Day 1: Arrive Prague, transfer to Český Krumlov
You will be met at the airport, provided with your bike and transferred to Český Krumlov, where you can relax and enjoy a meal. Crowded around an S-bend of the Vltava River, Ceský Krumlov is a warren of narrow and sloping, crooked streets. It is one of the best-preserved medieval villages with a spectacular panorama of red roofs. Do not miss seeing Český Krumlov after dark, its castle and churches dramatically floodlit. The castle tower offers a wonderful view of the meandering River Vltava and the town spread out below the castle.
Day 2: Český Krumlov to Hluboka, 24 miles (38km).
The day begins with a visit to Český Krumlov castle. You will then follow the river to the South Bohemian capital – Ceske Budejovice, famous for its beer and its square of Renaissance and Baroque buildings. From Ceske Budejovice to Hluboka the route is flat, following the river, and Hluboka Castle, on the top of the hill, comes into view shortly after leaving Ceske Budejovice.
Day 3: Hluboka to Pisek, 36 miles (57km)
A visit to the castle called Small Windsor is recommended before leaving Hluboka. Prince Schwarzenberg, a keen admirer of English culture, had the chateau reconstructed in the mid-19th century to take on the appearance of the Windsor Gothic style. Leaving Hluboka and following the river, it slowly becomes wider and forms a lake that is part of a hydroelectric project. You will then pass through Tyn and on towards Pisek Mountain, a place designated as a National Park and where several cycling events during the season are organised. The day ends in Pisek, a romantic town above the River Otava boasting the oldest stone bridge in the country. Now a fashionable holiday resort, Pisek’s old town centre has been declared a historic site.
Day 4: Pisek to Pribram, 40 miles (65km)
This route will let you appreciate a beautiful landscape and many picturesque villages on your way to Pribram. You will pass Orlik castle where you can take a tour and see its splendidly decorated rooms. The second remarkable thing to see is the bridge at Zdakov, which was, at the time of its building, the world’s longest single-span bridge. At the end of the day’s ride, you will arrive in Pribram. Pribram has been a mining centre since the Middle Ages. However, the more recent history of the town is rather chilling. Pribram uranium mines were the place where many political prisoners were forced to work during the Communist regime. There is a noteworthy museum of mining. Pribram also offers a welcoming place to relax - a swimming pool with an aqua park.
Day 5: Pribram to Horovice, 23 miles (36km)
You will visit a pilgrimage church with a monastery, Svata Hora (Saint Mountain) in the morning. Then you will continue the ride through this picturesque region. You cycle through a previous military area set in the secluded, forested hills of Brdy. It will feel like you are “in the middle of nowhere” as you cycle on 9 metre wide paved but abandoned road once used by army.
Day 6: Horovice to Karlstejn, 31 miles (50km)
Leaving Horovice, you will cycle first to the ruins of Tocnik Castle. The ruins are on the top of a little hill called Zámecka Hora (Chateau hill) 402 m. Then you head into an area of forested, rolling hills and shortly afterwards arrive in Beroun, a medieval town set in the heart of the Karst district with its valleys, caves and pits where you may be lucky enough to discover some prehistorical fossils. The remaining part of your route follows the Berounka river through a romantic valley all the way to Karlstejn village for your overnight stay.
Day 7: Karlstejn to Prague, 20 miles (32km)
Today is an easy route that leads you alongside the Rivers Berounka and the Vltava into Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Attractions to visit include Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, Old Town, Lesser Town Bridge Towers.
Day 8: Depart from Prague
Checkout from your hotel after breakfast and you will be transferred back to the airport. |