Bohemian Getaway: Villages, River Valleys & Karlstejn Castle

5/5 (1)
5 nights
21 miles/day
Self guided from EUR € 610
Bike tour in Czech Republic
Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Family-friendly bike tours

Bohemian Getaway: Villages, River Valleys & Karlstejn Castle

5/5 (1)

Rider Level: Recreational Electric bike tours Family-friendly bike tours

5 nights
21 miles/day

Self guided from EUR € 610
Bike tour in Czech Republic

Tap above to jump to different sections of this tour

  • Discover the authentic attractions of the Czech Republic

    On this bicycle tour, you will cycle directly from Prague to the pretty village of Karlstejn, 30 km away. You will stay in Karlstejn for the next three nights, cycling each day to an interesting historical or natural site, appreciating the quiet, picturesque countryside, gently undulating hills, and small villages along the way.

    You will visit the world-renowned Karlstejn Castle, an impressive 600 meter-deep complex of limestone caves, a canyonesque former quarry, many medieval and Renaissance towns and villages, characteristic pubs and restaurants, and many other delightful and engaging sights.

    This beautiful region has not yet been discovered by mass tourism, and you will appreciate the authentic aspects of the area.

    • "Dancing House" in Prague, Czech Republic. CC:Hans Peter Schaefer
    • Beroun in the Central Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. BORShop Computing@Flickr
    • Biking Czech Republic!
    • Bohemia Country in Czech Republic
    • Prague Castle & the Vltava River. CC:Tilman2007
    • Staré Město (Old Town) in Prague, Czech Republic. CC:DAVID ILIFF
    • Prague, Bohemia, Czech Republic. Miguel Mendez@Flickr
    • Astronomical Clock in Prague, Czech Republic. Abdullah Yilmaz@Unsplash

    View more photos

    Highlights

    • Prague, capital of the Czech Republic
    • Karlštejn Castle, a Gothic Royal Castle from the Middle Ages
    • Saint John Under the Cliff, a natural wonder in Český Kras natural protected area
    • Velká Amerika, historical mining quarry
    • The Koněprusy Caves
    • Beroun, a medieval town on the Berounka River

    Learn More

    Learn more about self-guided tours.

    Interested in adding to your itinerary? Take a look at our cycling day tours in Prague.

  • Daily program

    When choosing a start date, please keep in mind that many museums and castles etc are closed on Mondays.

    Day 1: Arrival into Prague
    Individual arrival in Prague. If you like, you can book a cycling day tour exploring the history, brewing culture and parks of Prague, 'The Golden City'.

    Day 2: Prague – Karlštejn (20 miles/35 km)
    After a welcome briefing, you'll start cycling from Prague to Karlštejn village. This is an easy route that leads you along the picturesque riverway towards a major sightseeing attraction - Karlštejn Castle. This impregnable fortress was built on the command of the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV to house the imperial crown jewels and sacred relics.

    Day 3: Svaty Jan Pod Skálou Valley loop (18 miles/30 km)
    Today you'll cycle to one of the most picturesque villages in the Český Kras natural protected area - one which dates all the way back to the end of the 9th century. Shortly afterwards, you'll pass a limestone quarry called Velká Amerika (Big America) which has a troubled history - political prisoners of the communist regime were made to work here. Mining was conducted in an unusual way with the gradual digging of a huge pit (about 800 m long, 200 m wide, and 100 m deep), then the connection of the pit to other quarries using long tunnels.

    Day 4: Koněprusy caves and Beroun loop (21 miles/33 km)
    Today’s loop will take you to the Koněprusy Caves, developed in 400 million years-old Devonian limestone. Discovered in 1950 and made accessible to the public in 1959, the caves are 70 m under ground level and over 2 km long. The accessible part is 590 m long and you'll be treated to a sightseeing tour that lasts one hour.

    You'll bike onwards to another interesting stop - the medieval town of Beroun. Visit the grand City Hall and beautiful square, pop into a local brewery, and perhaps enjoy a picnic on the bank of the Berounka River.

    Day 5: Karlštejn – Prague (24 miles/40 km)
    Today you'll follow the Berounka River (different route) to return to your hotel in Prague, 'The Golden City'. It's an easy route that follows the banks of the Berounka and Vltava Rivers almost the whole way, and you'll enjoy a new vista of Prague as you cycle through the city on the Vltava's banks.

    Day 6: Prague
    After breakfast, you'll be transferred to Prague Airport, unless you'd like to extend your holiday in the Czech Republic. If you do, and you fancy exploring the city further, have a look at our cycling day tours in Prague to maximize your vacation.

    Surface and terrain

    The itinerary is designed as a leisure-sporting ride with a balance of cycling and sightseeing. The first and last days are flat, taking place mostly on cycle paths that follow the river banks.

    Loops on the second and third days both have longer uphills to start, but then longer downhills and flat sections for relaxing on. On these days, you'll ride mostly on quiet roads (without much traffic) and some cycle paths.

    Overall, almost the entire tour is on paved routes with a few unpaved sections. The distances are short and offer many stops. The tour is mostly easy except for two moderate trips from your Karlstejn hotel.


    Hotels

    These are sample hotels and may vary based on availability.

    Premium
    Do you like comfort at a higher level? When choosing the Premium category, accommodation will be in 4 * hotels. In those cities where there is no 4 * hotel, we will provide accommodation in the best 3 * hotel.
    Karlstejn: Karlstejn
    Prague: Bishop´s House

    Standard
    When choosing the Standard category, accommodations will be in 3 * hotels or guesthouses.
    Karlstejn: Koruna
    Prague: Harmony

    Interested in visiting other areas before or after your tour? Visit our hotels page to learn more about lodging options.


    How to get there

    Tour start
    Nearest airport: Prague (PRG), Czech Republic
    Nearest train station: Prague Main Station

    Pick up from your Prague hotel is included on Day 2 of the program.

    Please note that transfers to/from the airport are not included in the tour package, but can be arranged in advance for an additional fee.

    Tips on getting to and from your tour.


    Bohemian Getaway

     Tour Photos Dates & Prices 

  • Dates

    • Daily: Apr 1 - Oct 30, 2024 (minimum of 2 participants)

    • Aug 24, 2024 (minimum of 6 participants)

    Prices

    • Tour package

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €728 €610
      Single use room (1 person/1 room) €939 €766
      Solo traveler (1 person in party)

      €1060

      €868

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €60
      Electrically assisted bike €120
      Road bike €90
      GPS Rental €16
      Helmet (for purchase) €37

      Extra nights, Prague

      Premium hotels Standard hotels
      Per person, double occupancy €90 €58
      Single use room (1 person/1 room) €147 €103

      Additional Services

      Private Walking tour in Prague (per group, 1-5 people) €103
      Private Walking tour in Prague (per group, 6+ people) €147
      Karlstejn Castle bike tour (per person, min. 2 people) €72

      Transfer

      From Prague airport to start hotel for 1-3 people (per car) €44
      From Prague airport to start hotel for 4-8 people (per car) €61
    • Tour package

      Per person, double occupancy €810
      Single use room (1 person/1 room) €966

      Only offered in Standard hotels

      Bike Rentals

      Standard touring bike €60
      Electrically assisted bike €120
      Road bike €90
      GPS Rental €16
      Helmet (for purchase) €37

      Extra nights, Prague

      Per person, double occupancy €58
      Single use room (1 person/1 room) €103

      Additional Services

      Private Walking tour in Prague (per group, 1-5 people) €103
      Private Walking tour in Prague (per group, 6+ people) €147
      Karlstejn Castle bike tour (per person, min. 2 people) €72

      Transfer

      From Prague airport to start hotel for 1-3 people (per car) €44
      From Prague airport to start hotel for 4-8 people (per car) €61

    Included services

      • 5 nights accommodation
      • Buffet breakfast
      • Luggage transfers between hotels
      • Detailed cycling maps, program and route book, maps of towns of accommodation (1 set per room)
      • 24/7 emergency service hotline
      • GPX data is provided for smartphones

      Visitor's taxes, where due, are not included in the price of the tour. You will pay the tax directly to your hotel reception upon check out (€1-4 per person/night).

      • 5 nights accommodation
      • Buffet breakfast each day
      • All transportation of participants and their luggage and bicycles during the tour
      • Detailed cycling maps, program and route book, detailed town maps (1 set per room)
      • Technical service on the route
      • Welcome briefing on the first day
      • Tour leader during all biking days
      • 3 dinners
      • Refreshments in the support vehicle (soft drinks, snacks, sweets, fruit)
      • Water for water bottles
      • Practical bike riding safety training
      • First aid health service on the route
      • Support vehicle

      Visitor's taxes, where due, are not included in the price of the tour. You will pay the tax directly to your hotel reception upon check out (€1-4 per person/night).


    Bike rentals

    Bikes available for rent on this tour (reserved in advance at the time of booking):

    • Standard touring bikes: men's and women's
    • Electrically assisted bikes (on request)*
    • Tandem bike (on request)
    • Child seat or Tag-along (on request)

    *More about electrically-assisted bikes >

    Bikes come equipped with:

    • Handlebar bag
    • Lock
    • One repair kit per group, including pump, spare tubes, and tools
    • Helmet rental(must be reserved in advance) - Size S/M or L/XL

    Pedals:
    The bikes will have flat pedals. If you want to bring your own pedals, please bring your own shoes and also the necessary equipment to change the pedals.

    Helmets:
    Helmets are available to rent free of charge but must be reserved in advance ( S/M or L/XL.) Additionally, helmets are available for purchase (please see price chart). If you do not plan to purchase a helmet, we recommend, for safety and hygiene reasons, that you bring your own helmet.

    Bike Protection:
    Bike protection can be purchased at the time of booking. You can read more about that HERE.


    Tour Company


    Bohemian Getaway

     Daily program Tour Reviews 

    • Barry Greenberg 11 months ago

      Prague castle tour

      Very good orientation to the trip and explanation of the routes on this self-guided tour.

      What was the date of your tour?
      May 2023
      How many tours have you completed?
      12
      Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
      As expected
      Who is this tour suitable for?
      First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers, Families with teens
      • 5/5 Value
      • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
      • 4/5 Hotels or boat
      • 4/5 Scenery
      • 4/5 Ease of navigation
      • 5/5 Tour documents
      • 5/5 Local tour company services
      • 5/5 Route selection