Spa Triangle & Prague

Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Day 2: Karlovy Vary loop, 19-44 m
Day 3: Karlovy Vary - Frantiskovy lazne, 62 km (39 mi)
Day 4: Františkovy Lázně spa and Iron Curtain trails loop, up to 70 km (44 mi)
Day 5: Františkovy Lázně – Mariánské Lázně, 50 km (31 mi)
Day 6: Mariánské Lázně – Bečov nad Teplou – Mariánské Lázně, 55 km (34 mi)
Day 7: Departure

*All distances are approximate.

Day 1: Arrival in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
The first day of this bike tour will begin with your arrival in Karlovy Vary. This 14th-century town, founded by Emperor Karel IV, is the largest spa center in the Czech Republic. The town is known primarily for its 12 healing springs, the Becherovka liquor, and world-famous china/porcelain. An early arrival is recommended, so that there will be time enough to spend on the colonnade or for a short hike with wonderful views over the town! On request, a transfer by car or bus can be organized from Prague Airport or hotel (130 km) - This transfer is free of charge and can only be on Day 1.

Sample accommodation: Spa hotel Schlosspark

Day 2: Karlovy Vary UNESCO loop
Begin your day with a short local train ride into the Krušné Hory (Ore Mountains), a region now recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This historic mining area reflects centuries of activity, from 16th-century silver extraction to 20th-century uranium mining, all set amid the dramatic landscape of the mountains and their forested foothills.

Your ride back to Karlovy Vary is mostly downhill, passing notable sites such as the Mauritius Silver Mine and the town of Jáchymov, once the second-largest town in the Czech Kingdom during the silver boom, later famed for its radium healing spa. For those interested in more recent history, Jáchymov also holds significant 20th-century heritage, including former uranium mines and associated labor camps used during the Communist era.

A short detour leads to the town of Ostrov, known for its elegant chateau, French-style gardens, and exceptional examples of SoReLa (Socialist Realism) architecture, among the finest in the Czech Republic. Your route concludes back in Karlovy Vary.

Because you will spend two nights in Carlsbad, an alternative shorter ride is available in the event of poor weather, or you may choose to spend the day relaxing and enjoying the spa culture for which Karlovy Vary is so well known.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Ester

Day 3: Karlovy Vary - Frantiskovy Lazne, 62 km (39 mi)
Depart Karlovy Vary and cycle through the breathtaking Ohře River Valley, following a newly built cycling trail that winds through the Slavkov Forest nature preserve. The route showcases impressive natural landmarks, including the dramatic Svatošské Skály rock formations.

Continuing along the river, you’ll reach the medieval town of Loket, home to a remarkable 14th-century castle perched high above the valley. Your journey then leads to Sokolov, featuring a charming historic center and a Renaissance-style chateau. There are plenty of opportunities to stop for refreshments, but two favorites include the Kynšperk Brewery and the café at the small Mostov Chateau.

Your day concludes in the elegant spa town of Františkovy Lázně (Franzensbad), founded in the early 19th century by Emperor Franz I. With its perfectly preserved Neo-Classical architecture and tranquil colonnades, the town still reflects the golden age of European spa culture. This is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the healing waters after a rewarding day of cycling.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Harvey

Day 4: Františkovy Lázně spa and Iron Curtain trails loop, up to 70 km (44 mi)
Today offers a flexible program since you will spend a second night in Františkovy Lázně. Those who prefer a day of relaxation can fully immerse themselves in the town’s renowned spa culture and enjoy treatments at leisure.

Cyclists can choose from several loop options of up to 70 km. For centuries, this region marked the border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech Kingdom, resulting in a landscape rich with castles, fortresses, and chateaux, many beautifully restored. Riding here truly feels like stepping back into “Old Europe.”

Part of the route also follows the former Iron Curtain, offering a powerful reminder of the Cold War era. If you wish, you can extend your ride slightly into Germany to visit the recently restored Hohenberg Castle, home to the cultural center of Germans expelled from Czechoslovakia after World War II.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Pawlik

Day 5: Františkovy Lázně – Mariánské Lázně, 50 km (31 mi)
Just a few kilometers after departing Františkovy Lázně, you’ll arrive in the town of Cheb, historically the gateway between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech Kingdom. Often described as the most “German” town in the Czech Republic, Cheb features remarkable sights such as the 13th-century Špalíček merchant houses and the unique imperial castle once favored by Emperor Friedrich Barbarossa, complete with a striking Romanesque chapel.

Leaving Cheb, the route continues along quiet, car-free roads through small villages reflecting centuries of German cultural influence. Along the way, you’ll visit the Marian Loretto pilgrimage church and the chateau in Starý Hrozňatov. A highlight of the day is the grand Kynžvart Chateau, built in the 19th century by statesman Klemens von Metternich as his representative seat, an elegant location for a café break.

A few kilometers more bring you to your final destination: the refined spa town of Mariánské Lázně. Take time to unwind and enjoy its famous healing waters after a rewarding day of cycling.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Continental

Day 6: Mariánské Lázně – Bečov nad Teplou – Mariánské Lázně, 55 km (34 mi)
Your day begins with a climb out of Mariánské Lázně, but if you prefer, you can take the ski lift to the top and start your ride with ease. From the ridge, follow quiet backroads to Teplá Monastery, founded in the 12th century. Here you can admire the impressive monastery church and its remarkable library, home to roughly 80,000 volumes spanning many eras.

Continue cycling through the gentle forests and meadows of the Slavkovský Forest to reach Bečov nad Teplou. Its chateau once safeguarded the famed Reliquary of St. Maurus, one of the most valuable medieval treasures in the Czech Republic and across Europe.

From Bečov, you can choose to return to Mariánské Lázně by train or complete the remaining distance by bike to end your loop back in the spa town.

Sample accommodation: Hotel Continental

Day 7: Departure
After breakfast, your tour ends. A transfer back to Prague Airport/hotel can be arranged for an additional fee. Alternatively, from Mariánské Lázně, you can either take a train back to Karlovy Vary or to Prague for your onward travel.

You can view all of our bike tours in Europe or look at our featured bike trips, specials, and news.

Accommodations in 3-star hotels (standard version) or 4-star hotels (premium version). A sample hotel list is listed in the day-to-day itinerary, keeping in mind all accommodations are based on availability.

Air conditioning cannot be guaranteed in each hotel like in some smaller towns or towns in historical areas that are prohibited from having AC.

Bicycles

Standard Touring Bike

Hybrid Bike – Women’s

Pells Crono Comp Woman (3×8 speed)

• Front handlebar bag (5 L)
• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Sizes: 16”, 18”

Hybrid Bike – Men’s

Pells Crono Pro (3×9 speed)

• Front handlebar bag (5 L)
• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Sizes: 15”, 17”, 19”, 21”, 23”

Electric Bike

Agogs City Liner Class (1×8 speed)

• Range approx. 90 km
• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Size: Unisex, 150–190 cm (26” wheels)

Premium Electric Bike

Cannondale Quick Neo (1×9 speed, 28” wheels)

• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Sizes: 15”, 17”, 19”, 21”

Specialized Turbo Vado 4.0 SL (1×10 speed, 28” wheels)

• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Sizes: 14” step-through, 15”, 17”, 19”, 21”

Gravel Bike

Pells Raw 3 Grey (1×11 speed)

• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Sizes: 49, 54, 56, 58

Specialized Diverge E5 (2×9 speed)

• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• Helmet
• Water bottle holder + bottle
• Sizes: 48, 49, 52, 54, 56, 58, 61

Tandem Bike

Note: Tandem bikes are available on a request basis.

Trek Tandem (3×8 speed, 26” wheels)

• Front handlebar bag (5 L)
• 1× rear pannier (20 L)
• 2× helmets
• 3× water bottle holders + bottles
• Size: Unisex