Prague to Dresden Guided Cycle

On arrival in Prague check into the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to begin your exploration of this historical city. This is essentially a pre tour night with the commencement of the guided tour tomorrow morning. If you are arriving in Prague early, optional tours available from Prague are available on request, please ask our consultants: - cycle to Karlstejn Castle and back - operates daily except Monday, minimum 2 people - a walking tour in Prague (3hrs)

This morning you will meet your guide and group, have an arrival briefing, bike fitting and short cycle safety talk. After receiving your bike, the group begins cycling from the hotel in Prague. Despite the first small ascent, today's stage follows a easy trail to the heart of the Czech wine region - the town of Melnik. Just before you leave Prague, you pass the Troja Baroque Castle and then continue north following the bank of the Vltava River. You will cycle past some very interesting rock formations and deep valleys with the castles in Nelahozeves and Veltrusy en route. Overnight in Melnik*, an old wine town at the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers. After the cycle you can relax with a glass of good wine or refreshing beverage. *or alternatively overnight in nearby Liblice

Following the Elbe River (or in Czech "Labe River"), the cycle route leads out of Melnik past the Libechov Castle to the historic town of Roudnice nad Labem. We continue on the bend of the river to Terezin fortress. Named after Empress Maria Theresa, the vast fortress was built in the late 18th century covering an area of nearly 4km square and during WW II was used as a concentration camp. After a visit to the fortress, we ride another few kilometres to Litomerice with its beautiful houses. Take time to visit the underground cellars linked by tunnels, a section of which is open to the public.

During today's cycle tour we explore the romantic countryside of the Czech Middle Mountains. The region is very hilly however we will follow the banks of the Elbe River most of the time and hills with several old-time ruins will surround us. This former volcanic region had always been an ideal terrain for the building of castles and fortresses, many of which have unfortunately not been well preserved. The Strekov Castle, which was built atop a steep rock cliff, belongs among one of the most romantic castles in the Czech Republic. After a more strenuous climb, we will be rewarded with magnificent views from its walls. The final point of this stage will be the Northern Gate of the Czech Republic and the town of Decin, which has the lowest altitude in the Czech Republic.

Today you can decide whether you prefer to travel by bike or by boat to Hrensko. This border town is situated in the heart of the Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park and offers many attractive activities. It's especially good for hiking, offering trails that lead through scenery of rocky towns, mesas, passes, deep gorges and hillsides. If you choose to hike, Pravcická Gate, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe is not to be missed. You can then continue cycling on one of the many marked bike trails through this wonderful country, or combine a boat trip with a ride through a romantic valley on a historical tram in Bad Schandau. In the afternoon we cross the border to Germany, and stay overnight in the historic spa town of Bad Schandau.

Today is packed with historical sights! Shortly after leaving Bad Schandau we will see the haunting Königstein Fortress and just past the curve a beautiful rock formation with a romantic rock bridge and Bastei Ruin. Time permitting there's an optional sightseeing tour of the town with magnificent panoramic views. Later today we cycle by the town of Pirna, where we enter the region of the Dresden Valley. There are several beautiful castles and museums of music masters, such as Karl Maria Weber or Richard Wagner, both of whom composed in this area. At the end of the day we reach the city of Dresden. The support vehicle and tour leader leave Dresden in the afternoon. At leisure to explore Dresden this evening. We suggest visiting famous sights such as Zwinger Palace and strolling through town.

The trip concludes after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.