Prague to Krakow Self Guided Cycle

On arrival in Prague make your way to the joining hotel. In the early evening (usually 5.30pm) there is a welcome briefing and bike handover at the hotel. The remainder of the day is free to explore this magical city with its impressive bridges, historic squares and grand castle. We can assist with a private transfer from the airport (PRG) or booking extra nights in Prague before the tour on request - please ask our team for details.

Following breakfast, you will begin cycling. Prague's urban planners were certainly forward-thinking – part of this bike route follows right atop the metro tunnel! Escaping Prague, the trail heads northeast towards the fertile Polabí region, stopping on the way in the old towns of Celákovice and then Prerov nad Labem, home of the oldest village culture museum in Europe. On a hot day, take the opportunity to swim in a local lake before reaching the old royal town of Nymburk with ancient walls bordering the Elbe. While here you must taste the local Postrižiny beer to commemorate the Czech writer Bohumil Hrabal who grew up in the local brewery! Total ascent: 264m/866ft

Today's bike trail is quite easy, as you roll along the river to the spa town of Podebrady and continue to the royal town of Kolín with its ornate Renaissance synagogue. From Kolin the trail leaves the Elbe River to one of the UNESCO Heritage sites – the old silver mining capital, Kutná Hora. Through the Middle Ages it was one of the most important towns in Europe, extremely rich due to its mines, coin mint and location on trade routes. Thanks to all this you can relax in the cozy old town comprised of fascinating Medieval and Baroque structures. Crowning it all is the stunning St Barbara's church – a real jewel of Gothic architecture! Total ascent: 260m/853ft

Before leaving Kutná Hora take some time to visit an extraordinary venue – the Sedlec ossuary, whose decorations were created using the bones of more than 30 000 people, making it a curious and macabre exhibition. Just before the cycle route takes us back to the Elbe, you can visit a lovely Classical-style chateau, Kacina. Rejoining the river continue to the Kladruby national stud farm, which has produced exceptional horses for the Habsburgs since the 16th century. In the afternoon, bike along the Bunkov lake, taking a pause to relax on the beach or even swim. Today's last stop is the medieval town of Pardubice. A charming, quiet old town with a nice chateau and old lanes, but home of the Semtex plastic explosive too. For those looking for something sweet - you've found it! - Pardubice is the Czech capital of traditional gingerbread. Total ascent: 449m/1473ft

Leaving behind the Elbe river, the first gentle hills begin taking you to the mighty castle Kunetická Hora. The detour and climb up the majestic hill is definitely worth it. Continue pedalling to the river Loucná, following it to the village of Vraclav and its memorial to the Vršovec noble family. Next stop is the town of Vysoké Mýto: Today the hub of bus construction, its much longer history is displayed by a beautiful town square and nicely preserved city gates. Today's lodgings are in the UNESCO-protected town of Litomyšl, home of a fantastic Renaissance chateau with stunning gardens. Litomyšl is also the birthplace of the renowned composer Bedrich Smetana, a man celebrated every year (in June-July) with a classical music festival - a highlight of the Czech cultural calendar. Total ascent: 578m/1896ft

Leaving Bohemia, you cross the historical border to Moravia bridging the gap between the Bohemian-Moravian Highlands in the south and the Eagle Mountains in the north. Pause to admire the Renaissance town of Svitavy with its beautiful square and explore the history of its most famous resident, the locally-dislike Oskar Schindler. From here there is a climb over the Hrebec range, but the route soon descends easily towards the evenings accommodation in the town of Moravská Trebová. This little town has a fantastic Renaissance chateau, one of the best in Moravia. Total ascent: 460m/1509ft

The day starts easily following the River Trebuvka, which skirts the old border between Bohemia and Moravia. Here there is a high density of castle ruins, mostly just a pile of stones now. Away from the river you reach the largest of the castles – Bouzouv, one of the most romantic places in the Czech Republic. Shortly afterwards you leave the highlands and descend to the River Morava which guides you along the route for the rest of the day. If you are interested in reaching the UNESCO city of Oloumoc more quickly, it is possible to shorten the cycle with a train journey; otherwise enjoy the bike route along the meandering river. The ancient capital of the Moravia Empire, Olomouc rewards it visitors with fascinating sculptures, dramatic churches, and a communist-era astronomical clock. Total ascent: 398m/1305ft

Today the route begins by following the Bystrice river. Soon you reach the Tršice region with its beautiful views of Svatý Kopecek (Holy Hill). Arriving in Prerov the route joins the Becva river and follows a the nice bike trail upstream. In Lipník you can admire the town centre, complete with a castle and extraordinary gardens, or make a detour up the hill to the mighty Helfštýn castle. Further upstream is the town of Hranice with its Renaissance square. On the other bank of Becva, relax in the local spa Teplice nad Becvou. Total ascent: 452m/1482ft

Today is one of the most demanding but interesting days on the cycle. The closer you get to the Czech-Polish-Slovakian border, the more castles, castle ruins and historical towns you will pass. In the morning follow the Becva river for a few kilometres before the route turns uphill to with some nice views of Starý Jicín and its castle ruin. Next stop is Nový Jicín with its picturesque old town and funny fountain on the square. From the town, continue up and down with some early views of the Beskydy mountains before you arrive in Štramberk. This lovely little town, with wooden houses and a mighty castle tower above it, is known for its gourmet Štramberk Ears (cone shaped gingerbread). Total ascent: 601m/1971ft

Right after leaving Štramberk the route reaches the small town of Koprivnice - home of the famous Tatra trucks. Next stop in this undulating landscape is Hukvaldy, a small town overlooked by a mighty castle. Most of all the town is known as birthplace of the innovative 19th-century composer Leoš Janácek, whose house borders the bike route. Continue cycling following the small river Ondrejnice to the twin town of Frýdek-Místek, just in time for lunch. In the afternoon the cycle continues along the Žermanice lake, a nice spot for a swim. Soon after, arrive at the border towns of Ceský Tešín/Cieszyn. Total ascent: 746m/2447ft

In the morning you cross the border to start the Polish part of the journey. The small roads gently meander away from the mountain views behind you. First stop is the small town of Skoczow where the route joins the Wisla river. Next the cycle takes you through a land of lakes crowned by the mighty Goczalkowicke dam to the historical town of Pszyna. Here you can visit a nice chateau and the regional museum or the Zubr (European buffalo) nature park. The cycle ends in the historical town of Oswiecim, tragically known for the nearby WWII concentration camp Oswiecim /Auschwitz. Total ascent: 320m/1049ft

This is the longest day of the tour but being mostly on a flat, newly built bike trail following the Wisla or Vistula River with great views, it is not the hardest day. As an extra to avid bikers, you can take a detour to Lipoviec (Babice), where you can climb to a majestic castle ruin, visit the town's open-air museum or just enjoy traditional lunch! Shortly before arriving in Krakow we highly recommend visiting the Dominican monastery at Tyniec, which with more than a 1000 year history is the oldest monastery in Poland. Finish the cycle in the historical town of Krakow, known as the seat of Polish kings and archbishops. Note: If you would like to visit the memorial site and museums in the concentration camp Auschwitz you can shorten or skip the bike ride with a train transfer to Krakow. Total ascent: 120m/393ft

The trip concludes after breakfast. We highly recommend taking the time to explore this magnificent city, the former capital of the Polish kingdom and full of picturesque places and buildings. If you have more time, we highly recommend the trip to impressive historical Salt mines, located only a short ride from the town. A fabulous addition to this trip is our Poland: Pieniny and Tatra Mountains Hike which begins and ends in Krakow.