Itinerary

Day 1

    Your trip begins today in Prague, Czech Republic anytime. Transfer on your own to our hotel for the evening. Meals on your own.
    
Day 2

    Come dressed in your cycling clothes and ready to ride when you meet the group this morning! We'll load the luggage and travel by van roughly 1 hour to Postupice. After a brief cycling orientation we set out on the first of many unforgettable rides, this one takes us from Lounovice, through Pacov and on to Pelhrimov. Today is a bit hilly, and the scenery is absolutely superb. From Pelhrimov, you have the option to transfer or enjoy an additional bit of riding on to Telc, where we'll enjoy dinner and spend the next two nights in this picturesque 14th century town. All meals included.

    Biking: 39 miles (optional additional 25 miles); Terrain: rolling hills.
    
Days 3

    We spend a full day today exploring the countryside surrounding spectacular Telc by bike. Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a truly charming medieval town of intact Baroque and Renaissance architecture - picture perfect in all its pastel-colored, gingerbread rooflines and cobblestone streets. It is almost completely surrounded by tranquil ponds and is a town that has inspired painters and enchanted poets. Be sure to climb the church tower for the terrific 360° view. We'll spend one more night in Telc to fully absorb the charming ambience of its main square in the evening. Breakfast and lunch included.

    Biking: Wide range of options to suit all riders.
    
Day 4

    Today we cycle through the wine country of lovely South Moravia. Of the many castles found in this area, Lednice and nearby Valtice are two of the best with gorgeous gardens and numerous wine cellars, one of which we will enjoy touring. Wine was first brought to southern Moravia from France in the 13th century and the quality of the wines here is quite good. Overnight in the Czech village of Hlohovec. All meals included.

    Biking: 38 miles; optional 13 miles. Terrain: rolling hills.
    
Day 5

    This morning we cycle along the Morava River in Slovakia, passing through a few villages leading us to Devin Castle, just outside Bratislava. Our shuttle takes us next to the scenic Hungarian town of Sopron where we spend the next two evenings. You have the option of biking part of this transfer. All meals included.

    Biking: 30+ miles; Terrain: gentle, partly on a bike path.
    
Day 6

    Today is a delightful day of biking in the rolling countryside around Sopron including a spin around Neusidler see, part of which is protected by UNESCO for its bird sanctuary. With its baroque and Gothic architecture and colorful history, Sopron is not only a step back in time it is one of the most charming cities in Hungary. Its inner town is dominated by several medieval churches, 13th century houses with gables and spacious courtyards and narrow streets. Overnight in Sopron. Breakfast, lunch included; dinner on own.

    Biking: 37 miles; Terrain: gentle to flat.
    
Day 7

    This morning we pedal through the small Hungarian National Park of Ferto-Hansag on fairly flat terrain. Then it's through typical Hungarian plains, cycling through small Hungarian villages and past farms where farmers using horse-pulled wagons can still be seen. Our ride ends near the town of Gyor, located halfway between Budapest and Vienna on the River Raab, with its atmospheric and historical city center. There's the option to shorten your ride in order to have time enough to enjoy the thermal baths in Gyor. All meals included.

    Biking: 35-38 miles; Terrain: rolling hills.
    
Day 8

    Cycling through the Hungarian hills, we wind our way to the UNESCO town of Pannonhalma. For the past millennium, Pannonhalma has been the site of a lovely and significant Benedictine abbey. The present church of Pannonhalma, a crowning achievement of Gothic style, was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Archeological findings under the floor of the basilica indicate the original church dates back to the 11th century. We enjoy a fascinating tour of the abbey in Pannonhalma, Hungary's oldest monastery, before stopping for a mid-afternoon celebratory meal with our guides as we begin to wind up our trip. Cold beer all around for a week of great cycling! Following lunch, our van transfer (2 hours) takes us into Budapest where we bid farewell to our guides at the hotel. There is typically time in the late afternoon to take a walk and see a bit of the city (check out the City Park and Heroes' Square). Overnight in a city hotel, dinner on your own. Overnight in Budapest. Breakfast, lunch included.

    Biking: 21 miles; Terrain: rolling to hilly.
    
Day 9

    The tour concludes after breakfast. Independent transfer from our hotel to the Budapest airport. Breakfast included.

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