Escorted  Tours - Czech Republic & Hungary

Bicycling Through History – Sep 2 – 19, 2004

Itinerary:  Prague to Budapest (Czech Republic to Hungary)

Trip Leader Audrey Wass, Asst Leader Steve Estvanik

Last revised 2 Feb 2004

We’ll spend 12 days bicycling from Prague to Budapest, covering about 35-50 miles per day, staying at hotels along the way.  We have 2 additional days to explore the fascinating and beautiful cities of Prague and Budapest.  We visit medieval and Renaissance villages such as Cesky Kremlov and Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage site.   On bicycle we visit and explore less traveled roads and villages, with time to meet local people.  Leaving Prague for some cycling in South Bohemia, two castles await you, Orlik and Hluboka.  Discover Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO protected town.  Surrounded by hills and forests and winding roads, you will be cycling to this area's various points of interest; Lipno Dam, along the Vltava River, to the monastery at Vyssi Brod, or to the castle town of Rozmberk.  The spa town of Trebon offers relaxing cycling among its lakes and canal system.  Binoculars are recommended, as the area is a wetland attracting a large variety of water fowl. As you cycle along, consider that this entire area was transformed from swampland into a productive and sustainable habitat, back in the 16th century.   Telc is another UNESCO town we explore.  From here, cycle to the less well-preserved town of Slavonice, whose renaissance architecture remains.  There are more cycling opportunities in the empty, rolling, forested hills of Cesky Canada, the least populated and wildest area in the Czech Republic. Moving east to Moravia, you will cycle in and around the Pavlov Highlands, a UNESCO protected Biosphere Reserve.  The area also offers opportunities to explore two enormous baroque estates, Lednice and Valtice, and the well-preserved town of Mikulov.  Cycling along the Morava River eventually leads us to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia.  You will enjoy the wonderful Hungarian cuisine when we stay at a spa town near the border.  Along the Danube our journey continues, through Gyor and Estergom, finally arriving at the ancient and enduring city of Budapest.   All luggage is carried by an accompanying vehicle.  Bicycling is on relatively traffic free roads, and is of moderate difficulty. 

 For questions email audrey@cascoly.com  or call 206 523 6135.     

 PRICE INCLUDES   

3 or 4 star hotel accommodation in double occupancy 

Bicycle provided (members should bring their own helmets)

Transportation as required.

R/T transfers to and from airport

Most meals (all but 5 lunches, 2 dinners)

Most meals: 3 meals a day on bike portion (days 4-15) ( 1 dinner in Cesky Krumlov and 1 dinner in Mossonmagyarovar on own).   Breakfast only in Prague and Budapest.

Entrance fees for sites indicated.

English speaking guide

Group tips for hotel staff, porters

PRICE EXCLUDES

International airfare Portland/Seattle to Prague, return from Budapest (estimated at $900-1200).

Beverages at lunch and dinner ($1-3 per day)

Single Supplement $380  

Trip insurance (estimated about $100)

Tips to guide & driver

Personal expenses  (Phone, internet, laundry, and similar items)

 Email us for detailed itinerary and pricing.