Czech Republic and Austria: Prague to Salzburg

† Explanation of BAC Ride Fee – This fee is not included in the Estimated Cost and is non-refundable once submitted. The Ride Fee for US and Canada is $85 and $100 for all other countries, both are per participant.

Ride Description

This tour will give us a fascinating overview of the medieval towns and cities of the Czech Republic and Austria. We set out from Prague-the Bohemian chic European City and the City of Spires. We end in Salzburg, the City of Mozart and the Sound of Music. Along the way, we experience magical crumbling castles and the UNESCO village of Cesky Krumlov. Crossing into Austria, we encounter the enchanting Bavarian countryside with charming villages, quiet lakes, and vast expanses of green course and its impressive castles as we cycle on quiet country lanes through gently rolling hills. The journey will be as spectacular as the destinations.

We encourage you to consult with your favorite guidebooks for Prague and Salzburg to determine the amount of days that would suit you in each world-class city.

ITINERARY:

Day 1 - September 12, 2019: Meet in Prague

Everyone will have a transfer from the airport, the train station, or any hotel in Prague to the Golden Star on the 12 of September, 2019.  One transfer is included in your package. If the participant is arriving by other means, or from a hotel other than the Golden Star, let your ride leader know.  Today is designed to allow you to settle in and relax after your journey. Pedaltours will also help to fit you to your rental bike..

Consult your favorite guidebook and plan to come early to see the sights. Prague whose city center is a World Heritage Site has several titles, including “the city of a hundred spires” and “the golden city”. Wander through the winding cobbled streets and explore painted murals, the gothic Charles Bridge lined with sculptures of Catholic saints dating from 1400. You also must visit the vast Prague Castle, according to the Guinness Book of Records, the largest ancient castle in the world.

Day 2 – September 13: Prague to Tvorsovice (Konopiste)

From Prague's City Center, Pedaltours will drive us 32 kilometers to Kalstejn Castle which dates from 1348 and is one of the most impressive castles in Europe. From here we head southeast, crossing the Berounka and Vltava Rivers, cycling on very minor roads, through rolling hills and valleys. We stop to visit the impressive Gothic Chateau Konopiste, built around 1300. (62 km / 38 mi.: +1135 m./3722 ft.)

Day 3 – September 14: Tvorsovice to Tabor

We head south on Bike Route 0076 to Sedlec-Prčice an attractive little town where we stop for lunch. From Sedlec-Prčice, we follow very quiet country lanes, through a quiet countryside to our hotel in the Tabor city center. Perched on a steep hillside, the town, founded in 1420, has one of the most attractive town squares. (61 km / 38 mi: +854 m./2801 ft.)

Day 4 – September 15: Tabor to Hluboka

Tabor region is wonderful for cycling with its forests and meadows, streams and lakes and gently rolling terrain. Hluboka nad Vltavou, our destination for the night, is a small town with a stunning chateau located at the top of a hill. We end the day with a beautiful ride along the Vltava River. Our opulent hotel is adjacent to the castle. (63 km / 39 mi: +801m./2627 ft.)

Day 5 – September 16: Hluboka to Cesky Krumlov

Our route takes us to the attractive village of Holasovice and then over a small range of hills before dropping down to the valley and Cesky Krumlov, a spectacular fairy tale town and World Heritage Site. The town is car free, set in a tight bend of the Vltava River. The city is dominated by its hilltop 13th Century castle which has Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements, and is located on a 11-hectare garden. (49km / 31 mi: +614 m./2014 ft.)

Day 6 – September 17: Cesky Krumlov (Rest Day)

On this day of rest from cycling, you are faced with numerous choices of activities; explore the magnificent old town which boasts 300 protected medieval buildings, laze the day away at a café in the town square or by the river, check out the castle complex (the second largest in the Czech Republic) and its grounds, go rafting or kayaking or even go for a bike ride in the countryside.

The name of the city comes from the German term "krumme aue" (crooked meadow). This evolved to Krumlov.

Day 7 – September 18: Český Krumlov to Freistadt

Leaving town, we climb gently, following the Vlatava River, through woods and passing the village of Rozmberk as we head for the now deserted border post with Austria. After crossing into Austria, we take a series of very minor roads, with a few short steep climbs, until we start an exhilarating 10-kilometer descent to Freistadt. Freistadt is a small town which was founded in 1220. Its location is at the crossroads of a salt and iron trade route which existed from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. The old city’s outer and inner walls, gates and towers are still standing today. (51 km / 32 mi: +681 m./2234 ft.)

Day 8 – September 19: Freistadt to Steyr

Start with an uphill climb – not too steep – to be rewarded by an exhilarating 22-kilometer downhill to the Danube River (“Donau” in German). We cross the Danube River and cycle for a short way to Enns. At Enns, we follow the Enns River and then make our way up stream to Steyr which is located at the confluence of the Enns and Steyr Rivers. The town is one of Austria’s most attractive with all sites within an easy walk of our hotel. As with many European towns, the locals cycle everywhere. Those who take the shorter option will be transported seven miles to Ottenschlag im Muhlkreis. (86 km / 53 mi: +823 m./ 2690 ft., (Shorter option – 73 km / 46 mi: +453 m./ 1486 ft.)

Day 9 – September 20: Steyr to Gmunden

Take Bike Route R8 out of town, following the Steyr River gently uphill to Frauenstein where we turn onto R10, descending gently until it’s time to tackle a steep climb to the village of Pettenbach. From here the mountains of Salzkammergut can be seen in the distance, getting closer as we approach Gmunden on the shores of Lake Traunsee. The view from the lakefront is spectacular. With the longer option, we transport you to the 14-mile mark. (92 km / 57 mi: +1070 m./3510 ft., (Shorter Option – 60 km / 37mi: +637m./2089 ft.)

Day 10 – September 21: Gmunden (Rest Day)

Gmunden is a resort town located on Lake Traunsee, known for its baths. If you choose to cycle, you could visit Traun Falls (10 miles / 16 km north of Gmunden), or cycle around Lake Traunsee. Boating or water-skiing on the lake is an option for those who enjoy water sports. If you choose not to cycle, you can take the Gmunden Tramway which is the oldest and shortest tram line in Austria, running entirely inside the town, and is popular with tourists. The Schloss Ort (castle) is also a popular tourist attraction, as well as the Gmundner Keramik ceramic factory.

Day 11 – September 22: Gmunden to Salzburg

Our last day of biking takes us alongside Lake Traunsee. We then follow the River Traun to Bad Isch, a very easy and very scenic 34 kilometers. From here we follow mostly cycleways to St. Gilgen where a stop by Lake Wolfgang is a must. From here we climb and descend to Lake Fuschi (or Fuschilsee) before our final descent on dedicated cycle ways into Salzburg. Those taking the shorter option are transported 30 miles to Strobl. (104 km / 65 mi: +988 m./2854 (Shorter Option– 57 km / 35mi: 520 m/1706)

Day 12 – September 23: Last Day of Tour

The tour finishes after breakfast this morning. However, we recommend that you consult with your favorite guidebook, and plan to stay additional days to tour your favorite sights. Salzburg is more than Mozart and the Sound of Music. Visit Salzburg’s most visible icon—the Hohensalzburg Fortress, the Betreidegasse and Hellbrunn Palace and its Museum of Natural History, and Museum of Modern Art. You could also choose to cycle more around the surrounding mountains.

Ride Rating - For those cycling the longer options, the ride is a 3B. The average elevation gain is 2854 feet per day, and the average distance is "2B". The average distance per day is 37 miles and the average elevation gain per day 2335. Two of the days exceed the "2" benchmark of 2500 feet of elevation gain. The tour is not flat, and riders should be physically prepared. The climbs are usually short, but some are steep 10%+. There may be some riding on packed dirt, but most of the roads are paved with chip seal.

WEATHER: Riders must plan on cool to cold mornings and afternoon temperatures turning warm mid-day along with possible days of rain.

LODGING: Lodging will vary depending on the location from 3 to 4-star family and tourist hotels.

MEALS: 11 Breakfasts, four lunches, and nine dinners will be provided. Happy hours will vary on location.

LOGISTICS: For the most convenient airports, participants should fly into Vaclav Havel Airport Prague and depart from W.A Mozart Salzburg Airport. Pedaltours will provide at no charge on the start date of the tour (September 12) or earlier, a pickup at Prague's airport or any other public transportation station.  If you arrive earlier, Pedaltours will still pick you up, but there is a maximum of one transfer. Pedaltours is not providing transportation to W.A. Mozart Salzburg Airport. You may bring your own bicycle or rent one directly from Pedaltours. Rentals include a Trek 7.5 hybrid for €225, or a Trek 2.1 for €325. You pay the rental fee directly via the Pedaltours website.  For those who wish to bring a bike, please bring your low gears. The climbs are usually short, but some are steep 10%+.

BIKE BOXES: For those bringing their own bikes, your bike boxes will be transported from Prague to Salzburg. The cost of transporting the bike boxes to the last hotel will vary from between free and 50€ per box The cost has yet to be determined, and will depend on the number of bike boxes shipped. Participants who need their bike boxes transported are responsible for the charges which will be paid directly to Pedaltours.

SAG SUPPORT: There is no sag support. However, there is a mini-van available in case of emergencies. The mini-van will also be able for transport only on the following three (long version) days:

• Day 8 (long version) 53 miles and 2690 feet of climb
• Day 9 (long version) 57 miles and 3510 feet of climb
• Day 11 (long version) 65 miles and 3241 feet of climb

COST & ADMINISTRATION: The cost estimate is $4,100 based on an exchange rate of $1.25 to the Euro. Included in price are 11 nights lodging, 11 breakfasts, nine dinners, four lunches, happy hours drinks, maps and cue sheet, TCX and GPX files for downloading to your GPS devices. The initial deposit of $2,000 is due upon acceptance to the ride along with BAC’s $100 fees. The final payment of $2100 is due on March 1, 2019. The final payment may be adjusted depending on currency fluctuations.

SINGLES & SOLOS: Single and solo riders will be accepted. While we encourage singles to try to find their own roommate, we will assist singles who are looking for a roommate. If a roommate of the same gender cannot be found, Pedaltours will not charge the single supplement. For those requesting a single room, the single supplement is $625.00.  Solo supplement payments should be sent to the BAC office via check. Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and sent to PO BOX 23998 San Diego, CA 92193.

CANCELLATION POLICY: The BAC ride registration fee and payment processing fee is not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled. Refunds of tour payments will depend upon whether a replacement rider signs up, and on costs that can be recouped. The amount refunded will be based on the principle that the tour’s remaining participants will not incur any additional cost as a result of cancellations. If a single participant cancels and another roommate cannot be found, in addition to other costs that cannot be recouped the cancelling roommate may also be liable for the single supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase cancellation insurance.

RIDE PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITY: Remember that BAC Ride Leaders are volunteers, and that successful tours depend on participants providing much of their own support. Participants are expected to come to the ride well trained, in good health and ready to accomplish the required daily riding using well-maintained bicycles. All participants should accept responsibility for a safe and enjoyable tour. We encourage you to read the ride description carefully and respond to requests from Ride Leader. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparations and cleanup. Please do not interfere with the ride by inviting non-participants onto any portion of the ride or tour. Please keep the Ride Leader informed of any special request you might have and respect the Ride Leader’s decision.

SIGN-UP: To register for this ride, use the sign-up links just above the Ride Description. After preliminary acceptance, you will be moved to the pending list and receive an email requesting you to go back to the BAC site to digitally accept the terms of the Release of Liability (ROL), and pay the non-refundable BAC fee and tour deposit by credit card. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the participant list. To contact the Ride Leader, "click" the name at the top of this Ride Description, or call Albert at 916-475 7539.