PRAGUE TO VIENNA Cycling 7 Days
Great Explorations 2 PRAGUE TO VIENNA From the Old World charm of Prague and the Czech Republic, our journey will include the Unesco World Heritage site of Cesky-Krumlov and idyllic countryside of southern Bohemia; in Austria, we ll follow the Danube River, where you can choose between gentle bike paths or venture into the nearby moderate hills where vineyards tempt. Our trip finishes in Vienna, one of Europe s most important artistic centers. ITINERARY Getting there The trip begins in Prague, Czech Republic, and ends in Vienna, Austria. We suggest that you fly into Prague s Ruzyne Airport. You can return to Prague after the trip ends or fly out of Vienna. Consider our extensions in Prague and Vienna as both of these cities are worth spending additional time in. Day 1 Tabor Our trip will begin with a short train ride from Prague to Tabor where we will fit bikes and begin cycling. You will have options of 25, 37, and 58 km as you explore the countryside here. Tabor is a Hussite village with Renaissance buildings and a beautiful historic center. If time permits, visit a labyrinthe of tunnels dating from the 15th century, used by defenders of the town.we re staying at the Hotel Nautilus, a 4-star boutique hotel in the historical center. Day 2 & 3 Cesky-Krumlov Avid riders can cycle all the way from Tabor to Cesky-Krumlov, or for those prefering a more moderate day, transfer first to Cesky-Budejovice, which has a fascinating center. Arrive to Cesky-Krumlov, the most exquisite town in the Czech Republic. Next day, we ride south to Lake Lipno in Sumava National Park returning along the Vltava River. Back in Cesky- Krumlov, we ll take a walking tour with a local historian including a visit to the castle of Krumlov Hrad. We ll enjoy dinner at a favourite local restaurant. Day 4 Maria Taferl We will transfer from Cesky-Krumlov to Enns, the oldest city in Austria and situated on the Danube. From here, cycle downstream through the fertile Machland, crossing Europe s oldest wooden bridge and the villages of Ardagger Markt, with its many museums and the pretty village of Grein. We ll cross the Danube at Ybbs and at Marbach, climb up to Maria Taferl where our hotel boasts an Only Great Explorations Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences We ve planned layover days in Cesky-Krumlov and Weissenkirchen to allow relaxation time See lots of castles including a guided visit of Krumlov Hrad. Dine in restaurants you won t find in guidebooks Distinctive, charming hotels too small for larger groups We design and operate our own trips so there are only good surprises Trip Dates 2017 Jun 8-14 Jun 22-28 Jun 29-Jul 5 Jul 6-12 Jul 15-21 Aug 26- Sep 1 Sep 3-9 Sep 30 -Oct Trip Size 8-16 participants Total Days 7 days/6 nights Arrive/Depart 2018 Jun 7-13 Jun 13-19 Jun 21-27 Jun 28-Jul 4 Jul 14-20 Aug 18-24 Sep 2-8 Sept 29- Oct 5 Prague/ Vienna* The trip starts with a train transfer to Tabor and we drop off in Krems for a train transfer to Vienna
Great Explorations 3 exquisite view over the valley. Those wishing a longer ride, can challenge themselves with a loop to the village of Artstetten nearby. Day 5 & 6 Weissenkirchen Following the Danube east through the Wachau, a region of abbeys, churches and castles we ll reach Melk Abbey, a magnificent Baroque building still used by Benedictine monks; our hotel, the Raffelsberger Hof, located in Weissenkirchen, dates from 1574 and was renovated into a boutique hotel by the Anton family. Next day, our cycling route continues to Durnstein, with the romanticallysituated ruins of Durnstein castle above town. England s King Richard the Lionhearted was held hostage for a king s ransom in the castle in the 12th cenutury. In Krems, visit the Weinstadt Museum, in a restored 13th century Dominican monastery, and for those interested in more wine knowledge (and tastings), the Winzer Krems, a prominent winery. The short option loops back to the hotel and the moderate ride continues on to Tulln, the flower town on the Danube. There is also a long (and hilly) option to the castle at Schloss Rosenburg. We will have a festive final night dinner, as we always do, toasting our time in this fascinating and beautiful region. Day 7 Departure Transfer to Krems for train connections into Vienna for flights or extended stay. Extension Prague Prior to starting our cycling trip, consider a 2-day extension in Prague that includes 2 nights at a 4-star hotel with breakfast daily, 1/2 day guided visit of the city and Insider s Guide to Prague with recommendations on what to see, where to eat etc. US$395 pp Extension Vienna: After our trip, consider a 2-day extension to Vienna, one of Europe s most important artistic centers. This includes 2 nights at a 4-star hotel in the historical center, 1/2 day guided visit of the city and Insider s Guide to Vienna with recommendations on what to see, where to eat etc. US$395 pp * Please note, the hotels we use on our Extension trips are personal favourites and we only share the names with those booking these with us.on Great Explorations Extension trips, the local expert guides we work with are the best in their fields and we hope they will make your time in these cities special. Activity Level Moderate 25-40+ miles daily Terrain Mix with some rewarding (moderate) hills in the Czech Republic. The Danube bike paths are flat, so 3 of the 6 days are easy-going. What s included in the cost? Services of one or more experienced Great Explorations guides and support vehicle 6 nights lodging All breakfasts, 2 lunches, and all dinners but 1 Entrance fees for selected historical sites and museums Detailed map and route instructions All baggage transportation All transportation from initial meeting point to final drop-off (see arrive/depart cities)
Great Explorations 4 POLAND Temperature in Prague CZECH REPUBLIC GERMANY Prague START Cesky Krumlov Tabor (Avg. Daily High) C F April 12 54 May 18 64 June 21 70 July 23 73 August 23 73 September 19 66 October 13 55 November 5 41 Weißenkirchen Krems AUSTRIA Vienna FINISH SLOVAKIA PRAGUE Enns Maria Taferl VIENNA
Great Explorations 5 HOTELS Hotel Nautilus Tabor This 4-star boutique hotel was renovated from a former townhouse and is located on the central plaza of Tabor, with comfortable rooms and an exquisite restaurant. Frommers notes, Easily the most sytlish and comfortable in town. Hotel Konvince Cesky-Krumlov Hotel Konvince This hotel is the highest-rated in CK, this charming family owned hotel is in a quiet location in the historical center of town. Frommers notes, As you gaze at the river and the castle on the opposite bank, you ll wonder why anyone would choose to stay elsewhere. Hotel Schachner Maria Taferl This 4-star hotel is located in the village of Maria Taferl, with views of the Danube. The restaurant here is excellent and there is a pool and spa facilities. Hotel Raffelsburger Weissenkirchen Hotel Schachner Built in 1574, this property was renovated by the Anton family and now is a treasure of antiques. With just 15 rooms, it is intimate and boasts a location overlooking the Danube, and close to the quaint villages of Durnstein and others. Hotel Raffelsburger
Great Explorations 6 OUR GUIDES Our guests tell us time and time again that our guides are what set us apart from other companies. Caring, knowledgeable, athletic, articulate and fun-loving, each one is a natural leader Here at Great Explorations, we are tremendously proud of our guides. A diverse group of passionate and charismatic professionals, they have the local know-how and expertise to make your vacation incredibly rewarding. Whether it s fitting your bike, arranging a one-of-a-kind activity or being your personal interpreter, our guides wear many hats with ease. They are intimately familiar with their travel regions, having either lived or traveled there extensively. Comfortable speaking the local language and knowing all of the off-the-beaten track secrets, our guides ensure you ll have the journey of a lifetime. Our website features detailed bios on some of the more than sixty guides who lead trips for us worldwide. OUR BICYCLES Our bikes on this trip are custom-manufactured for us racing and hybrid bikes: Frame: aluminum; carbon fork Crank: 3x10 Transmission: Shimano 105 Cassette: 11-32 Tire: 700x25 Gearing: 52/39/30 Saddle: Ritchey New Comp (Road) or Selle Royale Freccia (Hybrid) All bikes come with pump, tire levers, spare tube, water bottle carrier etc. Hybrid bikes come with handlebar bags (VAUDE Road II, Vol. 9 L) and rear racks; racing bikes, come with map case but not a rear rack. We tune each bike prior to your arrival so that it is ready to ride for you. Cost Land Cost (current year): US $2550 Includes 6B/2L/5D Single Supplement: US $630 Bike Rental: US $180 Extension Prague and/or Vienna (each): US $395 Single Supplement: US $100 Ready to reserve? C all or email Travel Advisor with any remaining questions and to reserve your space 1.800.242.1825 Reserve your flights to and from the region Book your night before hotel, if necessary Consider travel insurance Please note: Final itinerary is subject to revision; any changes made are done so in an attempt to provide the best possible trip given route conditions and available services. Due to the nature of our business and exchange rates, prices are subject to change. All prices quoted are U.S. dollars but we gladly accept payment in Canadian dollars also. Due to cancellations and waiting lists, trip availability fluctuates daily. If you have any questions or would like to confirm space on this trip before making your reservation, please contact us at info@greatexplorations.com or by telephone at 604.730.1247
Great Explorations 7 ACCOLADES Many thanks for setting up a great trip, and for being incredibly helpful with all my questions and backup information. Your personal help was invaluable. It was a good trip and I am glad I went. The route descriptions were accurate, and the restaurant superb. Again thank you for your help throughout this trip. A. Rosen We had the best holiday ever- loved every minute.. Pam and Peter R. - Vancouver, BC For additional testimonials, please visit www.great-explorations.com/ testimonials.