Bicycle the Danube and the Czech Republic

Welcome to the charming city of Passau, nestled at the confluence of three rivers and adorned with stunning baroque architecture. After settling into your hotel, take a leisurely stroll through the Old Town and visit the magnificent Saint Stephan's Cathedral, home to the world's largest organ outside the United States. In the afternoon, we'll meet for a bike fitting and test ride, followed by a welcome drink and our first group dinner.

Today, we'll embark on a scenic bike ride along the Danube River, taking in the breathtaking Austrian landscape dotted with majestic castles. Our destination is Linz, where we'll explore the Ars Electronica Museum, a futuristic institution that bridges the gap between art, science, and technology.

Leaving Linz, we'll cycle towards the town of Bad Kreuzen. En route, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp, a powerful and sobering reminder of the atrocities of World War II. The day's journey will be both physically and emotionally challenging, but also deeply rewarding.

Today's ride takes us to the town of Melk, home to the spectacular Melk Abbey. This baroque masterpiece, originally a monastic school, is a sight to behold. After settling into our hotel, take a stroll through the charming town and visit the Abbey to admire its gold statuary, ceiling fresco, and red marble walls. The evening is yours to explore and dine at one of the local restaurants.

Today, we'll pedal into the heart of Austrian wine country, through the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Wachau. This beautiful ride will take us through medieval villages and lush vineyards. Upon arriving in Dürnstein, we'll visit a local winery to taste some of the area's best traditional white wines.

Enjoy a leisurely ride along the Danube as we make our way to Vienna, Austria's vibrant capital. Known for its rich history, stunning architecture, and musical heritage, Vienna is a city that captivates at every turn. We'll navigate the city's intricate network of bike paths, which will lead us directly to our hotel.

Today is a rest day, giving you the opportunity to explore Vienna at your own pace. Join us for a guided tour of the city, where we'll delve into its artistic and architectural grandeur, and learn about its impressive history. In the afternoon, you're free to explore further, perhaps taking a ride along the Danube or visiting one of the city's many museums or palaces.

We'll start the day with a shuttle to the Czech town of Nova Hrady, before crossing the border into the Czech Republic. Our ride takes us through farmland, quaint villages, and dense forests to Cesky Krumlov, a beautiful city home to a UNESCO World Heritage Site - the Cesky Krumlov Castle. We'll take a guided walk through the town before enjoying dinner together at a local restaurant.

After a leisurely morning in Cesky Krumlov, we'll head north, cycling through scenic rural pastures to reach Ceske Budejovice. Known as the beer capital of the Czech Republic, Ceske Budejovice is home to the Budvar Brewery, which inspired the Budweiser beer empire. We'll settle into our hotel and have the evening free to explore the city.

Today, we'll leave Ceske Budejovice and cycle towards Hluboká nad Vltavou, home to the stunning 19th-century Hluboká Castle. From there, we'll continue through the serene landscapes of Southern Bohemia to reach Strakonice, a city known for its felted wool hat production. In the evening, we'll visit a local craft brewery and enjoy a special meal prepared by one of the Czech Republic's top chefs.

Our journey continues to the city of Plzen, the birthplace of the world-famous Pilsner Urquell beer. We'll cycle through the rolling highlands of western Bohemia, passing by green fields and streams. Once in Plzen, we'll have the opportunity to visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery and learn about the city's rich brewing history.

Today, we'll depart Plzen and head towards Beroun, a medieval city nestled in the heart of the Czech countryside. Our route will take us through baroque farming villages and green forests, offering a glimpse into the country's centuries-old history. Once in Beroun, enjoy a coffee on the square before heading out for dinner on your own.

Our final ride takes us to the enchanting city of Prague. Along the way, we'll pass the majestic Karlštejn Castle, a medieval fortress that once protected the crown jewels of the Holy Roman Empire. Upon arrival in Prague, often referred to as 'The Paris of the East', you'll have the rest of the day to explore this captivating city at your own pace.

Our tour concludes with a guided tour of Prague, where you'll have the chance to visit its many historical sites, shop for souvenirs, and enjoy some great music. After the tour, we'll say our goodbyes. However, you may wish to extend your stay to further explore this magical city. Thank you for cycling with us!