2025 Early Bird SaleFinal WeekSave Now
Duration
8 days
Activities
  • self guided cycle
Accommodation
  • hotels
Meals
  • 7 Breakfasts

Price

ON SALE

$1520 USD

Adult$1444USD

 
 

Overview

Trip Code: CZC

Trip highlights


  • Exploring the well preserved medieval town of Ceský Krumlov and Ceské Budejovice, home of the original Budweiser beer
  • Pedalling along paved cycle paths through forests and along rivers
  • Arriving in Prague along the Vltava River by bike
  • Absorbing the vistas and sites enroute including castles, monasteries, mines and old prison camps
  • Gaining an appreciation of the strong cultural traditions of the Czech Republic, staying in friendly local hotels

Cycle from Sumava National Park, located in the south of Bohemia, along the Vltava River through picturesque landscapes filled with untouched forests and historic buildings towards the charming capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. The route, which is paved along the river and follows quiet country roads when you venture away from it, will connect you with places that were once the cultural centres during the Middle Ages. The ride begins in the well preserved, UNESCO listed medieval town of Cesky Krumlov before taking in a host of Czech highlights including Ceske Budejovice, a city which inspired the naming of Budweiser beer; the town of Pisek, home to the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic; the royal castle of Zvíkov situated high above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers; and Saint Mountain with its pilgrimage Church of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century. Before reaching Prague you will also spend a night at Karlstejn village where you can admire its spectacular fourteenth century Gothic castle.

Trip Grading

moderate

More info about grading system

This morning you will be collected from your pre tour hotel in Prague and driven 170km/110mi to Ceský Krumlov, a medieval town registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After adjusting bicycles and a test ride you will have free time to see the world-renowned medieval and Renaissance town with its famous castle gardens.

Meals:  Nil

It's possible this morning to take an optional visit of Ceský Krumlov Castle before you begin your cycling along the scenic valley of the Vltava River. The first site to visit on the way is the monastery Zlata Koruna (the Golden Crown), set on a bend in the river. The route continues to Ceské Budejovice (Budweis), where you can take an optional tour with beer tasting. The town has one of the largest squares in Europe and being home to the real Budweiser beer, has numerous beer halls. The final stage takes you to Hluboká nad Vltavou. Its' Neo-gothic Chateau Hluboká nad Vltavou is perhaps the most romantic chateau in the Czech Republic. It's possible to extend your cycle day to visit Holašovice village (UNESCO Heritage site).

Meals:  B

Todays cycle takes you past the nuclear power station Temelin and on to Písek, a picturesque town on the Otava River. The main attraction of Písek is a stone bridge from 13th century - the oldest stone bridge in central Europe.

Meals:  B

This is the longest cycle day of the trip. You can choose between a paved path or a partly off-road route. Enroute you pass by Orlik castle, where you can take a tour to see its splendidly decorated rooms. At the end of the day's ride, you will arrive in Príbram. The town has been an important mining centre since the Middle Ages. However, the more recent history of the town is rather chilling. Many political prisoners were forced to work at the Príbram uranium mines during the Communist regime.

Meals:  B

In the morning, there is the option to visit a 14th - 17th century pilgrimage church with a monastery, Svata Hora (Holy Mountain), working camp and mine museum. Following this, you cycle through an extensive former military area in the beautiful forested hills of Brdy. You will cycle "in the middle of nowhere" on 9m wide paved roads used by the army in the past. The premium accommodation option ends at Zbiroh chateau from 13th century where you will stay overnight, whilst if you are staying in regular accommodation you will overnight in Zebrak.

Meals:  B

The cycle continues this morning from Žebrák to the impressive 14th century ruins of Tocnik Castle. The middle part of the day leads through forested rolling hills to Beroun. This is a medieval town in the heart of the Karstejn district with romantic valleys, caves, pits and localities where pre-historic fossils can still be found. The remaining part of the day follows the Berounka River through a picturesque valley all the way to Karlštejn village. Note: The premium option starts in Zbiroh and joins the standard route after 11km/6.8mi at Tocnik Castle.

Meals:  B

This morning you have the option to visit Karlštejn castle, which was built by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV as an impregnable fortress housing the imperial crown jewels and the most sacred relics. The cycle route that follows is very easy as it leads along the Berounka River and the Vltava River banks to the centre of Prague. The rest of the day is free to explore Prague which, according to Goethe, is "the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world." You could visit Prague Castle with the Golden Lane, the Powder Tower or just meander along the streets or watch the lively goings-on sitting in one of the cafes on the Old Town Square. There are countless possibilities!

Meals:  B

Following breakfast at the hotel, the trip concludes.

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

  • 7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices
  • 7 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (optional upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels - supplement applies)
  • 24 or 27 speed hybrid bike with panniers, handlebar bag, lock, helmet and one repair kit per room
  • Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
  • Pick-up from any hotel in Prague and transfer to Cesky Krumlov on day 1 (self guided)
  • Information pack including route notes and maps (per room)
  • GPX data and off-line maps for smartphones (self guided) - available in final documents
  • Emergency hotline

  • Travel to and from Prague
  • Meals not listed as included, drinks
  • Travel insurance - mandatory
  • Entrance fees not listed as included
  • 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
  • Transfers not listed included
  • Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
  • Hotel taxes - approx EUR1-2 pp per night payable in cash
  • 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


Grading

moderate  

This cycle trip is graded moderate (3). The cycling distances range from 37 to 72km / 23 to 45mi over flat terrain to rolling hills. The rides follow paved and unpaved sections without traffic through forests as well as special paved cycle paths alongside the rivers. Inevitably, near the larger towns there is more traffic. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate comfortably. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling.


Departure dates

Daily from 1 Apr to 31 Oct

Notes

1
Guided cycle trips operate on 9 Jun and 8 Sep - supplement applies. Guided departures also include 3 dinners, support vehicle with refreshments and tour leader. Operate with a minimum of 6 people and maximum of 22.
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

$1444USD

Options & Supplements*
  • Helmet purchaseUSD$45
  • Optional guided bike tour Prague to Karlstejn Castle (daily except Mondays - min 2) ppUSD$90
  • E-bike supplementUSD$150
  • Single supplement - standard hotelsUSD$260
  • Hotel upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels supplementUSD$260
  • Single supplement - Cat AUSD$330
  • Supplement for Guided departure pp twin shareUSD$470
  • Solo traveller supplementUSD$760
*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews


Why travel with us

Making Europe Affordable

We offer different levels of accommodation and comfort so that even the most budget conscious can treat themselves to active holidays on Europe's most celebrated tracks and trails. Our trips are great value for money because you only pay for what you want.  

Self-Guided Specialists

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.

Our Wide Range

With close to 400 trips in almost 50 countries, including the largest range of bike & boat holidays in Europe, we're confident that we can organise an Alps walk, Camino de Santiago or Via Francigena experience, Food Lovers' trip or a tour in a lesser-known pocket of Europe that you will love. 

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