Czech Republic  Bike Tour Reviews (page 3)

  • Prague to Vienna
    (5/5) Kathy B October 11, 2018

    An excellent adventure!

    · Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

    This was my first bike trip and I can't wait to do it again. Our guides were enthusiastic and fun and our driver could not have been more helpful transporting luggage, providing snacks and water at stops, and keeping our bikes tuned up.
    We rode through picturesque villages, fairy-tale forests, along rivers and lakes, and up and down hills with eye-popping views and sweeping vistas of farmland, vineyards, and distant highlands. We saw numerous castles dating from the 13th to the 19th century and toured several of them. We climbed on/up WWII military bunkers and anti-tank fortifications and a soviet era watch tower. Our guides were very knowledgeable and provided historical context for all of it.
    The hills were more demanding than most of our group anticipated and there was some challenging terrain, but with the support of our guides and driver everyone rode all day even though the van was available for breaks. However I do recommend e-bikes if you have not done much riding. About half of our group did and they were happy with their choice.
    The accommodations were basic but comfortable and ran the gamut as far as architecture and design. We enjoyed the local cuisine, wine, and I think the best beer anywhere!
    Prague is magical and Vienna is filled with music and art, but I really loved getting off the beaten track in between. If you are looking for adventure, culture, and a bit of a challenge, you will love this trip.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2018
    How many tours have you completed?
    none
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Czech Republic
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Harvey Wilds July 11, 2023

    Wonderful tour of Czech and Austrian countryside

    · Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

    My wife and I had an excellent time on our self guided tour. The accomodations and logistics were perfect! We are definitely planning our next trip already.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Czech Republic
  • (5/5) Glen E. July 5, 2024

    a nice way to see authentic Czechia

    · Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

    I enjoyed it! I got what I view as an authentic look at the Czech landscape with a Czech guide. Jitka took us to obscure places that I would have never found on my own, and even with a GPS, I wouldn't have known the significance of some places without her there to describe them. Henry was great as a driver and rest stop provider, etc, and went above-and-beyond the call of duty, even finding obscure screws when my bike broke down in a small town of 800 people. (Note, I was riding my own bike; from what I saw with the other people, they had no problems with the rental bikes.)

    We had a group of 6 people + ride leader + driver. Everyone was easy to get along with.

    The one thing that surprised me about the trip was that we all rode together; there was no breaking up into different groups based on riding speeds (as I have experienced on other bicycle tours I have done). There were times when I would have liked to go a little faster. Occasionally, I did get ahead of the group and would wait in the next town or when we were coming to a turn. I would just say, this is a trip to see the Czech countryside, not to race and finish the riding day fast. But overall, it wasn't a big problem and I enjoyed the tour.

    The tour was about 35-40 miles per day and was fairly hilly. It wasn't monstrously hilly, but every day except one had a few significant climbs. Cyclists either need to be accustomed to hill-climbing, or else rent an e-bike. Our group was split half-and-half between normal bikes and e-bikes. The e-bike people sometimes tried to make less use of the "e" part, but they had the security of knowing they could turn up the dial and go up any hill easily if they wanted to.

    One comfort I was missing from the USA was air conditioning in the hotels. Most days weren't that hot (avg highs were low 20s Celsius, though a couple days got into the high 20s, maybe even 30); but even so, in the evenings it can be stuffy and a bit humid in a hotel room. 1 or 2 hotels had AC, 1 or 2 had a room fan, and the other 4 or so were, just open a window. I don't fault the bike tour for a lack of hotel AC, I think most hotels in Czechia are that way.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 2024
    How many tours have you completed?
    about 60
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Solo travelers
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Czech Republic
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 4/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Anne Wood 11 months ago

    Four years in the making

    · Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

    Our group planned a self guided tour from Prague to Budapest for April, 2020. It was cancelled due to Covid. In September, 2024, we did an abbreviated Prague to Vienna self guided tour. It was well worth the wait even though Boris shut down several days of biking. The Czech Republic is a biking wonderland.

    What was the date of your tour?
    September 2024
    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
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Czech Republic
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) Joe M. 3 days ago

    Off the beaten track.

    · Prague to Vienna via Cesky Krumlov

    Great rural scenery, uncrowded roads, quaint historic towns. Nice itenerary.

    Countries included in this tour?
    Austria, Czech Republic
  • Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest
    (5/5) CMSM June 13, 2016

    Bike from Prague to Vienna or Salzburg! (or close enough)

    Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest

    This company knows exactly what it is doing and makes a carefree adventure of it all. We took the self-guided, electric bike tour and every time we wondered about a particular detail, we learned that they had already thought of it and handled it all. Biking route instructions were very precise and helpful (this tour runs just a small amount of time in Austria and their biking signs are not as precise as Czech Rep, no fault of the tour operator). The countryside was so gorgeous that we kept thinking it all must be fake. But 20 minutes later, we would find another dream scene. Each day was a joy and we would recommend it all very highly. Found fantastic restaurants as well. Hats off to Petr J in Czech Republic. He is the local tour operator and is top notch in all respects.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    First one!
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) bam47 June 14, 2016

    Simply fabulous.

    Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest

    We chose the unguided tour but the directions were excellent (when we followed them) with both text and photos to guide us. The hotels were wonderful and alway located in the Old Town Square. The breakfasts were great, too. And all the extras that Pter Janota threw in couldn't have been more fun or informative. Petr was fun and funny and very smart and we couldn't have been more impressed by his support on the road and his bike tour operation. His recommendations for restaurants in Czecky Krumlov (Papas) were great.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 25-June 1.
    How many tours have you completed?
    none
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Much easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Prague to Dresden
    (5/5) Rinat June 20, 2019

    Excellent trip b

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    Cycling is the best way to experience the and feel the atmosphere, and Enjoy , the trip was excellent, the local company was very supportive, the signs on the way was clear and the view was absolutely amazing.
    Category B hotels sometimes were a bit simple. I really recommend the prague to Dresden trip

    What was the date of your tour?
    17-25 of May
    How many tours have you completed?
    3
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest
    (5/5) Olafur Gudlaugsson September 25, 2022

    First bike trip in the Czech Republic.

    Best of South Bohemia: Czech Republic to Its Fullest

    Great service and well organized.
    And good reception by Petr Jonota, thank you!
    If there were questions, problems, or anything, he answered them with a smile ☺
    Nice how different the days are and what we can see each day

    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic
  • Bohemian Getaway
    (5/5) Barry Greenberg May 24, 2023

    Prague castle tour

    · Bohemian Getaway: Villages, River Valleys & Karlstejn Castle

    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
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic
    • 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
  • (5/5) Simon Butcher 12 months ago

    Great biking trip

    · Bohemian Getaway: Villages, River Valleys & Karlstejn Castle

    A wonderful ay to see part of the Czech Republic. We picked up the bikes in Prague and set off with GPX files which were excellent. The person who gave us the bikes was friendly and really knew his stuff. Setting off unsupervised and on the wrong side of the road was daunting, but following the GPX route on my Garmin made it all really easy. The cycling was easy (made more so by the e-bikes) and so we had plenty of time to stop off for coffee and to enjoy the scenery. The hotels were all of a good standard and eating out is very good value for money. Our first e-bike trip and we will definitely do another

    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic
  • Prague to Dresden
    (5/5) Calista1226 September 29, 2016

    Incredible Experience

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    This was my first bike tour and I cannot say enough positive things about my experience. Our group was small with 5 bikers and 2 guides. The other bikers were very friendly and we all got along well. The guides were incredible and I could not have asked for more supportive, friendly, helpful people to enjoy this experience with. The accommodations each night were very comfortable and in perfectly safe areas.

    While it was definitely a physically demanding trip, it was attainable and we all completed the trip perfectly fine. While I do bike regularly, I'm certainly not the ideal specimen of fitness. I bike around 30-50 miles a week and found the trip a little more difficult than I anticipated. But again, I would not let this discourage you from going.

    The guides were all from the Prague/Dresden area and so were able to share historical and relevant information about the sites and cities along the way. This trip was more than a bike tour--it was also a cultural tour. In addition, the sites are absolutely breathtaking. I'm giving myself a few weeks to recover and then planning my next one!

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept 17-Sept 23
    How many tours have you completed?
    0
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat harder
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • View from the Czech Switzerland National Park (photo by Calista1226)
    • Biking along the Elbe River (photo by Calista1226)
    • Photo 3 (photo by Calista1226)
    • The Natural Bridge at the Czech Switzerland National Park (photo by Calista1226)
    • Accommodations in Melnik (photo by Calista1226)
    • Photo 6 (photo by Calista1226)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Pedalann October 13, 2016

    A lovely ride down the Vltava and Elbe Rivers

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    Cycling along the major rivers of Europe is always a pleasure and this trip was no exception.  Much of the path is asphalt-paved and hugs the river's edge.  There are several small ferries and some bridges which allow cyclists to cycle on either side of the Vlatava and Elbe as one goes north from Prague towards Dresden.  
     The bicycles supplied were well suited for the tour and the GPS, cue sheets and maps guided you on each day's ride. There are a few places where the path has been damaged or destroyed by floods so there are a few steep hills and "single track" sections to navigate.  Our lodgings, except in Prague and Dresden, were always in the historic city centers so it was easy to walk around and learn about each place.
     Along the way, we discovered the history of these rivers and the importance of our stopping points  - Melnik, Terezin/Litomerice, Decin, and Bad Schandau.  We also had booked an extra day both in Prague and Dresden and easily could have spent more time in these special cities.  We found the careful reconstruction of the historic buildings in these cities to be especially impressive.

    What was the date of your tour?
    Sept. 23 - 30, 2016
    How many tours have you completed?
    More than 20
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 3 Marker showing flood levels along the Vltava River. In 2012 it was up to the eaves. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 1 The bike path along the Vltava as we left Prague. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 3 Our lovely accommodations in Hotel U Zamku in Melnik. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 4 Crossing into Germany opposite Hrensko, Czech Republic. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 5 Amazing sandstone cliffs along the Elbe as we cycled towards Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 6 The four of us arriving at our hotel in Dresden. (photo by Pedalann)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 3/5 Ease of navigation
    • 2/5 Tour documents
    • 2/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) GobaGirl June 6, 2017

    Wonderful way to see the Czech Republic

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    We did the self guided trip (more on that option later) and the actual bicycle trip was fantastic. The cities we stayed in were great - Melnik was amazing - and the route along the Elbe was just stunning. The experience was just wonderful. Food, beer, wine, lodgings, villages - all perfect. The only caution is if you opt for the self guided trip. Although the bike paths were generally well marked, it was sort of stressful always having to watch for the twists and turns. A guide would have made the whole experience far more relaxing and enjoyable. And we would not have found ourselves lost quite so often.

    What was the date of your tour?
    May 12-18
    How many tours have you completed?
    2 guided tours and many cross state
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 3/5 Included meals
    • 4/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 3/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 2/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
  • (5/5) New Yorkers June 27, 2017

    Good variety, just enough challenge, 2 amazing cities

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    We really enjoyed this trip — this was our first guided tour. Overall, it was a comfortable pace, a few big hills but lots of flat areas, and plenty of stops.

    Most of the riding was on paved bike paths, but some bits were on roads with cars, where the guides kept everyone safe and comfortable. Some of the riding was on dirt roads, but this was only a challenge one time, when the road was muddy and slightly uphill. Climbing big hills was always rewarded with amazing views & castles. Our group did all of the challenges, even if they had to walk and push their bikes up part of the hill. It was fine with everyone, and no one took advantage of the van (but you can if you want).

    The route took us along the rivers, through small picturesque villages and towns, farmland and forests. The poppies were in bloom when we went, in early June. We took quick ferry rides across the river a few times, which was fun.

    The biking started around 9am after a big breakfast. There were plenty of stops, snacks at the van by the side of a road, and coffee at a nice cafe in a beautiful town square. We would usually get to the hotel around 5-6pm and dinner was around 7pm. There was one day with less riding, where we had the option of spending the afternoon visiting the “Bohemian Switzerland National Park” (in the Czech Republic) or spending the time in Bad Spandau — a nice town on the river with hot baths and spa and cafes. We hiked and it was gorgeous.

    All of the guides were Czech, and spoke English, some were fluent. They helped translate in restaurants and hotels when needed. They gave us lots of info about sites along the way. One was a “physical geographer” and had lots facts about the geology of the area. We had discussions about the communist history of both Czechoslovakia and Eastern Germany. One guide would ride with us, and one drove the van, and they switched off every day. They were professional, polite, always willing to help — no request was too big or too small. They had funny Czech senses of humor.

    The accommodations were different each night, ranging from very fancy to basic, but always located in a beautiful historic town. Lunch and dinner locations were well chosen, the food was always good. We had lots of local specialties, and tried the local beers and wines. There was a vegetarian and a gluten-free person in our group, and their needs were accommodated.

    What was the date of your tour?
    June 3, 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    5
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 4/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 4/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 3/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) Stu T August 10, 2017

    Fantastic Ride from Prague to Dresden

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    Great fun, bonus being that it mostly followed the Elbe River downstream to Prague so wasn't very strenuous, just a few hills here and there. Our guide Milan was great - definitely worth having along as (1) he spoke Czech which none of us did ! and (2) added in some side tours which would have almost certainly missed had he not been along. Also, our support lady Jitke was really helpful and very useful to have on hand, she moved our luggage every day effortlessly ! Great scenery, great beer (some of the wine was a bit ordinary) and great food. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.

    What was the date of your tour?
    10-14 July 2017
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    Somewhat easier
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    Solo travelers, First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids, Families with teens
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • The Elbe River (photo by Stu T)
    • Crossing the border into Germany (photo by Stu T)
    • Hrensko (photo by Stu T)
    • 5/5 Value
    • 4/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 5/5 Scenery
    • 4/5 Ease of navigation
    • 4/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection
    • 5/5 Guides (if applicable)
  • (5/5) JimS April 30, 2019

    Great bike ride...mostly on paved bike paths

    · Prague to Dresden Along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers

    AVE provide a very good experience. Would definitely use them again. The trip listed a couple of short hills. There were two hills on the first day and they were steeper than I expected and also longer. That is just a minor thing and in no way diminished the trip. The bicycles were very good and their initial service was great...however, I would have preferred that they bring the bicycles the day before we started the trip instead of the morning of the trip. It meant that we started about 2 hours later than we would have. That also is a minor thing and didn’t, take away from the trip. All of the hotels were excellent.

    What was the date of your tour?
    April 17, 2019
    How many tours have you completed?
    2
    Difficulty (actual vs. expected)?
    As expected
    Who is this tour suitable for?
    First-time bike tourists, Families with young kids
    Do you recommend this tour?
    Yes
    Countries included in this tour?
    Czech Republic, Germany
    • 5/5 Value
    • 5/5 Included meals
    • 5/5 Bikes + equipment
    • 5/5 Hotels or boat
    • 4/5 Scenery
    • 5/5 Ease of navigation
    • 5/5 Tour documents
    • 5/5 Local tour company services
    • 5/5 Route selection