Czech Castles Cycle

This morning you will be collected from your pre tour hotel in Prague and driven 170km/110mi to Ceský Krumlov, a medieval town registered on the UNESCO World Heritage List. After adjusting bicycles and a test ride you will have free time to see the world-renowned medieval and Renaissance town with its famous castle gardens.

It's possible this morning to take an optional visit of Ceský Krumlov Castle before you begin your cycling along the scenic valley of the Vltava River. The first site to visit on the way is the monastery Zlata Koruna (the Golden Crown), set on a bend in the river. The route continues to Ceské Budejovice (Budweis), where you can take an optional tour with beer tasting. The town has one of the largest squares in Europe and being home to the real Budweiser beer, has numerous beer halls. The final stage takes you to Hluboká nad Vltavou. Its' Neo-gothic Chateau Hluboká nad Vltavou is perhaps the most romantic chateau in the Czech Republic. It's possible to extend your cycle day to visit Holašovice village (UNESCO Heritage site).

Todays cycle takes you past the nuclear power station Temelin and on to Písek, a picturesque town on the Otava River. The main attraction of Písek is a stone bridge from 13th century - the oldest stone bridge in central Europe.

This is the longest cycle day of the trip. You can choose between a paved path or a partly off-road route. Enroute you pass by Orlik castle, where you can take a tour to see its splendidly decorated rooms. At the end of the day's ride, you will arrive in Príbram. The town has been an important mining centre since the Middle Ages. However, the more recent history of the town is rather chilling. Many political prisoners were forced to work at the Príbram uranium mines during the Communist regime.

In the morning, there is the option to visit a 14th - 17th century pilgrimage church with a monastery, Svata Hora (Holy Mountain), working camp and mine museum. Following this, you cycle through an extensive former military area in the beautiful forested hills of Brdy. You will cycle "in the middle of nowhere" on 9m wide paved roads used by the army in the past. The premium accommodation option ends at Zbiroh chateau from 13th century where you will stay overnight, whilst if you are staying in regular accommodation you will overnight in Zebrak.

The cycle continues this morning from Žebrák to the impressive 14th century ruins of Tocnik Castle. The middle part of the day leads through forested rolling hills to Beroun. This is a medieval town in the heart of the Karstejn district with romantic valleys, caves, pits and localities where pre-historic fossils can still be found. The remaining part of the day follows the Berounka River through a picturesque valley all the way to Karlštejn village. Note: The premium option starts in Zbiroh and joins the standard route after 11km/6.8mi at Tocnik Castle.

This morning you have the option to visit Karlštejn castle, which was built by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV as an impregnable fortress housing the imperial crown jewels and the most sacred relics. The cycle route that follows is very easy as it leads along the Berounka River and the Vltava River banks to the centre of Prague. The rest of the day is free to explore Prague which, according to Goethe, is "the prettiest gem in the stone crown of the world." You could visit Prague Castle with the Golden Lane, the Powder Tower or just meander along the streets or watch the lively goings-on sitting in one of the cafes on the Old Town Square. There are countless possibilities!

Following breakfast at the hotel, the trip concludes.