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Czech Republic & Austria Biking
From Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov & the Danube
From the pastoral beauty of the Czech Republic to the legendary Danube River in Austria, this dual-country trip brings together two fascinating regions rich in history, culture and tradition. The well-preserved Baroque city of Český Krumlov provides a warm welcome as you wander its cobblestone streets and relax over pints of locally brewed beer. In the heartland of Austria, rolling hills reveal fertile vineyards and farms. Set your sights on Vienna and follow the path of the Danube, riding in the shadow of the imposing Melk Abbey. And along the way, enjoy the hospitality of hotels brimming with European tradition, the perfect complement to a magical two-wheeled journey.
- Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in one trip
- Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards
- Český Krumlov, a 13th-century Bohemian town with cobbled lanes and red-tile roofs
- Trace intriguing Czech history with Helena, our friend and local historian
- Austria's picture-perfect villages with onion-shaped church steeples
The Day-to-Day Itinerary
Day 1 Hluboka
Gather in Prague
Shuttle south into the heart of Bohemia
Pedal pastoral rolling hills to the majestic 13th-century Hluboká Castle.
Days 2-3 cesky krumlov
Spin through the impeccably preserved 13th-century village of Holasovice
Explore the World Heritage site of Český Krumlov, where most buildings are designated cultural monuments
Take a spin into the countryside for a panoramic view of the rolling hills and traditional farmsteads
Visit Krumlov Hrad, a 13th century Gothic castle
Bring your questions to a Q&A session with a Czech historian.
Days 4-6 durnstein
Leaving historic Czech treasures behind, make your way over rolling terrain into the heart of the Waldviertel, Austria's Forest Quarter
Known as the country’s "grain basket," the area is awash in a sea of corn and wheat fields
Bike a rolling route lined with picturesque villages and churches
Visit Melk, home to a magnificent Baroque abbey perched high on a promontory above the water
Pedal along the Danube River picking up the Donauradweg (the Danube’s famous bike path) to Dürnstein, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned
Ride through the scenic Wachau wine region
Tour the private estate of a local wine expert and sample the region’s famous reisling and gruner veltliner wines
Arrive in historic Vienna, where our trip ends.
- Premiere Inns: These lodgings possess both elegance and authentic regional flair.
- Casual Inns: These lodgings are comfortable and appropriate to the area with such characteristics as authenticity, scenic settings and proximity to our activities.
- Deluxe Family Camping: We set up the tents (and take them down), handle every camp chore and perform culinary magic.
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Look at what other guests are saying about this trip!
This was another excellent Backroads trip and measured up to what we have come to expect based on our prior trips. The leaders continue to have no peer when it comes to client care - not only are they fun to be with, but they are well organized and dedicated to making it fun for the guests. The exposure to local cultural and historial resources and cities provides a learning enrichment that we appreciate.- Golden, CO More about this Trip All Guest Reviews
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Czech Republic & Austria Biking
OLD-WORLD WARMTH: Premiere Inns
Hotel Stekl
Hluboká (1 night) Built to house the servants of nearby Hluboká Castle, this Gothic chateau is now a welcoming four-star hotel with pool and sauna.
Hotel Ruze
Český Krumlov (2 nights) Italian Renaissance style and Czech hospitality abound at this 16th-century hotel on the bank of the Vltava River, which features an indoor pool and sauna.
Hotel Schloss Durnstein
Dürnstein (2 nights) A Relais & Châteaux member set in a former castle with elegant furnishings, a library, swimming pools and spectacular views of the Danube River.
Czech Republic & Austria Biking
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Routes For All Abilities
Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.
| Activity Level | Average Time | Biking Average | Walking Average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 miles | 2-5 miles |
| 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
Day 1
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- 13, 18 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 3
3 Route Options Available
- 13, 18, 33 miles
- 500 - 800 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Ceský Krumlov 1 hour
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 13, 28, 51 miles
- 100 - 3400 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 4
2 Route Options Available
- 35, 42 miles
- 1300 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- 24, 48, 62 miles
- 300 - 3100 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
1 Route Option Available
- Hiking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain