Prague to Dresden - A Tale of Two Rivers
Czech Republic, Germany Bike Tours
Cycling along the Vltava & Elbe Rivers
- Tour Type
- Skill Level
- Length7 days
- Prices from€850 Rates
- Book This Trip
Overview
This bike tour in the Czech Republic and Germany from Prague to Dresden follows the flow of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers, through beautiful countryside, picturesque towns, and scenic parks. If you have biked the Danube and want something very similar, this is for you. The bike paths are well developed, flat, very scenic, and reveal centuries of history every day.
From the stout sandstone columns and cliffs of Bohemian Switzerland to the peaceful vineyards of Mělník, from the horrific reality of the concentration camp, Terezin, to the silent, ancient volcanoes of the Middle Highlands, this trip will create profound memories and rich impressions. All this lies between two medieval capitals of utmost significance, Prague, "City of a Hundred Spires", and Dresden, with every corner filled with recent and ancient stories!
As a bonus, you can enjoy a boat trip or hiking in the Czech Saxon Switzerland!
Highlights
- Picturesque towns of Melnik, Litomerice, & Bad Schandau
- Czech-Saxon Switzerland Natural Park
- Romantic region of former volcanoes of the Czech Middle Mountains
- Unesco Dresden Valley
- Vltava and Elbe River basins
Interesting in more bike tours in the Czech Republic?
Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Prague
Day 2: Prague - Melnik, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 3: Melnik - Litomerice, 32 mi. (52 km)
Day 4: Litomerice - Decin, 33 mi. (53 km)
Day 5: Decin - Czech Saxon Switzerland - Bad Schandau, cycling 10 mi. (25 km) - additional cycling or hiking
Day 6: Bad Schandau - Dresden, 30 mi. (40 km)
Day 7: DresdenAll distances are approximate. Due to circumstances beyond control, weather conditions, or provisions issued by local authorities, the itinerary may be subject to some changes before and/or during your holiday. For example, on the route, you may find temporary deviations/detours due to roadwork or other unforeseen circumstances that will not be reflected on your maps or route descriptions. In this case, please follow the local directions posted on site.
Day 1: Arrival in Prague
After arriving in Prague and checking into your hotel, the rest of the day is up to you to explore Prague on your own. You can either relax or have a unique Prague by bike tour (not included in the tour price). The tour is guided by tour guides born and raised here who truly love the city. Perhaps you might want to think of booking an extra night before the tour as there is also an opportunity for a bike tour to Karlstejn Castle or other one-day excursions to important places of the Czech Republic (Cesky Krumlov, Kutná Hora, Karlovey, Vary, or Terezin. Please ask us for additional details about this tour! Be sure to end your day with a mug of good local beer. Your welcome briefing will take place around 5:30 pm at your first hotel, where you will also receive your bikes.Preferred accommodations:
Standard: DAP or International
Premium: Hotel ClementDay 2: Prague - Melnik, 33 mi. (53 km)
Despite the first small ascent, today's route follows a nice trail to Melnik, the heart of the Czech wine region. Just before leaving Prague, pass the Troja Baroque Castle and continue to the North following the bank of the Vltava River. The river creates very interesting rock formations and deep valleys. Highlights of today include visits to castles in Nelahozeves and Veltrusy. End the day in Melnik with a glass of good wine from the region.Preferred accommodations:
Standard: U zámku, Jaro or Olympionik, guided Chateau Liblice
Premium: U zámkuDay 3: Melnik - Litomerice, 32 mi. (52 km)
Today’s route is fairly flat and leads through a calm Elbe region, one of the most fertile regions in the Czech Republic. At the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers, the river gains strength and slowly becomes a European major waterway. After passing the Libechov Castle, you'll arrive in the town of Roudnice nad Labem where you can admire an old church and a castle.From Roudnice it is only a short bike ride to the impressive 18th-century fortress of Terezín, also used as a Jewish concentration camp during the Second World War, bearing witness to the dark side of the 20th century. The massive bastion of stone and bricks was built in 1780 by Emperor Joseph II to keep the Prussians back and could accommodate up to 11,000 soldiers. The fortress was never used in wartime, instead, it was turned into a prison in the mid-19th century. In 1940, the Gestapo established a prison in the lesser fortress. The following year, all townspeople were evicted from the Main Fortress to accommodate a transit camp for European Jews. In total more than 140,000 passed through Terezin, 33,000 died and 88,000 were sent to Auschwitz. Less than 17,500 remained alive when the Red Army liberated the camp on 9th May.
Tickets can be purchased at the Museum of the Ghetto, or at each of the other venues and cost €180 for combination entry to the museum of the Ghetto, Magdeburg barracks, the Crematorium, and the Lesser fortress, or less for individual venues only. The museum has good multilingual self-guides and guides for hire. Since Terezín is located only 4 km from the overnight town of Litomerice, you can be very flexible in regards to visiting this site.
More information can be found here.
The day concludes in the old town of Litomerice, a spiritual center of the region.
Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Apollon (guided), Mácha, Dubina or U Borovicku
Premium: Hotel Macha
Day 4: Litomerice - Decin, 33 mi. (53 km)
Today is reserved for exploration of the romantic countryside of the Czech Middle Mountains. Even though this region is very hilly, the route mainly follows the banks of the Elbe River with hills with several old ruins surrounding you. This former volcanic region had always been an ideal terrain for building castles and fortresses, many of which have not been preserved. The Strekov Castle, which was built on top of a steep rock cliff, is among one of the most romantic castles in the Czech Republic. After an optional, strenuous climb, you will be rewarded by a magnificent view from its walls. The final point of this stage will be the Northern Gate of the Czech Republic and the town of Decin, which has the lowest altitude in the Czech Republic.Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Česká Koruna in 3* rooms
Premium: Česká Koruna in 4* RoomsDay 5: Decin - Czech Saxon Switzerland - Bad Schandau, cycling 10 mi. (25 km) - additional cycling or hiking
You'll have two choices today, you can choose to cycle or take a boat to Hřensko. This border town is situated in the heart of the Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park and offers many attractive activities. If you enjoy hiking, you will want to take advantage of the touristic trails leading through the scenery of the rocky towns, and the mesas, passes, deep gorges, and hillsides. You'll also admire the wonder of the Pravcicka Gate, no doubt, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe.Take a boat through the passes of Kamenice River or continue your bike tour on one of many marked bike trails through this wonderful country, or combine a boat trip with a ride through a romantic valley on a historical tram in Bad Schandau. After saying goodbye to the Czech Republic, cross the border to Germany just on the edge of the historic spa town of Bad Schandau.
Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Ergbericht or Albero Toscana
Premium: Hotel Lindenhof or ToscanaDay 6: Bad Schandau - Dresden, 30 mi. (40 km)
This day is packed with historical sites! After leaving Bad Schandau, visit the Königstein Fortress and see the beautiful rock formation with a romantic rock bridge and Bastei Ruin. An optional hike to this unique, natural wonder is one of the highlights of this whole tour! It is definitely worth it and you'll be rewarded by an unforgettable panoramic view. As you continue cycling a few more kilometers by the town of Pirna, you will enter the region of the Dresden Valley. There are several beautiful castles and museums of music masters, such as Karl Maria Weber and Richard Wagner. Today's final destination is Dresden. There is probably no other town in Germany that better symbolizes the turbulent history of this country and shows many centuries of cultural and architectural boom combined with religious freedom and economic prosperity. A cruel punishment followed a short admiration of Nazism in the form of the biggest bombing during World War II, which turned almost the entire city into ruins overnight. After-the-war resurrection into forty years of communistic unimportance is followed by twenty years of renewal and reconstruction. Thanks to this renovation of the entire city, today you can admire the beauties of this place, which earned the nickname of “Florence upon Elbe”.
If you have booked the guided tour, you will say farewell to your guide(s).Preferred accommodations:
Standard: Hotel Martha or Park Inn
Premium: InnsideDay 7: Dresden
The official end of tour. You can always extend your stay to further explore Dresden. On request, we can organize a transfer to Prague/Berlin by car/train or prolong your stay for an extra day. It is definitely worth it! (you can also do a one-day loop trip to visit nearby Meissen and Moritzburg chateau!) Accommodations, guided city tours, and transfers can be arranged!Looking for more? View all our featured bicycle tours, specials, and news or look at our full list of bike tours in Europe.
Map
Hotels & Bikes
Accommodations
You will be accommodated in 3 and 4-star hotels during your tour. In each day’s detailed itinerary, you will find the name of the preferred hotel. If the hotel listed is not available, a hotel of equal standard will be offered. Please note that the final hotel list will be based on availability.
Premium accommodation upgrade is possible, but only on self-guided tours or special guided group bookings. See pricing.Bicycles
Inclusions
What’s Included
- Accommodations for 6 nights in chosen hotel category
- Breakfasts
- Welcome meeting
- Detailed maps & route descriptions
- 24-speed bicycle rental with helmet, handlebar bag, pannier, locks, water bottle, mudguards, & bike bell
- Luggage transfers (weight limit 15 kg per person - max. two pieces)
- 24-hour telephone support
- Pickup from any Prague hotel on the first day at appointed time
- 3 Dinners
- Water and snacks during cycling
- Tour guide
- Support vehicle
ALSO INCLUDED IN GUIDED TOUR:
What’s Not Included
- Airport transfers
- Lunches
- Dinners on self-guided tour
- Beverages
- Entrance fees to museums, castles, chateaux, etc
- Tourist taxes (payable on site)
- Bicycle protection
- Trip Insurance
Dates & Pricing
Dates
2024
Guided
Saturday departures
May 25, June 22, July 6, July 27, August 31, & September 21, 2024
A minimum of 2 people required for a departure.
Self-Guided
Daily departures
April 15 through October 30, 2024
* A minimum of 2 people are required to confirm a self-guided date. Solo travelers will incur an additional supplement.
Please Note
- Rates are per person, based on double occupancy
- Tour prices are based on the fuel costs at time prices are set, often months or years in advance. In rare cases, additional fees may apply for fuel cost increases.
- Information to read before you book
- We recommend purchasing trip insurance
- Please see our FAQ
Pricing
2024
Guided
Standard accommodations Twin/double $ 2175 £ 1121 $ 1,931 € 1286 kr 195330 ₪ 5209 ¥ 212732 Mex$ 24009 NZ$ 2345 NOK 15188 kr 14877 $ 1,426 Single supplement $ 328 £ 169 $ 291 € 194 kr 29467 ₪ 786 ¥ 32092 Mex$ 3622 NZ$ 354 NOK 2291 kr 2244 $ 215 Premium accommodations Twin/double $ 2493 £ 1285 $ 2,213 € 1474 kr 223885 ₪ 5971 ¥ 243831 Mex$ 27519 NZ$ 2688 NOK 17408 kr 17052 $ 1,635 Single supplement $ 406 £ 209 $ 360 € 240 kr 36453 ₪ 972 ¥ 39701 Mex$ 4481 NZ$ 438 NOK 2834 kr 2776 $ 266 Solo rider surcharge $ 223 £ 115 $ 198 € 132 kr 20049 ₪ 535 ¥ 21836 Mex$ 2464 NZ$ 241 NOK 1559 kr 1527 $ 146
Self-Guided
Standard accommodations Twin/double $ 1438 £ 741 $ 1,276 € 850 kr 129106 ₪ 3443 ¥ 140608 Mex$ 15869 NZ$ 1550 NOK 10039 kr 9833 $ 943 Single supplement $ 328 £ 169 $ 291 € 194 kr 29467 ₪ 786 ¥ 32092 Mex$ 3622 NZ$ 354 NOK 2291 kr 2244 $ 215 Premium accommodations Twin/double $ 1756 £ 905 $ 1,558 € 1038 kr 157661 ₪ 4204 ¥ 171708 Mex$ 19379 NZ$ 1893 NOK 12259 kr 12008 $ 1,151 Single supplement $ 406 £ 209 $ 360 € 240 kr 36453 ₪ 972 ¥ 39701 Mex$ 4481 NZ$ 438 NOK 2834 kr 2776 $ 266 Solo rider surcharge $ 223 £ 115 $ 198 € 132 kr 20049 ₪ 535 ¥ 21836 Mex$ 2464 NZ$ 241 NOK 1559 kr 1527 $ 146
Extra Options
2024
Bikes
Electric bike rental $ 140 £ 72 $ 125 € 83 kr 12607 ₪ 336 ¥ 13730 Mex$ 1550 NZ$ 151 NOK 980 kr 960 $ 92 Premium road bike rental $ 37 £ 19 $ 33 € 22 kr 3342 ₪ 89 ¥ 3639 Mex$ 411 NZ$ 40 NOK 260 kr 255 $ 24 Dinners included
Standard accommodations $ 303 £ 156 $ 269 € 179 kr 27188 ₪ 725 ¥ 29610 Mex$ 3342 NZ$ 326 NOK 2114 kr 2071 $ 199 Premium accommodations $ 392 £ 202 $ 348 € 232 kr 35238 ₪ 940 ¥ 38378 Mex$ 4331 NZ$ 423 NOK 2740 kr 2684 $ 257 Transfers
Prague Airport to Hotel (1-3 people) € 55 Prague Airport to Hotel (4-8 people) € 70 Extra nights
Prague High Season* Low Season Standard double/twin room $ 107 £ 55 $ 95 € 63 kr 9569 ₪ 255 ¥ 10422 Mex$ 1176 NZ$ 115 NOK 744 kr 729 $ 70 $ 98 £ 51 $ 87 € 58 kr 8810 ₪ 235 ¥ 9594 Mex$ 1083 NZ$ 106 NOK 685 kr 671 $ 64 Standard single room $ 176 £ 91 $ 156 € 104 kr 15797 ₪ 421 ¥ 17204 Mex$ 1942 NZ$ 190 NOK 1228 kr 1203 $ 115 $ 161 £ 83 $ 143 € 95 kr 14430 ₪ 385 ¥ 15715 Mex$ 1774 NZ$ 173 NOK 1122 kr 1099 $ 105 Premium double/twin room $ 152 £ 78 $ 135 € 90 kr 13670 ₪ 365 ¥ 14888 Mex$ 1680 NZ$ 164 NOK 1063 kr 1041 $ 100 $ 142 £ 73 $ 126 € 84 kr 12759 ₪ 340 ¥ 13895 Mex$ 1568 NZ$ 153 NOK 992 kr 972 $ 93 Premium single room $ 240 £ 124 $ 213 € 142 kr 21568 ₪ 575 ¥ 23490 Mex$ 2651 NZ$ 259 NOK 1677 kr 1643 $ 157 $ 223 £ 115 $ 198 € 132 kr 20049 ₪ 535 ¥ 21836 Mex$ 2464 NZ$ 241 NOK 1559 kr 1527 $ 146 Dresden High Season* Low Season Standard double/twin room $ 115 £ 59 $ 102 € 68 kr 10328 ₪ 275 ¥ 11249 Mex$ 1270 NZ$ 124 NOK 803 kr 787 $ 75 $ 107 £ 55 $ 95 € 63 kr 9569 ₪ 255 ¥ 10422 Mex$ 1176 NZ$ 115 NOK 744 kr 729 $ 70 Standard single room $ 188 £ 97 $ 167 € 111 kr 16860 ₪ 450 ¥ 18362 Mex$ 2072 NZ$ 202 NOK 1311 kr 1284 $ 123 $ 169 £ 87 $ 150 € 100 kr 15189 ₪ 405 ¥ 16542 Mex$ 1867 NZ$ 182 NOK 1181 kr 1157 $ 111 Premium double/twin room $ 152 £ 78 $ 135 € 90 kr 13670 ₪ 365 ¥ 14888 Mex$ 1680 NZ$ 164 NOK 1063 kr 1041 $ 100 $ 134 £ 69 $ 119 € 79 kr 11999 ₪ 320 ¥ 13068 Mex$ 1475 NZ$ 144 NOK 933 kr 914 $ 88 Premium single room $ 259 £ 133 $ 230 € 153 kr 23239 ₪ 620 ¥ 25309 Mex$ 2856 NZ$ 279 NOK 1807 kr 1770 $ 170 $ 240 £ 124 $ 213 € 142 kr 21568 ₪ 575 ¥ 23490 Mex$ 2651 NZ$ 259 NOK 1677 kr 1643 $ 157 *High season: April, May, & June & September & October
Extra Info
Skill Level — Easy
This is an easy self-guided or guided bike tour with average daily distances between 30 and 33 miles. The route itself follows the rivers on dedicated cycle paths and silent back roads mostly through lush green, open countryside, passing by vineyards and through quaint villages. The first day has a small ascent, otherwise, the route is relatively flat. Palaces and castles pop up every now and then, enticing you to take a closer look.
Airport Info
The closest international airport to your tour start in Prague is Václav Havel Airport (PRA), located 20 km from the city center.
Local Travel
The journey from the airport to the city center takes around 25 - 30 minutes by taxi or up to one hour by public transportation.
Public Transportation
The most convenient mode of public transportation from the airport to the city center is the Airport Express Bus. The bus station is at the parking lot right in front of Terminal 1. Tickets cost 60 CZK for adults and you can buy them at the terminal or directly from the bus driver. The bus terminates at Prague Main Station (Praha Hlavni Nadrazi).
Taxi
Fix Taxi (metered white taxis) are recommended and available at the airport. The company provides taxi service at guaranteed tariff prices which are equal to the maximum prices allowed for taxi services in Prague. Fees start at 40 CZK plus 28 CZK per kilometer, plus 6 CZK per minute waiting in traffic based on the number of km traveled. The estimated price from the airport to the city center is around 650 CAK to 700 CZK.Climate
The climate in the region is considered continental, with varying temperatures that are cooler and temperate. Please check local conditions before your arrival and don’t forget your raingear.
Recommended
We highly recommend a guided city bike tour of Prague. See pricing. We also suggest an extra day in Czech Saxony Swiss National Park (stay at Bad Schandau which is in the park), a sandstone paradise, perfect for walking and biking.
Important to know
Travel Documents
It is each traveler's responsibility to ensure that you are in compliance with the country or countries you plan to visit. This includes and is not limited to passport validity, visa requirements and acquisition, blank passport pages required for your destination (s), etc.
US citizens: A good website to research the requirements of the Schengen Agreement and entry into other countries is travel.state.gov.
Non-EU and EU residents: Please research the requirements of your country of residence for international travel and your destination country or countries.
*Important note: Please check on the European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) status as once implemented, this 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
At the end of your tour in Dresden, you can request a transfer back to Prague or to Berlin by car or train or, prolong your stay. We think it is worth it! In Prague, you can enjoy a Prague by Bike tour and also do a one day bike tour to Karlštejn. If you are extending your stay in Dresden, you can bike to the nearby Meissen and Moritzburg Chateau to see more of the beautiful Elbe Valley. Accommodations, guided city tours, and transfers can be arranged!
Tour Operator
This tour is run by EBT.
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?
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