Prague Castle from Charles Bridge by Jim Linwood via Flickr Above Passau by Prince Heathen via Flickr

Prague to Passau

Czech Republic, Germany Bike Tour

The very first highlight of this tour will no doubt be the enchanting Bohemian capital of Prague, nicknamed “Baroque Disneyland” and the “city of a hundred spires” due to its rather unique architecture. The tightly-wound streets are lined with small shops and cozy restaurants where one can easily get lost. From the quaint Old Town Square, a walk across the famous pedestrian Charles Bridge is a must – if only to see some beautiful art and listen to live music! Over 6 centuries old, the Bridge is aligned with decorative Baroque-style statues and offers an unforgettable view of the river and particularly of the Prague Castle opposite. Founded in 870, the Castle (the biggest in the world!) is more like a huge hilltop complex containing a number of magnificent structures, including St. Vitus Cathedral (the country’s largest church in great Gothic architecture), the Romanesque St. George’s Basilica, and the Royal Palace as well as a monastery, museums and gardens!! A day in Prague is one always left too short.

From Prague, the tour rides south along the Moldau River and past castles such as Orlik to the medieval trading center of Pisek, said to have the country’s oldest bridge. Over rolling hills, the route glides smoothly along the Otava River to the fabulous Hluboka Castle. Built in the Tudor style, it showcases valuable artistic treasures. Following will be the hometown of the original Budweiser grand beer (Budweis), and then further along the Moldau River to the charming town of Krumau, with an imposing castle. Meandering through the Bohemian Forest, the route will take you to Rohrbach in Austria (a delightful romantic town) before finishing the tour in the fascinating Three River City of Passau in Germany.

This city that lies at the confluence of the Danube, Inn and Ilz Rivers has a lively old town center with picturesque squares, including the Domplatz, Residenzplatz and Rathausplatz. Local attractions include the Town Hall (a Baroque festival hall with huge 19th century paintings) and St. Stephen’s Cathedral with beautiful frescos by Italian baroque artists as well as one of Europe’s largest church organs!

Where You’ll Stay

Very good 3 star to 4 star hotels; rooms with private facilities.

What’s Included

  • 7 night hotel accommodations
  • Breakfasts
  • 21-speed hybrid bicycle
  • Route descriptions & maps
  • Luggage transportation

What’s Not Included

  • River transfer Day 2, ± €8 with bike (optional)
  • Ship tour Engelhartszell to Passau (approximately €14)
  • Ferry transfers

Prague to Passau Map

Book This Trip

TourBike
TypeSelf Guided
SkillModerate
Length8 days
From€610
Print Tour

Tour Dates

  • Every Saturday from April 21 to September 22, 2012.

Skill Level

Moderate - self-guided hotel tour

Moderate self-guided hotel tour. Daily distances between 22 to 42 miles with a total of 220 miles over 6 cycling days. Terrain is hilly in some parts – for strenuous ascents you will be rewarded with magnificent downhill rides.

Day-To-Day Itinerary

Prague to Passau Map
  1. Arrival in Prague.
  2. Prague – Sedlcany, 41 mi.
  3. Sedlcany - Pisek, 43 mi.
  4. Pisek - Budweis, 34 mi.
  5. Budweis - Krumau, 22 mi.
  6. Krumau - Rohrbach, 49 mi.
  7. Rohrbach - Passau, 42 mi.
  8. Departure from Passau.

DAY 1: Arrival in Prague.
Individual arrival to the starting point in Prague. Visit the Golden City of Prag and enjoy the bohemian cuisine with its specialties.

DAY 2: Prague – Sedlcany/Moldau Reservoir, 65 km
We recommend covering the first 35 km (22 mi) by ship (± €8 with bike), enjoying the scenic gorges along the Moldau. Thereafter you bike through sleepy villages to one of the Moldau Reservoirs.

DAY 3: Sedlcany/Moldau Reservoir - Pisek, 70 km
On today`s tour, you will be accompanied by castles (Orlik, fort Zvikov) to Pisek. This medieval trade-center calls the oldest bridge of the country its own.

DAY 4: Pisek – Budweis, 55 km
This day your trail leads you along the Otava River to the fabulous castle of Hluboka. This castle, built in the Tudor style, reigns high above the Moldau River and conceals valuable artistic treasures. Today`s destination Budweis (Budejovice) is quite an experience, not only because of its popular `Budweiser beer`.

DAY 5: Budweis – Krumau, 35 km
The trail leads you on along the Moldau River into medievial Krumau (Cesky Krumlov), an absolute highlight of your tour. The charming alleys below the imposing castle invite you to stroll around and relax.

DAY 6: Krumau – Rohrbach, 68 km
Today the route gets a bit sporty. But for the many ascendings in the Bohemian Forest you will be compensated with an overwhelmingly beautiful landscape. From Rozbmberk across the Lipno Reservoir  you reach Rohrbach in Upper Austria.

DAY 7: Rohrbach – Passau, 78 km
Through the romantique district of the Mühlviertel, you cycle mostly downhill to the Danube River and then along the Danube River Trail to your destination, the`3-River-City` Passau.

DAY 8: Departure from Passau.
Departure from your hotel in Passau following breakfast.

Book This Trip

Questions? Call us! 877-965-2064 or e-mail us

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