Note: this tour begins with a day of cycling. We recommend arriving at least a day in advance of your tour to acclimate.
Day 1: Salzburg – St. Gilgen (31 miles/49 km)
Start in Salzburg. This impressive town, situated on the banks of the Salzach River, is where the composer Mozart was born and raised. On this first day cycle along the Mozart cycling path. This winds its way through beautiful Alpine countryside, the Salzkammergut, along the Mondsee and Wolfgangsee lakes to St. Gilgen.
Overnight in St. Gilgen.
Day 2: St. Gilgen – Gmunden – Linz (36 miles/58 km)
Today you will cycle to Bad Ischl at the foot of the 1450m high Katrin Mountain. Here you can visit the Imperial Villa, the summer residence of the Austrian Emperor. Continue along the river Traun to Lake Traunsee where you will see the major highlight of the day, chateau Orth, situated on an island in the middle of the lake. Transfer by train from Gmunden to Linz.
Overnight in Linz.
Day 3: Linz – Cesky Krumlov (30 miles/48 km)
Cycle from the Danube river valley up into the hills that form the border of the Czech Republic and Austria. In Vyssi Brod is one of the most venerable monasteries in the Czech Republic, built in the late 13th century. Transfer by car from Vyssi Brod to Cesky Krumlov.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.
Day 4: Cesky Krumlov – Ceske Budejovice – Hluboka nad Vltavou (25 miles/40 km)
Cesky Krumlov has an unparalleled medieval town center, and an ornate chateau and tower overlooking the town. From here cycle to Ceske Budejovice, home of the real Budweiser beer where it has been brewed for the past 700 years. Finish by cycling to Hluboka nad Vltavou. The Tudor Gothic chateau in Hluboka nad Vltavou is one of the most beautiful chateaux in Bohemia.
Overnight in Hluboka nad Vltavou.
Day 5: Hluboka nad Vltavou – Pisek (33 miles/52 km)
Today you start out by cycling from Hluboka through Tyn nad Vltavou to the historical town of Pisek. The oldest bridge in Bohemia, built in the 13th century (older than Charles Bridge in Prague), crosses the river at Pisek.
Overnight in Pisek.
Day 6: Pisek – Pribram (40 miles/63 km)
The highlight of this cycling day is Zvikov Castle on a rocky hill overlooking the confluence of the Otava and Vltava rivers. It is known as the "Queen of Bohemian castles" due to its majestic position. Next stop is Castle Orlik, on Orlik Reservoir. At Vysoka u Pribrame there is the memorial to the Czech composer Dvorak. Continue on to Pribram, which has a longstanding legacy of mining. Silver, lead and other metals were mined here from the 12th Century.
Overnight in Pribram.
Day 7: Pribram – Prague (32 miles/50 km)
The cycle from Pribram to Prague first takes you to the town of Horovice and its Baroque chateau, and then to the Gothic castle of Karlstejn atop a wooded hill. This sturdy castle, founded by Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV, once guarded the Czech crown jewels. Afternoon transfer by car to Prague.
Overnight in Prague.
Day 8: Prague
Prague is the "city of a thousand spires." The Charles Bridge, the Old Town square and Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in Europe, are great places to visit.