BUDAPEST TO PRAGUE

Hungary’s Danube and Southern Bohemia:

This trip explores the vibrant artistic, cultural, and political landscapes that link these two remarkable cities. Much of your cycling will be spent along small, lightly traveled roads, a network of trails that weaves through the area's most impressive and important sites. There will be a generous assortment of privately guided local tours and of course, a grand ending in Prague.

Day 1: Budapest arrival

Welcome to Budapest, the Pearl of the Danube... This thriving metropolis is

actually two cities - hilly Buda on the river's western bank; and Pest, which stretches eastward along the puszta, or Great Hungarian plain. We begin our travels with a sojourn at the four-star Gellert Hotel, home to the world famous Gellert Baths, a grand Art Nouveau edifice built atop one of the region's magnificent thermal baths.

Day 2 - Esztergom

Today we follow the mighty Danube northbound from Budapest to Esztergom, a

pivotal city in the nation’s history. The site of St. Stephen’s coronation,it was the Hungarian capital for nearly three centuries and remains the seat of the Catholic Church in the country. Indeed, the skyline is dominated by the majestic green dome of the Esztergom Basilica, Hungary’s largest church. | 28 miles.

Day 3 - Bratislava

Today we travel by private motorcoach to Fertod, home of the lavish and sprawling Esterhazy Castle, also known as the Hungarian Versailles. After a tour of the castle, we’ll begin our ride to Sopron, a border region celebrated for its wine. Historically, its other chief export was the classical composer and piano virtuoso, Franz Liszt. In Sopron’s city center, which dates to the Middle Ages, you’ll find a charming mix of Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. At day’s end, we’ll transfer to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava. | 26 miles.

Day 4 - Bratislava to Znojmo

The first half of the day is yours to get to know Bratislava which, despite being the geographical center of Europe, remains a hidden treasure for most travelers. Taking the view from its hilltop castle – over the lazy Danube, the rolling vineyards and Carpathian foothills beyond -- you’ll understand the site’s strategic importance to the Romans, who first settled here. Other points of interest include the nearby Slovak National Museum and the Slovak National Gallery. In the afternoon, we’ll meet to transfer to Znojmo in The Czech Republic.

Day 5 - Znojmo to Jindrichuv Hradeck

Today's ride begins with a stop at Vranov and Dyji and its 17th-century Baroque castle. We'll pass next through the Vranov National Park en route to Slavonice, a 13th-century town distinguished by its extraordinary Gothic and Renaissance structures. Then it’s on to our hotel in Jindrichuv Hradeck, a fortified town dominated by its Gothic castle -- later reconstructed as a Renaissance chateau -- the third-largest edifice of its kind in the Czech Republic.

45 miles

Day 6 - Jindrichuv Hradeck Layover Day

You can enjoy your rest day strolling through the charming streets and soaking up the atmosphere. This evening’s special treat will be a night visit to the castle in Jindrichuv Hradeck.

Day 7 - Jindrichuv Hradec to Cesky Budejovice

We will ride to Trebon, a fortified 13th-century town. Next, it’s a quick stop in Hluboka and a visit to its 141-room grand castle, affectionately referred to as the "Pearl of South Bohemia." We’ll then be transferred to our evening destination, Cesky Budejovice.

31 miles, private bus to Cesky Budejovice

Day 8 - Cesky Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov

We begin the day with a sightseeing tour of Cesky Budejovice with a local guide. We’ll then enjoy an educational tour, tasting, and lunch at the renowned

Budvar Brewery (the inspiration and namesake of America’s Budweiser beer). After lunch, we’ll reconvene to begin our ride to Cesky Krumlov, one of Bohemia’s most picturesque towns and a UNESCO city.

18 miles

Day 9 - Cesky Krumlov Layover Day

Feel free to visit Cesky Krumlov’s medieval castle (the country’s second-largest) and its spectacular gardens. Afterwards, a docent will highlight more of the town's rich history and attractions during our privately-guided tour.

Day 10 - Cesky Krumlov to Prague

We begin the day with a private motorcoach transfer to Zvikov, bypassing a relatively banal stretch of land. We'll then cycle to Orlik castle and then onward through the lush Bohemian forest to the Orlik dam, the largest dam in the Czech Republic. A private motorcoach will then shuttle us to Prague, where we’ll We'll gather to savor a Bohemian dinner, followed by traditional Czech music.

27 miles, private Motorcoach to Prague

Day 11 - Depart for Home

This morning after our last group breakfast, a local guide will take us on a three-hour walk through the city's major sites, providing added insights into its historical and political landscapes.