Czech Republic & Austria Biking
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.
Days 1-2 cesky krumlov
Gather in Prague 
Shuttle south into the heart of Bohemia Ride to the World Heritage site of Český Krumlov, where the majority of buildings are designated cultural monuments Take a spin into the countryside for a panoramic view of the rolling hills and traditional farmsteads Local musicians serenade us during dinner at an outdoor restaurant.
Day 3 Schloss rosenau
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 Following a dinner of regional specialties, stroll through our hotel's expansive garden.
Days 4-6 durnstein
Bike a hilly 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 Sample the refreshing grüner veltliner varietal at a nearby heuriger (wine house) Arrive in historic Vienna, where our trip ends.
OLD-WORLD WARMTH : Premiere Inns
Hotel Ruze (2 nights): Italian Renaissance style and Czech hospitality welcome us at this 16th-century hotel on the bank of the Vltava River, featuring an indoor pool and sauna.
Schlosshotel Rosenau (1 night): A renovated Baroque castle set amid rolling green hills and overlooking ponds, meadows and woodlands.
Hotel Schloss Durnstein (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.
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 12, 26 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 13, 28, 51 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Ceský Krumlov 1 hour
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 26, 44, 60 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5 3 Route Options Available
- 31, 50, 66 miles
- 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4 3 Route Options Available
- 17, 33, 50 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- Hiking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 14 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Trips 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 | Average Distance | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Biking | Walking & Hiking | ||
| Level 1 | 2-3 hours | 10-20 mile | 2-5 miles |
| Level 2 | 2-4 hours | 21-30 miles | 5-7 miles |
| Level 3 | 3-5 hours | 31-40 miles | 7-9 miles |
| Level 4 | 4-6 hours | 41-55 miles | 9-11 miles |
| Level 5 | 5-7+ hours | 56-75+ miles | 11-13+ miles |
2008 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 7/25-30Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/22-27Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/12-17Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/26-10/1Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
2009 DATES
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/15-20Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/12-17Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/3-8Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/17-22Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/24-29Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/21-26Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/25-30Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $840 for sgl. occ.)
Reserve early for the best available price. Prices may change during the course of the year--if they do change, the best prices are available earlier. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Trip praise
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