Golden City of Prague
Czech Republic Bike + Barge Tours
Bike & Boat in the Czech Republic along the Moldova, Elbe, and Vitava Rivers
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length8 days
- Prices from€844 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
Come and cycle in the Czech Republic in lush river landscapes, pass romantic castles, and through picturesque villages. This is a land immersed in history and architecture that can be traced back to the Middle Ages.
Prague is both the point of departure and final destination for this beautiful bike and barge tour along the Upper Moldova, Vitava, and the huge Elbe Rivers. When you see the bridges of the Vltava River ablaze with sunlight and the spires of the castle sparkling in the light, it becomes obvious why Prague is known as the ”Golden City” and the "City of a Hundred Spires“!
The MS FLORENTINA moors close to the infamous Charles Bridge, an ideal springboard for your tour. You follow the river northward to Litoměřice and then loop back again, enjoying a comprehensive introduction to this multi-faceted and fascinating land and people, unique, modern, yet deeply traditional.
Highlights
- Riverside cycling
- Restored Market Place, busy Wenceslas Square, Jewish Quarter
- Wence
- Birth house of Antoni Dvořák
- National Art Gallery
- Veltrusý Park
- Lovely Mênik
- Baroque Cathedral of St. Stephen
- Terezín Memorial
Other highlights include good food, good beer, Czech amber nectar and regional favorites such as roast pork with dumplings!
*Language on board: German and English
Be sure to check out all of our bike and barge tours in the Czech Republic.
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Prague
Day 2: Prague - Kralupy, 16 mi. (27 km)
Day 3: Kralupy - Mêlník, 18 mi. (28 km) + boat trip to Litoměřice
Day 4: Litoměřice, day of rest or cyle tour to Ustí, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 5: Litoměřice - Roudnice - Mlčechvosty | Roudnice - Mělník – Mlčechvosty, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 6: Mlčechvosty - Prague, 25 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: Prague - Zbraslav - Prague 19 mi. (30 km)
Day 8: Departure from PragueThis itinerary is subject to change. In the event of low or high water levels or adverse weather conditions a route cannot be taken, the captain reserves the right to change the route for your safety (this would not be a reason for fee-free cancellation).
Day 1: Arrival in Prague
Individual arrival in Prague. Embarkation begins at 4 pm. Highly recommended this evening is a stroll over the Charles Bridge, particularly beautiful in the dark, and enjoy the stunning view of the illuminated Prague Castle.Day 2: Prague - Kralupy, 16 mi. (27 km)
This morning you will be fitted for your bike and start your first cycle tour. You will cycle along the Vltava River via Troja, known for its Baroque castle and National Art Gallery, to the village of Klecánky, over the bank of the Vltava via Drasty, onward to Vodochody, and finally back on the river bank to today's destination Kralupy. Arrival at the ship at approximately 5 pm.Day 3: Kralupy - Mêlník, 18 mi. (28 km) + boat trip to Litoměřice
After breakfast, around 9 am, you will get on the bike once again and cycle along the Vltava River to Nelahozeves. Recommended is a visit to the birth house of Antonin Dvořák and one of the most famous Renaissance castles of Bohemia, also known as the “little Louvre of Czechia”. The tour takes you through the Veltrusý Park, with numerous sculptures and gazebos in an extensive terrain, up to the royal town of Mělník. Around about 1.30 pm, return back to the ship and enjoy the boat trip on the Elbe River to Litoměřice.Day 4: Litoměřice, day of rest or round tour by bicycle to Ustí, 33 mi. (53 km)
No bike ride is scheduled for this day. You will discover one of the most beautiful Czech towns, the royal town of Litoměřice. The colorful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings in the town center, which for the most part is encircled by well-preserved Gothic fortifications, will enchant you. Well worth seeing are the Baroque Cathedral of St Stephen atop the dome hill, the historic underground (extensive tunnel system), or the Bishop’s residence. You might also be interested in a cycle tour to the Terezín Memorial (Theresienstadt) in the village of Terezìn. The concentration camp memorial is located only 5 km away. The more advanced cyclists may feel to cycle to Ustí - idyllically situated in the narrow valley of the Elbe river – via the old castle ruin Schreckenstein and back (55 km). The MS FLORENTINA will moor overnight in Litoměřice.Day 5: Litoměřice - Roudnice | Roudnice - Mělník – Mlčechvosty, 25 mi. (40 km).
Early in the morning, the ship will take you to Roudnice. Daily cycling begins around 9:00 am. The route leads mostly alongside the Elbe, via Dobřín, Račice, and Vliněves, you cycle back again to the lovely village of Mělník. On a guided walk (optional) enjoy the splendid panoramic view of the confluence of the Vlatva and Elbe River from the top of the castle hill. Afterward, have coffee and cake in the castle-patisserie. You continue cycling to today’s destination, Mlčechvosty. The boat arrives at approximately 4:30 PM.Day 6: Mlčechvosty - Prague, 25 mi. (40 km)
Today you enjoy your last bike tour via Nelahozeves, Kralupy, Chvatěruby, Vodochody, Drasty, and Klecánky to Prague or you relax on the sun deck. You will arrive at Prage at approximately 3:30 PM. The rest of the day is reserved for Prague.Day 7: Prague – Zbraslav and back, 19 mi. (30 km)
In the morning, there will be an optional guided walk to discover the right bank of the Vltava River, the highlights of the Old Town, the New Town and the Jewish Quarter (duration approx. 2 hours). Visit the Prague Castel with the Golden Lane, the Powder Tower, 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! If you feel like cycling today, you can bike upstream along Vltava River to Zbraslav and back. A trip to Vyṧehrad Castle is worthwhile. It was built, probably in the 10th century, on a hill over the Vltava River. Local legend holds that Vyṧehrad was the location of the first settlement which later became Prague.Day 8: Saturday, Departure from Prague
Disembarkation by 9:30 AM following breakfast.During your tour, you can enjoy optional excursions.
Tickets can be purchased directly on board, payable in cash only (EUR). Once on board you will have the opportunity to attend a tour information session in which your options will be presented.
1. Thursday: Nelahozeves, visit to the castle and the Dvořák-Museum
Approx. 9 - 11 am
Visit Nelahozeves Castle, one of the most beautiful Renaissance buildings in the Czech Republic. It belongs to the Bohemian Noble family of Lobkowicz, which has played a decisive role in Central European
history for over 600 years. The Lobkowicz family has supported scientists and artists, as for instance Ludwig v. Beethoven. After the visit to the castle, explore the museum and birth house of the famous Czech composer Antonin Dvořák, which is located just below the castle. €17 p.p.2. Friday: Litoměřice, sightseeing tour, and visit to the “Underworld”
Approx. 09:00 / 09:15 – 11:00 / 11:15 am
You will start your tour walking with your tour guide from the mooring place to the town center. The royal town of Litoměřice with its colorful Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings is one of the most beautiful towns in the Czech Republic. On your walk, you will pass the Town Hall, built in Saxon Renaissance style, the "Kalich“ (Chalice) House, where rich townsfolk used to meet over a glass of wine, the plague column and some important churches like the Baroque Stephen`s Cathedral. Afterward, you will go down about 73 steps and explore the 170 m long underground passages below the Chalice house at the main square. In a small exhibition you will learn about the eventful history of the Bidnice Hill: about the mine, limestone extraction, but also about the underground Nazi factory where thousands of prisoners died under inhuman conditions at the end of the war, and about its current use. €15 p.p.3. Saturday: Mêlník, sightseeing and castle tour*, approx. 12 - 2 pm
Meeting point for today`s tour is the castle courtyard. Discover the picturesque town of Melnik on a guided walking tour and see sights like the Town Hall, the Capuchin monastery and the central square of the town, Náměstí Míru, among others. Then take a stroll up to the castle. The Renaissance castle in Mělník together with the Ss. Peter and Paul Church are the region`s landmarks. From the castle hill, you have a marvelous view over the confluence of the rivers Vlatwa and Labe (Elbe). During the castle tour, explore the rich collection of paintings and furniture of the Lobkowicz family. €15 p.p.4. Monday: Prague, sightseeing walking tour with audio device
Approx. 9 - 11:30 am
In the morning, explore the Old Town, the New Town, and the Jewish Quarter on a two-hour guided walking tour. Following the Old Royal Route through Prague for a little while, you will reach the Old Town City Hall with its impressive Astronomical Clock, which dates back to the 14 th century. From here continue to the Charles University, the largest in the Czech Republic, the Estate Theatre, which went down in music history when two of Mozart`s operas were premiered here, past the world-famous Wenceslas Square and the Old-New Synagogue in the Jewish Quarter – the oldest surviving synagogue north of the Alps (the
guided tour does not include any entrance fees or visits). In order to allow tour participants a better understanding, audio devices are applied for this tour. Every tour member gets a receiver to wear around his neck and personal headphones.Important:
- Tickets can be purchased directly on board (cash payment in EUR only)
- The excursions have capacity limitations. Last-minute reservations may not be possible. We recommend that you attend the tour information sessions and make your decision early
- The sequence of the program may vary
- Once an excursion has been booked and paid, no refunds will be made. (Except in the event the minimum number of participants has not been reached).
- Please note that, for instance, due to weather conditions or lock closures the scheduled program may change as well as the location of boarding and disembarking.
- Guided tours are offered in English and German (only if a minimum number of participants is reached)
- All guided tours are conducted on foot, there will be stairs to negotiate.
- Minimum number of participants per tour: 20
- Itinerary, as well as tour programs, are subject to change.
You can view all of our bike and boat tours or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.
Boats
On the premium class vessel, the MS Florentina
- Florentina
Premium Class Boat
The MS Florentina is a deluxe, light-filled ship featuring a large upper deck dining area, an upper deck bar and lounge with large windows, and a spacious sun deck with table, chairs, and deck chairs for sitting and river watching.
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations on board for 7 nights
- Welcome drink
- Daily cabin cleaning
- Change of bedding and towels
- All meals: breakfast buffet, packed lunch for cycle tours or lunch snack on board for non-cyclists, coffee and tea in the afternoon, and three-course dinner in the evening
- All port, bridge, and lock fees
- Daily briefing of cycling itinerary
- Maps and information material (1 set per cabin)
- Tour director on board
- 7-speed unisex touring bike (KTM with hand and back-pedal brakes or free wheel hub equipped with pannier)
- GPS tracks
- Bike Protection
What’s Not Included
- Entrance fees and excursions
- Gratuities
- Beverages
- Travel insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates & Pricing
Premium Class
Florentina
Friday departures
May 28, June 4, June 11, June 18, June 25, July 2, July 9, July 16, July 23, July 30, August 6, & August 13, 2021Cabin Type Main deck twin (front/back)* $ 1397 £ 779 $ 1,319 € 844 $ 1485 kr 8999 $ 974 Main deck twin $ 1562 £ 872 $ 1,475 € 944 $ 1661 kr 10066 $ 1,089 Upper deck twin w/ french balcony $ 1976 £ 1103 $ 1,866 € 1194 $ 2101 kr 12731 $ 1,378 Main deck single $ 2058 £ 1149 $ 1,944 € 1244 $ 2189 kr 13264 $ 1,436 Upper deck single w/ french balcony $ 2472 £ 1380 $ 2,334 € 1494 $ 2629 kr 15930 $ 1,724 *Engine and generator noise perceptible when the ship is moving or at berth
Extra Options
Electric bicycle rental (includes bike protection and pannier bag): $ 149 £ 83 $ 141 € 90 $ 158 kr 960 $ 104
Dietary restrictions and special requests are subject to additional charges
Please Note
- Rates are based on double occupancy
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy self-guided bike and boat tour.
Travel
The closest international airport is Václav Havel Airport Prague, located 17 km north of the city.
Local Travel
There is no direct metro or train connection to/from the city center to the airport. However, public buses, and the Airport Express bus line, provide very economical means to arrive to the city center.
Climate
Please check local conditions before your arrival. Prague and the surroundings are classified as moderately continental. June through August temperatures are very mild or pleasantly warm. Daytime temperatures hover around 22 °C (71.5 °F) in June and 24 °C (75 °F) in July and August. In July and August, it can get hot at times, but all in all, the days when the temperature exceeds 30 °C (86 °F) are rare.
Day of Rest
There are two free days scheduled on this tour. There are optional excursions available however, you are free to rest on board the boat or explore the surroundings on your own.
Recommended
A must-visit for anyone is the Terezin Concentration Camp on Day 4. The campsite was constructed by the Nazis to hold war prisoners around the time of World War II. This a deeply moving experience.
Additional Travel Details
Documents
Before you travel, please check your country's passport and visa requirements and the passport and visa requirements of the country/countries you plan to visit. For US citizens, the US Department of State website is a good source of information. The Country Information tab in the International Travel section provides details about passport validity, blank passport pages required, etc. For our other international clients, please be sure that you research your own country's travel requirements. It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure proper documentation.
*Important note: Beginning July 1, 2021, additional documentation from the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) will be required to visit any of the 26 Schengen-member countries for tourism, business, medical, or transit. This is an additional check on security rather than a visa.
Extra Stay
If you would like to spend extra days before or after your tour, booking.com or one of the other booking sites are wonderful resources for researching hotel accommodations.
Tour Operator
This tour is run by SE Tours.
We value the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
We are not a broker.
We do not inflate tour prices.
We are simply travelers helping travelers.Would you like to learn more About Us? How about What Makes Us Different than other companies?
Photos
![Golden City of Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Pedro Szekely]()
![Foggy morning on the Charles Bridge, Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Roman Boed]()
![Bike rest in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Pedro Szekely]()
![Cycling the Prague, Czech Republic Bike Tour. Photo via Tour Operator]()
![Cobblestone streets in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Baroque Castle in Troja, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Breta Valek]()
![Beer tasting is Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Ralf Smallkaa]()
![Vltava River in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Tour Operator]()
![St Stephen's Cathedral in Litomerice, Czech Republic. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Karelj]()
![Golden City of Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Miguel Virkunnen Carvalho]()
![MS Florentina on the Vltava River, Czech Republic. Photo via Tour Operator]()
![Painted eggs are a popular souvenir in Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Liz Jones]()
![Gorgeous architiecture in Litomerice, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Richard Mortel]()
![Old Town Square in Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Roudnice, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Janos Korom Dr.]()
![Charles Bridge and Castle, Prague, Czech Republic. Photo via Wikimedia Commons:Peter K Burian]()
![Astronomical Clock in Old Town, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Moyan Brenn]()
![Mělník, Czech Republic. Photo via Flickr:Janos Korom Dr.]()
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