Czech Republic: Prague to Dresden Elbe River Bike Tour
Six nights; six days of riding along the Elbe River with varying terrain of hills and valleys.
“At times I wasn’t sure whether I was on a bike tour with good food or a food tour with great biking.” – Steve O.
WHY THIS TRIP?
- Partly traffic-free riding on easy bike paths
- Many small towns and villages along the way
- The ruins of Strekov Castle.
- UNESCO heritage site of Prague.
ROUTE EXPECTATIONS:
An easy downstream ride along the Elbe River with varying terrain of hills and valleys. One short climb (90 metres) on Day 2 after departing Prague. A mixture of backroads with 60% on dedicated bike paths. The last 2 ½ days spent almost entirely on paved bike paths. Total distance is 218km/136 miles. Some lodging is simple, but clean, comfortable, with private bathrooms, and in delightfully small towns.
Daily Distance:
- DAY 1: Introductions
- DAY 2: ~50 km
- DAY 3: ~47 km
- DAY 4: ~50 km
- DAY 5: ~25 km
- DAY 6: ~45 km/li>
- DAY 7: Farewells
Prague to Dresden Elbe River Bike – Elevation Profile
(Click image to enlarge)
Prague to Dresden Elbe River Bike
Activity Levels
The easiest routes we offer, these are generally flat and cover relatively relaxed distances. You will be comfortable riding a hybrid bike, walking in sneakers, or paddling a light kayak, and will normally have time to take many photos and enjoy extended lunches.
This is primarily an easy route, but some days may fall into the moderate category. You can expect time to stop and smell the roses, but some of the rides may be on more hilly terrain.
Requiring moderate fitness levels, these cover terrain with hills and valleys, and tend to include distances of 50-80km (30-50mi.)/day cycling, or 3-6 hours of walking per day. Most Freewheeling Adventures fall into this category, and are suitable for most ability levels.
This is primarily a moderate route, suitable for most ability levels, but some days may be a little more challenging. You can expect some long distances, and/or some big climbs/descents.
The most challenging trips, these include longer distances, bigger hills, long hikes, exposed paddling, and full days of activity. We recommend a higher degree of fitness and training to make the most of the experience.
There is also a rare double black diamond, reserved for only the most difficult adventures.
Start: Prague, Hotel Constans, 17:00, day one.
Finish: Dresden, 09:00, day seven.
Please contact us to arrange alternate plans, if necessary.
Introductions
Meet at your hotel at 17:00 for introductions. Enjoy Prague’s superb architecture during a brief walking tour of the historic city before dinner. D (Meal inclusions provided for guided trips. Self-guided trips include breakfast only).
Hotel Constans, Prague
Prague to Melnik, ~50 km
Start your day with a short vehicle transfer to Troja Chateau, a palace owned by the city of Prague housing 19th century Czech art collections of the City Gallery. As you cycle northward along the Vltava River you will notice a vast landscape of vineyards begin to emerge and understand why Melnik is the center of Bohemia’s wine growing region. The convergence of the Vltava and Elbe rivers as you reach Melnik is breathtaking. BLD
Hotel Bergkristall, or Hotel U Rytire, Melnik
Melnik to Litomerice, 47 km
Cycle through Roudnice nad Labem, a small town on the bank of the Elbe River known for their opulent gardens and palace. Further along you will visit the poignant war memorial of Terezin, a fortress that once served as a ghetto for over 150,000 Jews on their way to concentration camps during WWII. Finish the day with a short ride to picturesque Litomerice. BD
Hotel Apollon, Litomerice
Litomerice to Decin 51 km
Travel along the magnificent valley of the Elbe River. High above the river, near the town of Usti nad Labem, you will glimpse the ruins of Strekov Castle. The castle has served as inspiration for Wagner’s opera Tannhäuser and the literary musings of Goethe. The day finishes in Decin, an important river port on both banks of the Elbe. BL
Hotel Ceska Koruna, Decin
Decin to Bad Schandau 24 km
Today’s shorter cycling distance takes you through the richly forested river valley to the spectacular Bohemian/Saxon Switzerland landscape. Millions of years’ carving by the Elbe River has produced fascinating sandstone formations which are a must-see. Hiking enthusiasts will relish the opportunity to climb the romantic Hrensko gorges along the Czech border. View the spectacular Pravcicka brana, the largest natural stone bridge in Europe, and the driving force behind Hans Christian Anderson’s “The Snow Queen,” before continuing to Bad Schandau, a spa town on the German border. Take advantage of the town’s relaxing spa facilities, or stroll the extensive Botanical Garden. BL
Hotel Lindenhof; or Elbhotel, Bad Schandau
Bad Schandau to Dresden 45 km
Your journey through the intricate sandstone structures of Saxon Switzerland will take you under the massive hilltop fortress of Königstein. Passing world-famous Bastei cliffs rising above the river valley you can start enjoying the swath of peaceful meadows leading to Dresden. BLD
Hotel Suitess; or Steigenberger Hotel de Saxe; or Hotel Rothenburger, Dresden
Dresden & Farewells
Your tour concludes this morning after a leisurely breakfast. We recommend taking time to see the sights in Dresden. The former UNESCO World Heritage Site is teeming with royal buildings, museums and art collections begging to be explored. B
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
SCHEDULED DATES
2023 Guided:
- May 21-27
- Jun 18-24
- Jul 23-29
- Sep 17-23
2024 Guided:
- May 19-25
- Jun 16-22
- Jul 21-27
- Sep 15-21
Self-Guided available any dates, except for those listed above. New dates are also welcomed for guided or private departures.
PRICING
Guided: C 3895 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 4 dinners, luggage handling, van and guide support, maps, route notes, and value added tax
Small groups or private tours, fully supported with drivers/guides and vehicles, all lodging and most meals included. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Self-Guided: C 2895 (per person, double occupancy)
Includes 7 days, 6 nights, 6 breakfasts, luggage transfers, maps, route notes, and value added tax
Semi-supported, independent tours including welcome briefing, lodging, luggage transfers and necessary vehicle transfers. Choose from existing dates or request new departures. Read more on our “What to Expect” page.
Single Occupancy: 575
Bike Rentals:
Hybrid-Fitness: 225
Carbon Racing: 455
Electric-Assist: 455
All details and pricing are subject to change without notice.
Please see above for accurate pricing and inclusions, unless we have proposed a customized trip for you and those details are provided in your custom proposal.
1. Choose an advertised date to join a small group, or see our Join a Group page to see where groups are already forming.
2. Pick your own dates. We will confirm quickly, and are happy to talk with you as you make your choice. If you would like a private guided date, this usually comes at a surcharge depending on the details, please get in touch for more information. If you prefer self-guided, we usually only require two participants to initiate a new date at the advertised price, and can sometimes reduce prices for you if you have four or more.
More Reading:
Steeped in culture, this tour is as much an exploration of history as a journey through lush landscapes. Starting at the heart of Bohemia, Prague boasts rich gothic and baroque architectural works which have made it a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will encounter a plethora of vineyards on the way to Melnik, overlooking the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe rivers. Impressive palaces and gardens along the Elbe lead to the massive strongholds at Terezin, a transit camp for Nazi prisoners which is now home to a moving war memorial. Following the consolation of picturesque Litomerice, you can spy the ruins of Strekov Castle, which has inspired numerous famous artists, writers, and composers throughout time. Wander through Northern Bohemia’s bizarre and fantastic sandstone formations and Bastei cliffs, millions of years in the making, before cycling through lush forests and tranquil meadows to reach Dresden. An easy to moderate level bicycle tour, covering varying terrain of hills and valleys, there is ample opportunity for hiking and climbing world-renowned rock formations.
