Tours

From Prague to Vienna greenways

via Cesky Krumlov

Greenways is the name of the most beautiful bike trail, connecting Prague to Vienna. For the first part of the trail from Prague to Cesky Krumlov, you will travel by minibus or car. We leave Prague early in the morning in order to have sufficient time to explore the best-preserved medieval town in Europe, Cesky Krumlov.
During the following days, we will travel through the lands of the Trebon ponds, and through the woods on the border with Austria called Czech Canada. You will visit the Renaissance towns of Trebon and Telc and many others. The trail will take you through the vineyards of South Moravia, where you will lodge in the cultural centres of the region, Znojmo and Mikulov. The whole trip ends in Vienna. The programme for the tour consists of a ride from Prague to Vienna and ends with a night in Vienna. As the tour does not include accommodation in Prague before the tour, We recommend that you purchase two or three extra nights in Prague before the beginning of the tour. That way you will have enough time to overcome jetlag and explore Prague. We can offer special price for hotels listed on www.avehotels.cz. Ask for details. Some extra nights in Vienna will give you enough time to relax after six demanding days of biking.

Guided Group Tours use a support vehicle for parts of the route that may be too long for some riders. It always depends on the weather, your physical condition, preferences and on the overall fitness of the group or many other circumstances, whether you decide to take advantage of the support vehicle for the remainder of a given daily ride.

We wish you a pleasant trip!

Prague to Dresden

Along the Elbe River

Come with us down the Vltava and Elbe Rivers to visit two important cultural centers in Europe. Prague, since ancient times melting-pot of Czech, German and Jewish ethnic groups and Dresden, seat of the Saxon dukes and Florence of the North. Both towns have a very long history and visiting them will fill you up with very strong cultural memories for a long time. The same way as the rivers flow, we will ride along them through a beautiful countryside full of picturesque towns such as Melnik, Litomerice or Bad Schandau. The tour will take us through natural beauties of bizarre Czech-Saxon Switzerland NP, as well as through romantic region of former volcanoes of the Czech Middle Mountains. The last kilometers will take us through cultural regions of the Dresden Valley of the Elbe River. Connecting two European centers, as well as the beauties of the Vltava and Elbe River basins, yields a very attractive, but not physically demanding tour manageable even by less fit bikers. As a bonus you can enjoy boat trip or half day hiking in the Czech Saxon Switzerland.

Cesky Krumlov to Prague

Along the Vltava River

This tour begins in the vicinity of Sumava National Park, located in the south of Bohemia and follows the Vltava River through beautiful, scenic landscapes to Prague, the historic capital of the Czech Republic.

Taking a trip following the most important Bohemian river is an excellent choice because it naturally takes you to the places that used to be the centers of cultural life in the country during the Middle Ages.

The trip starts in Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO heritage site. Not only is it a fascinating medieval center, but the cultural life and history of this beautiful well-preserved town is truly unique. Another world-famous stop on your trip will be Ceske Budejovice, which gave its name to Budweiser beer or visit of Hluboka chateau. Other attractions to be visited are Pisek, a town with a remarkable historical center and the oldest stone bridge in the Czech Republic. The royal castle of Zvíkov stands high above the confluence of the rivers Vltava and Otava. Close to Pribram, a town with a long history of silver mining and more recently of uranium mining during the twentieth century stands Saint Mountain with its pilgrimage Church of the Virgin Mary dating from the 16th century. The last but one night you will spend in Karlstejn village with its spectacularly-located fourteenth-century Gothic castle. Cycling tour ends by arriving at your hotel in Prague.

The route follows small country roads with virtually no traffic and off-road biking trails with firm surfaces.

We wish you a pleasant trip!

Bohemian UNESCO

Pearls of Bohemia

The route of this tour leads through three of the most attractive towns of the Czech Republic. Due to their exceptional cultural and historical value, these towns have been recorded in the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List. In Renaissance Telc, where our bike tour begins, you will have the chance to admire the renowned square and castle with its royal garden. Cesky Krumlov is recorded on the UNESCO list as the best preserved medieval town in the whole of central Europe. It is the home of the second largest chateau in the Czech Republic with a uniquely preserved Baroque theatre, royal garden and open-air theatre with a revolving auditorium. The historical centre of Prague has become the most visited town in Europe following the fall of Communism. In addition to these three UNESCO towns, you will spend nights in Jindrichuv Hradec, the seat of the region’s administration, and in the Renaissance town of Trebon, a famous spa resort. Both towns have a millennium-long history, Renaissance chateaus and many other Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque monuments. The route will take you through České Budějovice, the town that gave its name to Budweiser beer. You will certainly not want to miss the opportunity of tasting the beer in its hometown, where it has been brewed for over 600 years. After a tour of the city we will ride the remaining 12 km to Hluboká Chateau. The bike trail ends at Hluboká chateau from where you will travel in the AVE minibus back to Prague. We have planned for you to stay for two nights in Cesky Krumlov, in order to give you sufficient opportunity to relax and to get to know this jewel in tourist crown more intimately.

The tour will take you through many diverse landscapes. Sometimes you will have to conquer hills, which will be replaced by flatlands around rivers and ponds. The itinerary is designed to be a gentle ride with a balance of cycling and sightseeing. Take it easy, take your time, it is your holiday, after all!

Along the Elbe river

Elbe Spring to Prague

Take a ride down from the top of the highest mountains in Czech republic - the Giant Mountains - to our capital city of Prague. This route along the Elbe River will take you through the natural reservation and a picturesque dam, Les Kralovstvi, where fairytale feelings will surround you. After a night in Dvur Kralove you will cycle through the rich cultural site of Kuks. As well as Braun´s sculptures of Virtues and Vices, it is well worth visiting a unique Baroque monument comprising a spa, a chateau and a hospital with a drama theatre. For another night we stay in one of the oldest settlements in Hradec Kralove. It is then a short distance to another important city of eastern Bohemia, Pardubice, giving you plenty of time to visit Kuneticka Hora, a castle on an 80m high hill surrounded by flat farmlands, and the nearby Museum of Fairy Stories and Ginger Bread. We will stay the night in the city of Pardubice. This city is well known for the annual Velka Pardubicka Steeplechase.

Over the centuries, picturesque towns and villages have grown along the Elbe River like shiny and lustrous pearls threaded on a string. After a lazy day you cycle from Pardubice to Kutna Hora, the city with a long history and on UNESCO Heritage list. Through Podebrady - a famous spa town with healthy carbonic mineral water you cycle to Nymburk. Do not forget to take a look at its preserved ancient brick fortifications here. Those interested in history and architecture should make a stop at the open-air museum in Prerov nad Labem on the last cycling day. From here the recommended cycling route will then lead you directly to your hotel in the center of Prague.

Bohemian Rhapsody

Through Cesky kras nature reserve

The Vltava River is the most significant Bohemian river - rising in the south of the country, running through Prague, and eventually flowing into the Elbe (Labe) River to the north. It is immortalized in Smetana's tone poem, Ma Vlast. The Berounka River is a tributary of the Vltava. The meeting of the two rivers is just 12 km south from the centre of Prague. The river valleys are picturesque countryside, with many forested areas, gently undulating hills and small villages. You will visit the world-renowned Karlstejn Castle, an impressive 600m-deep complex of limestone caves, a romantic and canyonesque former quarry, many medieval and Renaissance towns and villages, characteristic pubs and restaurants and many other sights.

You will cycle directly from Prague to the pretty village of Karlstejn, 30km from Prague. You will stay here for three of the biking days and each day you will cycle to an interesting historical or natural site. You will enjoy your lunches in charming village pubs and restaurants on the way and you will take your time enjoying the landscape and learning a lot about this beautiful region, which has not yet been discovered by mass tourism. You will visit many fascinating locations that you would not get to see on a regular bus tour!

The trails are mostly paved, but you will also cycle on forest trails and some more difficult surfaces.

The tour is mostly easy except for two moderate trips from your Karlstejn hotel. The itinerary is designed as a leisure - sporting ride with a balance of cycling and sightseeing.

This tour is the shortest and easiest bicycle tour offered by AVE Travel. This is reflected in the price, so this is also the cheapest AVE guided and self-led bicycle tour.

The trip finishes in Prague, one of the most famous and beautiful central European cities. You can explore this fascinating and lively city, full of culture and history.

Bohemian Adventure

Cycle, sail and hike

What makes this tour different is the combination of canoeing, cycling and hiking. You can build your own tour as you wish. It is you who decide how far you would like to travel each day by canoe and by bike.

For the first part of the tour from Prague to Cesky Krumlov you will travel by minibus or car. On Guided Group tours we leave Prague in the morning. On Self Guided tours you can choose your departure time. Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO heritage site, is not only a fascinating medieval center, but the cultural life and history of this beautifully well-preserved town is truly unique.
For the next day you can decide how far you would like to travel downriver by canoe or life-raft. Distances can vary from 2 to 35 km (1-21 miles). We will convey you to the starting point. The river trip ends at the boat rental agency in Cesky Krumlov, which is within walking distance from your hotel.

The next day you cycle from Cesky Krumlov to another world-famous town - Ceske Budejovice, which gave its name to Budweiser beer, and then on to Hluboka nad Vltavou. You will certainly not want to miss the opportunity of tasting Budweiser beer in its hometown, where it has been brewed for over 600 years. After a tour of the city, we will ride the remaining 12 km to Hluboka nad Vltavou where we stay for the night. This little town is famous for its chateau. The neo-gothic Chateau Hluboka is perhaps the most romantic chateau in the Czech Republic. The second cycling day will take you through rolling forest and farmlands to Pisek, a town with a remarkable historical center and the oldest stone bridge in central Europe.

If you have had enough of cycling, you can choose to hike 30 km to Zvikov. The royal castle of Zvíkov stands high above the confluence of the rivers Vltava and Otava. From here you can take a boat to Orlik Castle. The voyage takes around 45 minutes. Or you can cycle from Pisek to Orlik (33 km / 20 miles). Our shuttle will take you from Orlik back to Prague (85 km /50 miles). The hiking or cycling distance on this day can be modified according to your wishes.

Along Morava River

From hills to vineyards

8-days / 7 nights - 6 biking days

Guided group or Self-guided individual tour

Length: 320 km / 190 miles

The grade of difficulty: Easy to moderate

Route - this route combines special cycling paths with roads without traffic. The profile is mostly slightly downhill or flat. There are virtually no up-hill climbs so this route is particularly suitable for less experienced cyclists as well as for whole families.

We would like to invite you to join our NEW tour across the district of Moravia. This tour is a unique chance to explore an area that is not so touristy but a more authentic area with plenty of cultural monuments and nice natural resorts by not so experienced cyclists.

This route along the Morava river will take you from the northern mountain region of Jeseniky, not so far from the border with Poland, to the southern region of wine production at Valtice - Lednice, on the border with Austria in the south.

We will take you from Prague to Horni Morava - a mountain region. Next day we will start a slight 40 km descent to Šumperk. You will have a similarly easy profile each day. On the way to the wine region of the Lednice - Valtice complex we will visit Olomouc - the ecclesiastical metropolis and historical capital city of Moravia, Kroměříž - with the well-known Baroque Kroměříž Bishop's Palace, the microregion of Slovácko with the town of Strážnice which holds a popular international folklore festival every June. During the tour you will have the opportunity to visit several museums, castle and châteaus, some of them among the most interesting and historical in the country.

The standard programme ends in Prague again.

We wish you a pleasant trip!

From Prague to Krakow

6 UNESCO world heritage sites ahead

Length: Two options: 9days/8nights or 12 Days/11 Nights
Distance: 478 Km (300 mil) /643 Km (400 mil)
Difficulty: Moderate

Come ride with us to explore Prague and Krakow - the ancient capitals of the Czech Lands and Poland - and the unique cultures between them. This important route is framed with 6 UNESCO world heritage sites, numerous castles and plenty of little towns and hidden villages!

The tour starts with a pedal from Prague to the Elbe river to follow it upstream. On the way we do not miss the famous Kutná Hora, once the largest silver mine in Europe, nowadays charming medieval town! Departing the Elbe, the route offers us colorful towns like Litomyšl or Moravská Třebová and mighty castles crowned by the fairytale-like Bouzov. Crossing the wooded and peaceful highlands, we descend to the old Moravian capital Olomouc. Integral to Central European history, this beautiful city is sometimes called " The Small Prague". Next we meander to the foot of the Beskydy mountains, enjoying their fantastic panorama before the route introduces us to picturesque towns like Hranice or Štramberk. Entering Poland through the Těšínsko region, we bike this lake-filled land to admire the old town of Pszyna with it's chateau and open-air museum. Recent history obliges us to visit Oswieczim (Auschwitz) with its dreadful WWII history and nearby Nazi concentration camp. From here we continue through gentle landscapes along the Amber trail to the historical capital Krakow to admire its old town and the regal Wawel castle.

Hungarian Rhapsody

Easy route to Budapest

8 days / 7 nights - 6 biking days
Self-guided individual tour
Length 340 km / 200 miles
Grade of difficulty:
Level 1-2; the tour is mostly flat and sometimes slightly hilly. The Austrian section follows well-maintained and equipped cycling paths, in Hungary you will often cycle on country back and side roads. Upon entering and leaving cities there is traffic that must be closely observed.

Route
The cycle tour from Vienna to Budapest is a very diverse adventure with majestical highlights. Your tour starts in Vienna, the “City of Music and Charm”. The Slovakian capital Bratislava invites you for shopping and sightseeing tours in the picturesque old-town. Hungary’s metropolis and capital Budapest is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe and it is the crowning highlight to your extraordinary journey. This tour is a natural and cultural expedition that is mostly set away from touristic centres and is “off the beaten track”. Untouched nature, unknown artistic treasures and cultural monuments can be found along the route between Vienna and Budapest.
Cycle along the seemingly infinite and vast widths of the Hungarian lowlands and you can also visit the famous Arabian National Stud in Babolna where you explore the secrets and techniques of traditional horse breeding. The basilica in Esztergom is the largest Catholic cathedral in Hungary and it is home to many artistic treasures and historical jewels. Enjoy the friendly people and the welcoming Hungarian hospitality.

Highlights

• 3 capitals: Vienna, Bratislava, Budapest
• Donauauen National Park
• Archaeological Park Carnuntum
• Basilica in Esztergom
• Danube Bend
• Artist town Szentendre

Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path

Along Danube River

8-days / 7 nights - 6 biking days
Self-guided individual tour
Length 290 km / 180 miles
Grade of difficulty:
Easy - the cycling path is completely paved from one end to the other, flat, almost always directly along the riverbank, very suitable for beginners and children. -

Route
Alongside of the "blue" Danube lies the renowned and most famous cycling path in Europe. Passau to Vienna is an absolute cycling classic. Discover the enchanting river landscape,
picturesque villages, lush vineyards and countless cultural sites from the time of the Romans and Nibelungengau. As you cycle comfortably along the banks of the mighty river, enjoy the wooded forests and the magical meadows of the Schlögener Loop, Strudengau, Nibelungengau and Wachau, as each region offers its own impressive and unique attractions. Art and cultural features convey myths and stories of the past while quaint accommodations and taverns invite you to relax in the culinary world of Austria. The welcoming Austrian hospitality and the scrumptious Austrian cuisine add to this absolutely remarkable experience.

Highlights

• Passau
• Great Danube Loop
• Linz – Capital of Upper Austria
• Grein - City Theatre
• Wachau
• Abbey of Melk
• Krems
• Waltz metropole Vienna

The Islands of Southern Dalmatia

Island Hopping (from/to Trogir)

Our cycle-tours in Southern Dalmatia, which is the smallest and most sparsely populated region of Croatia, will take us past unique little towns and the beautiful island countryside. These tours will let us experience the beautiful island of Korčula with its picturesquely situated old township, the island Vis- situated far outside at the sea- and the beautiful lavender island of Hvar. Stroll around Hvar town with its mighty fortress and enjoy the calmness of the artist’s town Stari Grad. Our tour guide explains us the towns of Trogir, Hvar, Stari Grad and Korčula, which are almost all protected under UNESCO‘s World Heritage list. This tour is often offered parallel to the mountain bike cruise in Southern Dalmatia on the same boat. In this case one tour guide will cycle with the mountain bikers while the other will accompany the hybrid
cyclists. Due to changing wind and weather conditions as well as organizational requirements the tour could be conducted in reverse order.

Cycling Cruise Kvarner Bay

Experience the Charm of the Adriatic Coast

Guarded by the towering Velebit mountain range in the east and hugged by the Istria Peninsula in the northwest lie the Kvarner bay islands. Quiet coves of crystal clear water surround the dramatic landscapes of the Kvaner bay islands; green hills and rocky moon landscapes give way to small harbour towns rich in history and culture. Discover the charm of the Adriatic Sea for yourself by bike and boat on board one of our romantic motor yachts.

The day begins with a well-rounded breakfast leaving you fit to explore the diversity of the Kvarner bay islands on a guided bike tour. Be it the medieval city of Rab, the car-free road in the sky on Dugi Otok or the contemplative life of the dwellers on the flower island of Molat, each day brings with it new discoveries. Evenings are mostly spent in picturesque harbour towns with winding alleyways where a great range of bars and cafes stand host for a relaxing evening.
Often a mountain bike tour will run parallel to this tour on board the same ship in which case one tour guide will be allocated per group.

Loire Valley

Classic tour Orléans-Saumur

The Loire Valley, also known as “garden of France”, is a charming land of vineyards, flowers and rolling green hills, which will enchant you with its more than two hundred castles and luxuriant natural landscapes. It will be like riding in a fairy tale, in a picturesque countryside dotted with romantic châteaux, providing regular interludes to the cycling. While you marvel at this medieval splendour, don’t forget to try the region’s sumptuous cuisine and famous wines, for a true royal holiday experience!

Provence and Camargue

Roman sites and Van Gogh landscapes

In this tour you have the possibility to explore by bike the southern part of France. Historically, Provence was important to the Celts, Greeks and Romans, which added to the layers of rovencal life, while in more modern times the Provence landscape inspired artists like Van Gogh and Cézanne. You’ll cycle along quiet roads with breathtaking scenery and discover many elightful hilltop villages, among vineyards and orchards. Then you’ll enter the Camargue region, a dramatic river delta, home to flamingos, wild horses and countless bird species. You’ll find it difficult not to fall in love with these landscapes!

From Venice to Mantua

Along the Po river

This tour offers you a unique opportunity to experience by bike the North of Italy along the Po valley, following the course of the Po, the longest Italian river. You start with a full free day in Venice, before setting sail to explore the Venice lagoon and the bustling fish market of Chioggia. Cycling along waterways and through hamlets, you ride in the Po Delta, a unique wetland park which is the prime reserve in Europe for herons and home to several colonies of flamingos. Further on you’ll discover Adria, which gave the name to the Adriatic Sea, and Ferrara, the town of cyclists. Finally, you have the chance to discover the enchanting Renaissance town of Mantua, considered Italy’s “sleeping beauty”.

Ionian Islands

Odysseus’ Homeland from/to Corfu

On our bicycle cruise on the Ionian Islands off the west coast of Greece, Hellas shows her greenest side: Pure nature, the crystal clear blue shimmering Ionian Sea and centuries of Venetian influences dominate the archipelago of the Ionian Islands.

From Corfu, which was the dream island of the unforgettable Austrian Empress Sissi, this journey leads us to regions which are not very well known abroad. Discover the famous island of Ithaca which is said to have been the home of Odysseus, the unforgettable green bird sanctuary island of Lefkas, the fantastic mountain world of Cephalonia and the beautiful olive woods of the small island of Paxos.

Enjoy your boat and bike trip through the Ionian Islands and let yourself be pampered by the excellent Greek cuisine and the coziness of the ship!

Highlights
• Culture: Ithaca - the home of Odysseus
• Nature: Porto Katsiki on Lefkas, one of the most spectacular beaches of Greece
• Activity: Cycling tour through the mountains of Cephalonia
• Culinary: Kleftiko - lamb and rice noodles in the clay pot
• Souvenirs: Olive oil and soap from Paxos

Cyclade Islands

Cyclade Islands

The Cyclades, an archipelago comprised of more than 30 islands, is the cradle of the first European civilised society 5,000 years ago.

It is also here that Greece shows its most unadulterated side in all its diversity: Gleaming white cubic houses with blue shutters and labyrinth lanes give the typical architectonic flavour to the island towns. The mostly ragged coastlines show impressive geological formations, turquoise-blue sea and fantastic sand beaches.

Experience on this cycle vacation through the Cyclades the fascinating mixture between antiquity and modern times by boat or in the saddle of your bike or e-bike and imbibe the beauty of the central archipelago of the Greek Aegean.

Highlights
Culture: Archaeological sites of Delos, birthplace of the gods Apollo and Artemis
Nature: Rugges coats with impressice geological, formations and fantastic sand beaches
Activity: A walk through Little-Venice to the famous windmill of Mykonos-Town
Culinary: Sheep's cheese in flaky pastry with honey & sesame
Souvenirs: Colourful pottery from Sifnos

From Dresden to Berlin

Extension of Prague to Dresden

8-days / 7 nights - 6 biking days

Guided group or Self-guided individual tour

Length: 315 km / 190 miles

The grade of difficulty: Easy

Along the Elbe and on the flat and well-asphalted Elbe Cycle Path, the tour takes you initially from Dresden to the world famous town of Porcelain – Meißen, the residence city Torgau up until Lutherstadt Wittenberg. There, you can follow the tracks of Reformation. In order to reach Berlin, you then leave the Elbe Cycle Path and take the Europe Biking Path R1 (also called Euro-Route R1) northwards.

It leads you through countryside and forests and you eventually pass the natural reserve Hoher Fläming. With a bit of luck, you can catch sight of the last remaining Great Bustards in Germany. Very soon, you reach the lowlands of Bad Belzig and it begins to become flattered again. You continue passing the city of Beelitz, which is known for its asparagus all over Germany. Maybe you have the chance to try some of the delicious and freshly-stung vegetables?!