Salzburg to Prague

After making your own way to the birthplace of Mozart, welcome yourself in this cultural city by wandering round the backstreets and traditional squares; why not stop at one of the famous coffee shops for a taste of an Austrian speciality? It would be impossible not to have an amazing cultural experience in this city.

After reluctantly saying goodbye to Mozart’s city, it is time to start your journey. Your first place of interest will be the Salzburger Flachgau. Passing the historic railway route from Salzburg to Bad Ischl, you will see picturesque places like Eugendorf and Thalgau on route. Your lunch-time break will be in Mondsee or “Moon Lake”, which is the perfect location for it! After refuelling your belly Lake Wolfgang will soon come into your sights. Mozart also had a heavy influence on this area which can be seen today.

The morning will start off with a route along the banks of Lake Wolfgang, where you can happily take a refreshing dip. From here you will head along the Ischler Ache River which will lead you to the imperial city of Bad Ischl. Here you will have some time to appreciate the imperial villa, or perhaps grab a snack in one of the numerous shops. From here the river Traun will be your guide until you reach Ebensee on the southern part of Traunsee. Following the shoreline of Traunsee until you get to Gmunden, you could also opt to do this part by boat. Gmunden is the last place you will be in the Salzkammergut, from here you will be heading to the upper Australian provincial capital of Linz.

In the morning you’ll be taking a train from Linz to Mühlviertel. From here you will be cycling among hills with some steeper climbs providing beautiful views, which will take you to the border of the Czech Republic. Your first stop in your new country will be the Lipno Reservoir, perfect for a refreshing paddle. From here you will go along the Vltava which will take you to your home for the night of Český Krumlov.

The cycling time on day 5 is deliberately shorter so that you have time to visit two of the Czech Republic’s beautiful cities. Český Krumlov has had UNESCO World Heritage Site status since 1992 and is truly not worth missing. The snaking streets are filled with charm and hidden quirks to be discovered. On route today you’ll also pass by numerous quaint, rural villages. Your destination for the night is the Bohemian city of České Budějovice, where you can enjoy a famous Budweiser beer in its hometown.

Enjoy a last morning of exploring České Budějovice, a city with so much more to offer than just the famous Budweiser. The royal city dates to the 13^th century and is now a large city of 100,000 residents. Visit the exciting marketplace with the beautiful Samson fountain, as well as gorgeous gothic and renaissance houses. You will then head on your way along the Vtlava and the journey isn’t without its own charms.  Pass the Hluboká castle, sitting protectively on a hill looking down on the Vtlava. It was renovated in a neo-Gothic style and was based on the design of the Windsor castle. As you continue to Písek the scenery provides views of river and rural views as you head by the Otava river which is known as “gold-bearing”.

Today will entail another day of heading through the natural Vtlava landscape, the route on which you will see the Zvíkov castle, which sits fascinatingly on a promontory between the Otava and Vtlava river. In the Middle Ages the castle was one of the most important and difficult to conquer in Bohemia. From here you will continue until you get to Orlík, a castle also distinctly placed on a cliff above the river that was styled by the Schwarzenberger family and gives a look into the lifestyle of 19^th century aristocracy. From here you will continue through dense, beautiful forest. Around Milešov you can see the Vtlava Reservoir and some small bohemian villages that you will glide through, until you reach your destination for the day.

Today’s cycling will entail rolling hills whilst passing by sleepy scattered bohemian villages. These houses can be characterised by wood-clad gables and dahlias, accompanied by herbs growing by the side of the road. Take a short break in one of the numerous inns offering cold bohemian beer. You’ll no doubt be looking forward to your arrival in Prague where the scenery dramatically changed. Nicknamed the “Golden City”, the Czech capital is renowned for its music and history, Kafka and Kisch, beer and dumplings with roast pork. Since 1992 the centre has been a UNSCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy architecture such as historic buildings, snaking alleys in the historic quarter, the Charles Bridge and Prague Castle.

Have a last breakfast and then your tour will come to an end. We can assist you in arranging a transfer.