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Bicycling the Danube Plus! Czech Republic and Prague

Bicycling the Danube Plus! Czech Republic and Prague

Pedal off the beaten track past gently rolling countryside, lakes, and through tiny towns as you bicycle from Passau, Germany through Austria and the Czech Republic ending in Prague. Every day is an opportunity to explore the colorful towns and impressive historical sites including a stop in the town of Melk to visit the Benedictine Melk Abbey, perched on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Danube river. You’ll get a flavor for the local food and landscape while pedaling past vineyards (and stopping to taste some fantastic wine!), through forbidden forests along the Austrian/Czech border, and into late Renaissance towns unchanged since the 17th century. Gently rolling cycling, bicycle-friendly paths and roads in Germany, Austria and the Czech Republic make this region enormously popular for cyclists of all stripes.

Sounds great but don't have 14 days? Join us for the first 7-days Cycling the Danube: Passau to Vienna, or check out our 9-day tour Cycling Vienna to Prague.

Tour Dates & Prices

Date
Price
Private Room Fee
Note
Jun 16-29, 2023
USD$5750
USD$650
Deposit now and save $200 per person
Book It
Aug 4-17, 2023
USD$5750
USD$650
Deposit now and save $200 per person
Book It
Aug 18-31, 2023
USD$5750
USD$650
Deposit now and save $200 per person
Book It

* We are happy to match solo travelers who would like to share a room with someone of the same gender. If no match exists, due to hotel pricing, we will charge 50% of the private room charge. This charge will be collected at the time of the final payment. If a roommate assignment is available it will be refunded at the conclusion of the tour.

** For information about what your tour status means please see our FAQ page.

Tour Style: Classic Hold A Space Request Private Departure Download Itinerary Tour Map
  • Trip At-A-Glance
  • Tour Summary
  • Daily Itinerary
  • Travel Information
  • Map
  • Reviews
  • Similar Tours
Trip At-A-Glance

Trip At-A-Glance

  • Length / 14 Days
  • Total Distance / 665km (416 miles)
  • Avg. Distance / 60km (37 miles) per riding day
  • Tour Level & Tour Style / 2.0 Classic
  • Countries / Austria, Czech Republic, Germany
  • Begin/End / Passau/Prague
  • Price / From USD$5750
More Photos
Tour Summary

Tour Summary

  • Highlights
    Cycling bike paths, Boat ride on the famous Danube river, Crossing three borders, Wine tastings, Historic abbeys and castles.

    Keep in Mind: We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

    We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Separated twin beds are rare in many places; instead there will be two mattresses together that sit on the same base.
  • Includes
    14 days, 13 nights accommodation; meals as noted in itinerary; guided visits as described in itinerary, and the usual (see below).

    Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic Tour Style page.
  • Arrive / Depart
    Munich Airport (MUC) or Frankfurt International Airport (FRA)/Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
  • Overall Tour Level
    2.0 difficulty level 2.0
  • Daily Ride Summary

    Day

    Distance/Gain
    mi/ftkm/m

    Terrain

    Day Level

    Notes

    1
    Test ride
    2
    60km / 391m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.5
    3
    67km / 442m
    Hilly
    difficulty level 3.0
    4
    58km / 356m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.5
    5
    57km / 421m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.5
    6
    93km / 502m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 2.5
    Shorter optional ride available
    7
    30km / 61m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.0
    Today's ride is an optional loop ride
    8
    44km / 219m
    Mostly flat
    difficulty level 1.0
    9
    61km / 745m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.5
    10
    32km / 256m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 1.5
    11
    69km / 741m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.5
    12
    61km / 675m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 2.5
    13
    63km / 720m
    Rolling hills
    difficulty level 3.0
    14
    Last day

Terrain Legend

Gentle Gentle

Rolling hills Rolling hills

Hilly Hilly

Very hilly Very hilly

Mountainous Mountainous

Daily Itinerary
Download Itinerary

DAY 1: Welcome to Passau

Highlights: Old Town Passau, a spectacular part of the Danube valley, welcome dinner.

Welcome to Passau, a beautiful German city located near the Austrian border and at the confluence of three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Settle into your hotel and stretch your legs by walking through Old Town’s baroque architecture and paying a visit to Passau's Saint Stephan's Cathedral, home to the largest organ outside of the United States. This afternoon we will meet for a bike fitting and test ride. Then we will gather again for a welcome drink and our first dinner together.

DAY 2: Passau, Germany to Linz, Austria

Highlights: Crossing the border to Austria, the spectacular Danube valley

The Danube River and the valley it has formed shape the central transportation artery of Austria. Today and tomorrow you'll ride through the heartland of Austria featuring impressive castles perched above the Danube river. Take time to explore the Ars Electronica Museum in Linz, also known as the museum of the future, as it tries to bridge the gap between art, science and technology.

  • Distance: 60km (38mi)
  • Gain: 391m (1282ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 3: Linz to Bad Kreuzen

Highlights: Diverse and stunning cycling through farmland, vineyards and Danube bike paths

You'll leave the river valley to reach Bad Kreuzen. Those who wish can take time to visit the Mauthausen Concentration Camp. The experience is powerful and sobering as you walk up and down the 186 "death stairs." Over 130,000 people were killed here including Jews, Italians, Russian POWs, criminals, and political prisoners.

  • Distance: 67km (42mi)
  • Gain: 442m (1450ft)
  • Terrain: Hilly
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 4: Bad Kreuzen to Melk

Highlights: Cycling along bike path near a thick forest, 12th Century Melk Abbey

Enjoy a downhill coast on a smooth bike path into the town of Melk, home to the spectacular baroque Melk Abbey. Built at the beginning of the 12th century the abbey was a monastic school. Unpack your bags at our hotel just down the street from the abbey and stroll through the charming town to photograph the gold statuary adorning this domed Abbey Church. Venture inside the church to admire the ceiling fresco and its red marble walls before enjoying one of the suggested restaurants for dinner on your own this evening.

  • Distance: 58km (36mi)
  • Gain: 356m (1168ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 5: Melk to Dürnstein

Highlights: Vineyards of the Danube, wine tasting

Today you pedal into the heartland of Austrian wine country. This beautiful ride leads you through the medieval villages of the Wachau, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Upon arriving in Dürnstein you'll visit the cellar and vineyards of one of the area's best producers, and taste some of their traditional white wines.

  • Distance: 57km (36mi)
  • Gain: 421m (1381ft)
  • Terrain: Mostly flat
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 6: Dürnstein to Vienna

Highlights: Vienna!

Enjoy an easy day along the Danube today. You'll reach Vienna via a complex system of bicycle paths that lead directly to your hotel. Vienna is the largest city in Austria and one of Europe's leading musical centers. It was first a Roman and Celtic settlement, but as the Austro-Hungarian Empire rose to prominence, magnificent Medieval and Baroque architecture became especially prevalent.

DAY 7: Vienna Optional Ride

Highlights: Imperial Vienna, Hofburg palace, Guided tour of Vienna

Today we’ll enjoy an optional rest day in Austria’s capital, Vienna. This city has been home to legendary artistic and intellectual residents including Mozart, Beethoven and Sigmund Freud. Vienna is also known for its imperial palaces as well as its mix of historic and contemporary buildings. We’ll have a guided tour of this fabulous city to explore its artistic and architectural grandeur and to gain extra insight to the city's impressive history. This afternoon, feel free to stretch your legs with a ride along the Danube.

DAY 8: Vienna to Trebon, Czech Republic

Highlights: Crossing into the Czech Republic, clock tower of Trebon, visit one of the oldest breweries in the Czech Republic

We begin the day with a shuttle to the Austrian town of Gmünd. Pick up lunch in the charming town center before you pedal across the border into the Czech Republic! The ride takes you through gentle farmland passing through tiny Czech villages and dense forests. Our hotel tonight is located inside the ancient city walls of Trebon. Trebon is famous for its brewery which dates back to 1379. Take a spin around some of the Trebon pond system, a part of the UNESCO World Network of Biosphere Reserves, climb the 16th century clock tower, or visit the majestic Trebon Castle. Be sure to enjoy the local specialty, a sweet wafer, but save room for dinner together tonight at our favorite local restaurant.

DAY 9: Trebon to Cesky Krumlov

Highlights: Guided tour of Cesky Krumlov, UNESCO World Heritage castle

Today we will make our way to Cesky Krumlov, one of the Czech Republic’s most beautiful cities. Cesky Krumlov is situated in a meander of the longest river in the Czech Republic, the Vltava River. Our hotel is in the main square of this historic city center, structured around the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Cesky castle. The castle was originally built in the 1200’s by the main branch of the Bohemian noble Rosenberg family, a hugely influential family in Czech medieval history from the 13th century until 1611. This evening we’ll enjoy a guided walk through town.

DAY 10: Cesky Krumlov to Ceske Budejovice

Highlights: Scenic bike path along the river; Visit to the original Budvar Brewery

Today we will leave Cesky Krumlov and enjoy pedaling through scenic rural pastures before we connect with the Vltava river. We will follow a bike path along this tranquil river to our destination for the evening, Ceske Budejovice, the capital city of Bohemia. Famous for its beer first brewed in the 13th century, brewing remains a major industry in Ceske Budejovice. We will visit the Budvar Brewery which some say Budweiser beer was brewed to imitate.

  • Distance: 32km (20mi)
  • Gain: 256m (840ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 1.5
  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Lodging:

DAY 11: Ceske Budejovice to Tabor

Highlights: Hluboká Castle

We will follow the bike path along the Vltava River out of Ceske Budejovice today and then pedal through lush green forests and small villages on our way to Tabor, which earned its notoriety as home to the most radical wing of the Hussite movement in the 15th century. Perched on a steep hillside surrounded by dense forest, the streets of Tabor are beautiful and vibrant. Take a stroll through the stunning main square.

We'll enjoy dinner together tonight.

  • Distance: 69km (43mi)
  • Gain: 741m (2430ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 12: Tabor to Konopiste

Highlights: Wonderful ride through the countryside, spa hotel

Today we pedal through peaceful pastureland. Take a break under the shade of wild apple trees for a quick snack or to capture a picture of the scenic back country roads leading us to our destination for the night near the Konopiste Castle. Play some golf at the largest golf resort in the Czech Republic or enjoy the many amenities of the hotel spa this evening before seeing the Konopiste Castle tomorrow, famous for having been the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War I.  

  • Distance: 61km (38mi)
  • Gain: 675m (2214ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 2.5
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 13: Konopiste to Prague

Highlights: Cycling along the Moldau river, Prague

A stunning start to the day as we pedal through Konopiste Castle’s park where you’ll have a chance to visit this impressive castle if you wish. Then we will pedal until our route converges with the Moldau river. A riverside bike path will take us peacefully right into the Czech Republic’s capital city of Prague, and the final destination for the tour. Prague, sometimes called “the City of a Hundred Spires,” is known for its Old Town Square in the heart of its historic center. Take a stroll around the city and enjoy its colorful Baroque buildings, Gothic churches and the medieval Astronomical Clock, which gives an animated show hourly.

  • Distance: 63km (39mi)
  • Gain: 720m (2362ft)
  • Terrain: Rolling hills
  • Day Level: difficulty level 3.0
  • Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
  • Lodging:

DAY 14: Farewell!

Highlights: Guided tour of Prague

We'll say good-bye after our guided tour of Prague this morning. Stick around though because Prague deserves a few extra days to visit sites, shop, and hear some great music. No matter what you decide to do next, thanks for cycling with us!

  • Meals: Breakfast
Travel Information

Travel Information

Day 1: Arrival Information

Welcome to Passau

Meeting time 2 p.m. - on Day 1, meet your fellow cyclists and Tour Leaders at the Day 1 Hotel specified on the itinerary.

Note:

As you are planning, remember that the hotels listed in our itineraries are our primary hotels and are - in rare cases - subject to change. Before you make arrangements, check with us if your tour departure is guaranteed. If your tour departure is out further than 6 months, please also check with us as there might be slight changes to the itinerary.

The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.

We recommend flying into the Munich Airport (MUC). You can also fly into the Frankfurt Airport (FRA).


If you arrive at Munich and continue to Passau

  1. *Public bus No. 635 from Munich Airport to Freising Bahnhof (20 min/Eur 2.90), or taxi (15 min/EUR 16)
  2. *Train from Freising to Passau Hbf (2 hours/fares vary), no pre-booking necessary.
  3. Taxi (see point 2 under Frankfurt arrival below)

*Note: For the above train trip, we suggest purchasing a regional day ticket  valid on the bus and regional trains. You can purchase it at one of the vending machines or at the desk from a person, both run cooperatively by the German Railway and the MVV (Munich transit company). This ticket is also a great option for your train trip from Munich to Passau if you plan to stop over in Munich.


If you arrive at Frankfurt and continue to Passau

  1. **Train from Frankfurt am Main Flughafen to Passau Hbf (4.5 hours/fares vary)
  2. Taxi or walk from Passau central station to the Day 1 Hotel (5 min/EUR 7)

**Note: Depart from the AIRail Terminal, next to Terminal 1. Frankfurt Airport is a very busy transportation hub and it is advisable to purchase train tickets with a seat reservation in advance. If you buy a flexible ticket in advance and miss your intended train, it still means that you will have to purchase a new seat reservation separately upon arrival. Purchasing your ticket and seat reservations upon arrival does offer the most flexibility. However, if trains are full, you will have to wait.

Look up German train schedules at Bahn.de or Trainline.eu. Questions? See our information on taking trains in Europe here or ask us.

Day 14: Departure Information

Farewell!

Your trip ends on the final day after a guided tour of Prague, around 12 noon back at the hotel.

The below information will help you plan your arrival. For more tips or other routes, you might like Rome2Rio. The fare and timing information listed below is approximate.

We recommend flying out of Prague (PRG)

  • Taxi from the Ending Hotel to the Airport (35 min/EUR 30)

Keep in Mind

We work hard to maintain consistency across all of our tours, but some trips have unique differences. Here are some things to keep in mind about this tour.

We use charming and modern hotels but A/C or fans may not always be available since they haven't been needed traditionally. Separated twin beds are rare in many places; instead there will be two mattresses together that sit on the same base.

Pre-Trip Planning Checklist

To Do Today!

3–6 Months Prior to Departure

  • Reserve your flights after you know you have a confirmed tour departure. Please check with our office if you do not know if your trip is confirmed. As you make your plans refer to the Getting To and Away sent to you in your booking confirmation email it provides meeting times and the starting and ending hotels and shuttle information when applicable.
  • Book your pre and post-tour hotel nights. Please refer to the Getting To and Away sheet you received in your Reservation Confirmation Email.
  • 12 weeks before your tour begin your training program www.experienceplus.com/training.
  • Final payment is due 90 days prior to the tour start. Please refer to your Deposit Payment Invoice and the Final Payment Reminder e-mail you have received for detailed instructions.

6 Weeks–2 Weeks Prior to Departure

Day of Your Flight

Get as much sleep on the plane as you can. Pack your Getting To and Away information and one day of cycling gear in your carry-on. See you soon!

What to Expect on Tour

Classic Tour Style

Learn more about what is included and what to expect on your Classic tour at the Classic page.

Map

Map

Reviews

Reviews

  • The trip was an experience of a lifetime. I so enjoyed every aspect of the trip. It was a great experience. A great way to see countryside that you would never see any other way.

    LaDaun R., Cody, WY - June 2019
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