Czech Republic & Austria Walking & Hiking Tour
- Discover two intriguing countries and cultures
- Gentle pastoral strolls in the Czech Republic and dramatic alpine treks in Austria
- A guided visit in Český 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
From Prague's Baroque Treasures to Austrian Peaks & Salzburg
Start with Prague, a true gem of Eastern Europe, with bustling culture and dramatic architecture that inspires at every turn. Head south and the Czech Republic reveals itself one peaceful 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.
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Read the Straight Talk
Straight Talk
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.Service Standards
The Czech Republic is a welcoming and fascinating country in the process of exciting change. While not a priority during the country's communist years, service is improving, though you may not always experience the level of convenience or service typically found in Western countries. It's best to travel in the Czech Republic with an open mind and a sense of humor. And know that your Backroads leaders are there to smooth out the edges and make you as comfortable as possible throughout. 
We want to make sure you're on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this one is no exception.
Service Standards
The Czech Republic is a welcoming and fascinating country in the process of exciting change. While not a priority during the country's communist years, service is improving, though you may not always experience the level of convenience or service typically found in Western countries. It's best to travel in the Czech Republic with an open mind and a sense of humor. And know that your Backroads leaders are there to smooth out the edges and make you as comfortable as possible throughout.
Itinerary
Day
1 Gentle pastoral strolls to picture-perfect villages in the Czech Republic 
After lunch at a secluded farmhouse-turned-inn, stride 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 Rendezvous at a popular pub for a tasting of Czech beers.
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 Keep your eyes peeled for chamois and discover the beauty of the Dachstein massif 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, in operation since 1893, from the storybook village of St. Wolfgang up Schafberg Mountain—you won't want to miss this photo op! Hike to the lovely resort town St. Gilgen, the birthplace of Mozart's mother and the setting for many scenes in The Sound of Music Stretch your legs on a leisurely walk around Fuschlsee, a beautiful lake sheltered by pine-clad hills.
Casual & Premiere Inns*
Hotel Ruze
Český Krumlov (2 nights) A former Jesuit monastery from the 16th century, with a perfect location in the town's center. (pool, spa)
Heritage Hotel Hallstatt
Hallstatt (1 night) An exclusive retreat composed of three historic houses overlooking spectacular Lake Hallstatt in the Salzkammergut region.
Hotel Schloss Fuschl
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)
Guest Reviews About This Trip
I loved this trip! This was a whole new part of the world for me, and to see the countryside 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
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.- Steamboat Springs, CO
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
Trip Dates & Prices
Please click on a date below for specific pricing and possible itinerary variations.
2015 CLASSIC DATES
May 2015
- 5/17 - 5/22 ( $3998 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
June 2015
- 6/28 - 7/3 ( $4098 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
July 2015
- 7/19 - 7/24 ( $3998 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
August 2015
- 8/9 - 8/14 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
- 8/30 - 9/4 ( $3898 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
September 2015
- 9/6 - 9/11 ( $3898 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
- 9/13 - 9/18 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
- 9/20 - 9/25 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
- 9/27 - 10/2 ( $3698 per person, double occ., +$980 for single occ.
Don't see your ideal travel date? Call us at 800-462-2848 for Private Trip date availability.
This Trip Is Rated Level 1-3
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 | 4* | 1000 | 8* | 1600 | ||||||
| 6* | 1000 | |||||||||
| 2 | 4* | 700 | 7 | 800 | 9 | 800 | ||||
| Cesky Krumlov Guided Walk (45 Minutes) | ||||||||||
| 3 | 4 | 700 | 5 | 1400 | 7 | 2200 | ||||
| 4 | 3* | 0 | 8* | 800 | ||||||
| Hallstatt Guided Walk (1 Hour) | ||||||||||
| 5 | 1 | 0 | 6* | 1000 | 8* | 1300 | ||||
| 5* | 200 | |||||||||
| Cog Train Ride (1.5 Hours) | ||||||||||
| 6 | 3* | 200 | ||||||||
The terrain on this trip includes alpine trails, historic village pathways and country lanes.
* Includes a shuttle
Private Trips Options & Pricing
Gather your favorite people to share a Backroads adventure on a ready-to-book Private Trip - featuring all the legendary Backroads hallmarks from expert leaders to unforgettable activities.
You can pick from a large selection of dates for your group of 8 or more. Call us for date availability.
If your party has fewer than 8 guests, or if your preferred date is not available, we'll create a departure just for you.
Pricing for Private Trips (prices may vary based on departure date)
2015
| 2 - 3 guests from $5,898 pp dbl. occ. | 8 - 9 guests from $4,498 pp dbl. occ. |
| 4 - 5 guests from $5,098 pp dbl. occ. | 10 - 11 guests from $3,998 pp dbl. occ. |
| 6 - 7 guests from $4,698 pp dbl. occ. | 12 or more guests from $3,698 pp dbl. occ. |
All Private Singles-Solos trips require a minimum of 16 guests.
More Recommended Trips
For 35 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Czech Republic & Austria tour experts. See our award-winning Europe At Large walking tours and hiking tours, Europe At Large biking tours and Europe At Large multisport tours.
