Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

4.5/5 (19)
6 nights
29 miles/day
Guided from EUR € 1183
Self guided from EUR € 755
Bike tour in Czech Republic and Germany
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Family-friendly bike tours

Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

4.5/5 (19)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Primarily bike paths Family-friendly bike tours

6 nights
29 miles/day

Guided from EUR € 1183
Self guided from EUR € 755
Bike tour in Czech Republic and Germany

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Exploring history, Embracing Beauty and Finding Magic: A Czech-German Cycling Odyssey

    This Prague to Dresden bike tour leads through the heart of Europe revealing unexpectedly delightful Czech and German landscapes. You explore picturesque towns, breathtaking natural parks, and the enchanting valleys along the Vltava and Elbe rivers.

    Prague is the starting point and the perfect place to begin. Its cobbled streets and ancient architecture set the stage for your days ahead.

    You cycle north through Melnick and then pause at the imposing Terezin Fortress, a stark symbol of military architecture that bears witness to its grim role as a World War II Jewish concentration camp.

    From the dark past, you then venture into the magical and otherworldly landscape of Czech-Saxon Switzerland Natural Park. Towering sandstone cliffs, volcanic landscapes, lush forests, and meandering rivers create a fairytale. The locals call it the "Land of Narnia" and indeed some scenes from the film series were set here.

    The crowning jewel is Dresden. Here you will find the past, but also the present. Its streets and architecture tell an incredible story, a harmonious blend of the old and the new.

    Bring your sense of adventure, your quest for history and culture, and your childlike wonder!

    Your bike is waiting.

    • Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic. Kelsey Curtis@Unsplash
    • Elbe River in Dresden, Saxony, Germany. Felix Hanspach@Unsplash
    • Riesling wines are the local favorite here! CC:Agne27
    • Prague To Dresden Bike Tour - Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers
    • Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic. CC:MurderousPass
    • Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park. Andre Masek@Unsplash
    • Elbe River through Saxon Switzerland. CC:Thomquine
    • Fraukirche, Dresden, Saxony, Germany. CC:linus2408

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Prague – capital city of The Czech Republic
    • The Czech Middle Mountains - the romantic region of former volcanoes
    • Hiking in Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park
    • The largest rock arch in Europe
    • Königstein Fortress, Germany
    • Dresden - there is probably no other town in Germany that better symbolizes the turbulent history of this country

    Learn More

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

  • CC-BY-SA-3.0 - View form Brühl's Terrace to Hofkirche in Dresden, Germany. CC:Kolossos' data-type='image'> View form Brühl's Terrace to Hofkirche in Dresden, Germany. CC:Kolossos
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Bastion Bridge in Saxon Switzerland near Dresden, Germany. CC:Thomas Wolf' data-type='image'> Bastion Bridge in Saxon Switzerland near Dresden, Germany. CC:Thomas Wolf
    CC0 - Frauenkirche in Dresden, Saxony, Germany. Ronny Kreutel@Flickr' data-type='image'> Frauenkirche in Dresden, Saxony, Germany. Ronny Kreutel@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Riesling wines are the local favorite here! CC:Agne27' data-type='image'> Riesling wines are the local favorite here! CC:Agne27
    CC0 - Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic. CC:MurderousPass' data-type='image'> Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic. CC:MurderousPass
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Elbe River through Saxon Switzerland. CC:Thomquine' data-type='image'> Elbe River through Saxon Switzerland. CC:Thomquine
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Fraukirche, Dresden, Saxony, Germany. CC:linus2408' data-type='image'> Fraukirche, Dresden, Saxony, Germany. CC:linus2408
    FAL - View from the tower in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic. CC:A.Savin' data-type='image'> View from the tower in Old Town, Prague, Czech Republic. CC:A.Savin
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Elbe River in Dresden, Saxony, Germany. CC:Mylius' data-type='image'> Elbe River in Dresden, Saxony, Germany. CC:Mylius
    CC0 - Elbe River Valley near Dresden, Germany. CC:Martinroell' data-type='image'> Elbe River Valley near Dresden, Germany. CC:Martinroell
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - "Svičková na smetaně" - venison dumplings! Traditional Czech food. CC:Matyashavel' data-type='image'> "Svičková na smetaně" - venison dumplings! Traditional Czech food. CC:Matyashavel
    CC-BY-SA-2.0 - Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a favorite in Germany! Theo Woo@Flickr' data-type='image'> Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte is a favorite in Germany! Theo Woo@Flickr
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - "Der Fürstenzug“ in Old Town of Dresden, Germany. CC:Gegeours' data-type='image'> "Der Fürstenzug“ in Old Town of Dresden, Germany. CC:Gegeours
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Dresden Basin, Germany. CC:Norbert Kaiser' data-type='image'> Dresden Basin, Germany. CC:Norbert Kaiser
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Traditional Bohemian Platter in Prague, Czech Republic. CC:Jip' data-type='image'> Traditional Bohemian Platter in Prague, Czech Republic. CC:Jip
    CC-BY-SA-2.5 - Apple Strudel in Czech Republic. CC:Che' data-type='image'> Apple Strudel in Czech Republic. CC:Che
    CC-BY-SA-3.0 - Dresden, Germany. CC:Kolossos' data-type='image'> Dresden, Germany. CC:Kolossos

    Traveler photos

    • Approaching Bad Schandau (photo by Karen Hanson)
    •  (photo by Karen Hanson)
    •  (photo by Jay Penner)
    • Land bridge in Hřensko. (photo by Jay Penner)
    •  (photo by Jay Penner)
    • Bike path. (photo by Jay Penner)
    • Sunset at the end of the day in Melnick. (photo by Jay Penner)
    • Touring Prague (photo by Jay Penner)
    • Prague Old Town (photo by Team Wuss)
    • Melnik (photo by Team Wuss)
    • Our first night lodging. (photo by Team Wuss)
    • Largest rock arch in Europe (Pravcicka Brana) (photo by Team Wuss)
    • Looking down on the Elbe River after an uphill hike. (photo by Team Wuss)
    • Poppies along the bike path. (photo by Team Wuss)
    • First night! (photo by Sandy89)
    • Plenty of castles on the hills (photo by Sandy89)
    • On our way to a national park (photo by Sandy89)
    • What a view! (photo by Sandy89)
    • All the hotels were charming! (photo by Sandy89)
    • The Elbe River (photo by Stu T)
    • Crossing the border into Germany (photo by Stu T)
    • Hrensko (photo by Stu T)
    • 3 Marker showing flood levels along the Vltava River. In 2012 it was up to the eaves. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 1 The bike path along the Vltava as we left Prague. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 3 Our lovely accommodations in Hotel U Zamku in Melnik. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 4 Crossing into Germany opposite Hrensko, Czech Republic. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 5 Amazing sandstone cliffs along the Elbe as we cycled towards Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 6 The four of us arriving at our hotel in Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
    • View from the Czech Switzerland National Park (photo by Calista1226)
    • Biking along the Elbe River (photo by Calista1226)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Calista1226)
    • The Natural Bridge at the Czech Switzerland National Park (photo by Calista1226)
    • Accommodations in Melnik (photo by Calista1226)
    • Photo 6 (photo by Calista1226)

    Prague to Dresden

     Tour Description Daily Program 

  • Daily program

    When choosing a start date, please keep in mind that many museums, castles, etc are closed on Mondays.

    Day 1: Arrival into Prague
    Upon your arrival, settle into your first hotel and take the opportunity to explore the enchanting city of Prague at your own pace. The city is renowned for its well-preserved architecture. The Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the largest ancient castle complex in the world. The Old Town Square, Charles Bridge, and the Astronomical Clock are other iconic landmarks that showcase Prague's architectural splendor.

    Day 2: Prague – Melnik (33 miles/53 km)
    As you embark on your journey, a gentle climb leads to a picturesque trail guiding you to the heart of the Czech wine region, the town of Melnik. Along the way, you'll pass the Troja Baroque Castle and follow the northern bank of the Vltava River, unveiling interesting rock formations and deep valleys. Highlights include visits to Nelahozeves or Veltrusy castles, concluding the day in the historic wine town at the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers.

    Overnight in Melnik.

    Day 3: Melnik – Litomerice (31 miles/52 km)
    Today's stage unfolds through the serene Elbe region, characterized by its fertile lands. After passing the Libechov Castle, you'll arrive in the town of Roudnice nad Labem, where you can admire its old church and castle. A significant stop includes the massive Terezin Fortress, offering insights into military architecture and serving as a poignant reminder of World War II. The day concludes in Litomerice, an old town and spiritual center. . Litomerice boasts a rich history dating back to the 10th century, with landmarks such as the Baroque Bishop's Residence and the Gothic-style Church of St. Stephen

    Overnight in Litomerice.

    Day 4: Litomerice – Decin (31 miles/52 km)
    Today you head to the enchanting region of the Czech Central Mountains. As you pedal, the ancient volcanic landscape will rise around your river valley route, with medieval castles casting their shadows from the slender peaks of long-extinct cones. Follow the ancient trade route along the Labe River, connecting the Czech and Saxon Kingdoms, with your symbolic entry point into the Czech Central Mountains being the Porta Bohemica.

    Continue along this historic route, and you'll reach the charming village of Žernoseky, renowned for its wine cultivation and the presence of a Baroque chateau. Moving forward, your next points of interest include the modern Masaryk flood-gates and the time-honored ruins of Střekov Castle, majestically perched above the city of Ústí. Take a moment in Ústí to marvel at the most off-center tower north of the Alps, its tilt attributed to the heavy bombing at the end of World War II.

    As you pedal onward, Velké Březno Castle awaits, serving as a splendid testament to Empire architecture in the Czech Lands. Your bike route concludes in the city of Děčín, visually dominated by a chateau seated high atop a rocky perch. Your journey unfolds with a perfect blend of natural beauty, historical landmarks, and architectural wonders, providing you with a memorable exploration of the Czech Central Mountains.

    Overnight in Decin.

    Day 5: Děčín - Bad Schandau/Krippen, (16 miles/25 km cycling | 3 - 9 miles/5 - 15 km hiking)
    Today, you will be crossing the border to Germany. The bike path through the Czech and Saxon Switzerland National Park will lead you alongside amazing sandstone cliffs and pillars. Upon reaching Hřensko, you can dedicate the remaining time to hike across this exquisite terrain.

    You have a few options to choose from. You can hike up to the largest natural arch in Central Europe, Pravčická brána (Gate of Pravčice), offering an admirable view of the surrounding area. Alternatively, opt for a relaxed stroll and gondola ride through an untouched part of the Kamenice River valley. A third option is to combine these two hikes into one trip. Conclude the day with a short bike ride and cross the border to Germany in the lovely spa town of Bad Schandau. For those not interested in hiking, consider spending half a day with spa procedures or at the swimming pool in this town

    Overnight in Bad Schandau.

    Day 6: Bad Schandau – Dresden (25 miles/40 km)
    As you set off from Bad Schandau, the picturesque landscapes along the Elbe River will accompany you on your journey.

    A significant highlight of your bike tour will be the Königstein Fortress, majestically perched atop a table mountain overlooking the Elbe River. This well-preserved fortress, often referred to as the "Saxon Bastille," boasts a rich history dating back over 750 years. The fortress served various purposes throughout the centuries, functioning as a medieval castle, a state prison, and a refuge for the Saxon royal family during times of war.

    Overnight in Dresden.

    Day 7: Dresden
    There is probably no other town in Germany that better symbolizes the turbulent history of this country and shows many centuries of cultural and architectural boom combined with religious freedom and economic prosperity. A short stint of Nazism was followed by punishment in the form of the biggest bombing during World War II, which turned almost the entire city into ruins overnight. We can arrange tour guiding services or help you to extend your stay.

    Surface and terrain

    This route follows mostly flat terrain with occasional hills. The route is on mostly dedicated bike trails, and where it runs on roads, there are marked bike lanes.

    There is only one short up hill on the first day. The rest of the route leads along the Vltava and Elbe rivers. This trail is recommended for families with children.


    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    Premium hotels: 3- and 4-star hotels and inns

    Prague: Clement

    Melnik: U Zamku Apartment

    Litomerice: Mácha

    Decin: Ceska Koruna

    Bad Schandau: Lindenhof or Toscana

    Dresden: Innside


    Standard hotels: 3-star hotels, inns or guest houses

    Prague: DAP or International

    Melnik: U zámku, Jaro or Olympionik, Chateau Liblice (guided tour)

    Litomerice: Hotel Apollon (guided), Mácha, Dubina or U Borovicku

    Decin: Ceska Koruna

    Bad Schandau: Ergbericht or Albero Toscana

    Dresden: Martha or Park Inn

    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: Prague (PRG), Czech Republic
    Nearest train station: Prague Main Station

    Tour end
    Nearest airport: Dresden (DRS), Germany
    Nearest train station: Dresden

    Please note that transfers to/from the tour start or end are not included in the tour package, but can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.

    Tips on getting to and from your tour


    Prague to Dresden

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    • Daily: Apr 1-Oct 31, 2024 (minimum 2 participants)

    • May 25; Jun 22; Jul 6, 27; Aug 31; Sep 21, 2024 (minimum 6 participants)

    Prices

    • Tour package

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €952 €755
      Single use room (1 person/1 room) €1190 €948
      Solo traveler (1 person in party)

      €1322

      €1080

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €67
      Electrically assisted bike €150
      Road bike €89

      Extra nights, Prague

      Low season*

      Premium hotels Standard hotel (city center)
      Per person, double occupancy €84 €68
      Single use room (1 person/1 room) €131 €104

      High season*

      Premium hotels Standard hotel (city center)
      Per person, double occupancy €89 €74
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €142 €114

      *High season: Apr15 to Jun 30 & Sep 1 to Oct 10

      Extra nights, Dresden

      Low season*

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €79 €63
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €142 €100

      High season*

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €89 €68
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €152 €110

      *High season: Apr15 to Jun 30 & Sep 1 to Oct 10

      Additional Services

      Dinners included

      Standard accommodations €179
      Premium accommodations €231

      Private Prague by Bike Tour (approx 4 - 5 hours)

      2 people €70
      4 people €55
      6 people €50

      Transfers

      From Prague airport to start hotel for 1-3 people (per car) €55
      From Prague airport to start hotel for 4-8 people (per car) €70
    • Tour package

      Per person, double occupancy €1183
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €1367

      Only offered in Standard hotels

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €67
      Electrically assisted bike €150
      Road bike €92

      Extra nights, Prague

      Low season

      Premium hotels Standard hotel (city center)
      Per person, double occupancy €84 €68
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €131 €104

      High season

      Premium hotels Standard hotel (city center)
      Per person, double occupancy €89 €74
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €142 €114

      Extra nights, Dresden

      Low season

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €79 €63
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €142 €100

      High season

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €89 €68
      Single-use room (1 person/1 room) €152 €110

      Additional Services

      Private Prague by Bike Tour (approx 4 - 5 hours)

      2 people €70
      4 people €55
      6 people €50

      Transfers

      From Prague airport to start hotel for 1-3 people (per car) €55
      From Prague airport to start hotel for 4-8 people (per car) €70

    Included services

      • 6 nights accommodation in selected hotel category
      • Buffet breakfast each day
      • Luggage transfer between hotels (weight limit per piece is 15 kilos, max two pieces per guest)
      • Detailed cycling maps and route description, detailed town maps, program and route books (1 set per room)
      • 24-hour hotline assistance service
      • GPX data is provided for smartphones; a GPS unit with recorded routes is available on request (limited availability)

      Visitor's taxes, where due, are not included in the price of the tour. You will pay the tax directly to your hotel reception upon check out (€1-4 per person/night).

      • 6 nights accommodation
      • Buffet breakfast each day
      • 3 dinners (excluding drinks)
      • All transportation of participants and their luggage and bicycles during the tour
      • Tour briefing
      • Detailed town maps (1 set per room)
      • Detailed cycling maps (on request)
      • Tour leader during all biking days
      • Refreshments in the support vehicle (soft drinks, snacks, sweets, fruit)
      • Water for water bottles
      • Support vehicle

      Visitor's taxes, where due, are not included in the price of the tour. You will pay the tax directly to your hotel reception upon check out (€1-4 per person/night).


    Bike rentals

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

    • Trekking bike: men's and women's
    • Electrically assisted bike*
    • Road/Gravel bike 

    Also available, tandem, recumbent, and children's bikes.

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Bikes come equipped with:

    • Handlebar bag with trekking bike
    • 1 pannier 
    • Lock (one per room)
    • One repair kit per room, including pump, spare tubes, and tools
    • Helmet 
    • Water bottle
    • Phone holder (on request)

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your shoes and the equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are included though of course you can bring your own.

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


    Tour Company


    Prague to Dresden

     Daily program Route Map 

  • Route Map

    Maps are for information purposes only and reflect typical routes between overnight locations. They may not reflect your actual route.


    Prague to Dresden

     Dates & Prices Tour Reviews 

    • Karen Hanson 3 months ago

      Beautiful (and manageable) trip

      Following the Vltava and Elbe rivers, with mostly excellent bike paths and a reasonable amount of miles per day, made for a lovely honeymoon trip! The Czech countryside was about to hit fall colors, and chestnuts were aplenty. The bikes they provided were in great shape (Trek and Specialized), and the gps files worked well. Highly recommend showing up at least two or three days early to spend extra time in Prague and get used to the time change. We weren’t able to take advantage of many of the optional side visits and biergardens along the way because many were closed already for the season, but we still enjoyed passing through small/tiny towns. And we made sure to pack our own wine and cheese for breaks! In the high season, we imagine it must be a much different scene. Overall, really enjoyed the trip and would recommend it for those who are looking for a relaxing vacation.

      What was the date of your tour?
      October 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Approaching Bad Schandau (photo by Karen Hanson)
      •  (photo by Karen Hanson)
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Donna Parr 3 months ago

      Fun way to see a beautiful area

      Really enjoyed the trip. Beautiful route getting into rolling hills although not difficult to bike with great off-road bike paths almost the whole way. Hotels were great with plentiful breakfasts.

      What was the date of your tour?
      September 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      1st
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Much easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Jay Penner 4 months ago

      Great Ride!!

      This was a great ride along well marked trails. The E-bikes were in great condition and easy to ride. We spent several extra days in Prague and rode to Karlštejn Castle. The ride to Karlstejn was a good segue into the ride from Prague to Dresden.

      The hotels were all very nice even though several were not air conditioned most had fans that made the stays comfortable. Each of the stopover towns had their unique charm and points of interest. Several of the shorter ride days were filled with great options. Once we got to Litomerice there was plenty of time to explore Terezin Fortress. The day we rode to Bad Schanda we spent most of the day in Hřensko and hiked to visit the largest natural land bridge in Europe.

      There were ample places to stop along the entire route for breaks and refreshments. We met many wonderful people from all over Europe doing the same ride and had a great time visiting with them. The package was well put together and fun to ride.

      What was the date of your tour?
      August 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      This was an our 8th bike tour. Always doing self guided.
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      •  (photo by Jay Penner)
      • Land bridge in Hřensko. (photo by Jay Penner)
      •  (photo by Jay Penner)
      • Bike path. (photo by Jay Penner)
      • Sunset at the end of the day in Melnick. (photo by Jay Penner)
      • Touring Prague (photo by Jay Penner)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Janna R Poll August 21, 2022

      Needs a bit more sophistication

      1. There was no GPS. They insisted it was easy and we had maps, but they were in Czech and hard to read and the street were rarely marked.

      2. I had two flats within the first mile ( two more to come). They need to put liners in their tires. Our pump was also so bad that after a lot of work it was still too low to ride. Usually other riders would stop and let us borrow their more superior pumps.

      They delivered a new bike in Prague because my brakes were also broken. To get to their delivery car I had to go down a wet slope and across a divided highway. I fell on a wet grid and hurt my knee bad and ripped the entire butt out of my only pair of bike shorts for the whole trip ( remember the missing luggage). This. Detour meant we couldn’t ever seem to find the bike bath again and since we had a late start of 3:30, we rode hard for six straight hours. It was extremely dangerous after dark and we had no food out in the farmland. I was using my phone to try to find the towns with path.

      I complained about the promise of a GPS and not having one. So they forwarded maps to use on a a special app on my phone, but that took a day to understand where we were on the map. I got a GPS the third day, but it didn’t have a charge and the charging unit didn’t go with the unit I had.

      4. Not only did we have flats, but my kickstand didn’t work and more importantly, the fender supports in the front was missing some rubber tips. That meant when I put down my foot when stopping and the wheel was turned at all, the snipped off metal of the support would slash my inside knees badly. This happened a lot and was very painful and bloody.

      5. Several of the hotels had some real problems with super warm rooms, (no A/C anywhere over there), loud streets, and no ice. Two at least had fans. the nice hotel in Bad Shandeau put us alone up on the 4th floor and said we were to leave the windows closed because of smoke from the fires, which was blowing the opposite direction. Our attic room was well over 90F w no ventilation. We opened the narrow attic windows anyhow
      The best hotel was a little pensioner on the first night. That frog even gave us ice for our water bottles. It was a very hot week.

      6. The path ran right by a forest fire before Bad Schandau. Breathing was bad and stinky.

      They guys were generally responsive, though the main guy was on vacation. We are fairly unde manding most of time, changed our own FOUR flat tires, tried to find our way, dealt w the bike faults, but feel they were tired of us the first day. In fact he said if we were ‘one of their clienta it would be different. If they took the money from you, we WERE their client!

      Overall, it was a bit disappointing on the bike side, though the river is lovely and biking is still the best way to see a country!  SHOW MORE 

      What was the date of your tour?
      July2022
      How many tours have you completed?
      Five
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens, Families with young kids
      Do you recommend this tour?
      No
      • 3/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 1/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 1/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 1/5 Local tour company services
    • Michele June 25, 2019

      Awesome Scenic Ride

      This easy ride provided scenic views of castles and countryside along an easily marked trail and river without a lot of car traffic. The City stops a long the way were quaint and friendly and there was always a place to stop for beer with fellow travelers. I would highly recommend this trip especially on an E-Bike!

      What was the date of your tour?
      April 24 to June 1 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      1
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Team Wuss June 24, 2019

      Great tour

      A great tour that exceeded expectations. We had by far the best tour guide as compared to all previous bike trips (5). Justin was attentive, thoughtful, and full of facts concerning culture, history, and geography. Most of the trip was spent on dedicated bike paths along the river with only a few hill challenges. We had a couple of hikes in national parks among beautiful sandstone cliffs and towers. The bikes were quite new and well maintained. Evening meals were uniformly excellent and the hotels were nice mid-range accommodations (with the exception of an opulent chatteau on the first night). Champagne with strawberries at the end of the last day's ride in Dresden was a nice touch.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 1
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • Prague Old Town (photo by Team Wuss)
      • Melnik (photo by Team Wuss)
      • Our first night lodging. (photo by Team Wuss)
      • Largest rock arch in Europe (Pravcicka Brana) (photo by Team Wuss)
      • Looking down on the Elbe River after an uphill hike. (photo by Team Wuss)
      • Poppies along the bike path. (photo by Team Wuss)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Rinat June 20, 2019

      Excellent trip b

      Cycling is the best way to experience the and feel the atmosphere, and Enjoy , the trip was excellent, the local company was very supportive, the signs on the way was clear and the view was absolutely amazing.
      Category B hotels sometimes were a bit simple. I really recommend the prague to Dresden trip

      What was the date of your tour?
      17-25 of May
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Brink June 13, 2019

      Beautiful way to see small Czech and German towns

      The bike path was generally well marked along the rivers and the towns picturesque. People were friendly, the food good and the hotels good, except for the hotel in Dresden.

      What was the date of your tour?
      25 May—31 May 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • JimS April 30, 2019

      Great bike ride...mostly on paved bike paths

      AVE provide a very good experience. Would definitely use them again. The trip listed a couple of short hills. There were two hills on the first day and they were steeper than I expected and also longer. That is just a minor thing and in no way diminished the trip. The bicycles were very good and their initial service was great...however, I would have preferred that they bring the bicycles the day before we started the trip instead of the morning of the trip. It meant that we started about 2 hours later than we would have. That also is a minor thing and didn’t, take away from the trip. All of the hotels were excellent.

      What was the date of your tour?
      April 17, 2019
      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Beanaloca October 22, 2018

      beautiful

      This was a fun tour overall. I enjoyed biking along the rivers, it made for a scenic trip. A few of the towns we overnighted in were specatacular.

      What was the date of your tour?
      October 7, 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 3/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 3/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • Sandy89 September 18, 2018

      Tour Great/Less scenic than others

      Loved the company, the equipment, and the guides! This is our third bike trip in Europe and we were on a very specific timetable. That being said, the itinerary was the only one available for our dates, and wasn't as scenic as other tours we have taken. A lot of the river paths were alongside industrial areas (as many river paths are), so some of the scenery wasn't ideal. That being said, the hotels and the meals were amazing, and the sites that we visited were interesting!

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      3
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • First night! (photo by Sandy89)
      • Plenty of castles on the hills (photo by Sandy89)
      • On our way to a national park (photo by Sandy89)
      • What a view! (photo by Sandy89)
      • All the hotels were charming! (photo by Sandy89)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 3/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Brian1624 September 17, 2018

      Wonderful Bike Tour

      Easy Route to fallow with 90% bike paths. Good notes on what to see along the way. Hotels were good but WiFi was average.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Aug 20-26th 2018
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 3/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Stu T August 10, 2017

      Fantastic Ride from Prague to Dresden

      Great fun, bonus being that it mostly followed the Elbe River downstream to Prague so wasn't very strenuous, just a few hills here and there. Our guide Milan was great - definitely worth having along as (1) he spoke Czech which none of us did ! and (2) added in some side tours which would have almost certainly missed had he not been along. Also, our support lady Jitke was really helpful and very useful to have on hand, she moved our luggage every day effortlessly ! Great scenery, great beer (some of the wine was a bit ordinary) and great food. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

      What was the date of your tour?
      10-14 July 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      2
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • The Elbe River (photo by Stu T)
      • Crossing the border into Germany (photo by Stu T)
      • Hrensko (photo by Stu T)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Mandy July 16, 2017

      Prague to Dresden Along the Vitava and Elbe Rivers July 30-July 7th 2017

      Overall great trip! Guides were great. Needed better handouts (not self guided for guided tour) and would cut the brewery where you pour your own beer.

      What was the date of your tour?
      July 1-July 6th
      How many tours have you completed?
      6+
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 1/5 Ease of navigation
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • Mikay July 5, 2017

      Beautiful, Romantic, Historic, Adventurous

      This trip was a blast! It was especially cool to see how the geography and culture changed as we moved out of Czech Republic and into Germany. This tour has a little bit of everything to satisfy everyone's tastes. Our favorites were the last two days: Hrensko, thermal bathes in Bad Schandau, Fortress in Koenigstein (well worth the hike to the top), and Bastei in Oberrathen (do the hike and visit the medieval fortress). Also, as far as navigation, we used the maps.me app and mounted our smart phone to the bike, which made getting around super easy. We had turn by turn directions throughout the tour.

      A couple tips I wished the tour company had provided, major sites along the route are closed on Mondays. We traveled from Litomorice to Decin on Monday. Unfortunately the Strekov castle and restaurant was closed (we found that out after climbing to the top of the hill). Additionally when we reached Velke Brezno to visit the brewery we found out it also is closed on Mondays. Therefore, if a day of your tour falls on a Monday it would be good to prioritize scheduling one of the hiking days (e.g. Decin to Bad Schandau or Bad Schandau to Dresden). In general, it would be nice to know in advance what days the points of interest are closed, so the group can manage their time at other sites better. If the tour company does not provide this info, I would recommend looking it up in advance.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 23, 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • BikeTours.com staff reply from Jim Johnson July 6, 2017

        Thanks very much for your feedback! We're glad you had a great time. We'll pass along your helpful suggestions to the local operator.

      • 4/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 4/5 Local tour company services
      • 4/5 Route selection
    • New Yorkers June 27, 2017

      Good variety, just enough challenge, 2 amazing cities

      We really enjoyed this trip — this was our first guided tour. Overall, it was a comfortable pace, a few big hills but lots of flat areas, and plenty of stops.

      Most of the riding was on paved bike paths, but some bits were on roads with cars, where the guides kept everyone safe and comfortable. Some of the riding was on dirt roads, but this was only a challenge one time, when the road was muddy and slightly uphill. Climbing big hills was always rewarded with amazing views & castles. Our group did all of the challenges, even if they had to walk and push their bikes up part of the hill. It was fine with everyone, and no one took advantage of the van (but you can if you want).

      The route took us along the rivers, through small picturesque villages and towns, farmland and forests. The poppies were in bloom when we went, in early June. We took quick ferry rides across the river a few times, which was fun.

      The biking started around 9am after a big breakfast. There were plenty of stops, snacks at the van by the side of a road, and coffee at a nice cafe in a beautiful town square. We would usually get to the hotel around 5-6pm and dinner was around 7pm. There was one day with less riding, where we had the option of spending the afternoon visiting the “Bohemian Switzerland National Park” (in the Czech Republic) or spending the time in Bad Spandau — a nice town on the river with hot baths and spa and cafes. We hiked and it was gorgeous.

      All of the guides were Czech, and spoke English, some were fluent. They helped translate in restaurants and hotels when needed. They gave us lots of info about sites along the way. One was a “physical geographer” and had lots facts about the geology of the area. We had discussions about the communist history of both Czechoslovakia and Eastern Germany. One guide would ride with us, and one drove the van, and they switched off every day. They were professional, polite, always willing to help — no request was too big or too small. They had funny Czech senses of humor.

      The accommodations were different each night, ranging from very fancy to basic, but always located in a beautiful historic town. Lunch and dinner locations were well chosen, the food was always good. We had lots of local specialties, and tried the local beers and wines. There was a vegetarian and a gluten-free person in our group, and their needs were accommodated.

      What was the date of your tour?
      June 3, 2017
      How many tours have you completed?
      5
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 4/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 5/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
    • GobaGirl June 6, 2017

      Wonderful way to see the Czech Republic

      We did the self guided trip (more on that option later) and the actual bicycle trip was fantastic. The cities we stayed in were great - Melnik was amazing - and the route along the Elbe was just stunning. The experience was just wonderful. Food, beer, wine, lodgings, villages - all perfect. The only caution is if you opt for the self guided trip. Although the bike paths were generally well marked, it was sort of stressful always having to watch for the twists and turns. A guide would have made the whole experience far more relaxing and enjoyable. And we would not have found ourselves lost quite so often.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 12-18
      How many tours have you completed?
      2 guided tours and many cross state
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat easier
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 5/5 Value
      • 3/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 3/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 2/5 Ease of navigation
      • 3/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Pedalann October 13, 2016

      A lovely ride down the Vltava and Elbe Rivers

      Cycling along the major rivers of Europe is always a pleasure and this trip was no exception.  Much of the path is asphalt-paved and hugs the river's edge.  There are several small ferries and some bridges which allow cyclists to cycle on either side of the Vlatava and Elbe as one goes north from Prague towards Dresden.  
     The bicycles supplied were well suited for the tour and the GPS, cue sheets and maps guided you on each day's ride. There are a few places where the path has been damaged or destroyed by floods so there are a few steep hills and "single track" sections to navigate.  Our lodgings, except in Prague and Dresden, were always in the historic city centers so it was easy to walk around and learn about each place.
     Along the way, we discovered the history of these rivers and the importance of our stopping points  - Melnik, Terezin/Litomerice, Decin, and Bad Schandau.  We also had booked an extra day both in Prague and Dresden and easily could have spent more time in these special cities.  We found the careful reconstruction of the historic buildings in these cities to be especially impressive.

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept. 23 - 30, 2016
      How many tours have you completed?
      More than 20
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • 3 Marker showing flood levels along the Vltava River. In 2012 it was up to the eaves. (photo by Pedalann)
      • 1 The bike path along the Vltava as we left Prague. (photo by Pedalann)
      • 3 Our lovely accommodations in Hotel U Zamku in Melnik. (photo by Pedalann)
      • 4 Crossing into Germany opposite Hrensko, Czech Republic. (photo by Pedalann)
      • 5 Amazing sandstone cliffs along the Elbe as we cycled towards Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
      • 6 The four of us arriving at our hotel in Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 3/5 Ease of navigation
      • 2/5 Tour documents
      • 2/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
    • Calista1226 September 29, 2016

      Incredible Experience

      This was my first bike tour and I cannot say enough positive things about my experience. Our group was small with 5 bikers and 2 guides. The other bikers were very friendly and we all got along well. The guides were incredible and I could not have asked for more supportive, friendly, helpful people to enjoy this experience with. The accommodations each night were very comfortable and in perfectly safe areas.

      While it was definitely a physically demanding trip, it was attainable and we all completed the trip perfectly fine. While I do bike regularly, I'm certainly not the ideal specimen of fitness. I bike around 30-50 miles a week and found the trip a little more difficult than I anticipated. But again, I would not let this discourage you from going.

      The guides were all from the Prague/Dresden area and so were able to share historical and relevant information about the sites and cities along the way. This trip was more than a bike tour--it was also a cultural tour. In addition, the sites are absolutely breathtaking. I'm giving myself a few weeks to recover and then planning my next one!

      What was the date of your tour?
      Sept 17-Sept 23
      How many tours have you completed?
      0
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      Somewhat harder
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
      Do you recommend this tour?
      Yes
      • View from the Czech Switzerland National Park (photo by Calista1226)
      • Biking along the Elbe River (photo by Calista1226)
      • Photo 3 (photo by Calista1226)
      • The Natural Bridge at the Czech Switzerland National Park (photo by Calista1226)
      • Accommodations in Melnik (photo by Calista1226)
      • Photo 6 (photo by Calista1226)
      • 5/5 Value
      • 5/5 Included meals
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 5/5 Hotels or boat
      • 5/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection
      • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)

    Prague to Dresden

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