A holiday is all about exploring Europe your way. It s about U + the walking tracks and cycling trails you want to discover. Since we began in 2006, has quickly become known as the leaders in active European holidays. Our itineraries are creative and very affordable. Set your own pace on a flexible self guided trip or enjoy the benefits of an experienced local guide on a guided tour. Together with our sister company Sherpa Expeditions, we offer over 400 active tours across the continent and it s many exotic islands. There s an active holiday idea everyone including families, culinary enthusiasts, history buffs, experienced alpine walkers or those that just want to see Europe differently. The physical demands range from introductory to challenging with all offering unique opportunities to discover the untrodden Europe, spanning postcard landscapes, centuries old cultures, rural lifestyles and tempting culinary delights. Compare the price and you will see that we offer exceptional value active programs that are virtually all inclusive, giving you more time to enjoy the natural and cultural wonders you ve come to experience. Whether you prefer cycling or walking, 2 star or 4 star, small groups or self guided, land, river or sea can help you to explore Europe exactly the way you want. explore europe your way TRIP COST Joining Prague : $710 Trip Concludes: Prague All prices are per person OPTIONS & SUPPLEMENTS Electric Bike Supplement: $70 Single Supplement: $130 Supplement for guided departure 20 Aug 2018: $250 IMPORTANT NOTES 1 - Guided departure supplement applies to Guided trip starting on 20 August. Guided trips also include 3 dinners, guide, support vehicle with refreshments including water, fruit etc., welcome briefing. TRIP NAME: TRIP CODE: TRIP DURATION: BOHEMIAN RHAPSODY BHE 5 DAYS GRADE: INTRODUCTORY TO MODERATE 2 ACTIVITY: SELF GUIDED CYCLING ACCOMMODATION: 4 NIGHTS IN 3 STAR HOTELS DATE DETAILS: DAILY FROM 1 APR TO 27 OCT highlights Gentle cycling through the landscapes & villages of Bohemia Exploring the world renowned Karlstejn Castle Discovering the beauty of Prague Visiting an impressive 600m deep complex of caves Germany Prague Karlstejn Austria Poland Czech Republic the trip Between the Vltava and Berounka Rivers south of Prague lies a natural region of outstanding beauty. The Bohemian countryside is dotted with quaint villages, towns and historic sites and cycling between them is the ideal way to soak in the scenery. Pass through forests, visit an impressive 600m deep complex of caves, explore the world renowned Karlstejn Castle and take in the canyon like landscape of a former quarry. This is an ideal trip for those short on time yet keen to explore a lesser known area of the Czech Republic with three nights in the pretty village of Karlstejn and time at the end to explore Prague and its many historic sites. Cycling a combination of paved rural roads, forest tracks and dedicated cycle trails along the rivers, the trip is suitable for beginners and children. Page 1
itinerary at a glance Day 1 Arrive Prague, cycle to Karlstejn (34km / 21mi) Day 2 Day cycle to Svaty Jan Pod Skalou Valley via a historic limestone quarry (42km / 26mi) Day 3 Loop cycle to the medieval town of Beroun on the Berounka River (33km / 20.5mi) Day 4 Cycle to Prague via an alternative route (40km / 25mi) Day 5 Tour concludes in Prague detailed itinerary DAY 1 DAY 2 DAY 3 DAY 4 DAY 5 Arrive Prague, cycle to Karlstejn (34km / 21mi) This morning you will be picked up at your Prague hotel. A welcome briefing will be provided and any adjustments made to your bike to suit your height. The ride from Prague to Karlstejn follows the Vltava and Berounka rivers and is not difficult. On arrival in Karlstejn check-in to your hotel. meals: NIL Day cycle to Svaty Jan Pod Skalou Valley via a historic limestone quarry (42km / 26mi) Today you ll enjoy a moderate cycle through romantic countryside along the Berounka River. You will pass a limestone quarry called Velka Amerika (Big America), where political prisoners of the communist regime were made to work. The site has a rich history and is worth a visit. The mining was conducted in an unusual way, by gradually digging a huge pit (about 800m / 2624ft long, 200m / 656ft wide and 100m / 328ft deep) and connected to other quarries by long tunnels from the first half of the 20th century. After a downhill ride you will reach Sv. Jan pod Skalou village. Nearby is a cave where the holy hermit Saint Ivan lived in the 9th century. After you return to Karlstejn, we recommend that you take a tour of Karlstejn Castle - built by Charles IV in the mid 14th century as a secure place to store the riches of the Czech lands. Loop cycle to the medieval town of Beroun on the Berounka River (33km / 20.5mi) On your way to Beroun, a medieval town on the Berounka River, you will pass through the villages of Zadni Treban and then via Liten to Koneprusy. A visit to the impressive complex of caves is optional, but highly recommended. After lunch, there is time for sightseeing around the historic centre of Beroun. On the way back to Karlstejn, you will cycle along the banks of the picturesque Berounka River. Cycle to Prague via an alternative route (40km / 25mi) You return to Prague along the Berounka and Vltava Rivers along a different trail than the first day of cycling. Again, the cycling is not difficult. On arrival, check in to your hotel with the rest of the evening free for you to explore this magnificent city. Tour concludes in Prague The tour services conclude after breakfast around 9am and individual departure. inclusions 4 breakfasts continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices 4 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities Luggage transfer Information pack including route notes and maps (per room booked) Page 2
24 speed hybrid bike rental with panniers, handlebar bag, lock, helmet and one repair kit per room Emergency hotline GPS set with recorded routes, batteries and battery charger (per group booked self guided only) Pick up from any Prague hotel items not included Travel to and from Prague Travel Insurance mandatory Lunches, dinners and drinks Entrance fees not specified in the itinerary Transfers not specified in the itinerary Items of a personal nature i.e laundry, phone calls Guide this is a self guided trip. Guided departure available on 22 August 2016 for a supplement, with additional inclusions: 3 dinners, guide, support vehicle with refreshments including water, fruit etc., welcome briefing. getting there BY CAR BY TRAIN BY AIR Driving routes can be accessed via the following websites: www.viamichelin. com Prague is easily accessible by train from points throughout Europe. We are happy to assist with planning and booking your rail travel. Your closest international airport is Prague. or your travel agent are happy to assist with your flight bookings. Many airlines fly into Prague including low cost and international carriers such as Emirates. trip grading - introductory to moderate The trip is graded as Introductory to Moderate (grade 2). Total cycling distance is around 151km / 94mi. The cycling is gentle enough to be suitable for children. The first and last days following the river banks are flat. Loop rides on second and third day have longer up hills as well as longer down hills and some flat sections. The distances are short and allow for many stops. The cycling surface is a combination of both paved roads with short off road sections. A limited number of electric are available on request and a supplement applies. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets be included as a compulsory item on your equipment list. equipment provided During the trip you will be provided with a 24 speed bike with hand brakes and panniers to carry your gear during the day. dietary requirements Provided we are advised in advance of your departure we are able to cater for vegetarian diets and can assist with medically recommended diets (allergies and intolerances). Please ensure you discuss your requirements with us well in advance (at least 1 month prior to your trip) to determine whether we can cater to such dietary requirements on your chosen adventure. Please note that options are likely to be limited in very remote locations or alternatives may be more expensive or unavailable. There may be times when those with special requirements may need to provide their own food. We are unable to guarantee a peanut free or allergen free trip, and therefore, we strongly encourage that travellers with life threatening or severe allergies take all necessary medical precautions to prepare for the possibility of exposure. Passengers must travel with all necessary medications for food allergies and be capable of self administering these medications. Page 3
a note on our self guided adventures Self guided walking or cycling requires individuals to use problem solving skills, be adaptable and have a keen eye. On self guided cycling tours it is expected that you will know how to repair punctures and make minor adjustments to gears, handlebars and seats. For anything more serious, our local partner will be able to assist. It is recommended that you are comfortable map reading, referring to route notes and that you have a good sense of direction (or are willing to work on improving this!) Sometimes route finding, losing your way, finding it again and asking the locals for help is all part of the adventure. If you ve never been on a self guided trip, after the first couple of days you will get the hang of it as the vast majority of our first time travellers attest. Please be assured that our written material issued to you for route finding is updated regularly and we provide a 7day service hotline in the event of any problems. Using directions and maps can be more difficult for solo travellers as often two heads are better than one when it comes to finding your way. There is a certain level of the unknown that comes with self guided trips, however with a methodical approach potential problems will be averted. The freedom of a self guided trip is something that, once experienced, is sought time and time again. joining instructions On confirmation of your booking you will receive a pre departure kit. Three weeks prior to your departure from your home country you will receive a hotel list and meeting instructions. On arrival at the first hotel you will receive your maps, route notes and tourist information. accommodation PRE TOUR We recommend you book a pre tour night in Prague, which we will be happy to arrange for you ask your reservations consultant for details. DURING TOUR Accommodation will be in 3 star hotels on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities. Three of the nights will be based in the same hotel in Karlstejn. fast facts COUNTRIES VISITED VISAS Czech Republic Visas not required for citizens of Australia, Canada, USA and New Zealand for up to 90 days in a period of 180 days for all Schengen countries (see www. schengenvisainfo.com/schengen visa countries list/ for countries part of the Schengen). Please ensure your passport is stamped on arrival in the Schengen area. For all other nationalities and for longer stays in countries covered by the Schengen Agreement (Australian New Zealand, Canadian and US passport holders), please contact the relevant embassy. Stays of longer than 90 days in the Schengen area require a long stay visa for the country you are spending most time in. However long stay visas are unlikely to be issued unless there is a valid reason (eg. studying in country). Unfortunately we cannot assist in obtaining visas for long stays due to individual country visa requirements. CLIMATE The trip runs between April and October during the European Spring, Summer & Autumn. Temperatures range between 5 18 degrees Celsius (41 65 degrees Fahrenheit) in Spring and Autumn, and 15 25 degrees Celsius (59 77 degrees Fahrenheit) in Summer (sometimes higher). MIN GROUP SIZE 2 SPECIALIST GEAR REQUIRED Bike helmet (must be pre ordered) wet weather gear, sunscreen, jogging shoes and sun hat. (A comprehensive packing list is included in the pre departure kit provided on booking). Page 4
how to book Booking a holiday is simple. You can book online, via our secure payment facility, at your own convenience. Alternatively, fill out our booking form which can be found at the back of our brochure, on our website or we can email you a copy then scan/email, fax or post the form to your nearest or World Expeditions office, or travel agent, along with full payment by cheque or credit card (note: surcharges apply for credit card payments). has access to competitive airfares to Europe. Contact us, or your travel agent, for assistance with your travel arrangements including flights, travel insurance & additional accommodation. follow us https://www.facebook.com/ https://www.instagram.com/utrackstravel/ https://twitter.com/_travel There s even more tips and ideas on our blog at http://www.utracks.com/discover slide shows invites you to attend our inspiring adventure travel slide shows. These special evenings are designed to inform and entertain and are hosted by our most experienced and passionate adventure travellers. Ask our staff for a slide show schedule or register on our website www.utracks.com. Shows can fill early so it is important to register your attendance so we know to save a seat, or two! e-newsletter To keep up to date with our new and exciting adventure opportunities, special promotions and adventure news, subscribe to our monthly e newsletter! You can do this on line through our website, www.utracks. com or contact our office. IMPORTANT NOTE THESE TRIP NOTES REPRESENT THE MOST CURRENT INFORMATION AVAILABLE FOR THIS ITINERARY,AND SUPERSEDE ANY INFORMATION DETAILED IN THE CURRENT BROCHURE, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE ITINERARY AND PRICE. talk to us If you require any further assistance regarding this trip or any other adventure, please contact your nearest UTRACKS or World Expeditions office. Page 5
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