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Day 1
Arrival day: Tabor. You can reach Tabor from Prague by train. We suggest the 9:05 train that arrives in Tabor at 10:55. Your bikes will be waiting at the hotel. You will have options of 25, 37, and 58 km as you explore the
countryside here. Tabor is a Hussite village with Renaissance buildings
and a beautiful historic center. If time permits, visit a labyrinthe of
tunnels dating from the 15th century, used by defenders of the
town. The Hotel Nautilus is a 4-star boutique hotel in the
historical center.
Day 2+3
Cesky-Krumlov - Avid
riders can cycle all the way from Tabor to Cesky-Krumlov, or for those
prefering a more moderate day, transfer first to Cesky-Budejovice, which
has a fascinating center. Arrive to Cesky-Krumlov, the most exquisite
town in the Czech Republic. Next day, ride south to Lake Lipno in Sumava National Park returning along the Vltava
River. Back in Cesky-Krumlov, we have included a walking tour with a local
historian including a visit to the castle of Krumlov Hrad. There are terrific restaurants to choose between here- we'll share our favourites with you.
Day 4
Maria Taferl - We will arrange a transfer from Cesky-Krumlov to Enns, the oldest city in Austria
and situated on the Danube. From here, cycle downstream through the
fertile Machland, crossing Europe's oldest wooden bridge and the
villages of Ardagger Markt, with its many museums and the pretty village
of Grein. You'll cross the Danube at Ybbs and at Marbach, climb up to
Maria Taferl where your hotel boasts an exquisite view over the valley.
Those wishing a longer ride, can challenge themselves with a loop to the
village of Artstetten nearby.
Day 5+6
Weissenkirchen - Following the Danube east through the Wachau, a region of abbeys, churches and castles we’ll reach Melk Abbey, a magnificent Baroque building still used by Benedictine monks; our hotel, the Raffelsberger Hof, located in Weissenkirchen, dates from 1574 and was renovated into a boutique hotel by the Anton family.
Next day, our cycling route continues to Durnstein, with the romantically-situated ruins of Durnstein castle above town. England's King Richard the Lionhearted was held hostage for a king's ransom in the castle in the 12th cenutury. In Krems, visit the Weinstadt Museum, in a restored 13th century Dominican monastery, and for those interested in more wine knowledge (and tastings), the Winzer Krems, a prominent winery. The short option loops back to the hotel and the moderate ride continues on to Tulln, the 'flower town' on the Danube. There is also a long (and hilly) option to the castle at Schloss Rosenburg. We will have a festive final night dinner, as we always do, toasting our time in this fascinating and beautiful region.
Day 7
Transfer to Krems for train connections into Vienna for flights or extended stay.
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"We had the best holiday ever- loved every minute,"
- Pam and Peter R., Vancouver, BC
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