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This leisurely cycling holiday begins in the storybook city of Prague, where cobbled streets and Gothic spires set the scene for a remarkable adventure. Pedal along the tranquil Vltava and Elbe rivers, winding through a picturesque corridor of castles, vineyards and untouched countryside. Discover the charm of historic Melnik in the heart of Czech wine country, explore the fortress towns of Terezin and Litomerice, and ride beneath the dramatic Bohemian Highlands. Visit the romantic ruins of Strekov Castle, the elegant hilltop château in Decin, and cross into Germany to explore the stunning rock formations of Saxon Switzerland National Park. Cycle past the striking Bastei towers before reaching the beautifully restored baroque city of Dresden, home to the grand Zwinger Palace and the iconic Frauenkirche. Blending cultural treasures with spectacular scenery, this cross-border journey is the perfect way to experience the rich heritage and natural beauty of Central Europe at handlebar level.
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25kg of CO2-e PP per day
(149kg of CO2-e PP entire trip)
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Day 1
Join Prague
On arrival in Prague check into the hotel where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to begin your exploration of the city. Optional guided tours are available on request, please ask our consultants: - return cycle to Karlstejn Castle - operates daily except Monday, minimum 2 people (approx 6-7 hours, a pre-tour night is recommended). - walking tour in Prague (3hrs)
Meals: Nil
Day 2
Pedal to Melnik in the heart of the Bohemian wine growing area (58-70km/35-42mi)
Today you will start cycling from your hotel in Prague. The total distance for today will vary depending on the location of your hotel in Prague. Despite the first small ascent, today's stage follows a nice 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. Be sure to visit the castles in Nelahozeves or 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 soft drink. *Depending on availability, Category A accommodation may also be in nearby Liblice.
Meals: B
Day 3
Cycle via the fortress of Terezin 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. It then continues on the bend of the river to the fortress of Terezin. Named after Empress Maria Theresa, the vast fortress was built in the late 18th century covering an area of 3.89 square km / 2.5 square mile and during WWII was used as a concentration camp. After a visit to the fortress, continue a few kilometres to Litomerice with its beautiful houses. Take time to visit the underground cellars linked by tunnels, a section of which are open to the public.
Day 4
Cycle to Decin via Strekov Castle (52km/31mi)
Today's cycle will lead you mostly along the River Elbe, surrounded by hills with old ruins. En route you will pass the ruin of an old fortress Schreckenstein or Strekov Castle (literally meaning "horror castle"). It is situated on the right bank of the river perched on top of a 100m / 328ft high steep rock. Further along you reach the city of Usti nad Labem Aussig in the Bohemian Highlands (Ceské stredohorí). Continue cycling to the town of Decin, whose two sections straddle the river with the old town on the right bank. The main attraction of Decin is the town castle which has an incredible history from being a fort during the Seven Years’ War, to more recently used as a base for Soviet troops until 1991. It has also inspired artists and musicians including Chopin who wrote his Valse in A flat major there. In 2005 a full restoration was completed, bringing the castle back to its former glory, and a museum is now open to the public.
Day 5
Cycle across the border into Germany 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 is a wonderful region especially for those who love hiking. It offers many touristic trails leading through the scenery of the rocky towns, the mesas, the 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 ride through a romantic valley on a historical tram in Bad Schandau. In the afternoon you will cross the border to Germany, and stay overnight in the historic spa town of Bad Schandau.
Day 6
Pass the Konigstein fortress en route to Dresden (48km/29mi)
This day is packed with historical sights! Shortly after leaving Bad Schandau you will see the haunting Königstein Fortress and just past the curve a beautiful rock formation with a romantic rock bridge and Bastei Ruin. If you have time, stop for a sightseeing tour of the town with its magnificent panoramic views. Later today you will cycle by the town of Pirna, where you will 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 used to compose in this area. At the end of the day you will reach the city of Dresden. Make sure you visit the famous sights such as Zwinger Palace and take a stroll through town.
Day 7
Trip concludes Dresden
Trip concludes after breakfast. Or you may choose to stay longer in this stunning city.
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, helmet and one repair kit per room. Low and high cross bar bikes are available. Model: Leader Fox or similar. In the case of a puncture the assumption is that you can repair. You will be given a puncture repair kit, to fix the issue.
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.
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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