Bohemian Rhapsody

Become immersed in the Czech Republic on a bike tour | Petr Slavík

Exploring the Czech Republic by bike is one of the best ways to experience the various sites

Cycling by vineyards in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

The stunning city of Prague

Riding bikes is a great way to reach castles in Czechia. | Vlastimil Kotyk

Cycling by a windmill in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

Cycling through small villages in the Czech Republic | John Dennett

Cycling in the beautiful Czech countryside | Petr Slavík

Become immersed in the Czech Republic on a bike tour | Petr Slavík

Exploring the Czech Republic by bike is one of the best ways to experience the various sites

Cycling by vineyards in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

The stunning city of Prague

Riding bikes is a great way to reach castles in Czechia. | Vlastimil Kotyk

Cycling by a windmill in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

Cycling through small villages in the Czech Republic | John Dennett

Cycling in the beautiful Czech countryside | Petr Slavík

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

5 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

4 nights in 3 star hotels

Meals

4 Breakfasts

Price

$780USD

Overview

Trip Code: BHE

Trip highlights

Gentle cycling through the landscapes & villages of Bohemia
Exploring the world-renowned Karlstejn Castle
Discovering the beauty of Prague
Visiting an impressive 600m deep complex of caves

Between the Vltava and Berounka Rivers south of Prague lies a natural region of outstanding beauty. The Bohemian countryside is dotted with quaint villages, towns and historic sites and cycling between them is the ideal way to soak in the scenery. Pass through forests, visit an impressive 600m deep complex of caves, explore the world-renowned Karlstejn Castle and take in the canyon like landscape of a former quarry. This is an ideal trip for those short on time yet keen to explore a lesser known area of the Czech Republic with three nights in the pretty village of Karlstejn and time at the end to explore Prague and its many historic sites. Cycling a combination of paved rural roads, forest tracks and dedicated cycle trails along the rivers, the trip is suitable for beginners and children.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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Day 1
Arrive Prague, cycle to Karlstejn (34km/19mi)

This morning you will be picked up at your Prague hotel. For the guided group, a welcome briefing will be provided and any adjustments made to your bike to suit your height. The ride from Prague to Karlstejn follows the Vltava and Berounka rivers and is not difficult. On arrival in Karlstejn check-in to your hotel.

Meals: Nil

Day 2
Loop cycle to Svaty Jan Pod Skalou Valley via historic limestone quarry (30km/18.7mi)

Today you’ll enjoy a moderate cycle through romantic countryside along the Berounka River. You will pass a limestone quarry called Velka Amerika (Big America), where political prisoners of the communist regime were made to work. The site has a rich history and is worth a visit. The mining was conducted in an unusual way, by gradually digging a huge pit (about 800m / 2624ft long, 200m / 656ft wide and 100m / 328ft deep) and connected to other quarries by long tunnels from the first half of the 20th century. After a downhill ride you will reach Sv. Jan pod Skalou village. Nearby is a cave where the holy hermit Saint Ivan lived in the 9th century. Afterwards return to Karlstejn, where we recommend taking a tour of Karlstejn Castle, built by Charles IV in the mid 14th century as a secure place to store the riches of the Czech lands.

Meals: B

Day 3
Loop cycle to the medieval town of Beroun on the Berounka River (33km/21mi)

On your way to Beroun, a medieval town on the Berounka River, you will pass through the villages of Zadni Treban and then via Liten to Koneprusy. A visit to the impressive complex of caves is optional, but highly recommended. After lunch, there is time for sightseeing around the historic centre of Beroun. On the way back to Karlstejn, you will cycle along the banks of the picturesque Berounka River.

Meals: B

Day 4
Cycle to Prague via an alternative route (40km/24mi)

You return to Prague along the Berounka and Vltava Rivers along a different trail than the first day of cycling. Again, the cycling is not difficult. Back in Prague, check-in at your hotel, with the rest of the evening free to explore this magnificent city.

Meals: B

Day 5
Tour concludes in Prague

Arrangements end after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.
On self guided trips, actual route information provided before departure will be more detailed.

Inclusions

What's included

4 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices
4 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels available - supplement applies)
Pick up from any Prague hotel (self guided)
24 or 27 speed hybrid bike rental with pannier, handlebar bag, lock, helmet (on request) and one repair kit per room (e-bikes are available (without handlebar bag) on request - supplement applies)
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
Information pack including route notes and maps (per room booked)
GPX data and off-line maps for smartphones (self guided)
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to and from Prague
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel Insurance - mandatory
Entrance fees not listed included
Transfers not listed included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
GPS device with the recommended route - available for hire, must be booked and paid in advance
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature
A guided departure is available (see notes for dates) for a supplement, with additional inclusions: guide and welcome briefing, 3 dinners, support vehicle with refreshments including water, fruit etc. Pickup is from particular hotels only. Please ask our consultants for details.

Bike information

Hybrid Bike

During the trip you will be provided with a 24 or 27 speed hybrid bike rental with panniers, handlebar bag, lock, helmet and one repair kit per room.

Electric Bike

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 to allow less confident or fit cyclists to take on routes they may otherwise consider too tough for their current capabilities.

Grading

introductory to moderate

The trip is graded as Introductory to Moderate (grade 2). Total cycling distance is around 138km/ 85mi. The cycling is gentle enough to be suitable for children. The first and last days following the river banks are flat. Loop rides on second and third day have longer up-hills as well as longer down-hills and some flat sections. The distances are short and allow for many stops. The cycling surface is a combination of both paved roads with short off-road sections. A limited number of electric 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.

Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

Guided departure - 25 AUG 2024 - additional inclusions: 3 dinners, guide, support vehicle with refreshments including water, fruit etc, welcome briefing. Operates with a minimum of 6 people and maximum of 22 - supplement applies

DN2

Upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels (self guided) - supplement applies

Note:

For the self guided version: Solo travellers can book this trip - the rate for solo travellers is always on request. The single rate shown is for a single room when travelling with others.

Want to organise a private group?

Fundraising events, sporting groups, family treats; learn how you can organise a Private Group from just 6 travellers.

Priceper person from

$780USD

Options & Supplements*

Helmet purchaseUSD$45
E-bike supplementUSD$70
Optional bike tour Prague to Karlstejn Castle (daily except Mondays - min 2) ppUSD$90
Hotel upgrade supplement (self guided)USD$130
Single supplement - standard hotelsUSD$150
Single supplement - upgraded hotelsUSD$220
Supplement for guided departure ppUSD$300

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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Our wide range of self-guided itineraries embody the UTracks philosophy of exploring Europe your way. We handle the logistics so all that's left for you to do is enjoy exploring Europe at your own pace. Most depart daily with a minimum of two people, meaning maximum flexibility.

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