Bohemian Rhapsody

This morning you will be picked up at your Prague hotel or airport (early arrival recommended) and taken to our local partner's office/bike centre for a welcome briefing and bike handover. (If you book the guided option on 23 AUG, you will be picked up from a stated hotel.) From the bike centre you start cycling to Karlstejn village. It's an easy route following the Vltava and Berounka rivers. The Karlštejn castle is the main highlight here. The Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV had it built as an impregnable fortress housing the imperial crown jewels and sacred relics. Overnight in Karlstejn.

Today you will cycle to one of the most picturesque villages in Ceský Kras natural protected area, whose history dates back to the end of the 9th century. It's a moderate cycle through romantic countryside along the Berounka River. Soon after you pass a limestone quarry called Velka Amerika (Big America), where political prisoners of the communist regime were made to work. The site has a rich history and is worth a visit. The mining was conducted in an unusual way, by gradually digging a huge pit (about 800m/2624ft long, 200m/656ft wide and 100m/328ft deep) and connected to other quarries by long tunnels, from the first half of the 20th century. Return to Karlstejn for your overnight stay.

On your way to Beroun, a medieval town on the Berounka River, you will pass through the villages of Zadni Treban and then via Liten to Koneprusy. A visit to the impressive complex of caves in Koneprusy is optional but highly recommended. The caves are 70m underground and over 2 km long. The accessible part is 590m long and the tour lasts one hour. The caves were discovered in 1950 and made accessible for the public in 1959. After lunch, there is time for sightseeing around the medieval town of Beroun, at the confluence of the Berounka and Litavka rivers. The historic town centre is well preserved. Sights include the city hall and square, or you can visit the local brewery. Return to Karlstejn along the banks of the picturesque Berounka River.

You return to Prague along the Berounka and Vltava Rivers, on a different route than the first day of cycling. Again, it is an easy cycle. You will have a new view of Prague, as you cycle through the city on Vltava River’s bank. Check-in to your hotel in Prague, with the rest of the evening free to explore this magnificent city.

Arrangements end after breakfast. We can assist with booking extra nights on request.