Prague to Budapest Ride

The tour starts in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, in the late afternoon. A short walking tour is included in the evening as we head out for dinner. If you wish to explore this beautiful city in more detail, we recommend booking an extra night pre-tour. If you're interested in visiting the top city attractions, such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or Wenceslas Square, your leader can also point out highlights on free maps from the hotel. Prague is also the perfect place to just wander; cut through the alleys of the pretty Old Town, sample Czech beer or try the hearty local cuisine. Stay: Hotel Lunik (or similar).

We transfer 93mi (150km) to Ceske Budejovice to collect our bikes. Our first day is a relatively short one to warm us up, as we cycle to Cesky Krumlov on the Vltava River. A feature of the old town here is the narrow, crooked streets and the gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. There may be time to visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, one of the largest in Central Europe, which overlooks the town from a strategic position on a horseshoe bend in the river. Stay: Penzion Prelat (or similar) (B).

Leaving Cesky Krumlov behind, we head into the hilly countryside. Our route flattens as we enter the Trebon Basin, a lowland area of forests, meadows and lakes. Our destination is Trebon, a medieval town of Renaissance architecture, now also known as a spa town. There is also a neo-gothic tomb in an English-style park plus cafes and restaurants in which to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. Many local dishes here make use of Trebon carp. Transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to our hotel in Jindrichuv Hradec. Stay: Hotel Concertino (or similar) (B).

Today we pass several human-made lakes as we follow sections of the Greenways Trail, part of a network of hiking and cycling trails in the Czech Republic (Czechia) and Austria. Our ride finishes at the Renaissance town of Telc, registered on the Unesco Cultural Heritage List in 1992. From here we transfer (approximately one hour) to Znojmo on the banks of the river Dyje, often seen as the gateway to the wine-making area of South Moravia. Stay: Hotel Lahofer (or similar) (B).

Today's ride aims to discover the rich fertile flatland of the Moravia region, home to an abundance of vineyards and wine cellars. We cycle until Mikulov, a real gem directly on the border with Lower Austria. Worth visiting are the pretty castle, town square and surrounding architecture.

In the evening we go wine tasting. Overnight in Mikulov. Stay: Hotel Galant (or similar) (B).

Today we enter Austria through the Unesco grounds of Lednice, known as the Versailles of southern Moravia; we continue to the wine-producing town of Poysdorf, from where we transfer the final 29mi (47km) to Vienna. Once checked into our accommodation, the city centre is a short metro ride away or approximately a 20-minute walk. The Austrian capital is a hub for architecture, history and culture with a lively cafe and bar scene and great restaurants. Stay: Hotel Boltzmann (or similar) (B).

Today is free to explore the former imperial city of Vienna. The old centre is bursting with cultural, historic and architectural wonders as it was the former HQ of the Hapsburg Empire. The city is brimming with sights, including the majestic Schoenbrunn Palace (summer palace of the Hapsburgs), the popular Kunsthistoriches Museum and Hundertwasser Hause plus countless breath-taking churches, cathedrals and concert halls.

No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to one of the many famous cafes for coffee and cake or soaking up all the culture this city has to offer in one of the many parks or beer gardens. An optional guided bike ride around the city is available for those who prefer a more active morning. Stay: Hotel Boltzmann (or similar) (B).

We join the Danube Cycle Path, following a quiet route out of the city and into Donauauen National Park, past the red-tiled turrets of Castle Orth and the chateau at Eckartsau. We cross the border at the town of Hainburg and enter Slovakia, winding our way towards the capital Bratislava, strategically positioned along the Danube. Stay: Hotel Falkensteiner (or similar) (B).

In the morning, we have time to explore Bratislava, wandering through the narrow cobbled streets of the old town. Occupying a spot on the Danube, it has previously been an important economic, cultural and political centre of Central Europe. The compact old town is packed with beautiful 18th-century buildings and sights, including St Michael's Gate and the medieval city walls. We then continue our ride, crossing the border into Hungary, cycling through peaceful rolling countryside before arriving in Hedervar, a village of around 2,000 inhabitants. From here, we transfer to our hotel in the pretty town of Esztergom. Stay: Panzio Bazilika (or similar) (B).

We depart Esztergom mid-morning and begin the ride with a 2. 5mi (4km) section of cycle path alongside the Danube before joining the road. Our route meanders over rolling countryside and through rural villages until we reach Vac, where our cycling ends. From here we transfer approximately 45 minutes to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, home to hot springs and delicious Magyar cuisine. The remainder of the day is free to explore this grand city situated majestically along the Danube. Budapest is a history and architecture lover's dream.

It offers an eclectic mix of attractions, including the Szechenyi Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe; Fisherman's Bastion, for breath-taking views of the Danube and Parliament building; the House of Terror Museum, where you can learn about the city's dark Communist period; or simply enjoy a glass of excellent Hungarian wine in a local cafe. Stay: Hotel Benczur or Hotel Verdi (B).

The trip ends this morning after breakfast. If you wish to explore this fascinating city more, we recommend booking an extra night post-tour. Please ask your sales representative for more details (B).