| Tour | Bike |
|---|---|
| Type | Both |
| Skill | Moderate |
| Length | 7 days |
| From | €715 Rates |
| Client Reviews |
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Tour Dates
Guided: June 4 and August 27, 2017
Self-guided: Arrival possible daily from May 1 to October 15, 2017
Skill Level
This is a moderate guided or self-guided hotel tour. Tour runs on well-maintained roads, mostly flat but also with some climbs with daily distances of 23-36 miles with a total of 120 miles over 4 cycling days.
Day-To-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Day 2: Karlovy Vary (Spa) - Františkovy Lázně (Spa), 39 mi. (62 km)
Day 3: Franzesbad Loop, 10 to 37 mi. (15 to 60 km)
Day 4: Franzesbad - Marienbad, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 5: Marienbad - Chodová Planá, 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 6: Chodová Planá - Carlsbad (Prague), 27 mi. (43 km)
Day 7: Carlsbad or Prague
*All distances are approximate.
Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
The first day of this bike tour will begin with your arrival to 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 view over the town! On request a transfer by car or bus can be organized from Prague (130 km).
Day 2: Karlovy Vary (Spa) - Františkovy Lázně (Spa), 39 mi. (62 km)
From Karlovy Vary, follow the Ohre river (Eger) through wonderful landscapes. You'll cycle on a brand new bike path for most of the day! The first section runs through the Slavkovsky Les (forest) natural preserve with wonderful Svatosske skaly rock formations. From there, continue to Loket, a marvelous and perfectly preserved town and castle dating back to the 14th century. Located at the top of a rock and surrounded by the meandering Ohre River, Loket is a very romantic stop. Next is the town of Sokolov which contains a beautiful chateau and a historical center dating back to 13th century. Then, why not stop for a beer at Kynsperk brewery or a coffee at the Chateau Mostov? The finale of the day is another calm spa town – Frantiskovy Lazne. Founded by the Habsburg Emperor Frantisek I. (Franz) in 1812, the town center is full of buildings constructed in the Empire and Classicism styles and the city itself has a real 19th-century spa atmosphere.
Day 3: Frantiskovy Lazne (Spa) and Iron Curtain Trail Loop, 10 to 37 mi. (30 to 60 km)
Today’s program is really flexible. Spa lovers can spend the whole day being pampered in the spa's healing waters. For those who prefer two-wheeled therapy, there is a 70 km loop, but you can adjust lengths and difficulty of the ride to fit you best.
For centuries, Františkovy Lázně was the historical border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech kingdom. Therefore, the route leads past castles and strongholds, many of them newly reconstructed, giving our ride that “Old Europe” feel. Part of the path rolls on Iron Curtain trails, reminding us of the dark Cold War period ending less than 30 years ago. In contrast, those choosing a longer option can freely cross the border to Germany to visit the well-preserved castle Hohenberg!
Day 4: Frantiskovy Lazne - Marianske Lazne, 31 mi. (50 km)
Just a few kilometers from Frantiskovy Lazne, you'll reach the old town of Cheb. Dating back to the Middle Ages, it was the entrance to the Czech lands from the Holy Roman Empire. This wonderful old town is the most German town in the Czech Republic. Not only because of the rabbet (a must see!) but for the typical Germanic houses in the main square. It is best known for the emperor Friedrich Barbarossa who liked to stay there and for being the place where Generalissimo Wallenstein (one of the biggest 17th century military leaders) was assassinated. From Cheb continue biking on car-free roads through authentic local villages (Very-German-looking thanks to centuries of German colonization). You can make a small detour to an old castle and a Loretto chapel in the village of Stary Hroznatov. Our last stop before reaching our hotel will be Chateau Kynzvart. It was built by the Chancellor Clemens Metternich to look very opulent, today it’s a nice coffee stop. From here, continue the last few kilometers to Marianske Lazne, with its wonderful city center and many spa options.
Day 5: Marianske Lazne - Chodová Planá, 27 mi. (43 km)
The day begins with an uphill climb, though it is possible to reach the top by ski lift. From here, continue to the Tepla Monastery, founded at the end of the 12th century. The medieval church and rare library containing more than 80,000 books from all centuries can still be admired. Next, cycle through gentle countryside on cycle paths and traffic free roads. Today's final destination is the small town of Chodova Plana with its brewery and unique beer spa, which can be the perfect place to relax after a day of cycling. Baths are made by mixing healing springs with beer extracts and experiencing these local procedures will convince you that beer can treat you well, inside and out!
Day 6: Chodová Planá - Carlsbad (Prague),
Biking starts on the nice back roads from Chodova Plana near Marianske Lazne. From here, cycle through the natural preserve of the Slavkovsky Forest that hides many natural monuments. In Krásno climb a unique view tower or visit a mining museum, before descending to the town of Becov nad Teplou. The local complex of a castle and adjacent buildings protects the Reliquary of St. Maura. This Romanesque jewel was constructed in the first half of the 13th century and because of its well-preserved state and artistic value, it is the second most valuable treasure of the Czech Republic. At the same time, it is a significant monument of Medieval Europe! From Becov you can either take a transfer to Karlovy Vary, bike the remaining distance, or simply take a transfer to Prague. It is your decision in which of the two cities you spend your last evening of the tour.
Day 7: Carlsbad
This day is up to you to relax and explore either Karlovy Vary or Prague by yourselves. If in Prague and eager for more biking, check out Prague-By-Bike Tour.
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Pricing Information
Travel Details
This tour is operated by Adventura. We do not run these tours ourselves, we never have. We work on commission from our local partners plus a small administration fee of €20. We pride ourselves on the strong relationship we have with our local partners and the services we provide.
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Customer Feedback
Diane I. 2 months ago
Most memorable: The rolling hills and how all the natural beauty was so breathtaking that I hardly even minded when I had to pedal through the rain.
Suggestions: The provided breakfasts were varied. However, if you're vegan or vegetarian, head to some grocery stores or pack protein bars; it's definitely a country with a meat-based diet.
This is an absolutely gorgeous tour! The route is planned really well to give you a variety of things to do. The scenery is utterly picturesque, full of rolling hills, idyllic pastures full of cattle and wheat and wildflowers. If you're into architecture, you can see Medieval castles along nearly every path and you can marvel at the influence of different cultures when it comes to town centers. Want to take it easy and go to some hot springs for relaxing baths? There's time for that. Don't want to go up some really tough hills? Take a ski lift. What's that? You *do* want more biking? Great, head on over to Germany! Because you stay the night in the same place a couple of times, you have flexibility with the loops you take. You can pick your own form of relaxation, whether that's at a spa or in the saddle.
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