Itinerary

Day 1 | Arrival Day - Czech Republic from Vienna

The best way to start this tour is by coming to Vienna. We suggest an extra night to explore the city a little, then from here, you take a short connector train to Breclav just across the Czech border to meet our contact person. You will then be driven to your hotel in Valtice where you have an orientation and receive all materials for cycling including your road book and bike. Sightseeing on your own, and dinner on your own. In town is a beautiful cathedral and former chateau of the Lichtenstein family which now has a wine cellar and is a great place to taste some wines.

Day 2 | Ride Valtice to Mikulov (30 km)

You will start your biking trip in the Lednice-Valtice area (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you will ride on forest and field trails. The area is graced by two magnificent chateaux and numerous "follies" - romantic structures set in a harmonious way into the surrounding landscape including an Arc de Triomphe! A third class road with little traffic then leads you to Mikulov with its imposing castle, historic square, the tomb of the Dietrichstein family, as well as the synagogue and Jewish Cemetery, where the oldest tombstones date back to 1605. Overnight in Mikulov, dinner on your own. Level: Moderate to easy. (B)

Day 3 | Ride to Vranov nad Dyji (42km)

Morning transfer by van from Mikulov to Znojmo, a royal town with a lovely historical center, where the most naturally scenic part of the trip begins, with the National Park Podyji, the river canyon, and viewpoints that will reward you for enduring the challenging, hilly terrain. The last remnants of the Iron Curtain in the village of Cizov are one of the highlights. The other highlight is the most fairy-tale-like castle of Vranov perched on a cliff high above the riverbed. Overnight in Vranov nad Dyji. Dinner on your own. Level: Moderate. (B)

Day 4 | Ride to Slavonice then to Telc (46km)

From Vranov we skim the Austrian border past the village of Safov with a quaint old Jewish cemetery, then past Uhercice, with a Renaissance chateau where a massive conservation effort is underway and can be toured, and a lovely pottery workshop on the pond in the village green. After arrival to Slavonice, we travel by local train to the town of Telc, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its perfectly preserved Renaissance town center. Overnight in Telc, dinner on your own. Level: Moderate. (B)

Day 5 | Ride to Jindrichuv Hradec (42 km)

Today you will cycle through the Czech/Moravian Highlands, through fields and forests. A unique stop on the way is the memorial of Jewish painter called Frantisek Moritz Nagl in Kostelni Myslova. He died in Auschwitz extermination camp in Poland, but loved to paint in the surrounding landscape here. The border areas have a complicated, modern history. The
destination of today is the old town of Jindrichuv Hradec, containing the third biggest castle complex in the Czech Republic. Overnight in Jindrichuv Hradec, dinner on your own. Level: Moderate. (B)

Day 6 | Ride to Trebon (30 km)

First, take in the historic town and castle of Jindrichuv Hradec, then start cycling through the mosaic of ponds, woods and meadows of the Bohemia Lake District to the town of Trebon, a medieval city whose walls are still largely intact. The only way to enter the historical core is through a gate in the old fortifications, across a moat which is a part of a unique water regulation system dating back to the 16th century. Overnight in Trebon, overlooking the main square; dinner on your own. Level: Moderate. (B)

Day 7 | Ride to Cesky Krumlov (53km)

The last day of cycling leads through hilly terrain to the jewel of South Bohemia, the town of Cesky Krumlov (a UNESCO Heritage Site), situated on the banks of the meandering upper course of the Vltava River. The old town preserved, intact and still vital offers an unparalled ensemble of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures. Among the attractions are the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic and the oldest working Baroque theatre in Europe. Overnight in Cesky Krumlov, dinner on your own - we suggest a medieval theme 'cave' with open fire roasting pit and a cold Pilser Urquel or an "original" Budvar or Budweiser! Level: Moderate. (B)

Day 8 | Transfer to Prague/Departure Day

The recommended program gives you ample time to enjoy all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer within one day, with an optional side trip to see the Baroque folk architecture in Holasovice. Late afternoon transfer by bus (ticket not included) from Cesky Krumlov to Prague. Trains, car rentals can be arranged as well additional stays in lovely Prague. (B)

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