Czech Republic + Austria Bike Tour

Meet your guides in Prague for a transfer to the fabulous Chateau Herálec, where we’re treated to a brief tour of the castle upon arrival. We’ll get to know each other over a light lunch, followed by a bike fitting and safety talk. Hop on your bike for a warm-up ride on the tree-lined country roads of the Highlands region and through small villages clustered within the wide-open landscape. Your guides will get to know your riding level and bike comfortability with mixed-surface riding, adjusting your routes accordingly. Back at the hotel, stroll the grounds, stake out a place by the swimming pool or treat yourself to a massage at the hotel’s L’Occitane spa. Tonight’s dinner at our hotel’s gourmet restaurant sets the tone for the incredible week ahead.

Meals: Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Herálec
Accomplished: 15 miles / 25 km, elevation gain: 1,086 feet / 331 meters
Accommodations: Chateau Herálec

This morning, ride into the rolling countryside while marveling at ever-changing views of the iconic 14th-century Lipnice fortress. After a breathtaking descent to the romantic Sázava River, we’ll join up with a newly built bike trail that snakes all the way through this beautiful region. Following the river, we arrive in Světlá nad Sázavou, the epicenter of the Czech glassmaking industry. Meet a local artisan who shows us how much finesse it takes to work with world-famous Bohemia crystal, then enjoy a picnic lunch of cheeses, cured meats, and local beers at Chateau Světlá nad Sázavou. Finish the day with a final climb or choose to hop in the van and head back our hotel. This evening, we dine in a castle lovingly restored by the owner and chef.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Bohemian-Moravian Highlands, Lipnice, Humpolec, Světlá
Accomplished: 28 miles / 45 km, elevation gain: 2,989 feet / 911 meters
Accommodations: Chateau Herálec

Today we head south to Moravia, the vinous heart of the Czech Republic. Get comfortable in the van for a scenic transfer of roughly one hour and fifty minutes. Then a chance to stretch our legs with a short walk into the UNESCO-protected Palava Hills, leading us to the dramatic Orphan’s Castle ruins. Here we’ll take in spectacular views overlooking three countries’ borders: the Czech Republic, Austria, and Slovakia. From here, we begin a downhill ride past the late Renaissance town of Mikulov and onto the former patrol roads of the Iron Curtain—a poignant reminder of life under communist rule. Weave through vineyard roads to the original lands of the royal Lichtenstein family in Lednice and pause to visit UNESCO-protected royal palaces. Back in Mikulov, we’ll meet Petr, one of the Czech Republic’s foremost wine experts, for a very special dinner peppered with Czech winemaking history and a tasting right in the cellar.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Palava Hills, Mikulov, Lednice
Accomplished: 25 miles / 40 km, elevation gain: 1,385 feet / 422 meters
Longer Option: 34 miles / 55 km
Accommodations: Hotel Volarik

This morning, hit the snooze button, have a leisurely breakfast, or join your guides for a visit to one of the most important Jewish cemeteries in Central Europe. It’s time to bid the Czech Republic farewell and transfer to Austria’s Kamptal region, famous for its Grüner Veltliner and Riesling wines. Beginning at the Kamptal’s Château Grafenegg—known for classical music concerts and festivals—we cycle through vineyards and villages en route to Langenlois, Austria’s largest wine-producing village and home of the modern Loisium wine center. Once we’ve visited the tasting rooms of renowned biodynamic wineries and family vintners, it’s time to pedal along the Danube to the ancient town of Krems. We’ll reach the medieval village of Dürnstein and our home for the next two nights, a renovated 13th-century convent furnished with works of art from the region. Dine on your own tonight in Dürnstein—your guides are glad to make a restaurant recommendation.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch
Destinations: Grafenegg, Langenlois, Krems, Dürnstein
Accomplished: 23 miles / 37 km, elevation gain: 590 feet / 180 meters
Longer Option: 31 miles / 46 km
Accommodations: Hotel Richard Löwenherz 

Today we explore the breathtaking Wachau Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our ride begins right from the hotel and travels through charming medieval villages and wineries where vines cascade off terraced mountains, almost tumbling into the river. Arrive in Melk where we will visit the remarkable monastery perched over the River Danube. Return via the Danube’s right bank for a quieter perspective and try some family-made Marillenschnaps on the final push. A scenic ferry ride brings us back to the hotel before dinner at a family-run gastronomic restaurant, one of the greatest in Austria.

Meals: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Destinations: Wachau Valley, Dürnstein, Spitz, Melk
Accomplished: 36 miles / 58 km, elevation gain: 1,148 feet / 350 meters
Accommodations: Hotel Richard Löwenherz

We cap off our adventure in Austria with a hike to the ruins of Dürnstein Castle, where Richard the Lionheart was held prisoner. At the top, we’re rewarded with a staggering view of the Danube River framed by cascading vineyards, red-roofed villages, and verdant countryside. There’s time for one last stroll through the fairytale streets back in Dürnstein before your guides transfer you to Austria’s capital of Vienna and see you off to enjoy the “City of Music.”

Meals: Breakfast
Destinations: Dürnstein, Vienna
Accomplished: 2 miles / 3 km hiking