Day 1: Prague
Individual arrival in the charming city of Prague. You can relax and explore the city on your own, or book a guided day tour.
Day 2: Prague – Mělník (53 km)
Our journey starts from the charming city of Prague. But first we will take a peek at the elegant and restored Trója Castle and its royal gardens, before starting to pedal at the foot of the Prague Hills. Your tour will then continue to a pearl of the Renaissance, Nelahozeves Castle. Feel free to enter the courtyard to admire its architecture, also pay attention to the small house next door, in the shadow of the castle, is the birthplace of the composer Antonín Dvořák. From Nelahozeves, it’s a step to get to Veltrusy Castle and its Romantic-style park. Take some time to wander among the hidden statues and monuments of the park nestled in the woods, or continue along the main road towards Hořín, whose canal is a monument to 19th-century technology and architecture. We finish our first day of cycling with a glass of wine, in fact this region is one of the most important centers for wine production in the Czech Republic.
Day 3: Mělník – Litoměřice (52 km)
Today the bike tour takes you to the most fertile area of the Czech Republic, the Elbe plain, also known as The Czech Garden. For most of the day, you will be able to see the volcanic relief Říp, a hill from which, it is said, the first Slavs arrived in Bohemia, at the time Czech territory). Take a moment to watch the champions train rowing boats in the Račice sports complex, before continuing to cycle to Roudnice, one of the oldest cities in the Czech Republic and an ideal place for a leisurely lunch. From Roudnice, it is a short step to reach the Romanesque monastery of Doksany and, further away, the impressive 18th century fortress of Terezín. Unfortunately, nowadays, this place is known to have been a concentration camp during the Second World War, testifying to the dark side of the 19th century. A good ending to this day, you can find it along the river in the capital of the region, the city of Litoměřice, where you will spend the night.
Day 4: Litoměřice – Děčín (52 km)
On the third day, you will continue to the romantic Czech Central Mountains region. This ancient volcanic region developed around the river that runs through the valley crossed by our route. Several medieval castles appear to visitors from the top of the volcanic relief. You will travel along the ancient trade route along the Labe River, which connects the Czech Republic to the Saxony region. Here you will enter the Czech Central Mountains area, through the so-called Bohemian Gate. From here continue to Žernoseky, a village known for its wine production and its Baroque castle. Our next point of interest is more modern: the Masaryk embankment, followed by the ancient ruins of Střekov Castle, which magically developed above the town of Ústí. In Ústí, you can admire the northernmost tower in the Alps. Its inclination is due to a massive bombing from the end of the Second World War. Further afield, Velké Březno Castle is an elegant testimony of imperial architecture in Czech territory. You will end your bike tour in the town of Děčín, dominated by the beautiful castle.
Day 5: Děčín – Bad Schandau (25 km)
Today we will leave the bike for a moment to discover the picturesque landscapes of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The cycle path is framed by imposing sandstone walls and spurs. Before arriving in Hřensko, you can spend the day having an excursion in this beautiful area. Then, there are several options: you can take an excursion to see the largest natural arch in Central Europe, Pravčická brán (Pravčice bridge), with a spectacular view of the surrounding area, or take a break by taking a walk in total relaxation or take a gondola for a ride on the clear Kamenice River. The third option is to combine these two excursions into one itinerary.
Day 6: Bad Schandau – Dresden (40 km)
Today we will leave the bike for a moment to discover the picturesque landscapes of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The cycle path is framed by imposing sandstone walls and spurs. Before arriving in Hřensko, you can dedicate the whole day to an excursion in this beautiful area. Then, there are several options: you can take an excursion to see the largest natural arch in Central Europe, Pravčická brán (Pravčice bridge), with a spectacular view of the surrounding area, or take a break by taking a walk in total relaxation or take a gondola for a ride on the clear Kamenice River. The third option is to combine these two excursions into one itinerary.
Day 7: Dresden – Riesa (52 km)
Cycling along the Elbe in Saxony is like living in a fairy tale that takes you back to ancient times. Pedaling comfortably along the banks of the great river you can admire the surrounding castles, chateaux and monasteries. The view of the rolling hills that flank the river offers a beautiful panorama to see and visit. The first stop will be the picturesque town of Meißen, with its beautiful old town, castles and its famous porcelain. Further away, continuing to pedal along the Elbe, you will encounter a UNESCO World Heritage valley. Finally you will arrive at the town of Riesa, where you will spend the night.
Day 8: Riesa – Torgau (53 km)
Today you will cycle along the banks of the Elbe, take some time to admire the calm river waters and the local fauna. Along the way, you will come across some ancient villas such as Strehla Castle and Mühlberg Castle. Finally you will arrive at the ancient fortress city of Torgau.
Day 9: Torgau – Lutherstadt Witenberg (58 km)
Today another quiet day awaits for you along the Elbe. The route now becomes a little wilder, with some castles such as Lichtenburg, Pretsch and Klöden. To make the tour more fun, take some ferries to cross the Elbe. You will finally cycle through the so-called Martin Luther Land, before arriving at the final destination of our tour today. Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the cradle of the Protestant Reformation and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offers many places to visit and is still a welcoming, human-sized town.
Day 10: Lutherstadt Wittenberg – Bad Belzig (54 km)
Today is the last day along the Elbe, you will follow the river until you get in Coswig. Enjoy the landscapes dominated by rolling hills and pine forests. Today’s destination is a small town called Bad Belzig, dominated by a magnificent castle with a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside.
Optional: for those interested in the Bauhaus, it is possible to reach Desau either by bike or by train, and then return to Coswig.
Day 11: Bad Belzig – Potsdam (59 km)
On this day you will have many possibilities. You can start from Bad Belzig by crossing the forest and following the Asparagus Route. This will bring you to Schwielowsee, the southernmost lake in the Potsdam area, also known as the German Versailles, famous for the many palaces and parks built as the residence of the Prussian kings.
Day 12: Potsdam – Berlin (38 km)
Today, as your last day, you can choose to stay in Potsdam one more day for a more in-depth tour of the city, or head directly to Berlin. In both cases you can opt for the fast train, which will eventually save you the train compared to the bicycle. Alternatively, you can follow the Havel River to where it merges with the Spree, and continue to the center of Berlin to better explore this vibrant European capital. At the end of the stage, end of the services. Possibility to book one or more extra nights in Berlin.