Czech Castles Cycle
Czech Castles Cycle
$1520
Tour Overview
Cycle from Sumava National Park, located in the south of Bohemia, along the Vltava River through picturesque landscapes filled with untouched forests and historic buildings towards the charming capital of the Czech Republic, Prague. The route, which is paved along the river and follows quiet country roads when you venture away from it, will connect you with places that were once the cultural centres during the Middle Ages. The ride begins in the well preserved, UNESCO listed medieval town of Cesky Krumlov before taking in a host of Czech highlights including Ceske Budejovice, a city which inspired the naming of Budweiser beer; the town of Pisek, home to the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic; the royal castle of Zvíkov situated high above the confluence of the Vltava and Otava rivers; and Saint Mountain with its pilgrimage Church of the Virgin Mary dating back to the 16th century. Before reaching Prague you will also spend a night at Karlstejn village where you can admire its spectacular fourteenth century Gothic castle. ...more ...less
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Transfer From Prague To Cesky Krumlov
Location: Cesky Krumlov
Accommodation Name: hotel
This morning you will be collected from your pre tour hotel in Prague and driven 170km/110mi to Ceský Krumlov, a medieval town registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After adjusting bicycles and a test ride you will have free time to see the world-renowned medieval and Renaissance town with its famous castle gardens.
Day 2 : Visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, Cycle To Hluboka Nad Vltavou (42-57Km/25-34Mi)
Location: Cesky Krumlov
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
It's possible this morning to take an optional visit of Ceský Krumlov Castle before you begin your cycling along the scenic valley of the Vltava River. The first site to visit on the way is the monastery Zlata Koruna (the Golden Crown), set on a bend in the river. The route continues to Ceské Budejovice (Budweis), where you can take an optional tour with beer tasting. The town has one of the largest squares in Europe and being home to the real Budweiser beer, has numerous beer halls. The final stage takes you to Hluboká nad Vltavou. Its' Neo-gothic Chateau Hluboká nad Vltavou is perhaps the most romantic chateau in the Czech Republic. It's possible to extend your cycle day to visit Holašovice village (UNESCO Heritage site).
Day 3 : To The Picturesque Town Of Pisek On The Otava River (53Km/32Mi)
Location: Písek
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Todays cycle takes you past the nuclear power station Temelin and on to Písek, a picturesque town on the Otava River. The main attraction of Písek is a stone bridge from 13th century - the oldest stone bridge in central Europe.
Day 4 : Choice Of Routes Via Orlik Castle To Pribam (58, 68 Or 72Km/35, 41 Or 43Mi)
Location: Příbram
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This is the longest cycle day of the trip. You can choose between a paved path or a partly off-road route. Enroute you pass by Orlik castle, where you can take a tour to see its splendidly decorated rooms. At the end of the day's ride, you will arrive in Príbram. The town has been an important mining centre since the Middle Ages. However, the more recent history of the town is rather chilling. Many political prisoners were forced to work at the Príbram uranium mines during the Communist regime.
Day 5 : Visit The Pilgrimage Church, Svata Hora, Then Cycle To Zebrak Or Zbiroh (35Km/22Mi
Location: Brdy
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
In the morning, there is the option to visit a 14th - 17th century pilgrimage church with a monastery, Svata Hora (Holy Mountain), working camp and mine museum. Following this, you cycle through an extensive former military area in the beautiful forested hills of Brdy. You will cycle "in the middle of nowhere" on 9m wide
paved roads used by the army in the past. The premium accommodation option ends at Zbiroh chateau from 13th century where you will stay overnight, whilst if you are staying in regular accommodation you will overnight in Zebrak.
Day 6 : Cycle Via Tocnik Castle And Through Forests To Karlstejn (40 Or 49Km/24 Or 30Mi)
Location: Karlstejn
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
The cycle continues this morning from Žebrák to the impressive 14th century ruins of Tocnik Castle. The middle part of the day leads through forested rolling hills to Beroun. This is a medieval town in the heart of the Karstejn district with romantic valleys, caves, pits and localities where pre-historic fossils can still be found. The remaining part of the day follows the Berounka River through a picturesque valley all the way to Karlštejn village.
Note: The premium option starts in Zbiroh and joins the standard route after 11km/6.8mi at Tocnik Castle.
Day 7 : Follow The Berounka And Vltava Rivers To Prague (45Km/28Mi)
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
This morning you have the option to visit Karlštejn castle, which was built by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV as an impregnable fortress housing the imperial crown jewels and the most sacred relics. The cycle route that follows is very easy as it leads along the Berounka River and the Vltava River banks to the centre of Prague. The rest of the day is free to explore Prague which, according to Goethe, is "the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world." You could visit Prague Castle with the Golden Lane, the Powder Tower or just meander along the streets or watch the lively goings-on sitting in one of the cafes on the Old Town Square. There are countless possibilities!
Day 8 : Trip Concludes
Location: Prague
Accommodation Name: hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Following breakfast at the hotel, the trip concludes.
What's Included
-
Accommodation
hotels -
7 breakfasts - continental breakfasts are served and will often consist of breads, spreads, yoghurt, cheese, tea, coffee & juices
-
7 nights in 3 star hotels on a twin share basis with ensuite facilities (optional upgrade to mainly 4 star hotels - supplement applies)
-
24 or 27 speed hybrid bike with panniers, handlebar bag, lock, helmet and one repair kit per room
-
Luggage Transfer, 1 piece maximum 20kg, supplement applies for excess
-
Pick-up from any hotel in Prague and transfer to Cesky Krumlov on day 1 (self guided)
-
Information pack including route notes and maps (per room)
-
GPX data and off-line maps for smartphones (self guided) - available in final documents
-
Emergency hotline
-
Travel to and from Prague
-
Meals not listed as included, drinks
What's Not Included
-
Travel to and from Prague
Travel to and from Prague is not included.
-
Meals not listed as included, drinks
Meals and drinks not listed as included are excluded.
-
Travel insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory but not included.
-
Entrance fees not listed as included
Entrance fees not listed as included are excluded.
-
GPS device with the recommended route
Available for hire, must be booked and paid in advance.
-
Guide
This is a self-guided cycling holiday.
-
A supplement for solo travelers or single rooms
A supplement will apply if you are traveling solo or book a single room.
-
Transfers not listed included
Transfers by taxi or public transport if you need to skip a stage are not included.
-
Items of a personal nature
Items of a personal nature are excluded.
-
Guided departures
Guided departures are available for a supplement with additional inclusions such as a guide, welcome briefing, 3 dinners, and a support vehicle with refreshments.
-
Lunch, dinners and beverages
It is possible to include dinners for a supplement.
-
Items of a personal nature including entrance fees, laundry, phone calls
Personal items such as entrance fees, laundry, and phone calls are excluded.
-
Reusable water bottle
A reusable water bottle is not included.
Grading
GRADE 3 - The cycling distances range from 37 to 72km / 23 to 45mi over flat terrain to rolling hills. The rides follow paved and unpaved sections without traffic through forests as well as special paved cycle paths alongside the rivers. Inevitably, near the larger towns there is more traffic. It is considered suitable for cyclists with a good level of fitness. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with road cycling in light traffic in order to participate comfortably. *For safety reasons, we insist that cycle helmets are worn whilst cycling. ...more ...less
Accommodation
hotels
Accommodation will be in 3 star hotels on a twinshare basis with ensuite facilities, or mainly 4 star hotels with a supplement.
What You Carry
During the cycle day you will carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike. This may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone and water. A small daypack which can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
Check out our Q&As
-
What type of bike is provided for the tour?
The tour provides a 24 or 27 speed hybrid bike equipped with panniers, a handlebar bag, a lock, a helmet, and one repair kit per room.
-
Is luggage transfer included during the cycling tour?
Yes, luggage transfer is included. One piece of luggage with a maximum weight of 20kg is allowed, and a supplement applies for excess luggage.
-
What kind of support is available during the cycling tour?
An emergency hotline is available for assistance during the tour.
-
Are meals included in the tour package?
The tour includes 7 continental breakfasts. Other meals and drinks are not included but dinners can be added for a supplement.
-
What is the accommodation like during the tour?
Accommodation is in 3-star hotels on a twin-share basis with ensuite facilities. There is an option to upgrade to mainly 4-star hotels for a supplement.
-
Is the tour guided or self-guided?
This is a self-guided cycling holiday, but guided departures are available for a supplement with additional inclusions.
-
What should I carry during the cycling day?
You should carry your daily requirements in the pannier provided with the bike, which may include your lunch, wet weather gear, mobile phone, and water. A small daypack that can be kept inside the pannier is useful for sightseeing.
-
How fit do I have to be?
Our adventures are first and foremost holidays and can be undertaken by anyone in a reasonable state of health and fitness - however, please carefully read our Terms & Conditions when booking and view the trip grading. We rank our trips according to our honest Trip Grading System. We recommend that you familiarise yourself with our grading system by reading our detailed trip notes (which you can order through this site) and to speak with us about the physical requirements of your chosen trip.
-
What happens if something goes wrong?
On our guided tours, you travel in small groups with a local multi-lingual guide whose knowledge of the terrain, flora, fauna and history of the region is exemplary. Our self guided tours give you the freedom to explore at your own pace - but they're not unsupported. We provide detailed route notes and maps and our local partners are on hand throughout the day in the unlikely event that something goes wrong. All we request is that you select a program that matches your level of fitness to ensure that you have a comfortable experience.
-
I'm travelling solo on a self-guided trip. Do I pay the single supplement or the single traveller surcharge?
Most of our self guided trips are priced based on twinshare. If you are travelling solo the single traveller surcharge will apply. The single supplement would apply if you were travelling in a party with others and you had chosen to book a single room. You would never pay a single traveller surcharge and a single supplement.
Reviews of this operator
1 Select your preferred date
Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 01, 2025 - Apr 08, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 02, 2025 - Apr 09, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 03, 2025 - Apr 10, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 04, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 05, 2025 - Apr 12, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 06, 2025 - Apr 13, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 07, 2025 - Apr 14, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 15, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 09, 2025 - Apr 16, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 10, 2025 - Apr 17, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 11, 2025 - Apr 18, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 12, 2025 - Apr 19, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 13, 2025 - Apr 20, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 14, 2025 - Apr 21, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 15, 2025 - Apr 22, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 16, 2025 - Apr 23, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 17, 2025 - Apr 24, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 18, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 26, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 20, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 21, 2025 - Apr 28, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 29, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 23, 2025 - Apr 30, 2025Thursday - Thursday
Apr 24, 2025 - May 01, 2025Friday - Friday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 02, 2025Saturday - Saturday
Apr 26, 2025 - May 03, 2025Sunday - Sunday
Apr 27, 2025 - May 04, 2025Monday - Monday
Apr 28, 2025 - May 05, 2025Tuesday - Tuesday
Apr 29, 2025 - May 06, 2025Wednesday - Wednesday
Apr 30, 2025 - May 07, 2025Book with Confidence
-
Transfer as credit to Future Tours
UTracks allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform utracks, 70 days before departure.
-
Low Deposit
UTracks requires a minimum deposit of 250 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.
-
Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of utracks charges.
Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 35 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
Czech Castles Cycle
8 Days Starting and ending in Prague
Visiting: Cesky Krumlov, Písek, Příbram, Brdy, Karlstejn, Prague