
Czech Republic & Austria Biking
From southern Bohemia—a verdant swatch of land with quiet forests, peaceful lakes and gently cultivated hillsides—to Austria’s legendary Danube River, this dual-country trip brings together two fascinating regions rich in history and tradition. In the Baroque city of Ceský Krumlov, wander cobblestone streets and relax over pints of locally brewed beer. In the heartland of Austria, pedal rolling hills past vineyards and storybook farms. Set your sights on Vienna and follow the path of the romantic Danube, riding in the shadow of the imposing Melk Abbey. And along the way, enjoy the cozy surroundings of welcoming inns and hotels.
Days 1-2 ceský krumlov
Gather in Prague
From the shores of beautiful Lake Lipno, bike to the World Heritage site of Ceský Krumlov, the best-preserved town in Bohemia, where the majority of buildings are designated cultural monuments
Take a spin into the countryside for a panoramic view of rolling hills and traditional farmsteads
Local musicians serenade us during dinner at an outdoor restaurant.
Day 3 Neuhofen an der Ybbs
We make our way into Austria’s famed Danube Valley, passing corn fields, fruit orchards, vineyards, forests and hamlets with onion-domed church steeples
Pedal over rolling green hills through the famous Mostviertel (cider district), where a distinctive most (hard apple cider) is made
After a dinner of regional specialties, enjoy a schnapps demonstration and tasting, followed by a traditional dance performance.
Days 4-6 Weissenkirchen
A ride along the Danube River leads to Melk, home to a magnificent Baroque abbey perched high on a promontory above the water
Ride through the scenic Wachau wine region past vineyards and apricot orchards
Enjoy a pleasant riverside ride through several historic villages
Take a final spin to Willendorf, home to the "Venus of Willendorf," a tiny fertility statue believed to date back 25,000 years
Shuttle to historic Vienna, where our trip comes to an end.
COMFORT & CHARM : Casual Inns
Hotel Zlaty Andel (2 nights): Three buildings in the Gothic style compose this spacious hotel set on the town’s main historic square.
Hotel KothmÜhle (1 night): A charming family-owned country inn, set amid rolling green hills in the “cradle of Austria,” offering woodland hiking paths, a sauna and tennis courts.
ZUM KIRCHENWIRT (2 nights):
Austrian hospitality and Danube views abound at this comfortable guest house.
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
- Biking 13, 28, 51 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Ceský Krumlov 1 hour
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 3
3 Route Options Available
- 20, 30, 38 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 32, 47, 64 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 1 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 20, 39, 51 miles
- 0 - 2000 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 11 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
- 5/17-22Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
- 5/24-29Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/7-12Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/10-15Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/31-8/5Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/20-25Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
- 5/31-6/5Price: $3398 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/13-18Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $520 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
I loved this trip. It was really a great experience all around. I loved the blend of athletic activity, with cultural and historical information. The guides are truly amazing people. The people were very nice and lively and intelligent. It was a great first Backroads experience.—New York, NY
This was a tremendous experience. The leaders were outstanding, the van/bike support excellent, the destinations and accomodations terrific. I felt safe knowing that someone had my back. Also, it was a great blend of fitness and leisure, while also fulfilling my need for learning about new cultures. Overall, this will go down as one of my most memorable vacation experiences. Thank you!—New York, NY
Of our 14 trips with Backroads, this trip has some of the most beautiful and idyllic cycling we have experienced. Riding through the lush orchards and terraced vineyards at their peak was pure bliss.—New York, NY
I had an absolutely amazing experience! It was certainly one of my favorite weeks of my entire life and I cannot wait to travel with Backroads again. Thank you, thank you, you wonderful people!!! This was an easy one. As novice cyclists, my wife and I have only mountain bikes at home. To be on a road bike was like floating! And to be on one that was specifically suited to our heights and preferences - truly awesome!!!—San Diego, CA
My husband and I had a fantastic time. We had been looking forward to the trip for over a year. We had heard wonderful things about the trip, but the trip FAR EXCEEDED our expectations. The hotels, food, biking, trip leaders, bikes, local activities were ALL amazing and fantastic. We've only been back for a few days but we can't stop talking about it!! We are definitely hooked on Backroads! And trying to see when we can do another trip!!—San Diego, CA
I really can't say enough positive things about the trip and the two leaders. Simply put, it was one of the best experiences of my life. I don't know one person who can claim to have experienced a new culture on such a wide and intimate scale. Add the great people on the trip, the food, my birthday gift and the 800 some odd pictures I took...well, I'm already looking at my next adventure with Backroads. Outstanding!—Annapolis, MD