Prague to Budapest Ride

After arriving in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, a short walking tour
is included in the evening today as we head out for dinner. If you wish to
explore this beautiful city in more detail we recommend booking an extra
night pre-tour, or requesting an earlier arrival time.

Your leader can also point out highlights on free maps from the hotel for
those interested in visiting the city’s top attractions such as Charles
Bridge, Prague Castle or Wenceslas Square. Prague is also the perfect place
to just wander through the alleys of the pretty Old Town, sample
world-renowned Czech beer or try their hearty local cuisine.
*Hotel Lunik (or similar)*

Day 2

We transfer 150km to Ceske Budejovice to collect our bikes. Our first day is
a relatively short one to warm us up, as we cycle to Cesky Krumlov on the
Vltava River. A feature of the old town here is the narrow, crooked streets
and the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. There may be time to
visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, one of the largest in Central Europe, which
overlooks the town from its strategic position on a horseshoe bend in the
river.
*Penzion Prelat (or similar)*

Day 3

Leaving Cesky Krumlov behind us we head out into the hilly countryside. Our
route flattens out as we enter the Trebon Basin, a lowland area of forests,
meadows and lakes. Our destination is Trebon, a mediaeval town of Renaissance
architecture, now also known as a spa town. There is also a neo-gothic tomb
set in an English-style park plus a good number of cafés and restaurants in
which to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. Many local dishes here make use of
the famous Trebon Carp. Transfer (approx. 45 minutes) to our hotel in
Jindrichuv Hradec.
*Hotel Concertino (or similar)*

Day 4

Today we pass a number of man-made lakes as we follow sections of the
Greenways Trail, part of a network of hiking and cycling trails in the Czech
Republic and Austria. Our ride finishes at the Renaissance town of Telc,
registered on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List in 1992. From here we
transfer (approx. 60km/1hour) to Znojmo on the banks of the river Dyje, often
seen as the gateway to the wine-making area of South Moravia.
*Hotel Lahofer (or similar)*

Day 5

Today's ride aims to discover the rich fertile flatland of the region of
Moravia, home to an abundance of vineyards and wine cellars. We cycle until
Mikulov, a real gem located directly on the border with Lower Austria. Worth
visiting are the town's pretty castle, the town square and the surrounding
architecture. In the evening we enjoy a wine tasting. Overnight in Mikulov.
*Hotel Galant (or similar)*

Day 6

Today we enter Austria through the UNESCO grounds of Lednice, known as the
'Versailles' of Southern Moravia; we continue to the wine-producing town of
Poysdorf, from where we transfer the final 47km to Vienna. Once checked into
our accommodation the centre of the city awaits, just a short metro ride away
or approx. 20 minute walk. Austria's capital is a hive of architecture,
history and culture with a lively café and bar scene and great range of
restaurants.
*Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)*

Day 7

Today is free to explore the beautiful and former imperial city of Vienna.
It's old centre is bursting with cultural, historic and architectural wonders
as it was the former HQ of the Hapsburg Empire. The city is brimming with
sights for all tastes including the majestic Schoenbrunn Palace (summer
palace of the Hapsburgs),the popular Kunsthistoriches Museum and
Hundertwasser Hause as well as countless breathtaking churches, cathedrals
and concert halls!
No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to one of it's many famous
cafés for coffee and cake or soaking up all the culture this city has to
offer in one of Vienna's many parks or beer gardens.
An optional guided bike ride around the city is available for those who
prefer a more active morning.
*Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)*

Day 8

We join the Danube Cycle Path, following a quiet route out of the city and
into the Donauauen National Park, past the red-tiled turrets of Castle Orth
and the chateau at Eckartsau. We cross the border at the town of Hainburg and
enter Slovakia, winding our way towards the capital Bratislava, strategically
positioned along the Danube.
*Hotel Falkensteiner (or similar)*

Day 9

In the morning we have some time to explore Bratislava, wandering through the
narrow cobbled streets of the charming old town of Slovakia's capital city.
Due to it's strategic position on the Danube, it has previously been an
important economic, cultural and political centre of Central Europe. Whilst
the old town is quite compact, it is packed with beautiful 18th Century
buildings and sights such as St Michael's Gate and the mediaeval city walls.
We then continue our ride and cross the border into Hungary, cycling through
peaceful rolling countryside before arriving in Hedervar, a small village of
around 2000 inhabitants. From here we transfer to our hotel in the pretty
town of Esztergom.
*Panzio Bazilika (or similar)*

Day 10

We depart Esztergom mid morning and begin the ride with a 4km section of a
cycle path alongside the Danube before joining the road. Our route meanders
over rolling countryside and through rural villages until we reach Vac, where
our cycling ends. From here we transfer approximately 45 minutes to the
Hungarian capital of Budapest, famous for being blessed with many hot springs
and their delicious 'Magyar' cuisine.

The remainder of the day is free to explore this grand city situated
majestically along the Danube. Budapest is a history & architecture lover's
dream to explore. It offers an eclectic mix of attractions such as the
Szechenyi Baths (Europe's largest medicinal bath), Fisherman's Bastion for
breathtaking views of the Danube and Parliament building, the House of
Horrors museum where you can learn about the city's dark past during
Communist times or simply enjoy a glass of one of Hungary's excellent wines
in a local café and soak up the atmosphere of a truly unique European
capital.
*Lion's Garden Hotel (or similar)*

Day 11

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