
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 most buildings are designated cultural monuments
Take a spin into the countryside for a panoramic view of rolling hills and traditional farmsteads
The Renaissance comes alive during a kids-only scavenger hunt
With our local guide, learn about the rich history of the Český Krumlov Castle.
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 - 1000 feet elevation gain
- Walking Tour of Ceský Krumlov (Adults) 1 hour
- Renaissance Race (Kids) 1 hour
Day 3
- Levels 2 to 4
3 Route Options Available
- 23, 31, 46 miles
- 500 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 4
- Levels 3 to 5
3 Route Options Available
- Biking 32, 50, 67 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
- Levels 2 to 5
4 Route Options Available
- 25, 38, 44, 58 miles
- 0 - 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 6
- Level 1
2 Route Options Available
- Walking 1.9 miles
- 0 - 500 feet elevation gain
- Biking 13 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 |
2010 DATES
FAMILY TRIPS
- 6/20-25Price: $2998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/4-9Price: $3098 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 7/18-23Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/1-6Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/8-13Price: $2898 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
- 8/15-20Price: $2798 pp dbl. occ., (+ $450 for sgl. occ.)
Recommended Kids Ages
Minimum Ages:
Recommended minimum age for the trip: 9 years
Minimum age restriction to ride own bike: 9 years
No Burleys available on this trip.
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/restrictions of activities and route
- 9+ several long adult dinners; difficulty/restrictions 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
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.
Guest Trip Reviews
I'm a great fan of Backroads, and your Trip Leaders are what differentiates you from other active travel companies.- Palo Alto, CA
