Spa Triangle and Prague

Come and bike in Prague; the land of healing springs, rich history, breathtaking scenery, and openhearted people. This bike tour in the Czech Republic begins in Western Bohemia, an atmosphere like no other with numerous spa towns, remarkable historical sites, and beautiful scenery. You will be able to see the unique Reliquary of St. Maura from the 13th century, located in Becov nad Teplou. Other sights worth seeing are include the bizzare complex of 11 houses called "Spalicek" and the unique imperial castle with the massive town fortification and famous chapel and visit the town of Cheb. You will also have a chance to taste the healing springs in the fairytale-like spa towns and castles from the 19th century. Most of the time, you will be biking through a magnificent nature of the Slavkovsky Forest and through the valley of the Ohre River. An overall highlight of this tour that makes it so unique is the beer spa, which cannot be found anywhere else in the world.

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Day 1: Arrival to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
Day 2: Karlovy Vary loop, 19 - 44 mi. (30 - 70 km)
Day 3: Karlovy Vary - Frantiskovy lazne, 38 mi. (62 km)
Day 4: Frantiskovy Lazne Spa and Iron Curtain trails loop, 10 - 37 mi. (15 - 60 km)
Day 5: Frantiskovy Lazne - Marianske Lazne, 31 mi. (50 km)
Day 6: Marianske Lazne - Chodova Plana - Mariánské Lázně, 34 mi. (55 km)
Day 7: Mariánské Lázně - Karlovy Vary (Prague), 27 mi. (43 or 70  km)

*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). - This transfer is free of charge for fully guided trips and tours with luggage transfer included!

Day 2: Karlovy Vary loop, 19 - 44 mi. (30 - 70km)
Today is full of options! You can spend the day in Karlovy Vary, famous for its hot springs. 650 years of experience has brought the local unique spa treatments to the point of perfection. Karlovy Vary is also unique for it's colorful and whimsical architecture. You can also take a short ride to Andělská Hora, a village that is overlooked by the ruins of a gorgeous castle. Use the bike trail along the Ohře river to explore other small villages and castles. 

Day 3: Karlovy Vary - Frantiskovy lazne, 38 mi. (62 km)
Today you'll start from Karlovy Vary and bike through the amazingly beautiful Ohre river valley. The day leads you along a newly built cycling trail through the Slavkov Forest nature preserve and the stunning Svatosske Skaly rock formations. Following the river, you arrive in Loket with its stunning 14th-century castle. Next stop is the town Sokolov with a nice chateau and town center originating in the 13th century. Refreshments abound along the route, but the Kynsperk brewery or the coffee Mostov's small chateau are highlights. Today's last stop is the spa town of Frantiskovy Lazne (Franzesbad), a 19th-century spa town built by the emperor Franz I.  This regal town still maintains the atmosphere of the golden age of spas. Immerse yourself and enjoy the waters after a long biking day!

Day 4: Frantiskovy Lazne Spa and Iron Curtain trails loop, 10 - 37 mi. (15 - 60km)
Today's program is quite flexible as you will stay here for two nights, so those more interested in the spa can relax the whole day and enjoy the treatments! For those who decide to bike instead, we can recommend loops up to 70 km. For centuries this area stood as the border between the Holy Roman Empire and the Czech kingdom. Thanks to this fact, the day's ride will be full of castles, fortresses, and chateaux, many accurately restored so the whole trip looks like a journey through "Old Europe“ - which it is! Part of the day will also trace the borders of the Iron Curtain, a reminder of the Cold War. Should you desire, a short trip to Germany reveals the recently restored Hohenberg castle, where the German people expelled from Czechoslovakia after World War II have their cultural center.

Day 5: Frantiskovy Lazne - Marianske Lazne, 31 mi. (50 km)
Just a couple of kilometers from Frantiskovy Lazne, you will reach the town of Cheb. For centuries, this town was the gate between the Holy Roman Empire and Czech kingdom. This beautiful town is without doubt the most "German" place in the Czech Republic, highlighted by the 13th-century merchant house, "Špalíček" and the imperial castle, unique in the Czech Republic. It was the favorite residency of the emperor Friedrich Barbarossa and contains a striking Romanesque chapel. From Cheb, you bike on car-free roads through small villages that attest to the centuries-old influence of the German people. On the way, you will visit a Marian Loretto pilgrimage church and a chateau in Stary Hroznatov. The last stop on the way is the opulent chateau Kynzvart, built by Counselor Clemmens Metternich in the 19th-century as his representative seat. Today, its architecture makes an elegant café stop. Just a few kilometers on, we reach our final stop of the day – the spa town of Marianske Lazne. Take time to soak those muscles in the spas' healing waters.

Day 6: Marianske Lazne - Chodova Plana - Mariánské Lázně, 34 mi. (55 km)
In the morning, you can conquer the climb or opt for the ski lift! Once on top, you will bike along small roads to the Tepla monastery dating back to 12th century. Admire the monastery church and the library with some 80,000 books from all eras. From here, you will continue through the mild forests and meadows of the Slavkovsky Forest area to Chodova Plana. This small town hides a nice brewery and a real beer spa! Should you desire, you can experience the local beer (Chodovar) with all the senses! After tasting the beer, you will finish the loop back to Mariánské Lázně.

Day 7: Mariánské Lázně - Karlovy Vary (Prague), 27 mi. (43 or 70  km)
Today, you will enter the Slavkov Forest nature preserve to discover its hot springs and other curiosities. In the village of Krasno, you can enjoy tower-top views and learn a lot about the town's history in its mining museum. From there, you will bike to the town of Becov nad Teplou, it's chateau the hiding place of the famous St. Maura reliquiary. It is one of the most important and valuable historical items of the country and of all Middle Ages 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.

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