OVERVIEW: Experience an unforgettable cycling journey through the heart of Central Europe as you cycle from Prague to Vienna under the experienced guidance of Best European Bike Tours (aka Czech Active Tours). This tour combines scenic riding with rich history and culture as you pedal through the countryside of the former Austro-Hungarian Empire, passing forests, lakes, vineyards, rolling farmland, and charming medieval villages along the way. 

The tour kicks off in Prague, one of Europe’s most beautiful capitals, known for its stunning architecture, historic squares, and lively atmosphere. From there, the route travels through a series of remarkable towns and UNESCO World Heritage sites, including Kutná Hora, famous for its Gothic cathedral and historic Ossuary, the colorful Renaissance town of Telč, and the fairy-tale-like medieval gem of Český Krumlov. 

Crossing the Sumava Mountains from the Czech Republic into Austria, the tour follows the Danube River through the picturesque Wachau Valley, one of Europe’s premier cycling regions. Riders enjoy quiet bike paths, vineyard landscapes, riverside villages, and relaxed café culture before arriving in Vienna, a city celebrated for its imperial palaces, music, art, and café traditions.

With moderate daily distances and thoughtfully planned rest and sightseeing days, this tour offers an ideal mix of cultural immersion and scenic European cycling.

HEALTH & SAFETY: Participants are expected to come to the tour in good health and ready to ride. Should someone's health become compromised and the group’s health and safety be placed in jeopardy, a plan for the participant’s isolation will be developed by the ride coordinator. The expectation is for the group to work together to mitigate any spread of infection or illness as a means to ensure the tour can continue as planned. 

RIDE RATING: This itinerary is rated 3B!. While the 11 mandatory riding days average 43 miles and 2,365 feet of elevation gain per day, which would technically qualify as a 2B tour, the feet gained per mile (climbing density) metric more accurately reflects the overall cycling effort and supports the 3B rating. In the chart below, bold, exceeds 3B rating.

The "!" designation indicates that several days include short sections (typically less than ¼ mile) with grades of 8–10.5%. Riders may choose to walk these brief climbs if desired.

Day 11, which crosses a mountain pass into Austria, includes approximately 3,556 feet of climbing. Van support can be made available for riders who prefer not to tackle the full ascent.

Two strategically placed rest days—Day 5 in Telč and Day 10 in Český Krumlov—provide opportunities for recovery while exploring these historic and picturesque destinations.

Best European Bike Tours has scouted all of the routes and prepared the GPS files for this tour.

CUE SHEETS, MAPS, GPS FILES: GPS files for all routes will be provided. Participants are encouraged to use the Ride with GPS (RWGPS) app or a compatible GPS device such as a Garmin or Wahoo, and should arrive familiar with its operation. A few weeks before departure, you will receive a link to the RWGPS Event containing all tour routes. Please download the routes to your device before travel. RWGPS (free or paid versions) offers turn-by-turn navigation with audio guidance. Cue sheets will be provided on the tour.

WEATHER: September offers excellent cycling conditions with mild early autumn weather and lighter tourist traffic. Daytime temperatures typically range from the mid-60s to the low-70s (°F) with cooler mornings and evenings in the upper 40s to mid-50s. Any precipitation is usually intermittent, arriving in passing systems rather than prolonged periods.  Overall, conditions are highly favorable, with crisp air and autumn scenery throughout the route.

LODGING, MEALS & HAPPY HOUR: This 15-day, point-to-point journey features accommodation primarily in four-star hotels, along with a few carefully selected three-star properties. A complete hotel list will be provided for participants prior to departure.

The tour includes 14 breakfasts and 8 group dinners, which leave several evenings free to explore local restaurants and regional cuisine. Lunches are independent, with numerous café and restaurant options available along the route.

Most days include a Happy Hour featuring both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages along with light snacks.  It’s a relaxed opportunity to connect with fellow riders, share stories from the day’s ride, and review key information for the following day, including routes, schedules, and planned activities. 

LOGISTICS: The tour begins in Prague, Czech Republic, on Tuesday, September 7, 2027, at  4:00 PM at Hotel Fleur de Lis.  A Happy Hour meeting provides a welcome and brief introductions before heading to our first group dinner.  For those renting bicycles, fittings will be available all day. 

Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is located approximately 12 miles from the city center. Transportation options to the hotel include public buses, airport shuttles, taxis, and rideshare services.

The tour ends at the Hotel Wilhelmshof in Vienna, Austria, on Tuesday, September 21, 2027, after breakfast.  Vienna International Airport (VIE) is located about 10 miles from central Vienna and is easily reached by train, bus, or taxi. Vienna is also well connected by rail for onward travel or return trips to Prague.

The Luggage van will transport luggage between hotels each day. Please limit luggage to one medium suitcase or duffel bag (40 lbs maximum), plus a small backpack or day bag.  Participants are responsible for moving their own luggage to and from the van. Riders are expected to complete each day’s route, though van transport is available for illness, injury, or significant mechanical problems.

Bicycles, Bike Cases, Bicycle Rentals: Bicycles, tandems, and E-bikes are all welcome. Please check with the Ride Coordinator in advance if you plan to ride a tandem or E-bike as there are limited allowances.  Riders bringing their own bicycles should ensure they are in good mechanical condition and carry basic repair supplies, including spare tubes and a patch kit. Bike box transport from Prague to Vienna can be arranged through Best European Bike Tours for an additional fee (~110€).

To rent a bike for this tour, participants work directly with Best European Bike Tours.  They provide a variety of modern standard road and E-bikes available for the duration of the tour.  https://besteuropeanbiketours.com/bike-rentals Email: info@besteuropeanbiketours.com

Routes are primarily on paved roads and bike paths, with an occasional short section of cobblestones or compacted dirt. Tires of at least 28mm are recommended for comfort and stability.

COST & ADMINISTRATION: The estimated cost of this tour is $4,750 per person, double occupancy, at an exchange rate of 1.20USD = 1€. The initial payment of $2,500 is due upon acceptance to the ride. The second payment of $2,000 will be due March 1, 2027. A final payment of approximately $250 will be due on August 1, 2027.  The final payment amount may be adjusted according to the currency exchange rate on or about July 15th, 2027. Payments for double occupancy must be made by credit card through the BAC website. The additional payments for singles or solo participants are described below.

The price includes 14 nights lodging in 4-star to 3-star hotels with breakfast included, 8 group dinners, nightly social hours with one alcoholic or non-alcoholic beverage per person and light snacks. Van support with light snacks and water stops along the routes will also be included. Luggage transport between hotels is included. We will be co-led and accompanied by the bilingual Best European Bike Tours company owner, Ludvik Grec, on the cycling routes, at the group dinners, and during the evening Happy Hour meetings. A standard gratuity for the Tour company staff is included in the cost.

Five special tours and/or entrance fees to historic sites included:
        Visit to the St. Barbara Gothic Cathedral and the Ossuary
        Guided tour of the Telč Chateau
        Guided tour of Český Krumlov Castle  
        Walking tour of Linz
        Visit of the Melk Abbey

The cost of this tour does not include:
      Transportation to and from the airport or train stations to the starting and ending hotels
      Meals other than the 8 group dinners and daily breakfasts
      Tourist sites and museums not listed above
      Bicycle rental; as described above, bikes can be rented directly from Best European Bike Tours 
         (Fuji Absolute/flat handlebars: $200; Fuji Newest, Fuji Roubaix or Fuji Sportif/drop handlebars: $270)
         E-bike rentals are somewhat higher cost TBD. 
      Transport of bike boxes from Prague to Vienna for 110€ (less if gas prices fall significantly).

SINGLES & SOLOS: Singles and solos are welcome on this tour. A “single” is a member who signs up by himself or herself and wishes to share a room with another participant. A “solo” is a member who signs up by himself or herself and does not wish to share a room. Due to room availability at some hotels, only 4 solos can be accommodated.

It is recommended that singles who want a roommate try to find their own. However, after receipt of the initial deposit, a single rider without a roommate will be placed on the ride and given until February 15, 2027 to find a roommate. If they are unable to find a roommate, they will have the option to receive a full refund (minus the BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fee) or pay the $1300 Solo Supplement and stay on the ride. If a single pays the supplement, they may continue to seek a roommate but must plan to participate without a roommate if necessary. The Ride Leader will assist by attempting to match singles who apply for the ride. The solo supplement payment of $1300 is due by March 1, 2027 and can be paid by Zelle or check.

To pay using Zelle in your bank's website, add Bicycle Adventure Club as a new recipient with the email address: treasurer@bicycleadventureclub.org; Initiate a payment;  In the Message block, enter the name of your ride.

Checks should be made out to “BAC” with a notation of the tour name included on the check and mailed to:  Bicycle Adventure Club, PO Box 23998, San Diego, CA 92193.

If you have questions about using Zelle or payment by check, contact Nancy Bohnett in the BAC Office (email: nbohnett@bicycleadventureclub.org).

ETIAS:  The European Travel Information and Authorization System (ETIAS) is anticipated to launch in late 2026.   ETIAS clearance will be required for US citizens to enter Schengen/EU and some associated countries.  The online application collects identity (name, gender, date/place of birth, contact info, etc), travel (passport, travel plan, purpose of travel), and security-related information (health and criminal record).  The application fee is anticipated to be €22 unless you are 70+, in which case it's free, and authorization is for three years. ETIAS implementation has been delayed several times.  Official ETIAS website: European Travel Information and Authorisation System (ETIAS) - ETIAS

Cancellation Policy: BAC Ride Registration Fee and Payment Processing Fees are not refundable unless the entire tour is cancelled because the number of participants registered is less than the minimum established for the tour. 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 the cancelling participant is replaced, a refund will be made at that time. If the cancelling participant can't be replaced, any refund will be determined after the ride and final expense report are completed. 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 solo supplement fee of the roommate remaining on the tour. BAC encourages members to purchase trip cancellation insurance. 

Ride Participant Responsibility: Please remember that BAC Ride Leaders/Coordinators 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 the Ride Leader/Coordinator. While on the ride, support your Ride Leader/Coordinator with offers to help with various tasks such as happy hour preparation 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/Coordinator informed of any special requests you might have and respect his or her decisions. 

Insurance Statements: Before participating in any BAC tour, you should assess whether your medical and travel insurance coverage is sufficient. BAC maintains insurance that covers expenses related to accidents, medical emergencies such as sudden and unexpected sickness, and repatriation. This coverage applies when touring outside the US and your home country, regardless of your nationality. It will cover you door-to-door for a maximum of 90 days, but will expire if you make a side trip not related to the BAC tour for more than 7 days before or after. There is limited coverage for a family member to join a covered person in an emergency. The policy covers the cost of treatment for COVID and other unexpected illnesses, but not quarantine. You should ensure that your vaccinations are up to date. Coverage is subject to a $1000 deductible.

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 Tour Deposit and the non-refundable BAC Ride Registration Fee by credit card. There is a $150.00 international ride fee. As soon as your deposit has been processed, your name(s) will be added to the Participant List. BAC members with questions may contact the Ride Leader by "clicking" the name at the top of this Ride Description.