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Cycle Prague to Vienna


Get your wheels moving on a cycling adventure through the Central European countryside, all the way from picturesque Prague to classic Vienna. This eight-day cycling trip meanders its way past medieval villages perched on the hillside and hugs the mighty Danube River. With delicious regional food, great wine, and a knowledgeable leader to guide you along the way, you’ll be seeing the best of the region with the wind blowing through your hair.

8 days, from

$2,565

per person

GROUP SIZE

15 people max

ACTIVITY LEVEL

3
Trip code: ZMXP
Style: Original
Theme: Cycling

Details

Countries Visited:  Austria Czech Republic
Accommodation: Hotel (7 nights)
Transportation: Bicycle , Support vehicle , Train/Local Bus (e-bike option available , subject to availability)
Included Meals:

  • 7 breakfasts

Group size: Minimum 1, Max 15

  • Take an active adventure through Central Europe, cycling leafy paths from the bohemian centre of Prague to the classical vibe of Vienna.

  • Ride alongside the mighty Danube River downstream, passing by romantic riverside castles, picturesque villages and lowland forests surrounding the banks.

  • Take the opportunity to head on an optional brewery tour at the original home of Budweiser: Ceske Budejovice.

  • Marvel at the spires and dome of Melk Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop high above the waters of the Danube.

  • The perfect mix of cosmopolitan cities, picture postcard towns and traffic-free cycling paths await, with local knowledge to get the best out of each European destination.

Itinerary

Show Full Itinerary

Day 1: Prague

Dobry den! Welcome to Prague. There is an important welcome meeting scheduled for 6 pm this evening, where you will meet your group leader and fellow travellers. With not much time spent in Prague, we recommend you spend at least a day or two to get to know this wonderful Bohemian city. With its Baroque buildings, cobblestoned streets and beer – oh so much beer – there’s something for every explorer. If you want to spend more time in Prague, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). After your important meeting, how about get a group of you together and head to one of the beer halls to get acquainted?

Ride distance: No included riding today

Day 2: Ceske Budejovice

This morning take a leader-led orientation walk around Prague. You’ll learn about the history of the city, plus have time to take in the Old Town square, looking up at the surrounding spires – there are a lot of spires. In the early afternoon, head to Ceske Budejovice by local transport (either vehicle or train depending on group size), taking around 2.5 hours. Once arrived, have a bike fitting and take a short ride (approximately 30 kilometres) around Budejovice and surrounds, getting ready for the real cycling journey to begin tomorrow. If you have time, there’s the option to head on a brewery tour, as Cesky Budejovice (or Budweis in German) is the home of Budweiser! Learn the beer’s history and have the perfectly drawn brew in the onsite bar. Otherwise, head into the city and visit the imposing Black Tower – one of the most dominating features of Budejovice.

Ride distance: approx. 30kms/19 miles, mostly flat, approx. 200m/650ft of elevation gain.

Day 3: Cesky Krumlov

Today is an early morning start, as you’ll ride through the South Bohemian countryside from Ceske to Cesky – that is, Cesky Krumlov! Through picture-perfect rolling hills and weaving in and out of forest, you’ll cover around 35 kilometres cycling, with some undulations at points. Once arrived, you’ve got the rest of the afternoon at your leisure in this small medieval town. Take your bike or head on a hike up to see Krizova Hora, visit the State Castle, or just simply explore the weaving laneways of the town, all perched on the side of the Vltava River. If you want to check out the river more, why not book in on a canoe trip? Seeing the Czech countryside from the water gives you stunning views of the surrounding valleys.

Ride distance: approx. 35kms/22 miles, mostly flat for the first 8kms then undulating, approx. 600m/1970ft of elevation gain.

Day 4: Ardagger

Rise and shine, as it’s off for another day of cycling, leaving nice and early. Ride along the Vltava River from Cesky Krumlov through the countryside then over the plateau and down to the wooded shores of the beautiful Lipno Lake near the Czech-Austrian border. You’ll arrive at the small town of Lipno and Vltavou on the southern banks of the lake.

After some time to look around, drive approximately 140 kilometres to Ardagger, right on the banks of the Danube. After two days in the saddle you deserve a relax at this small riverside town. Why not get your group together and organise somewhere for dinner – your group leader will know of a place to go.

Ride distance: approx. 42kms/32 miles, mostly flat for the first 15kms then one long (but gradual) climb for 10kms before flattening out alongside the lake, approx. 680m/2200ft of elevation gain.

Day 5: Melk

Get back on your bike and cycle alongside the mighty Danube River on a mostly flat course from Ardagger to Melk (approximately 53 kilometres). You know you're getting close when you can see the towers and dome of the famed Melk Abbey high above the town. Once arrived, you could head on an optional tour of Melk Abbey, where you’ll discover the colourful Baroque structure perched on top of a rock overlooking the Danube, plus its parks and bastions.

Ride distance: approx. 53kms/33 miles, mostly flat, approx. 150m/500ft of elevation gain.

Day 6: Krems an der Donau

From Melk, cycle along the northern banks of the Danube – mostly on dedicated cycle paths – past small riverside towns and villages (and the occasional sand beach), and to the UNESCO-listed terraces of the Wachau vineyards, where wine has been produced since the Middle Ages. Riding up the steep hillsides is definitely a challenge, but there’s some stunning scenery to see along the way. Your final destination for today is Krems an der Donau – just a few kilometres from Wachau, and best of all, it’s downhill to get there!

Ride distance: approx. 43kms/27 miles, mostly flat, approx. 220m/720ft of elevation gain.

Day 7: Vienna

Travel for around 1 hour to charming Tulln and hop on your bike to ride along the Danube cycle path to Vienna, skirting the river’s southern banks. Today is again around 40 kilometres and is mostly slightly downhill. When you arrive in Vienna, be sure to relax and perhaps tuck into a well-earned coffee and sacher torte. Vienna is a classical hub of arts, culture and food, and a perfect place to hop off the bike and explore on foot. If you haven’t discussed it already, why not organise dinner in Vienna with your group tonight – it’s definitely cause for celebration.

Ride distance: approx. 40kms/25 miles, mostly flat/slightly downhill, approx. 100m/330ft of elevation gain.

Day 8: Vienna

With no activities planned for today, you are free to leave at any time. That doesn’t mean your adventure has to end! Vienna is a large place and full of interesting sights, so it is highly recommended that you spend another day or two in the city. If you wish to spend more time in Vienna, we’ll be happy to organise additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).

Ride distance: No included riding today