Prague-Vienna-Bratislava-Budapest

This romantic route is designed to highlight the most significant landmarks of UNESCO heritage and the most beautiful places. The tour leads through 4 countries of Middle Europe: the Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia, and Hungary.

We will visit 8 most renowned UNESCO landmarks, various urban listed preserves, and the southern part of the Czech Republic, which, with its landscape and beautiful castles and chateaus, is the most scenic area in the Czech Republic.

This tour includes 19 nights, with 18 days of cycling without any van transfers. On the self-guided tour, your route can be altered with extra nights to give you enough time for landmarks, relaxing, and entertainment.

The tour can be shortened or extended at your request, or transfers in a van can replace some parts of the tour.

Please note the guided tour requires a minimum of 6 participants, with a maximum of 20. The self-guided tour requires a minimum of 2 participants, with a maximum of 20. Medical insurance is recommended for participation.

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Highlights

UNESCO historical centers

• Prague
• Cesky Krumlov
• Telc
• Melk city center & Benedictine Abbey
• Wachau Valley
• Krems an Donau
• Vienna
• Budapest

Other recommended wonderful sights and places along routes

• Castle Karlstejn
• Chateaux Dobris (overnight here)
• Zdakovsky bridge
• Orlik dam
• Orlik water chateaux
• Zvikov castle
• Pisek
• Hluboka chateaux
• Spa city Trebon
• Jindrichuv Hradec
• Czech Canada
• Landstejn castle
• Slavonice city center
• Bratislava
• Esztergom

Learn More

Not sure which tour to book? Learn about the differences between guided and self-guided tours.

Daily program

Day 1: Prague arrival day
This day begins with a welcome at the airport, then transfer to your hotel. This day we will devote to discovering the magic places of Prague. We recommend visiting of the UNESCO historical center of the city and following that we will prepare a welcome dinner in a restaurant.
Overnight in Prague.

Day 2: Prague – Karlstejn – Dobris (41 miles/66 km)
Our first cycle tour leads from our Prague hotel to the famous castle Karlstejn. After an optional visit of Karlstejn, another part of our first cycle tour to a city of Dobris is awaiting us. The city, which in the 10th century led "Golden Path" from Prague to Bavaria. Once we have settled, we can set out on a visit of the beautiful chateaux with a large French garden. And we must ask the question - are we spending a night in an authentic chateau? It will be an unforgettable experience for us.
Overnight in Dobris.

Day 3: Dobris – Zvikovske Podhradi (42 miles/67 km)
From Dobris, we will go to Orlik dam in the morning - one of the dams of a Vltava-river cascade system, which also protects Prague against floods. The dam is 33 km/22 miles long and we will go alongside it to reach 500m long Zdakovsky bridge, which with its one span is one of the biggest bridges in the world. We can also visit a romantic water castle Orlik here. In the afternoon, we will leave for Zvikovske Podhradi and a Zvikov castle at a junction of the river Vltava and the river Otava. We will be accommodated there. An optional visit of Zvikov castle is recommended.
Overnight in Zvikov.

Day 4: Zvikovske Podhradi – Pisek (18 miles/29 km)
Today we will ride from Zvikov through the romantic landscape and forests into a smaller town Pisek. Pisek City was founded on the banks of the river Otava by Czech kings in the 13th century. From this period also comes his biggest sight - the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic, which is older than the Charles Bridge in Prague. Thanks to the gold-gold mining, Otava Pisek soon became an important commercial center. This romantic city, still called the city students, after 1989 blossomed into beauty. Houses, parks and monuments are all newly revised and create an unforgettable atmosphere for tourists, well-being, and relaxation.
Overnight in Pisek.

Day 5: Pisek – Hluboka – Ceske Budejovice (34 miles/55 km)
From Pisek, we will set out on a route to Hluboka chateaux, also called the Pearl of Southern Bohemia. After an optional visit of the chateaux we will finish today’s route in Ceske Budejovice, a city of the famous brewery Budvar/Budweiser and a unique historical monument from 1825 - the first and biggest horse railroads in Europe, which once connected Austrian city of Linz and Ceske Budejovice. After a dinner with Budvar beer, we definitely recommend you to enjoy a romantic evening walk around the city center.
Overnight in Ceske Budejovice.

Day 6: Ceske Budejovice – Cesky Krumlov (19 miles/31 km)
We will say good-bye to Ceske Budejovice and will go through a beautiful landscape us to Cesky Krumlov - a last UNESCO place in the Bohemia. We will spend here unforgettable moments walking through historical lanes; we can visit the chateaux and its tower, a museum of medieval torture tools and many other interesting things.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.

Day 7: Cesky Krumlov – Trebon (33 miles/53 km)
Another route will take us from Cesky Krumlov through the landscape of ponds to a spa city of Trebon. We will spend here some relaxing moments in the historical center - urban listed preserve - and can also visit a chateau and its romantic garden. You may also wish to purchase a spa treatment in a local spa.
Overnight in Trebon.

Day 8: Trebon – Jindrichuv Hradec (33 miles/53 km)
We are leaving Trebon and are looking forward to the city of Jindrichuv Hradec. Its well-kept historical center will fascinate us with its picturesqueness and we will certainly be tempted by a visit of a museum and the biggest mechanical Bethlehem in the world. Or a visit to one of the biggest chateaux in Czechia.
Overnight in Jindrichuv Hradec.

Day 9: Jindrichuv Hradec – Slavonice (29 miles/47 km or 41 miles/66 km)
Today you will choose from two route options, both of which end in Slavonice.

We will say good-bye to Jindrichuv Hradec and will go through a beautiful landscape of a national park called the Czech Canada. We will pass by a ruin of Landstejn castle and will come to Slavonice - another historical center and city at a border of three lands - Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria. After the accommodation and relaxation, we can visit a wine cellar in the evening.

OR

We will say good-bye to Jindrichuv Hradec and will go through a rugged beautiful landscape to Telc called the "Moravian Venice" or "Pearl of the Highlands." Telc was probably founded in the mid 13th century and from this century is also the oldest monument of the late Romanesque tower of St. Spirit. In 1339 was Telc changed into medieval water fortress. The historic city center was registered in 1992 in the UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage. After a tour of the historic center of Telc and possibly Telc chateaux we will continue to Slavonice - another historical center and city at a border of three lands - Bohemia, Moravia, and Austria. After the accommodation and relaxation, we can visit a wine cellar in the evening.
Overnight in Slavonice.

Day 10: Slavonice – Zwettl, Austria (38 miles/61 km)
We have passed the last night in the Czech Republic and will continue into the first Austrian city - Zwettl. Path leads us beautiful wooded landscape "Green Waldviertel," then over the border crossing into Austria called “Trojmezi” - boundary stone of three countries, Austria, Bohemia and Moravia. We spend the first night in Austria - Zwettl town. Zwettl was founded by the knights of Kuenring and was first mentioned in a monastery record in 1139. We look forward to the next tour, which takes us into the beautiful romantic Unesco city on the Danube - Melk.
Overnight in Zwettl.

Day 11: Zwettl – Melk (37 miles/60 km)
In the morning we leave Zwettl. This day’s route is a little more difficult, it will lead us beautiful wooded and rugged landscape. We will have a short breaks in a picturesque points and then will hit the road to the Unesco city Melk. At the point where the Danube enters the region of the Wachau lies the little town of Melk, dominated by the massive bulk of the Benedictine abbey, one of the best known and most splendid monastic houses in Austria. We will arrive in Melk afternoon and therefore we have time to visit the famous Melk Benedictine abbey.
Overnight in Melk.

Day 12: Melk – Krems (24 miles/38 km)
This day’s route is very easy, it will lead us alongside the river Danube through Unesco Wachau valley to Krems an Donau. The Wachau valley begins just where the magnificent baroque Abbey Melk arises on the southern bank. It is also a pleasure garden, and one of the most beautiful river valleys on the world. In 2000, the Wachau was declared part of the UNESCO World heritage. This unique work of art extends up to the city of Krems. Krems is one of the oldest towns in Austria, whose history is more ancient than a thousand years. The historical center of Krems is one of the most beautiful in Europe and in 2000 it was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List.
Overnight in Krems.

Day 13: Krems – Vienna (51 miles/83 km)
This day’s route is not difficult, it will lead us alongside the river Danube; we will have a short break in a picturesque city of Klosterneuburg and then will hit the road to the capital of Austria. We will arrive in Vienna late afternoon. (It is recommended to spend an additional day in Vienna.)
Overnight in Vienna.

Day 14: Vienna – Bratislava, Slovak Republic (45 miles/72 km)
A third capital city and a third country, which we will visit on our cycle tour, is Bratislava - the capital of Slovakia. To take advantage of leisure time, we will take a walk through Bratislava's historical center; we can recommend you to visit the Bratislava castle or castle Děvín above Danube. (We recommend spending an extra day in Bratislava). Having bought some presents and enjoyed suppertime farewell in a restaurant or tavern, we are looking forward to Hungary.
Overnight in Bratislava.

Day 15: Bratislava – Mosonmagyarovar, Hungary (24 miles/39 km)
We will depart from Bratislava and alongside the Danube we will come to a large lake - the megalomaniac dam of Gabcikovo, built during the period of socialism. Originally it be a joint Czechoslovak-Hungarian building with a view both to prevent flooding in this area, both to improve the navigability of the river. Then we continue to Rajka - first Hungarian town on our bike tour. After a short break we leave for spa town Mosonmagyaovar. Above all things the town's most valuable treasure is its thermal water, which is one of the five best medical thermal waters in Europe.
Overnight in Mosonmagyarovar.

Day 16: Mosonmagyarovar – Gyor (27 miles/43 km)
This day’s route is short and very easy, it will lead us through hinterland. We will bike through the small villages into one of the largest towns in Hungary - Gyor city. Győr, this ancient and living town hosts a vast array of architectural, cultural and natural treasures. Győr, Hungary's second richest town in historic buildings outside Budapest has won Europe-award for the protection of the historic buildings, in acknowledgment of the reconstruction of the Baroque center of the town. Churches, palaces, museums, characteristic corner balconies and narrow lanes, all reminders of a historic past, invite visitors to take a walk in the center of the town.
Overnight in Gyor.

Day 17: Gyor – Komarno, Slovakia (34 miles/55 km)
Our next day trip will cycle back to the Danube River. This day’s route is also very easy and it will lead us again on the Slovak side of the city of Komarno. Komarno, situated at the confluence of the rivers Vah and Danube is one of the oldest settlements in the Carpathian basin. It is a town with a rich history. Its territory has been systematically inhabited since the Early Bronze Age. Most of the cultural and historical memorials are in the historical centre. At the moment Komarno is a busy frontier town of the Slovak republic.
Overnight in Komarno.

Day 18: Komarno – Esztergom, Hungary (33 miles/53 km or 43 miles/69 km)
Today you can choose between two different routes that lead to the same city, Esztergom. You could choose to travel on the Slovakian side or the Hungarian side on your way to Esztergom.

In the morning you can enjoy the last breakfast in Slovak Republic. Also, the last Slovak route is very light and lead us into Sturovo/Esztergom, a frontier city divided into two parts by the border - Slovakian and Hungarian. However, we will spend the night already on the Hungarian side not forgetting to visit the city center with its famous basilica.

OR

In the morning you can enjoy the last breakfast in Slovak Republic. We will say good-bye to Komarno on the Slovak side and will go through the Hungarian side through the city of Tata to the town Esztergom. This bike route is a little longer and last time, we can try ride through a fragmented landscape. We will spend the night already on the Hungarian side not forgetting to visit the city center with its famous basilica.
Overnight in Esztergom.

Day 19: Esztergom – Budapest (46 miles/74 km)
Enjoy one of the most beautiful parts of cycle tracks in Hungary, leading through Szentendre village – an open-air museum. When we have visited it, we will pass through Szentendre city and are drawing nearer to Budapest - the goal of our journey. We will accommodate and dine with a subsequent walk through nocturnal Budapest. Because we did not have time to look at Budapest, we recommend extending your stay. This day is for relaxation and farewell at the same time and it is a day for the last UNESCO heritage on our tour. Therefore we will visit Buda Castle Quarter, maybe the Parliament; we can recharge the batteries on top of Gelert in a spa. Shopping in the city center on a pedestrian zone and farewell dinner in a restaurant will follow.
Overnight in Budapest.

Day 20: Budapest departure
We have packed and are waiting for our van, which will take us from the hotel to the airport. We are looking forward to go home, yet inwardly we promise to come back at some stage in the future.

Surface and terrain

The cycle path is marked, and 85% of the time the route is on blacktop cycle paths or on roads with low motor traffic.

Hotels

These are sample hotels for Category C and may vary based on availability. Category A & B hotels will be upgraded hotels.

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels and pensions.

Prague: Salvato

Pribram: Chateaux Dobris

Zvikovske Podhradi: Zvikov

Pisek: U Kaplicky

Ceske Budejovice: Clarion

Cesky Krumlov: U Maleho Vitka

Trebon: Zlata Hvezda

Jindrichuv Hradec: Pension Na 15. poledniku

Slavonice: Arkada

Zwettl: Bergwirt Schrammel

Krems: Unter den Linden

Vienna: Am Brillantengrund

Bratislava: Ibis Bratislava centrum

Mosonmagyarovar: Panorama

Gyor: Ibis

Komarno: Banderium

Esztergom: Bazilika Panzio

Budapest: Ibis Center

Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.

How to get there

Tour start
Nearest airport and train station: Prague, Czech Republic

Tour End
Nearest airport and train station: Budapest, Hungary

Private transfers available upon request from Prague airport to start hotel, or from the final hotel to the Budapest airport at the beginning/end of the tour. Please inquire at the time of booking.

Tips on getting to and from your tour

Dates

Prices

Included services

Bike rentals

Bikes available on this tour, and included in the tour cost (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

• Standard touring bikes: 16- or 24-speed, sizes 16"-24"

Bikes available to rent on this tour (must be reserved in advance at the time of booking):

• Electrically-assisted bikes*

*More about electrically-assisted bikes >

Bikes come equipped with:

• Mudguards
• Rear rack with panniers
• Kickstand
• Front and tail light
• Water bottle cages
• Bell
• Handlebar bag
• Saddle bag
• Water bottle (gift from CZET )
• Pump, lock, repair kit and tools (inner tube, keys, tire levers, patch kit)

Pedals:
The bikes are equipped with flat, strappy or SPD pedals. You may bring your own pedals if desired.

Helmets:
Although helmet rental is available, we recommend bringing your own helmet for safety and hygiene purposes.

Bike Protection:
Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.

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