Cycling from beertown Budweis to medieval capital Prague
Southern Bohemia offers a versatile landscape. During the cold war the border region was forbidden to be entered without any permission, which causes the forests close to Austria to teem with wildlife. The Trebon region, as can be seen on the map, plays an important role in fish farming. Loads of artificial lakes were created in the past by building dykes, most of the ponds are still in use as fish farms and the roads on top of the dykes have been turned into bicycle paths. In the ponds mainly carps are bred, so you can swim in most of the ponds without any concern. In the 15th century Tabor was the stronghold of the Hussite movement, that was strongly religious and the town was named after mount Tabor in Israel. Around Benesov it gets increasing hilly, so you have some fine sights over the surroundings. Finally you will enter the Czech capital: Prague.
Cultural highlights are the perfectly square market place of Budweis, the carp lakes around Trebon, the Castle town Jindrichuv Hradec, the romantic chatea Ceverna Lhota, the Hussite fortress close to Tabor, and the Habsburg residency of Konopischt in Benesov, and of course Prague. Prague has many nicknames such as the City with a Hundred Towers, and is visited by many tourists from all over the world. There are many highlights in this city such as the King Charles Bridge, with its famous statues and many artists. From here you can see the Fortress and the Cathedral guarding the city. You can visit the old Jewish Cemetery with old untouched graves, or visit St. Wenclas market square with the famous astronomical clock.
Day-by-day scheduleRead more → Budweis - Trebon - Jindrichuv Hradec - Tabor - Benesov – Prague (2 nights)
Individual arrival in Ceske Budejovice (also well known as Budweis), which is the biggest city in south Bohemia, and also is famous all over the world for its beer Budvar. Parking spot for the rest of the week can be arranged.
Budweis is a beautiful town, it is well preserved. Climb the Black Tower, see the Samson fountain at the large square, stroll through the ancient streets. In the evening you will get the route description and the information documents about the tour.
You will go follow the river Vltava (Moldau), a flat part of the route, to the Tudor castle Hluboká, one of the most visited places in Bohemia. Then you will go on to Trebon which is a beautiful ancient town located in the middle of the biggest pond-area in Bohemia.
Through the extensive woods and along many ponds you will go to Jindrichuv Hradec. This is a picturesque old town with many romantic streets and various shops. It has colorful citizens´ houses on the square and a large castle next to the pond.
After leaving Jindrichuv Hradec you will go to the fabulous castle Cervena Lhota (the Red Castle - and red it is!). This castle is laying on the banks of a lake and is often used by film producers as part of the stage. In the afternoon you will arrive in the Hussite town Tabor. The center, with its many narrow streets and nice gates give you the feeling that you are back in the middle ages.
You will cycle through the bohemian nature to the world famous Konopiste castle, where Ferdinand d´Este lived. He was successor of the throne of the Austria-Hungary monarchy before he was killed in Sarajevo which resulted in the start of the First World War. There are over 300.000 hunting trophies in the castle.
The last day of cycling will be a fairly short one. You will exit Benesov and will be astonished how scenic the landscape is although you are so near to Prague.
You will feel tempted to stay and have a look at every building, street, and corner in Prague. Prague has been called the nicest city on the planet, and has the nicknames "Golden Prague", "Crown of the World" and "Dream made out of stone" for a reason. A wonderful end of a week full of cycling and visiting exiting places. This city requires a lot of time! Your hotel is near public transportation, better leave your bicycle in the hotel.
End of the tour.
After the breakfast you will go back by train or bus to Ceske Budejovice. Collect your luggage and take the bicycles with you. If you rented bicycles, you can leave them behind in the hotel. A convienent solution for your trip back to the starting point is a special transfer which will bring you back to Budweis.
Of course you can book some extra nights in Budweis or Prague. It is easily arranged in the booking formular.
Level: 2 of 5
Total length of the tour: 235 km / 146 miles
| Price | per person |
|---|---|
| 7 nights in three or four star hotels / pensions | € 780 |
| Double room, incl. breakfast | Included |
| Luggage transport | Included |
| Detailed maps and gps files (gpx / kml) | Included |
| 24-Hour SOS service | Included |
| Route description | Included |
| Trekking bike (21-27 gears) | € 90 |
| E-bike (8 gears) | € 185 |
| Single room | € 905 |
| Surcharge solo traveller | € 125 |
| triple room / family room (4 beds) | € 750 / 750 |
| 7 x Half board | € 180 |
| Extra night first hotel (single, double, triple, quad) | € 85 / 110 / 150 / 190 |
| Extra night last hotel (single, double, triple, quad) | € 85 / 110 / 150 / 190 |
| Special transfer back to first hotel (max. 4 Pers. / max. 8 Pers.) | € 280 / 350 |
| GPS device | € 25 |
Rented bikes are fully equipped: bags, lights, locks, map holder, incl. service
