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Great Explorations

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Particulars

Trip Dates:

2012
Jun 17-24
Jun 28-Jul 4
Jul 5-11
Jul 12-18
Aug 25-31
Sep 9-15

2013
Jun 13-20
Jun 27-Jul 3
Jul 4-10
Jul 11-17
Aug 24-30
Sep 8-14

Self-guided and custom trips also available and can start any day. Call or email for details.

 

Trip Size:

8-16 participants

Total Days:

7 days/ 6 nights

Arrive/Depart:

Prague/ Vienna

Accommodations:

Hotel Zlaty Andel, Cesky-Krumlov

Hotel Schachner, Maria Taferl

Hotel Raffelsburger, Weissenkirchen

Activity Level:

Easygoing/ Moderate
20-40+ 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.

Cost:

Land Cost (current year):
US $2250
Includes 6B/2L/5D

Single Supplement:
US $400

Bike Rental:
US $140

 

 

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.

Only Great Explorations:

• Small groups, extraordinary guides, and authentic experiences.
• We've planned layover days in Cesky-Krumlov, Maria Taferl and Weissenkirchen-Durnstein to make this an easygoing tour.
• See lots of castles including a guided visit of Krumlov Hrad.
• Order off the menu at 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.

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.

DAYS 1+2:
Cesky-Krumlov Our trip will begin at 9:30 at the Bellagio Hotel in Prague. We’ll shuttle south to the Hussite village of Tabor to begin cycling. At Hluboka, we’ll visit a Gothic castle and then have lunch in Cesky-Budejovice. Afterwards, we’ll continue to Zlata Koruna, a 16th century monastery and then 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, with entertainment provided by local folk musicians.

 

DAYS 3+4:
Maria Taferl For anyone wanting to try a century ride, today presents that option. For mere mortals, we’ll shuttle into Austria, to the lush Danube River Valley with its vineyards, fruit orchards and river-side cycling path. Along the way, we’ll visit the museum/castle of Artstettan and the infamous church of Maria Taferl. Next day, you’ll have choices between flat riding along the Danube towards Grein or an option into the nearby hills with wine tasting en-route. There are also options for cruising on the river by boat stopping to relax in charming river-side villages.

DAYS 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 loops to the world Heritage center of Krems before climbing up through vineyards along the River Kamp. The long option can reach the extraordinary castle at Schloss Rosenburg before returning to the comfort of our hotel on the Danube.

DAY 7: Transfer to Vienna for flights or extended stay.

Extension Prague: Prior to starting our cycling trip, consider a 2-day extension in Prague that includes2 nights at the Bellagio Hotel with breakfast daily, 1/2 day guided visit of the city and Travelogue with recommendations on what to see, where to eat etc. US$395

Extension Vienna: After your trip, consider a 2-day extension to Vienna, one of Europe's most important artistic centers. This includes 2 nights at the Hotel Sefanie, in the historical center, 1/2 day guided visit of the city and Travelogue with recommendations on what to see, where to eat etc.. US$395