Backroads | Czech Republic & Austria Family Biking

Czech Republic & Austria Family Biking

From the pastoral beauty of the Czech Republic to Austria's legendary Danube River, Backroads introduces your family to a pair of fascinating regions rich in history, culture and tradition. In the well-preserved Baroque city of Český Krumlov, wander cobblestone streets and marvel at architecture in Easter-egg hues. In the heartland of Austria, rolling hills reveal fertile vineyards and storybook farms. Make your way to Vienna, biking alongside the romantic Danube and strolling in the shadow of the imposing Melk Abbey.

Days 1-2 Cesky Krumlov

Gather in Prague From the shores of beautiful Lake Lipno, bike to the World Heritage site of Český 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 the rolling hills and traditional farmsteads Enjoy a thrilling swashbuckling demonstration Kids learn about the Renaissance during a scavenger hunt With our local guide, learn about Krumlov Castle's rich history.

Day 3 Neuhofen an der Ybbs

Leaving historic Czech treasures behind, we set our sights on Austria's famed Danube Valley Pedal over rolling green hills through the famous Mostviertel (cider district), where a distinctive most (hard apple cider) is made Kids visit the Mitterkirchen open-air museum, where an exhibit that re-creates a Celtic village offers a glimpse back in time During dinner, the acclaimed Schuhplattler dancers give a rousing performance.

Days 4-6 Weissenkirchen

Ride through the countryside, then pick up the Donauradweg (the famous Danube bike path) in the quaint village of Ybbs The impressive Melk Abbey, towering on a bluff above the Danube, comes into view as you approach the charming town of Dürnstein Adults ride through the Kamptal wine region while the younger set heads to a Renaissance castle for a fun and fascinating falconry demonstration Pedal past the castle where Richard the Lionheart was captured Shuttle to Vienna, where our trip ends.

COMFORT & CHARM : Casual Inns

Hotel Zlaty Andel (2 nights): Three buildings in the Gothic style compose this unique 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 (Adults)

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

FAMILY TRIPS

2009 DATES

FAMILY TRIPS

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.

Recommended Kids Ages

Minimum Ages:

Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years

Minimum age restrictions:

Ride own bike: 9 years

General Info on Minimum Ages:

We strongly encourage families to join our Family Trips, designed with kid- and adult-friendly features. Please note that we have a minimum age requirement of 1 year for all Inn trips and 2 years for all Camping trips. Other than that, we do not restrict trips to a minimum age except in the rare case of a hotel age restriction. We do, however, recommend minimum ages based on the following criteria:

12+ cultural appreciation, difficulty of activities and route
9+ difficulty of activities and route
6+ several long adult dinners; parent may not be able to pull a Burley and/or there may be multiple activity restrictions
3+ riding is on bike paths, making it great for young kids; Burley and Piccolos are available; there are few or no activity restrictions; and no long dinners (or we offer alternatives)

Please note that a trip may feature an activity with an older age requirement than the minimum age recommendation for the trip. Younger kids are still welcome on the trip and while they will not be able to participate in the activity, the leaders will suggest an alternate activity. For safety reasons, children under 7 may not ride their own bikes and are required to ride on a Piccolo or in a Burley. For certain destinations, children must be 9 or older to ride their own bikes.

Trip praise

I'm a great fan of Backroads, and your Trip Leaders are what differentiates you from other active travel companies.

Barbara Sidor - Palo Alto, CA