Cycle Prague to Dresden

Name: Cycle Prague to Dresden
Brand: UTracks
SKU: CPD
Rating: 4.36 (11 reviews)

A happy cyclist following timeless river landscapes to Dresden

Cycling by a windmill in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

The hike to the Falcon's Nest in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is well worth it for the views

Cycling by vineyards in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

Discover the Bohemian countryside and idyllic river landscapes as you cycle from Prague to Dresden

Cycling in the beautiful Czech countryside | Petr Slavík

Enjoying a bike trip in Czechia | Petr Slavík

A cycling holiday in Czechia allows you to explore your way | Petr Slavík

A happy cyclist following timeless river landscapes to Dresden

Cycling by a windmill in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

The hike to the Falcon's Nest in the Bohemian Switzerland National Park is well worth it for the views

Cycling by vineyards in the Czech Republic | Petr Slavík

Discover the Bohemian countryside and idyllic river landscapes as you cycle from Prague to Dresden

Cycling in the beautiful Czech countryside | Petr Slavík

Enjoying a bike trip in Czechia | Petr Slavík

A cycling holiday in Czechia allows you to explore your way | Petr Slavík

24 Trips to Explore in 2024See the List

Duration

7 days

Activities

self guided cycle

Accommodation

6 nights in hotels

Meals

6 Breakfasts

Price

$1250USD

Overview

Trip Code: CPD

Trip highlights

Cycling through Bohemia along the Elbe River
Exploring the elegant city of Prague
Experiencing the timelessness of the river landscape
Discovering the beautifully restored sights of Dresden

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. After spending time exploring the 'Golden City' including Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world, the cycle begins by following the Moldau River to Melnik with its great wine growing tradition. It continues along quiet backroads and nature trails following 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.

Trip Grading

introductory to moderate

More info about grading system

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Itinerary

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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. 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
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 (52km/31mi)

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.

Meals: B

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.

Meals: B

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.

Meals: B

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.

Meals: B

Day 7
Trip concludes Dresden

Trip concludes after breakfast. Or you may choose to stay longer in this stunning city.

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

6 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and usually consist of breads, jams, cheese, occasionally eggs and meats, coffee, tea and juices.
6 nights accommodation in mainly 3 star hotels (usually a 4 star in Prague) on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (upgrade to 4 star hotels or the best 3 star hotels (where 4 star is not available) - supplement applies).
24 or 27 speed unisex bike rental with helmet, pannier, handlebar bag and one repair kit per room (electric bike available 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 (smartphone required)
Emergency hotline

What's not included

Travel to Prague and from Dresden
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Travel insurance - mandatory
Guide – this is a self guided cycling holiday
A supplement will apply if you are travelling solo or book a single room
Entrance fees not listed included
Transfers not listed included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage
Hotel taxes - EUR1.3 pp per night payable locally in Dresden
We recommend bringing a mobile phone holder - to follow the route easily using the GPX files and maps. Also available to hire locally, must be booked and paid in advance.
Optional GPS device rental - with the recommended route is available, must be booked and paid in advance
Excess luggage
Items of a personal nature

Bike information

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.

Hybrid Bike

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

Grading

introductory to moderate

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 graded introductory to moderate and is considered suitable for beginners and children who have a good level of fitness. 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

DN1

There is a guided version of this itinerary.

DN2

Upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels - supplement applies.

Note:

Solo travellers may 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

$1250USD

Options & Supplements*

Optional - mobile phone holder rentalUSD$20
Helmet purchaseUSD$45
E-bike SupplementUSD$90
Optional bike tour Prague to Karlstejn Castle (daily except Mondays - min 2) ppUSD$90
Optional 3hr walking tour of Prague (1-5 pax)USD$130
Single supplement - standard hotelsUSD$260
Single supplement - upgrade hotelsUSD$290
Hotel upgrade supplementUSD$340

*Prices listed are per person

Trip reviews

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