CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA
GUIDED AND SELF GUIDED CYCLING TOURS VIENNA TO PRAGUE

Vienna to Prague Cycling Tours

Self Guided Tours: April - October
Guided Tours: May - September departures

We offer two alternative versions of the bicycle route from Vienna to Prague. Both versions are available as Guided or Self Guided Tours.

Version A: 275 km / 172 miles
Version B: 410 km / 257 miles

Self-guided tours are fully organized vacations for the independent traveler who wants the freedom to cycle at his or her own pace. You'll have complete support behind the scenes. Our Czech Republic representative will meet you at the beginning of your tour for an orientation. You will receive a packet with detailed route instructions, maps, suggestions for sights to visit along the route and emergency support phone numbers. You can take a spontaneous detour and always feel secure that your hotel room will be waiting for you. You may choose to bring your own bike or rent a bike. If you choose to rent a bike, our representative will bring the bikes to you on the first day. You will be able to travel at your own pace without a guide or support vehicle to hurry you along or to slow you down. Your luggage will be transported each day to the next accommodation, which will be reserved and prepaid. You don't need to worry, as emergency support is just a phone call away. Below is a sample itinerary that you can choose your exact dates between April to October. Just let us know if you would like to make any changes or add additional days and we'll do our best to accommodate your requests.

Version A: 275 km / 172 miles
Version B: 410 km / 257 miles

Version A is favored by those who like historical monuments and desire a more relaxed pace. This tour includes the unique Lednice-Valtice area and Cesky Krumlov (both have been declared UNESCO World Heritage Sites).

Version B is for cyclists who really want to cycle the whole way from Vienna to Prague.

Version A

Day 1: Vienna
Accomodation in Vienna

Day 2: Vienna - Valtice
Once transferred from Vienna to Breclav by train, you will be met our Czech Republic representative.. You will then be driven to your hotel and we will outline and explain more in detail about your tour. Here you will be given all the required information materials and equipment. Sightseeing in Valtice. Accommodation in Valtice.

Day 3: Valtice - Lednice - Mikulov, (30 km / 19 miles)
Your cycle tour begins in the unique Lednice-Valtice area (protected by UNESCO) riding
on paths through woods and fields. Once owned by the Liechtensteins, this area contains
two impressive, ornate chateaux, and the landscape is dotted with various hunter‘s lodges,
colonnades and chapels. After, you cycle along a backroad, which winds through the
winegrowing landscape, by a reservoir to Mikulov. The striking castle of Mikulov, its histo-
rical square and the ossuary of the ruling Dietrichstein family are interesting features of
this town bordering Austria. Mikulov also had a large Jewish population whose heritage
includes the largest, historical Jewish cemetery in the Czech Republic – the oldest grave-
stone dating from 1605, plus a synagogue.
Accommodation in Mikulov.

Day 4: Mikulov - Znojmo – Vranov nad Dyji, (35 km / 22 miles)
After breakfast you will be transferred by van from Mikulov to Znojmo. This town has
a picturesque historical center. On this section of your cycle tour, Podyji National Park has
some of the most impressive landscapes with a forested river valley and a viewpoint hut
as treats for the challenging terrain. A highlight is the remains of the Iron Curtain at the
village of Cizov, sections of barbed wire fencing and a watchtower. Vranov castle, perched high on a rock above the Dyje river is also not to be missed. Accommodation in Vranov nad Dyji.

Day 5: Vranov nad Dyji – Slavonice – Telc, (48 km / 30 miles)
Cycling in the border region with Austria, Safov with its old Jewish graveyard and the Renaissance chateau in Uhercice are the first points of interest along the way. In the Uhercice chateau, a huge preservation initiative is being carried out and you can tour it as well as a ceramic studio in the quaint village center. Having arrived at Slavonice there is a transfer by local train to Telc which has a well preserved Renaissance town center protected by UNESCO. Accommodation in Telc.

Day 6: Telc – Jindrichuv Hradec, (42 km / 26 miles)
Today you will cycle through the Czech-Moravian Highlands, through fields and forests. A unique stop on the way is the memorial in Kostelni Myslova to Jewish painter Frantisek Moritz Nagl, a local artist who died in Auschwitz along with his family. Finish the day in the old town of Jindrichuv Hradec, containing the third biggest castle complex in the Czech Republic.
Accommodation in Jindrichuv Hradec.

Day 7: Jindrichuv Hradec – Trebon, (30 km / 19 miles)
Begin in the old town of Jindrichuv Hradec with its castle before biking through the Bohe-
mia Lake District, a landscape of ponds, water meadows and forest. Finish in Trebon, an
old city with well preserved walls. To enter the old town center one has to pass through
a gate in the old wall and over a moat, part of a water regulation system from the sixteen
hundreds. Accommodation in Trebon.

Day 8: Trebon – Cesky Krumlov, (53 km / 33 miles)
The final day of biking goes through a few hills before coming to the gem of South Bohe-
mia, Cesky Krumlov. This UNESCO protected town is located on the winding river Vltava.
An incredible number of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings are well conserved in
this historical center. The highlight is the 2nd biggest castle compound in the Czech
Republic as well as the oldest functional Baroque theatre in Europe. Accommodation in Cesky Krumlov.

Day 9: Cesky Krumlov - Prague
We recommended exploring and having fun in the town of Cesky Krumlov today, after
there will be a transfer by train from Cesky Krumlov to Prague.
Accommodation in Prague.

Day 10: Your tour ends after breakfast.

Version B

Day 1: Vienna
Accomodation in Vienna

Day 2: Vienna - Stockerau
Make your way individually to Stockerau (car, train or 18 km by bike). The next morning we will meet you at your hotel with the necessary materials and bikes. Accommodation in Stockerau.

Day 3: Stockerau - Drnholec, (64 km / 40 miles)
On the first day of the route you will follow the Leiserberweg bike path to Ernstbrunn
(Leiser Berge natural park). After passing into the Czech Republic through the border post
at Laa an der Thaya, the South Moravian lowland terrain is flat all the way to Drnholec.
Accommodation in Drnholec.

Day 4: Drnholec - Znojmo – Vranov nad Dyji, (79 km / 49 miles)
After breakfast cycle from Drnholec through Znojmo, to Podyji National Park with un-touched nature, beautiful views of the deep, forested river valley and the last remnant of the Iron Curtain. Another highlight is Vranov castle, perched high on a rock above the Dyje River. A shorter cycling option, with a car transfer from Drnholec to Znojmo, is available (cycling 42 km / 26 miles). Accommodation in Vranov nad Dyji.

Day 5: Vranov nad Dyji – Slavonice – Telc, (76 km / 47 miles)
Cycle along the Austrian border to Slavonice, a forgotten jewel with sgraffito houses. Then cycle from Slavonice to Telc, which has a well-preserved Renaissance town center listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A shorter cycling option, with a train transfer from Slavonice to Telc, is available (cycling 48 km / 30 miles).
Accommodation in Telc.

Day 6: Telc – Jindrichuv Hradec, (42 km / 26 miles)
Today you will cycle through the Czech-Moravian Highlands, through fields and forests. A unique stop on the way is the memorial in Kostelni Myslova to Jewish painter Frantisek Moritz Nagl, a local artist who died in Auschwitz along with his family. Finish the day in the old town of Jindrichuv Hradec, containing the third biggest castle complex in the Czech Republic.
Accommodation in Jindrichuv Hradec.

Day 7: Jindrichuv Hradec - Tabor (49 km / 30 miles)
Riding though forest and by lakes you come to Cervena Lhota which has a lovely, small chateau on an island in the center of a lake. Finish in Tabor, a Hussite town with a rich history.
Accommodation in Tabor.

Day 8: Tabor - Benesov (69 km / 43 miles)
From Tabor we ride through a region of highlands with woods and pastures, an area known as Czech Siberia for its blustery winter weather and unspoiled environment. There is a beautiful view of the River Luznice from the bridge in the town of Sedlec-Prcice, the destination of the annual Prague-Prcice walk. The highlight of this day is a visit to the impressive chateau of Konopiste with its large, English park and Rose Garden. Accommodation in Benesov.

Day 9: Benesov –Pruhonice - Prague (37 km / 23 miles)
The final part of this bicycle tour takes you to Pruhonice with its Renaissance chateau and chateau park - a center of botany and garden science in the Czech Republic. Transfer by car from Pruhonice to Prague city center. Accommodation in Prague

Day 10: Your tour ends after breakfast.

While we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services of equal quality for those listed.

SELF GUIDED CYCLING TOUR PRICE: €1,350 Euros/double occupancy, €390 Euros/pp/single supplement

SELF GUIDED CYCLING TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: 9 nights hotel, 9 breakfasts, maps, route directions, Global Positioning System (GPS) console with programmed route, Transportation by car according to program, Welcome briefing upon arrival, Quality TREK bike rental, Stand-by support (cell phone and contact person)

SELF GUIDED CYCLING TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: lunches, dinners, train transportation

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR DATES (VERSION A):
June 12 - 19, 2010(Includes Festival of the Five-Petalled Rose, Cesky Krumlov)
July 10 - 17, 2010
August 21 - 28, 2010
September 10 -17, 2010 (Includes Palava Wine Festival, Mikulov)

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR DATES (VERSION B) :
May 15 - 22, 2010
July 3 - 10, 2010
August 7 - 14, 2010
September 5 - 12, 2010(Includes The Tabor Meetings Festival, Tabor)

Private guided tours available everyday from April to the end of October for groups of 4 or more.

GUIDED CYCLING TOUR PRICE:
Group size 4-7 people: €1950 Euros per person (double occupancy)
Group size 8 or more people: €1750 Euors per person (double occupancy)
Single supplement: €390 Euros

GUIDED CYCLING TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: Professional bilingual guide, 9 nights hotel, 9 breakfasts, 7 dinners, route directions, cycling mapsGlobal Positioning System (GPS) console with programmed route, Quality TREK bike rental, Support van, Town maps, Guided tours at chateaux, castles, museums and other select attractions, Special events, including wine tasting and picnics

GUIDED CYCLING TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: some lunches, dinners in Vienna and Prague, train transportation

BEST TIMES TO TRAVEL TO THE CZECH REPUBLIC: The Central European continental climate consists of long, hot summers and cold, snowy winters. July and August are perfect for people who love hot weather. May, June and September are good months to take advantage of the cooler, but still warm and sunny weather. April and October are wonderfully changeable and can be chilly. These times are good for people wanting to experience the changing of the seasons as they cycle.

TRAVEL INFORMATION: This trip begins in Vienna and ends in Prague. Many airlines will allow booking from the US to Vienna and returning from Prague back to the US. If you choose to fly roundtrip to either Prague or Vienna, trains connect Prague and Vienna five times daily; the 5 1/2-hour trip costs $100.

TRAIN SCHEDULES: Check out European Train Schedules. If you are bringing a bike on the train, you will need to ask at the train station which trains have space for your bike box. You do not need to make advance train reservations.

BAGGAGE: Two simple words - TRAVEL LIGHT! To avoid loosing luggage (that may contain irreplaceable clothing, personal items and medications) and to prepare you for the reality of European hotels (many have narrow stairways and do not have elevators), we urge you to limit your luggage to 2 items. We suggest the following: a carry-on size suitcase or duffel (a legal carry-on sized wheeled suitcase is perfect) and a small personal bag (like a small daypack or shoulder bag). You will be able to bring these 2 items as carry-ons on all international and domestic flights, insuring that your luggage will arrive with you!

TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to delays with transportation (airline or other), weather, road conditions, government intervention, sickness or other contingencies we are unable to control. For international flights, arrive at least 2 hours prior to departure (check with your air carrier for their requirements) and allow ample time between connecting flights. If you miss your flight and you need a special shuttle to meet up with the group, you will be responsible for the cost.

THE SECRET TO STRESS FREE TRAVEL: Simply put, pack light and arrive at the starting point of your trip a day early. Many have told us this was the most important thing they did to get ready for their trip. They felt rested and more acquainted with the customs and pace of life of their new surroundings.

ADDITIONAL HOTEL LODGING: We can make additional hotel lodging reservations for you at our first night's hotel on the tour in Vienna or the last night in Prague. Just let us know in advance.

MONEY: You will need Euros for lunches, dinners, beverages, shopping, snacks, and tips. We suggest starting with a minimum of $250 (more if you like to shop and sample the local wine and ice cream).

CASH & CREDIT CARDS: For cash, bring new bills with no tears. You can exchange money at any airport when you arrive. For credit cards, we recommend bringing 2 or more Visa or Mastercards in case you have trouble with one. There are ATM machines in all of the towns on the tour. To use your credit cards in an ATM machine, each card will need a PIN#. Be sure to activate the PIN# and check that it works BEFORE you begin your travels. We also suggest contacting your credit card company prior to your trip to inform them of the countries where you will be traveling and the dates. We do not recommend bringing Travelers Checks because ome places do not accept them, exchange rates vary widely and they require a bank to exchange them.

TIPPING: We suggest 10% for exceptional service in restaurants (most restaurants include a service charge) and a small amount for baggage and taxi service.

LANGUAGE: It is not necessary to be able to speak Czech or German to get along in the Czech Republic or Austria, but it can be lots of fun. A small dictionary and some creative sign language should get you to the start of the trip without too much trouble. Many people at the airport and train stations do speak English.

RENTAL BIKES: We have good quality, lightweight, hybrid-style bikes with flat handlebars. (TREK 7300FX) The bikes are equipped with low gears, good tires, a rear rack, panniers, a water bottle cage, water bottle, bike lock, repair tools, tube and bike pump. The pedals on the rental bikes are flat pedals without toe clips and straps.

PERSONAL BICYCLE EQUIPMENT:

TOE CLIPS & STRAPS – If you want toe clips and straps on your pedals, just let us know in advance.

CLIPLESS PEDALS – For your own personal safety, you must be comfortable riding, stopping and starting in traffic and on hills. Riding in Europe is fun, but it is probably NOT the best place for your first experiment with clipless pedals. If you are experienced using clipless pedals, bring them if you wish and make sure to bring your bike shoes with the correct cleats.

BIKE SHOES – Simply put, a properly fit bike shoe will increase your pedaling efficiency and reduce foot fatigue. For bicycle touring, we recommend either a mountain bike or touring style shoe rather than a racing shoe. These styles have a slight amount of flex to make walking easier and, if you use clipless pedals, your cleat will be recessed for safer, quieter walking. Also, if you have custom footbeds or orthotics, try them in your bike shoes.

CAMERA EQUIPMENT: Whether you shoot a digital or film camera, bring more media storage capacity or film than you think you need. A portable hard drive may be the answer for digital storage. Other useful items are lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.

SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Poison Spider Bicycles - excellent source for bicycle clothing and accessories, www.poisonspiderbicycles.com, 800-635-1792
Patagonia - the top source for outdoor clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your outdoor gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics - great fitting sport sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com

__ PASSPORT! Please make sure that it DOES NOT EXPIRE DURING YOUR TOUR! Make 2 photocopies of your passport and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored in a separate place from your passport. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.

CLOTHING:
Temps. - days 60º to 85º F. & nights 50º to 70º F. , possible rain showers, dress is always casual, select synthetic quick drying clothing & do laundry in your room to keep your baggage light
rental bikes
__ BIKE GLOVES - a MUST to protect your hands from abrasion & nerve damage & if you fall
__ WATER BOTTLE - or Camelbak-style hydration system
__ SUNGLASSES - a MUST for eye protection, if prescription, bring a spare pair
__ Bike hat, visor or baseball cap
__ Bandanna or sweatband
__ Bike jerseys - 2, bright colors for visibility, breathable & comfortable
__ Short sleeved shirts – 2, synthetic quick drying fabric for evenings
__ Long-sleeved shirt - synthetic quick drying fabric for evenings
__ Long-sleeved t-neck or bike jersey - mid-weight synthetic for layering
__ Light sweater – fleece or wool
__ Underwear - sports bras for riding
__ Bike shorts - 2, padded lycra cycling shorts to prevent chafing
__ Bike tights
__ Shorts
__ Long pants - synthetic quick drying fabric, zip-off leg convertible pants recommended
__ Skirt - casual dress
__ Swimsuit
__ Rain suit - BOTH JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, gore-tex or waterproof nylon
__ Socks - 2 pr ea. cycling & walking
__ Comfortable shoes for walking - stiff soled if used for riding, avoid heavily lugged soles if using pedals with toe clips & straps
__ Bike shoes - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to increase pedaling efficiency & reduce foot fatigue, if using a clipless pedal we recommend mountain bike or touring style shoes so you will have a recessed cleat for walking
__ Sandals (optional) - wear with bike socks to avoid getting blisters from straps
__ Toilet kit - buy travel-size samples of your regular items, feminine hygiene products, Ziploc bag lotions to prevent spills
__ Waterless hand sanitizer 2 oz. - clean hands will keep you healthy
__ Personal medications - keep all prescription meds. in original, labeled containers
__"Baby-wipe" towelettes - (optional) for quick clean up anytime
__ Personal first aid kit: anti-inflammatories, anti-diarrhea, anti-acid, anti-biotic cream, antihistamine / decongestant tablets, Vaseline, hydrocortisone cream, band-aids, tampons, eye drops, sunburn ointment, 1" white athletic tape, second skin for blisters
__ Sunscreen & lipscreen - SPF 30 min., sweat proof so it will not run in your eyes
__ Insect repellent
__ Small flashlight with extra batteries - sm. LED headlamps are most versatile and are good nightlights in hotel rooms
__ Small travel alarm clock
__ Portable laundry kit packed in a Ziploc bag - 1 cup powdered laundry detergent in 1 qt. ziploc bag, 10-12 clothes pins & 25 feet of light nylon cord for clothes line
__ Plastic laundry bag - for dirty laundry / damp swimsuit
__ Ear plugs - 2 pr., a MUST for sound sleep, European towns can be noisy

OPTIONAL ITEMS: (Note: electrical items must have 220V capacity & bring a 2-round prong EU-style plug adapter and a transformer if your equipment is 110 volt)
__ Camera in protective case - new & spare batteries, extra film / media cards, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, mini table-top tripod
__ Extra freezer weight Ziploc bags of assorted sizes
__ Small "hotel size" sewing kit
__ Guidebook
__ Phrase book / dictionary
__ Paperback book(s)
__ Small sketchbook, journal, notebook, pen
__ Postcards from home – a few to show the staff and others
__ Address book
__ Small calculator - to calculate exchange rates
__ Electrical outlet adapter - 2-round prong European style
__ FRS handheld radio - (optional), guides will be using these, range limited to 2-3 mi.
__ Cell phone - (optional), must be tri-band with international service to work in Europe

OPTIONAL BICYCLE GEAR:
__ Mirror for helmet, glasses or for handlebars
__ Your own personal bike seat (ONLY THE SEAT WITHOUT THE SEAT POST ATTACHED)
__ Padded seat cover
__ Your own pedals with toe clips & straps (rental bikes do not have toe clips & straps)
__ Clipless pedals & your own bike shoes with cleats attached

IF YOU BRING YOUR OWN BIKE: We suggest arriving at least one day before the trip to build up your bike and adjust or replace any parts that may have been damaged in transit.
__ Road or hybrid bike with 700 x 28-35c tires or a mountain bike with 26 x 1.25" road tires, triple front chainrings suggested, 26 x 32 low gear recommended for the climbs
__ Correct bike shoes for your pedals (with cleats installed)
__ YOUR BIKE MUST BE IN GOOD REPAIR! Have it tuned-up by a qualified shop and all worn parts replaced. We only carry tools for minor adjustments, & parts may be hard to find.
__ Pad & pack bike securely in a bike case (with help from your bike shop if it is your first time)
__ Rear carrier with bike bag, or a fanny pack or small daypack to carry snacks, rain gear, camera, sunscreen, etc.
__ 2 spare inner tubes to fit your tire / wheel size
__ Bike tools to build up your bike
__ Small rag for cleaning bike parts & chain
__ Tire pump – optional

HINTS ON PACKING: Simply put - TRAVEL LIGHT & CARRY IT ON WITH YOU! You will avoid loosing your luggage (that may contain irreplaceable clothing and medications) and you will be prepared for European hotels with narrow stairs and few elevators. Through our years of travel we have learned these valuable lessons and want to pass them on to you before your trip.

Packing Hint #1: Limit your luggage to 1 carry-on bag (a legal carry-on sized wheeled suitcase is perfect) and a small personal bag like a small day pack or shoulder bag.

Packing Hint #2: Freezer-weight Ziploc plastic bags are lightweight, inexpensive, and see-through. They make a great waterproof biking wallet and are indispensable for packing items like clothing, books, toilet kits, and especially lotions in your baggage.

Packing Hint #3: Travel-size samples save space and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer some to smaller plastic bottles in the size you need. Remember to plastic bag all lotions!

Packing Hint #4: Think multiple use garments. Convertible pants with zip off legs save bringing an extra pair of shorts. Quick dry shorts double as a swimsuit. Be creative and keep that baggage light!

Packing Hint #5: Packing Hint #5: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you can easily wash it and hang it to dry.

RESERVATIONS: For complete reservation information click here.