Prague to Dresden Self Guided Cycle

On arrival in Prague check into the hotel where you will receive your travel documents. The remainder of the day is free to begin your exploration of the city. Optional guided tours are available on request, please ask our consultants: - return cycle to Karlstejn Castle - operates daily except Monday, minimum 2 people (approx 6-7 hours, a pre-tour night is recommended). - walking tour in Prague (3hrs)

Today you will start cycling from your hotel in Prague. The total distance for today will vary depending on the location of your hotel in Prague. Despite the first small ascent, today's stage follows a nice trail to the heart of the Czech wine region - the town of Melnik. Just before you leave Prague, you pass the Troja Baroque Castle and then continue north following the bank of the Vltava River. You will cycle past some very interesting rock formations and deep valleys. Be sure to visit the castles in Nelahozeves or Veltrusy en route. Overnight in Melnik*, an old wine town at the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe Rivers. After the cycle you can relax with a glass of good wine or soft drink. *Depending on availability, Category A accommodation may also be in nearby Liblice.

Following the Elbe River (or in Czech "Labe River"), the cycle route leads out of Melnik past the Libechov Castle to the historic town of Roudnice. It then continues on the bend of the river to the fortress of Terezin. Named after Empress Maria Theresa, the vast fortress was built in the late 18th century covering an area of 3.89 square km / 2.5 square mile and during WWII was used as a concentration camp. After a visit to the fortress, continue a few kilometres to Litomerice with its beautiful houses. Take time to visit the underground cellars linked by tunnels, a section of which are open to the public.

Today's cycle will lead you mostly along the River Elbe, surrounded by hills with old ruins. En route you will pass the ruin of an old fortress Schreckenstein or Strekov Castle (literally meaning "horror castle"). It is situated on the right bank of the river perched on top of a 100m / 328ft high steep rock. Further along you reach the city of Usti nad Labem Aussig in the Bohemian Highlands (Ceské stredohorí). Continue cycling to the town of Decin, whose two sections straddle the river with the old town on the right bank. The main attraction of Decin is the town castle which has an incredible history from being a fort during the Seven Years’ War, to more recently used as a base for Soviet troops until 1991. It has also inspired artists and musicians including Chopin who wrote his Valse in A flat major there. In 2005 a full restoration was completed, bringing the castle back to its former glory, and a museum is now open to the public.

Today you can decide whether you prefer to travel by bike or by boat to Hrensko. This border town is situated in the heart of the Czech-Saxon Switzerland National Park and offers many attractive activities. It is a wonderful region especially for those who love hiking. It offers many touristic trails leading through the scenery of the rocky towns, the mesas, the passes, deep gorges and hillsides. If you choose to hike, Pravcická Gate, the biggest natural rock bridge in Europe is not to be missed. You can then continue cycling on one of the many marked bike trails through this wonderful country, or combine a boat trip with ride through a romantic valley on a historical tram in Bad Schandau. In the afternoon you will cross the border to Germany, and stay overnight in the historic spa town of Bad Schandau.

This day is packed with historical sights! Shortly after leaving Bad Schandau you will see the haunting Königstein Fortress and just past the curve a beautiful rock formation with a romantic rock bridge and Bastei Ruin. If you have time, stop for a sightseeing tour of the town with its magnificent panoramic views. Later today you will cycle by the town of Pirna, where you will enter the region of the Dresden Valley. There are several beautiful castles and museums of music masters, such as Karl Maria Weber or Richard Wagner, both of whom used to compose in this area. At the end of the day you will reach the city of Dresden. Make sure you visit the famous sights such as Zwinger Palace and take a stroll through town.

Trip concludes after breakfast. Or you may choose to stay longer in this stunning city.