Cesky Krumlov to Prague – 9 Days
Type of tour: Guided/Self-guided
Level: 2
Duration: 8 Nights
Distance: 30 Miles/day average
Dates: Jun 27, Aug 15, 2015 (minimum 6 participants)
Tour price: €1073
Start city: Prague, Czech Republic
End city: Prague, Czech Republic
Tour Description
This tour begins in the vicinity of Sumava National Park, located in the south of Bohemia, and follows the Vltava River through beautiful, scenic landscapes to Prague, the historic capital of the Czech Republic.
This tour is an excellent choice because, following a river, it naturally takes you to the places that used to be the centers of cultural life in the country during the Middle Ages.
The trip starts in Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO heritage site. Not only is it a fascinating medieval center, but the cultural life and history of this beautiful well-preserved town is truly unique.
Another world-famous stop on your trip will be Ceske Budejovice, which gave its name to Budweiser beer. Other attractions to be visited are Pisek, a town with a remarkable historical center and the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic. The royal castle of Zvikov stands high above the confluence of the rivers Vltava and Otava. Close to Pribram, a town with a long history of silver mining and more recently of uranium mining during the twentieth century, stands Saint Mountain with its pilgrimage Church of the Virgin Mary dating from the 16th century.
Then overnight in Kerlstejn with its spectacularly-located 14th century Gothic castle and cycle on to Prague the next day.
Highlights: Guided Daily Program: Guided Day 1: Prague Day 2: Prague Day 3: Cesky Krumlov – Ceske Budejovice – Hluboka nad Vltavou (28 miles/45 km) Day 4: Hluboka nad Vltavou – Tyn – Pisek (29 miles/46 km) Day 5: Pisek – Pribram (42 miles/70 km) At the end of the day’s ride, you will arrive in Pribram. The town has been an important mining center since the Middle Ages. However, the more recent history of the town is rather chilling. Many political prisoners were forced to work at the Pribram uranium mines during the Communist regime. There is a noteworthy museum of mining. The town also offers a welcoming place to relax – a swimming pool and aqua park. Day 6: Pribram – Zebrak (23 miles/37 km) Day 7: Zebrak – Karlstejn (31 miles/50km) Day 8: Karlstejn – Prague (28miles/45km) Day 9: Prague Included Services: Guided All transportation of participants and their luggage and bicycles during the tour Bike Rentals: Guided Bikes come equipped with: Pedals: Seats: Helmets:
Arrival in Prague.
Welcome briefing at 9 a.m., where bikes and all information materials are distributed. Transfer to Cesky Krumlov (170 km/110 miles), the starting point of the tour. Cesky Krumlov is a medieval town registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After adjusting bicycles and a test ride, you will have free time to see the world-renowned medieval and Renaissance town of Cesky Krumlov, with its famous castle gardens and many other notable sites.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov
After a morning tour of Cesky Krumlov Castle we take the route along the scenic valley of the Vltava River. The first site to visit on the way is the monastery Zlata Koruna (the Golden Crown). We then ride on to Ceske Budejovice (Budweis in German). After lunch with Budweiser beer we complete a bike tour of Ceske Budejuvice and continue to the day’s objective – Hluboka nad Vltavou. Hluboka Chateau is well worth visiting, and you can also take a pleasant stroll in the elegant park when you arrive in Hluboka or on the following day.
Overnight in Hluboka nad Vltavou.
We will see a different aspect of the Vltava for this part of the trip. There is a complex of four dams and therefore the Vltava here forms four huge lakes. One of the dams is 91m high, which makes it the largest dam in the Czech Republic. We will pass through the town of Tyn and ride on to Pisek, a picturesque town on the Otava River. The main attraction of Pisek is a 13th century stone bridge, the oldest in the country.
Overnight in Pisek.
This route will take us though beautiful landscapes with many picturesque villages to Pribram. This is the longest distance of the whole tour. We will pass by Orlik castle, where you can take a tour of the castle to see its splendidly decorated rooms. The second remarkable thing to see is the bridge at Zdakov, which was at the time of its building the world’s longest single-span bridge.
Overnight in Pribram.
We will visit a 14th – 17th century pilgrimage church with a monastery, Svata Hora (Holy Mountain), in the morning. We will then continue the ride through this picturesque region. We will cycle through an extensive former military area in the beautiful forested hills of Brdy. You will cycle “in the middle of nowhere” on 9 meter wide paved roads used by the army in the past. Shortly after Horovice you will arrive to a little town of Zebrak.
Overnight in Zebrak.
We will cycle from Horovice to the impressive 14th century ruins of Tocnik Castle. The ruins are on the top of a little hill called Zamecka Hora (Chateau Hill). The middle part of the day leads through forested rolling hills. Shortly afterwards, we will arrive at Beroun. This is a medieval town in the heart of the Karst district with romantic valleys, caves, pits and localities where pre-historic fossils can still be found. The remaining part of the day follows the Berounka river through the romantic valley all the way to Karlstejn village, where we will stay for a night.
Overnight in Karlstejn.
The last section of the trip is a sweet reward which you surely deserve after having cycled for six days. The route is very easy as it leads along both banks of the Berounka River and later along the Vltava river bank. You can easily reach your Prague hotel by bicycle. Prague is surely one of the most beautiful and romantic cities in Europe. There are innumerable cultural events, cafés, pubs and restaurants and a vivid nightlife waiting for you! This is the perfect end to a splendid holiday!
Overnight in Prague.
Breakfast, transfer to the Prague airport to catch your plane, unless you decide to prolong your holiday in the Czech Republic.
Bikes available for rent on this tour (reserved in advance at the time of booking):
The bikes are equipped with flat pedals. You may bring your own pedals if desired.
Tour saddles are included, but you may bring your own seat. Please let us know if you intend to bring your own seat, so we can ensure the post will fit the bike.
Helmets are provided as part of the bike rental package, but we recommend that you bring your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.
