Start with Prague, a true gem of Eastern Europe, a bustling culture and dramatic architecture that inspires at every turn. Head south and the Czech Republic reveals itself one quiet village at a time. Hearty meals. Earnest people eager to share stories. Stretches of quiet road. Simple farmland. Raw beauty. Cross the Danube and speed through time. You'll encounter Austria's stark, jagged peaks. And a joy in the countryside, in the people and in the culture. It's amazing the contrast of these neighboring European countries.
Day 1 Gentle pastoral strolls to picture-perfect villages
in the Czech Republic 
Walk from a 13th-century monastery through rolling pastureland, evergreen forests and roads lined by fruit trees in southern Bohemia.
Day 2 Historian-led visit of enchanting Český Krumlov,
an incredible World Heritage site with cobblestone streets, Baroque and Renaissance houses, vaulted passageways and hidden squares Hike into the hills for sweeping city views.
Days 3-4 Journey to Austria and discover a World Heritage site
Ascend by cable car from Traunsee (one of Austria's deepest lakes) to Feuerkogel peak, where a heavenly hike with stunning vistas awaits When better to taste apfelstrudel, the delicious signature highland dish, than mid-trek at a cozy alpine hut A walking tour of the tiny, World Heritage site town of Hallstatt reveals ancient salt-mining roots Amble among cascading waterfalls Schuhplattler dancers treat us to a lively performance.
Days 5-6 Dramatic alpine treks to castles with glacier views
Ride a cog train from the storybook village of St. Wolfgang up Schafberg Mountain - you won't want to miss this photo op! Hike to St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk around Fuschlsee, a beautiful lake sheltered by pine-clad hills.
Trip Highlights
- Discover two intriguing countries and cultures
- Gentle pastoral strolls in the Czech Republic and dramatic alpine treks in Austria
- A guided visit in Cesky Krumlov, an incredible World Heritage site
- Hike glorious glacier-carved valleys to castles and picture-perfect villages
- Trace Czech history with Helena, our friend and historian
Casual & Premiere Inns
Hotel Ruze (2 nights): A former Jesuit monastery from the 16th century, with a perfect location in the town's center. (pool)
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt (1 night): An exclusive retreat composed of three historic houses overlooking spectacular Lake Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World member. (spa)
Hotel Schloss Fuschl (2 nights): Set on a wooded promontory on Lake Fuschl, this castle was built as the country residence of the archbishops of Salzburg in 1450. (pool, spa, golf)
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.
| Daily Route Options | ||||||||||
| Day | EASYGOING | ACTIVE | AVID | |||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Level 1 | Level 2 | Level 3 | Level 4 | Level 5 | ||||||
| miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | miles | feet gain | |
| 1 | 5.7 | 900 | ||||||||
| 2 | 3.7* | 700 | 6.8 | 800 | 8.6 | 800 | ||||
| Cesky Krumlov guided walk (45 minutes) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 3.8 | 700 | 7.1 | 2200 | ||||||
| 4.7 | 1400 | |||||||||
| 4 | 4.1 | 700 | 5.1 | 1200 | 5.7 | 1800 | ||||
| Hallstatt guided walk (1 hour) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 1.1 | 0 | 6.0 | 1000 | 7.6 | 1300 | ||||
| 4.8 | 200 | |||||||||
| Cog train ride (1.5 hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 3.0* | 200 | ||||||||
* Includes a shuttle
2013 Dates & Pricing*
CLASSIC TRIPS
- 5/19-24 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/2-7 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.)
- 6/30-7/5 Price: $4298 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/8-13 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/22-27 Price: $3998 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.)
- 9/29-10/4 Price: $4198 pp dbl. occ., (+ $990 for sgl. occ.)
*Prices may change. Once you book your trip, your price is guaranteed.
Guest Trip Reviews
I loved this trip! This was a whole new part of the world for me, and to see the country side in both places rather than just the big cities (which I also loved) was fantastic. I definitely felt that I got the flavor of each country more so because of the places we hiked and stayed. I know you can't control the weather, but you certainly made that perfect as well! The hikes were again varied from one day to the next - small villages, forests, lakes, mountains, - you name it, we hiked there. It was really a magical experience, made even better by our leaders.- Greenwich, CT
This was our first Backroads trip, but it will certainly not be our last. It was a fascinating trip. The Czech Republic and Austria have gorgeous terrain and incredible history.- Cape Girardeau, MO
I am a very seasoned traveler. I have been to every continent and most places in the world, and would never have considered doing an organized trip like this one in the past. Most of my trips have been on my own or with friends. But Backoads has done such a spectacular job that you have changed my way of thinking when it comes to travel.
I thoroughly enjoyed traveling with Backroads through the Czech Republic and Austria. The local guide in Cesky Krumlov was outstanding, drawing on her wealth of experience and her total command of the English language. All in all a great adventure!- Camarillo, CA
How do you do it? Another great trip with superb leaders. The trip was great, but what makes Backroads trips special is the quality of your staff. When we were "stormed out" one day, the schedule was rearranged to allow us to take the long beautiful hike to the Reider Hutte the next day. When our luggage was temporarily mislaid, Alina and Lucia loaned us clothes for dinner. Always smiling, always in the right place with an answer or suggestion, they never disappointed.- Davis, CA