ride another few kilometres to Litomerice with its beautiful houses. Take time to visit the underground cellars linked by tunnels, a section of which is open to the public.
Day 4
Cycle to Decin via Strekov Castle (52km/31.7mi)
During today's cycle tour we explore the romantic countryside of the Czech Middle Mountains. The region is very hilly however we will follow the banks of the Elbe River most of the time and hills with several old-time ruins will surround us. This former volcanic region had always been an ideal terrain for the building of castles and fortresses, many of which have unfortunately not been well preserved. The Strekov Castle, which was built atop a steep rock cliff, belongs among one of the most romantic castles in the Czech Republic. After a more strenuous climb, we will be rewarded with magnificent views from its walls. The final point of this stage will be the Northern Gate of the Czech Republic and the town of Decin, which has the lowest altitude in the Czech Republic.
Day 5
Cycle across the German border to Bad Schandau (25km/15mi)
Today you can decide whether you prefer to travel by bike or by boat to Hrensko. This border town is situated in the heart of the Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park and offers many attractive activities. It's especially good for hiking, offering trails that lead through scenery of rocky towns, mesas, passes, deep gorges and hillsides. If you choose to hike, Pravcická Gate, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe is not to be missed. You can then continue cycling on one of the many marked bike trails through this wonderful country, or combine a boat trip with a ride through a romantic valley on a historical tram in Bad Schandau. In the afternoon we cross the border to Germany, and stay overnight in the historic spa town of Bad Schandau.
Meals: B
Day 6
Cycle past many historic and impressive sights to Dresden (48km / 29mi)
Today is packed with historical sights! Shortly after leaving Bad Schandau we will see the haunting Königstein Fortress and just past the curve a beautiful rock formation with a romantic rock bridge and Bastei Ruin. Time permitting there's an optional sightseeing tour of the town with magnificent panoramic views. Later today we cycle by the town of Pirna, where we enter the region of the Dresden Valley. There are several beautiful castles and museums of music masters, such as Karl Maria Weber or Richard Wagner, both of whom composed in this area. At the end of the day we reach the city of Dresden. The support vehicle and tour leader leave Dresden in the afternoon. At leisure to explore Dresden this evening. We suggest visiting famous sights such as Zwinger Palace and strolling through town.
Day 7
Trip concludes Dresden
The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.
What's included
What's not included
During the trip you will be provided with a 27 speed hybrid bike rental with panniers, handlebar bag, lock and helmet.
An electric bike is available on request. A supplement applies, see below.
Electric bikes, or e-bikes, are designed to make cycling easier. The pedaling ‘boost’ provided by an e-bike opens up more options, allowing people of different fitness levels to cycle together or for cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current fitness capabilities. Please note that e-bikes are heavier than normal bikes and given the higher speed possible, should only be ridden by confident cyclists.
GRADE 2 - This trip involves 5 days cycling between 25 and 70km / 15.5 to 43.5mi per day usually along paved cycle paths. The section of the route from Prague to Melnik does involve some hilly stretches. Once on the Elbe section the route is generally across flat terrain along the Elbe cycle path. In and out of the cities there will be some traffic. You need only carry your camera/rain gear and water bottle. Your luggage is transported for you between hotels / inns. The trip is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. A limited number of electric bikes are available on request and a supplement applies. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list.
Per Person, Twin Share
Rating: ☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
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8Days
Introductory to Moderate
Introductory
Moderate