Bicycle Berlin to Prague

Germany & the Czech Republic

A cycling adventure that connects two of Europe’s most exciting and historical capitals. The Elbe River flows from the Czech Republic into Germany, through the large harbor city of Hamburg and empties into the North Sea. Our cycling route along the river will heighten your sense of the thousands of years of history that have unfolded on the banks of this major waterway. Savor the scenic beauty, customs and architectural jewels of this area that was until recently behind the iron curtain.

Each dinner in a village inn or traditional restaurant will vary in accordance with the region's customs. Homemade sausages, Schnitzel, rolladen, sauerbraten, spaetzle, venison, trout and countless desserts will all be part of the dining fare. Don't worry about gaining weight, as you'll have burned lots of calories and will deserve a hearty dinner.

Plan to arrive in Berlin no later than Sunday morning. If  you have time, we suggest arriving a day early to explore this city that has been named the new capital of Germany.

Sunday, Berlin   We will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel. This morning we have a walking tour with our local guide.  You’ll see many of the historic highlights of Berlin and gain a better understanding of why the city is so exciting today. The afternoon is at leisure to visit museums and enjoy a sidewalk café.  Festive get-acquainted party and dinner tonight.

Monday, Potsdam   Morning walking tour of the Park Sans-Souci and the spectacular summer palace of Frederick the Great. Afternoon bike ride from Potsdam, along the lakeshore to Cecilienhof where Churchill, Truman and Stalin met in 1945 and decided Germany’s future.

Tuesday, Wittenberg   A pleasant day of villages and pastures lead us to Wittenberg. It is here that Martin Luther launched the Protestant Reformation in the 16th century.

Wednesday, Torgau   Lovely countryside with small agricultural villages. Watch for the large cooperative farms from the Communist era. We follow quiet country roads and bike routes along the Elbe River.

Thursday, Meissen   Cycle through agricultural fields, fruit orchards and vineyards with scenic views of the Elbe River. Meissen has a history dating back more than a thousand years and has been producing it’s famous china since the early 18th century.

Friday, Dresden   Morning tour of Meissen, with ample time to stop at the porcelain factory.  Our cycling route to Dresden will follow the river, passing through the many small wine villages.

Saturday, Dresden   This morning we have a walking tour of Dresden, a city that is considered one of the architectural and cultural treasures of the world. The Old Town is particularly impressive with the baroque cathedral and the ruins of Frauenkirch. There is free time for shopping and visiting museums. The Green Vault contains the impressive royal collection of silver, gold and the elaborate bejeweled painted figures.

Sunday, Bad Schandau   Today we cycle through “Saxon Switzerland” with some of Germany’s most dramatic scenery. High sandstone cliffs and crags form a deep gorge through which the Elbe River flows. The stone has been weathered and worn into a series of fantastic sculptured pillars, towers and arches. Konigstein Festung (Fortress) is the dominant landmark of the area and was once considered to be the most powerful fortification in Germany.

Monday, Litomerice   Ride through lovely agricultural countryside with small villages and woods. Midway into the route we cross over the border into the Czech Republic. Decin has long been the geographical gateway to Bohemia. It’s beautiful castle was until recently a Soviet Army barracks and is now under much needed restoration. It is possible to visit the castle’s Baroque rose garden, terraced into the north face of the rock.

Tuesday, Prague   Continue cycling along the Elbe to its confluence with the Vltava River where Melnik Castle overlooks the valley. The Renaissance castle is visible for miles. Melnik lies in the heart of Bohemia’s wine growing region and its sunny vineyards produce the fruity Ludmila wine.

Wednesday, Prague   This morning we have a sightseeing tour of “Prague the Golden”. The baroque splendor of the Czech capital has charmed musicians and poets for centuries with its beauty. We’ll visit Hradcany Castle and Charles Bridge with its beautiful baroque statues. Special farewell party and dinner.

Thursday   Transfer to Prague Airport or if you have time you may want to stay another day.

Tour date:  You pick the date -- 12 days/11 nights.
Tour Leaders:  Gerhard Meng & assistant
Tour price:  $4,455 per person based on a group of 14 to 16 people. 
In order to offer the lowest possible price, the trips are priced according to the number of participants on the tour.  The cost will be lower with more people in the group, and the cost will increase if there are fewer people.  Price can also be reduced if you wish fewer meals or other services included.  The standard of hotels you choose will also change the price. 
Price was last up-dated on November 12, 2007.  Subject to change.

Includes all breakfasts and ten dinners.
What else is included in the tour price?

On most days we’ll have three cycling options with average distances of 28, 35 and 51 miles.  Shortcuts will be available and every day we’ll also have the option of longer and more challenging bike rides. 

To include the most scenic and interesting parts of the region in the tour, there will be two group transfers during the trip. In addition to the “sag wagon”, a small coach that can accommodate the entire group of tour participants will accompany the group on some days. The support vehicles transfer all luggage, offer mechanical assistance and limited spare parts, and provide a lift if a tour member should tire during the cycling day. The sag wagon comes equipped with a mobile phone and a small library of information on the area.

Good quality bike rentals can be arranged at approximately $30 per day. All frames are “hybrid” style with upright handlebars and have a choice of men’s or women’s frame. Designed in France, they are equipped with Shimano components. All have 27 gears and come equipped with a water bottle, bell, lock, pump, handlebar pack, rear rack and patch kit.

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