Prague to Budapest

Day-To-Day Itinerary

16 Day Tour:

Day 1: Prague
Day 2: Prague - Konopiste, 38 mi. (61 km)
Day 3: Konopiště / Benešov - Tábor,  40 miles (65 km)
Day 4: Tabor - Jindrichuv Hradec, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 5: Jindrichuv Hradec - Telc, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 6: Telc - Vranov nad Dyji, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 7: Vranov nad Dyji - Znojmo, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 8: Znojmo - Mikulov (Lednice/Valtice cultural landscape)
Day 9: Mikulov - Mistelbach, 38 mi. (55 km)
Day 10: Mistelbach - Vienna, 40 mi. (64 km)
Day 11: Vienna - Bratislava, 44 mi. (71 km)
Day 12: Bratislava - Györ, 48 mi. (77 km)
Day 13: Györ - Komárno/Komárom, 38 mi. (55 km)
Day 14: Komárno/Komárom - Esztergom, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 15: Esztergom - Budapest, 48 mi. (77 km)
Day 16: Budapest

Day 1: Prague
This day is yours to arrive and to to explore the "Paris of Central Europe". Recover and relax from your long flight and then plan on participating in a unique "Prague-by-bike" tour which you can reserve for a supplement. The tour is guided by locals who love and know their city and can showcase much more than any travel book. You will finish your experience with a glass of good beer in an carefully chosen place. Ask us for details. 

Day 2: Prague - Konopiste, 38 mi. (61 km)
Your first biking day starts easily on bike trails bordering the calm Vltava River.  After 20 km on flat ground, the trail leads away from the river valley and climbs to the romantic Posázaví highlands. Every climb will reward you with peaceful views of the surrounding countryside. At Zbořený Kostelec you can take a short hike to a hidden castle ruin. From here, you will continue to nearby Týnec nad Sázavou, home to the former Jawa factory and the center of Czech motorbike culture. The day will end by visiting Konopiste Castle, the summer palace of Archduke Franz Ferdinand D´Este. The assassination of this would-be-emperor in Sarajevo in 1914 began the conflict that resulted in World War I.

Day 3: Konopiště - Tábor,  40 miles (65 km)
Today consists of easy biking on side roads and byways through peace-filled Central Bohemia, sometimes called Czech Meran for all its little undulations, or Czech Siberia for rather chilly winter mornings. Fantastic views reward every climb. The route ends in Tábor. This mighty fortress served as the headquarters of the Czech Reformation during the 15th-century Hussite wars. 

Day 4: Tabor - Jindrichuv Hradec, 32 mi. (52 km)
In the morning, it is recommended to stroll about the medieval streets within the monumental city walls. This careful incorporation of the landscape and countryside during its construction resulted in several successful repulsions of sieges during the Religious Wars. By bike, you enter South Bohemia. The green, calm scenery is the setting for the romantic water castle of Červená Lhota and the majestic complex of the castle and chateau buildings in Jindřichův Hradec. Together, with the adjoining town, it is combined in a harmonious unit, whose historical character and unique architectural and artistic sights makes up an urban conservation area. Today, it is hard to believe it housed the hustle and bustle of the largest medieval centers in Bohemia! Based on a legend, it might even be possible to meet Perchta of Rozmberk – the famous “White Lady” ghost!

Day 5: Jindrichuv Hradec - Telc, 28 mi. (45 km)
Departing South Bohemia, you enter the Bohemian - Moravian highlands area. Today’s highlight will be a visit to the Renaissance town of Telč, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Telč is considered to be the most beautiful Renaissance town in Czech Republic!  A wooded, hilly, and beautiful 45 km ride will lead you there, passing by a plethora of ponds and lakes - try to count them all, or just relax amid this peaceful scenery. Perhaps you will pass an antique steam engine as it chugs along these highlands.

Day 6: Telc - Vranov nad Dyji, 42 mi. (67 km)
Today the route leads through undiscovered highlands and peaceful villages close to the Austrian border. As you bike, you can see a well-preserved system of fortifications from the beginning of WW II. These fortifications were never used. You will visit the Renaissance castle of Pisecna and medieval castle of Frejstejn. Before reaching the final destination of the day, you will take a detour to the scenic Vranov water dam to reward yourselves with amazing views of Bítov castle. You can also enjoy the views from one of the biggest castle ruins in Moravia – Cornštejn.The final destination of today’s stage is the town of Vranov nad Dyji, nestled on the edge of the Podyji National Park.

There is an easier option available! You can take a morning train transfer to Slavonice to bike just along the Austrian border. 

Day 7: Vranov nad Dyji - Znojmo, 29 mi. (46 km)
This day you will explore enchanting Podyji National Park. From the ruins of Novy Hradek, as well as from the viewpoint over the majestic medieval castle of Hardegg, you will be able to see where the Dyje River finds its way through the countryside creating unforgettable memories. A memorial of the Iron Curtain, located in this area, is a quiet eyewitness of somber, relatively recent, times. The bike trail will lead along the borders of the national park, where no auto traffic is allowed. While descending to the Dyje river through Šobes vineyard, why not pause for a glass of white wine? This place was marked as one of the 10 best vineyards in the world! Your next stop will be the town of Šatov, where you will have opportunity to visit  a uniquely-preserved Cold War fortification, a curiously painted wine cave, cozy wine cellar streets, and an educational path leading through vineyards of old wine varieties. The day will conclude in the seat town of the Moravian Premyslid Dynasty – in the town of Znojmo.

Day 8: Znojmo - Mikulov (Lednice/Valtice cultural landscape)
You pedal through fields and vineyards to the Austrian border which you will follow east with a stop in the town of Jaroslavicew with its Renaissance chateau. Crossing over the border into Austria, you will enjoy the picturesque wine growing area of Galgenberg from which you can then follow a nice new bike trail meandering through the peaceful countryside to Mikulov. This hidden gem will capture your attention with its Baroque Castle,  wine museum, historic synagogue, and last, but not least, the local curiosity, a gigantic wine cask big enough for a chamber orchestra. 

Culture and wine lovers can take a morning train transfer to Břeclav and spend the whole day biking in unique Lednice - Valtice UNESCO area!

Day 9: - Mikulov - Mistelbach, 38 mi. (55 km)
The last half day of the tour in Czech republic will follow the iron curtain trail framed with story boards of those who tried to escape from the communistic Eastern Block. After crossing the border you will bike through Herrnbaumgarten Village, famous for its poetic museum of nonsense, to the wine museum in Poysdorf, where you will have a chance to complete your Central European wine "training"!  Then, passing through Wilfersdorf with its chateau you will end your day in Mistelbach.

Day 10:  Mistelbach - Vienna, 40 mi. (64 km)
You will follow the EuroVelo 6 bike trail, partly built on ancient railroad tracks, to the empire's capital, Vienna, the former capital of the Habsburg Monarchy. If you prefer, you can request a transfer to Vienna to get the most out of your time in the city.  Visit the palace complex, take a coffee (or something stronger) in one of the famous cafes, or simply stroll the regal streets.

Day 11: Vienna - Bratislava, 44 mi. (71 km)
How many times have you managed to bike from one capital to another in just one day? Today you can and you will! Following the mighty Danube river you can visit numerous chateaux and retreats of the Viennese nobility. Explore the excavations of the biggest Roman settlement in Carnutum or a dominant castle ruin in Hainburg just before entering the capital of Slovakia - Bratislava! Those tired of biking can have a rest day and take a shortcut by speed boat or train saving time to explore these unique cities! 

Day 12: Bratislava - Györ, 48 mi. (77 km)
Today is another border crossing day beginning in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, biking on the right bank of the Danube on a new bike trail. First stop right on the edge of the town is the mighty Čunovo dam. After crossing the  border to Hungary, you will continue to the town of Mosonmagyárovár and then on to Györ, a lovely mostly Renaissance university town.

Day 13: Györ - Komárno/Komárom, 38 mi. (55 km)
First part of a day consists of cycling through Hungarian countryside through the little town Böny to Bábolna. This town is world known for its stud farm. After leaving Bábollna we get closer to the Danube again, mostly represented by rich wetlands full of storks and other birds. The twin town of Komárom/Komárno will welcome us with its mighty baroque fortresses. All three were built by the Austrians to protect the border against the aproaching Turks. Today the towns lay in two different countries - it is your choice where will you like to spend your evening

Day 14: Komárno/Komárom - Esztergom, 30 mi. (48 km)
Today we again explore Slovakia on flat bike trail nearby the Danube. Leaving Komárno along the fortress we hit the newly-built bike trail with some stunning views of the hills and vineyards on both sides of the river Danube. Our first stop will be the remanants of a Roman fortress near Iža illustrating how old some of the local settlements really are. The Danube guides us again, offering us some nice spots for a swim as we slowly approach the border. Crossing the Maria-Valeria bridge between Štúrovo and Esztergom we return to Hungary. The town of Esztergom will serve as our day's lodgings. Take your time to admire the old town dominated by the archbishops castle and residency, as Esztergom is considered the cradle of Hungarian kingdom and the stronghold of Christianity, also nicknamed Hungarian Rome.

TIP it is possible to choose sporty option over the Tata highlands

Day 15: Esztergom - Budapest, 48 mi. (77 km)
The last day of our journey through four countries will continue along the Danube river. We will explore one of the most scenic parts called Danubeknee, where mighty river enters steep hills, creating stunning meanders! First stop will be the dominating Visegrád castle nesting on a hill above a small town. Following the Danube on a peaceful bike trail we arrive in the small historical town of Vác.There we take a ferry to cross to the right bank of the river. Zigzaging through small towns on its banks we finally get near to Budapest - the lively Hungarian capital. To get to the city centre we bike past countless little bars and restaurants on the suburban banks enjoying the buzz and fun. We finish our journey right in the city centre, admiring the views of the  imperial buildings of Budapest!  Rest your legs at your centrally-located hotel before hitting the town for an exotic evening in the multi-faceted city

Day 16: Budapest
Be sure to explore medieval Buda or 19th century Pest! 

13 Day Tour

Day 1: Prague
Day 2: Prague - (Konopiste) Tábor
Day 3: Tabor - Jindrichuv Hradec, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 4: Jindrichuv Hradec - Telc, 28 mi. (45 km)
Day 5: Telc - Vranov nad Dyji, 42 mi. (67 km)
Day 6: Vranov nad Dyji - Znojmo, 29 mi. (46 km)
Day 7: Znojmo - Mikulov (Lednice/Valtice cultural landscape)
Day 8:  Mikulov - Mistelbach - Vienna, 38 mi. (55 km)
You can request a morning transfer to Vienna to get the most out of your time in the city. Visit the palace complex, take a coffee (or something stronger) in one of the famous cafes, or simply stroll the regal streets.  
Day 9: Vienna - Bratislava, 44 mi. (71 km)
Day 10: Bratislava - Györ, 48 mi. (77 km)
Day 11: Györ - (Komárno) Esztergom, 30 mi. (48 km)
Day 12: Esztergom - Budapest, 48 mi. (77 km)
Day 13: Budapest

Day 1: Prague
This day is yours to arrive and to to explore the "Paris of Central Europe". Recover and relax from your long flight and then plan on participating in a unique "Prague-by-bike" tour which you can reserve for a supplement. The tour is guided by locals who love and know their city and can showcase much more than any travel book. You will finish your experience with a glass of good beer in an carefully chosen place. Ask us for details. 

Day 2: Prague - (Konopiste) Tábor
Your first biking day starts easily on bike trails bordering the calm Vltava River.  After 20 km on flat ground, the trail leads away from the river valley and climbs to the romantic Posázaví highlands. Every climb will reward you with peaceful views of the surrounding countryside. At Zbořený Kostelec you can take a short hike to a hidden castle ruin. From here, you will continue to nearby Týnec nad Sázavou, home to the former Jawa factory and the center of Czech motorbike culture. The day will end by visiting Konopiste Castle, the summer palace of Archduke Franz Ferdinand D´Este. The assassination of this would-be-emperor in Sarajevo in 1914 began the conflict that resulted in World War I. From Konopiste, on self guided tours, you will take a train to Tabor and on guided tours, a car or van transfer is offered.

Day 3: Tabor - Jindrichuv Hradec, 32 mi. (52 km)
In the morning we recommend a short walk on the ramparts of Tábor, where you can admire its genius loci. By bike, you will enter South Bohemia. Among the green, calm scenery rests the romantic water castle of Červená Lhota, and the third-largest castle complex in the Czech Republic - the town of Jindrichuv Hradec a small but bustling city of architectural splendor. Today, it is hard to believe it housed the hustle and bustle of the largest medieval centers in Bohemia! Based on a legend, it might even be possible to meet Perchta of Rozmberk – the famous “White Lady” ghost!

Day 4: Jindrichuv Hradec - Telc, 28 mi. (45 km)
Departing South Bohemia, you enter the Bohemian - Moravian highlands area. Today’s highlight will be a visit to the Renaissance town of Telč, which is inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Telč is considered to be the most beautiful Renaissance town in Czech Republic!  A wooded, hilly, and beautiful 45 km ride will lead you there, passing by a plethora of ponds and lakes - try to count them all, or just relax amid this peaceful scenery. Perhaps you will pass an antique steam engine as it chugs along these highlands.

Day 5: Telc - Vranov nad Dyji, 42 mi. (67 km)
Today the route leads through undiscovered highlands and peaceful villages close to the Austrian border. As you bike, you can see a well-preserved system of fortifications from the beginning of WW II. These fortifications were never used. You will visit the Renaissance castle of Pisecna and medieval castle of Frejstejn. Before reaching the final destination of the day, you will take a detour to the scenic Vranov water dam to reward yourselves with amazing views of Bítov castle. You can also enjoy the views from one of the biggest castle ruins in Moravia – Cornštejn.The final destination of today’s stage is the town of Vranov nad Dyji, nestled on the edge of the Podyji National Park.

There is an easier option available! You can take a morning train transfer to Slavonice to bike just along the Austrian border.

Day 6: Vranov nad Dyji - Znojmo, 29 mi. (46 km)
This day you will explore enchanting Podyji National Park. From the ruins of Novy Hradek, as well as from the viewpoint over the majestic medieval castle of Hardegg, you will be able to see where the Dyje River finds its way through the countryside creating unforgettable memories. A memorial of the Iron Curtain, located in this area, is a quiet eyewitness of somber, relatively recent, times. The bike trail will lead along the borders of the national park, where no auto traffic is allowed. While descending to the Dyje river through Šobes vineyard, why not pause for a glass of white wine? This place was marked as one of the 10 best vineyards in the world! Your next stop will be the town of Šatov, where you will have opportunity to visit  a uniquely-preserved Cold War fortification, a curiously painted wine cave, cozy wine cellar streets, and an educational path leading through vineyards of old wine varieties. The day will conclude in the seat town of the Moravian Premyslid Dynasty – in the town of Znojmo.

Day 7: Znojmo - Mikulov (Lednice/Valtice cultural landscape)
You pedal through fields and vineyards to the Austrian border which you will follow east with a stop in the town of Jaroslavicew with its Renaissance chateau. Crossing over the border into Austria, you will enjoy the picturesque wine growing area of Galgenberg from which you can then follow a nice new bike trail meandering through the peaceful countryside to Mikulov. This hidden gem will capture your attention with its Baroque Castle,  wine museum, historic synagogue, and last, but not least, the local curiosity, a gigantic wine cask big enough for a chamber orchestra. 

Culture and wine lovers can take a morning train transfer to Břeclav and spend the whole day biking in unique Lednice - Valtice UNESCO area!

Day 8:  Mikulov - (Mistelbach) Vienna, 38 mi. (55 km)
The last half day of the tour in Czech republic will follow the iron curtain trail framed with story boards of those who tried to escape from the communistic Eastern Block. After crossing the border you will bike through Herrnbaumgarten Village, famous for its poetic museum of nonsense, to the wine museum in Poysdorf, where you will have a chance to complete your Central European wine "training"!  Then, passing through Wilfersdorf with its chateau you will end your day in Mistelbach from where you will be transferred by car to Vienna.

If you prefer, you can actually be transferred in the morning so that you can spend more time in the city of music. Visit the palace complex, drink a coffee or wine in one of the famous cafes, or simple stroll the streets.

If you would like more days in Vienna, we can actually plan a special itinerary for you.

Day 9: Vienna - Bratislava, 44 mi. (71 km)
How many times have you managed to bike from one capital to another in just one day? Today you can and you will! Following the mighty Danube river you can visit numerous chateaux and retreats of the Viennese nobility. Explore the excavations of the biggest Roman settlement in Carnutum or a dominant castle ruin in Hainburg just before entering the capital of Slovakia - Bratislava! Those tired of biking can have a rest day and take a shortcut by speed boat or train saving time to explore these unique cities! 

Day 10: Bratislava - Györ, 48 mi. (77 km)
Today is another border crossing day beginning in the Slovakian capital of Bratislava, biking on the right bank of the Danube on a new bike trail. First stop right on the edge of the town is the mighty Čunovo dam. After crossing the  border to Hungary, you will continue to the town of Mosonmagyárovár and then on to Györ, a lovely mostly Renaissance university town.

Day 11: Györ - (Komárno) Esztergom, 30 mi. (48 km)
A morning transfer from Györ to Komárom will bring you to the twin town ofKomárom/Komárno, where you can explore the mighty baroque fortresses. All three were built by the Austrians to protect the border against the approaching Turks. From here you will explore Slovakia on flat bike trail nearby the Danube. Leaving Komárno we hit the newly-built bike trail with some stunning views of the hills and vineyards on both sides of the Danube. Our first stop will be the remnants of a Roman fortress near Iža illustrating how old some of the local settlements really are. The Danube guides again, offering nice spots for a swim as you slowly approach the border. Crossing the Maria-Valeria bridge between Štúrovo and Esztergom, you return to Hungary. The town of Esztergom will serve as the day's lodgings. Take your time to admire the old town dominated by the archbishops castle and residency, as Esztergom is considered the cradle of  the Hungarian kingdom and the stronghold of Christianity, also nicknamed Hungarian Rome.

It is also possible to choose a more sporty option over the Tata highlands.

Day 12: Esztergom - Budapest, 48 mi. (77 km)​
The last day of your journey through four countries will continue along the Danube river, through of the most scenic parts called Danubeknee, where the mighty river enters steep hills, creating stunning meanders! First stop will be the dominating Visegrád castle nesting on a hill above a small town. Next is the small historical town of Vác, from which there is ferry crossing to the right bank of the river. Zigzaging through small towns, you get near closer and closer to Budapest - the lively Hungarian capital. To get to the city center, you bike past countless little bars and restaurants on the suburban banks enjoying the buzz and fun. The journey ends here in Budapest with views of the  imperial buildings!  Rest your legs at your centrally-located hotel before hitting the town for an exotic evening in this multi-faceted city!

Day 13: Budapest
Be sure to explore medieval Buda or 19th century Pest! 

If Eastern Europe isn't your flavor, check out our full list of bike tours in Europe or view all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news.

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• Prague to Budapest