River Elbe Trail from Prague to Dresden by bicycle

On this riverside bicycle tour, connecting the Czech Republic and Germany, you cycle between two European centres of cultural importance, following the Vltava and Elbe Rivers. Marked cycling paths and paved back roads make this route easy. Start by cycling to Melnik, the centre of winemaking in Bohemia. Continue by biking through fertile countryside, through Litomerice with its Gothic houses. The most impressive part of the tour is the region called Czech and Saxon Switzerland where you bike along a steep-sided river valley with fantastic sandstone formations towering above. In Germany, the bicycle trails are a joy to follow and lead you to Dresden.

Itinerary: From Prague to Dresden 227 km/141 miles

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Day 1: Arrival in Prague.
You will be met by one of us, introduced to the program and given all the information materials. Overnight in Prague.

Day 2: Prague – Melnik 59 km/37 miles
The start of the tour sees Prague left behind as you cycle along the river Vltava – the biggest river in the Czech Republic. After passing the castles of Troja and Nelahozeves, the landscape changes with more and more vineyards appearing. The destination, Melnik is the center of Bohemian wine growing and it is worth trying some wine in one of the many cellars. Melnik’s renaissance palace looks out over the confluence of the Vltava with the Labe and the view goes down well with the wine... Overnight in Melnik.

Day 3: Melnik – Litomerice 47 km/29 miles
Today’s stage takes you from Melnik through Roudnice nad Labem and Libechov, with its incredible palace and gardens. The next stop is the transit camp and ghetto for Jews and other Nazi prisoners en route to extermination camps during WWII - Terezin. In this fortress town a memorial is maintained as a monument to the memory of the people who passed through this town. From here it is a short ride to Litomerice, which contains superb architecture and is the main town of the region. Overnight in Litomerice.

Day 4: Litomerice – Decin 51 km/32 miles
As you cycle along the river valley, be sure to look out for the ruins of Strekov Castle high above the river and on to the town of Usti nad Labem. Today’s route finishes in Decin at the frontier with the sandstone rock outcrops of the Bohemian Switzerland area. Overnight in Decin.

 

Day 5: Decin – Bad Schandau 25 km/15 miles
Today is easy day in terms of length and you will cycle to the German border and on to Bad Schandau. Today’s ride goes through the incredible landscape of the Bohemian / Saxon Switzerland area, following the forested river valley through the incredible sandstone formations of the Bohemian Switzerland area. Over millions of years the river Elbe has carved intricate formations in the sandstone of the area. The area is known as Bohemian Switzerland in the Czech Republic and Saxon Switzerland in Germany. Overnight in Bad Schandau.

Day 6: Bad Schandau – Dresden 45 km/28 miles
Continue on through the sandstone formations of Saxon Switzerland. As you journey along the Elbe river valley you will pass the impressive Bastei fortification high above the town of Rathen. Cycling through peaceful meadows and precious wetlands to Dresden rounds off this tour perfectly. Overnight in Dresden.

Day 7: Dresden
Sightseeing is recommended in Dresden this day. No visitor to Dresden should miss – the Zwinger Pavilion, The Frauenkirche Church, the Semper Opera House as well as the Royal Palace.

Price	1020 EURO per person in double occupancy. Single room supplement: 300 EURO
Dates 2009	Any day from April to the end of October
Trip rating	easy, moderate
Days/nights	7 days/6 nights
What´s included in the price	- Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions - Buffet breakfast - Luggage transfer - English route descriptions - Detailed cycling maps - Town maps - Global Positioning System (GPS) console - Transportation by car according to program - Welcome briefing upon arrival - Quality TREK bike rental - Stand-by support (cell phone and contact person)
Distance	227 km/141 miles

Guided bicycling tour

Price	1390 EURO per person in dbl. occ. for 8 and more people. Single room supplement: 300 EURO 1590 EURO pp in dbl. occ. for 4 to 7 people. Minimum size of group: 4 people
Dates 2009	June 8-14th September 17-23rd (Wine festival in Melnik)
Trip rating	easy
Days/nights	7 days/6 nights
What´s include in the price	- Professional bilingual guide - Accommodation in selected hotels and pensions - Support van - Buffet breakfast and dinner included - Luggage transfer - English route descriptions - Detailed cycling maps - Town maps - Global Positioning System (GPS) console - Quality TREK bike rental - Guided tours at chateaux, castles, museums and other select attractions - Special events, including wine tasting and picnics
Distance	141 miles /227 km