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 Český 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 surroundings of cozy inns and hotels.
Day 1 Discover two intriguing countries and cultures in a single trip,
starting in the Czech Republic 
Bike undulating hills through serene farmland in the heart of Bohemia Repeatedly rebuilt, Hluboká's impressive 13th-century castle has tried on Renaissance, Baroque, Romantic, Tudor and Windsor styles.
Days 2-3 Český Krumlov, a charming medieval town with labyrinthine lanes and red-tile roofs
- most of the buildings are designated cultural monuments Spin through rolling countryside past traditional farmsteads en route to the World Heritage site-village of Holasovice, known for its charming "Folk Baroque" buildings Krumlov Hrad, a 13th-century Gothic castle, invites exploration Have a burning question? Ask our friend, a Czech historian, during an informal Q&A Local fok musicians serenade our dinner of traditional fare.
Day 4 Austria's picture-perfect towns with onion-shaped church steeples
Welcome to the famed Danube Valley, where cycling routes past lush orchards, terraced vineyards, forests and pretty pastel-colored villages await Pedal the scenic Wachau wine region, followed by a pleasant riverside ride through ancient hamlets.
Days 5-6 Taste famous riesling and grüner Veltliner wines at acclaimed Domäne Wachau
Explore Melk, home to a magnificent Baroque abbey perched high on a promontory above the Danube River The Donauradweg (the Danube's famous bike path) makes for perfect pedaling Delight in a final spin to Spitz, a village of narrow cobblestone streets, small cafés and historic architecture, or hike to Dürnstein's castle ruins, where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned.
Trip Highlights
- Český Krumlov, with its Baroque and Renaissance houses, Gothic castles, cobbled streets and tucked-away squares
- Bike along the fabled Danube River and through Wachau Valley vineyards
- Q&A with with our friend Helena, a Czech historian
- Savor acclaimed riesling and grüner Veltliner wines
- Magnificent Melk Abbey, towering on a bluff above the Danube
Casual Inns
Hotel Stekl (1 night): Built to house the servants of nearby Hluboká Castle, this Gothic château is now a welcoming hotel. (pool)
Hotel Ruze (2 nights): A former Jesuit monastery dating from the 16th century, with a perfect location above the Vltava River in the town's center. (pool, spa)
Romantik Hotel Richard Löwenherz (2 nights): Enjoy superb views of the Danube at this former convent, surrounded by the remains of the medieval city wall. (pool)
Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain
Day 1
- Levels 1 to 2 2 Route Options Available
- 18, 28 miles
- 1400 - 1800 feet elevation gain
Day 2
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 15, 24, 40, 44 miles
- 620 - 2900 feet elevation gain
Day 3
- Levels 1 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 8, 13, 28, 51 miles
- 300 - 1270 feet elevation gain
- Guided Walk 1 hour
Day 4
- Levels 1 to 3 4 Route Options Available
- Biking 18, 32, 37, 40 miles
- 260 - 2670 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 4 4 Route Options Available
- 23, 41, 47, 52 miles
- 80 - 3040 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1 2 Route Options Available
- 14 miles
- 180 feet elevation gain
- or Walking 1.5 miles
- 0 - 500 feet 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
2012 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/13-18Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/3-8Price: $3198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/17-22Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/1-6Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/29-8/3Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/12-17Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/28-9/2Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/4-9Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/11-16Price: $3298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/18-23Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/25-30Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $600 for sgl. occ.)
SINGLES+SOLOS TRIPS
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I thoroughly enjoyed this Backroads trip to the Czech Republic and Austria. It’s the experience of all day biking and excellent service of our leaders that make your tours an unforgettable experience. Our group was comprised of all friends and neighbors - we were amazed at how everyone even the first time Backroads participants would go on another Backroads biking tour in a heartbeat. Bravo to our leaders for making beautiful memories for our group!!!- Jenkintown, PA
This was my first Backroads trip and it was absolutely fantastic! Really exceeded my expectations. I have been to Europe on numerous occasions and this was by-far my favorite experience. Such a perfect way to see Europe, you get to bike and mix in sight-seeing and cultural events. This felt like such a personal experience, I really got to see the Czech Republic and Austria in a unique way, it felt like behind the scenes. So much more exciting than visiting the big cities and tourist traps like most Americans in Europe. Our leaders really made the trip for my family. They were exceptional. I felt like they did everything in their power to make us happy. They provided just the right amount of support-they were around when we needed them but also gave our family a chance to bike and enjoy the countryside on our own. I cannot say enough good things about them-they were awesome!!!- Ballwin, MO
This was a great trip. The biking was outstanding, the group was congenial and the leaders couldn’t have been better.- Station, PA