8 Days & 7 Nights

4.8

Prague to Dresden: Elbe Cycle Path

Enjoy riverside cycling from the Czech Republic to Germany
Explore historic Prague with its famous castle, museums, art galleries and bridges
Sip a cold beer as you admire the golden sandstone cliffs of the Saxon Switzerland National Park
Cliff-top castles, cobbled streets and wine cellars abound in charming towns
Discover the delights of Dresden; the Zwinger Palace and Frauenkirche Cathedral

Pedal from historic Prague in the Czech Republic to the beautiful city of Dresden. Cycle beneath green mountains, through lush meadows and vineyards, and in the shadow of impressive sandstone massifs. Stay in riverside towns filled with cliff-top castles, vineyards and charming architecture. Start in the UNESCO World Heritage City of Prague and discover its Romanesque chapels and cellars, Gothic cathedrals, Baroque palaces and gardens, and delightful Art Nouveau architecture, plus a myriad of museums and art galleries. Finish in Dresden, the ‘Florence of the Elbe’. You’ll have plenty of time to soak in the spectacular nature of German Bohemia and the Saxon Switzerland National Park.

From £810.00

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Itinerary

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Day 1 Arrive in Prague

Arrive in the Golden City of Prague. Youll be spoilt for choice of things to see, with Pragues incredible architecture, museums and galleries, and of course the castle itself. Relax with a beer, soak up the lively atmosphere, or wander around the pretty cobbled streets and enjoy the sights lit up by night.

Overnight Prague

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Expo | 4 Star | Hotel

Hotel Expo is located close by the Prague Exhibition Area with its´ main landmark Industrial Palace - the pearl of European Art Nouveau. The immediate vicinity of Tipsport Arena, Incheba Arena- venues of sporting and cultural events and Krizik´s Fontain with its unique performance full of music, ballet, play of lights and film projection on the water screen will delight our leisure guest.

Day 2 Explore Prague

After a hearty breakfast, set out to explore the city independently. A must-see is Pragues impressive castle and Gothic cathedral of St Vitus. Wander alongside and over the Vltava river, crossing Pragues iconic bridges, including the Charles Bridge.

Make time for a coffee or cool glass of Staropramen and the chance to people-watch in the main square, with its distinct Baroque architecture. By night, Prague comes to life with a lively crowd enjoying the bars and restaurants.

Overnight Prague

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Expo | 4 Star | Hotel

Day 3 Cycle to Melnik 35 miles / 57 km

After a hearty breakfast set out on two wheels from your hotel. After a short uphill section you’ll find yourself taking in the river views as you pedal along the Vltava and into the old wine town of Melnik, the centre of the Czech Republic’s Bohemian wine route.

Pay a visit to Melnik castle, with its Renaissance style and fantastic views over the confluence of the Elbe and Vlatava rivers. Why not celebrate your first day’s cycling with a glass of local wine.

Ascent/descent: 171m/185m

Overnight Melnik

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Hotel Olympionik | 3 Star | Hotel

The hotel has a laid-back restaurant with a bar. Other amenities include a gym, tennis courts and fitness classes, as well as a spa with a sauna and a hot tub. There's also a garden with a kids' playground, a gazebo and a BBQ area. Conference space is available, and parking is free.

Day 4 Cycle to Litomerice 30 miles / 48 km

Cycle along the river valley to Terezin, the former Jewish ghetto which is a poignant and humbling place. Continue pedalling to historic Litomerice, established in the 10th century on the site of a Slavic fort and regarded by many to be the most beautiful in the Czech Republic. Admire its colourful buildings in the Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style.

Litomerice also boasts an extensive underground tunnel network linking the numerous wine cellars, of which 366m are open for visitors to explore.

Ascent/descent: 37m/66m

Overnight Litomerice

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Penzion Macha Pekařská | Bed and breakfast

Stay in Penzion Mácha, a comfortable accommodation right in the centre of the Renaissance town of Litoměřice. With its 4 stylishly furnished rooms, up to 12 guests can enjoy undisturbed rest on luxurious beds, magical evenings on the cosy terrace and pleasant beginnings of new days, which are contributed to by a rich breakfast buffet. The intimate atmosphere guarantees that you will enjoy privacy and peace during your stay.

Day 5 Cycle to Decin 31 miles / 50 km

Enjoy a relaxed ride beneath the mountains to picturesque Decin, which spans both sides of the Elbe. Cycle past the 14th century Strekov Castle, looming high above the river on a basalt rock, which in spring-time is covered in golden aubretia flowers.

Today you’ll have the chance to visit another clifftop castle—Decín Castle. With its delightful rose garden, it is one of the oldest and largest landmarks in northern Bohemia. Climb up to the castle for wonderful river views.

Ascent/descent: 90m/110m

Overnight Decin

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Ceska Koruna Hotel | 3 Star | Hotel

Hotel Ceska Koruna offers comfort and relaxation and is conveniently located in the cenytre of Decin. It's close to the castle, meaning you can easily explore the area upon arrival.

Day 6 Cycle to Pirna, Bad Schandau or Krippen 28 miles / 45 km

Today you will cycle beneath the beautiful Elbe sandstone massif. Cross the German border and reach the spa town of either Pirna, Bad Schandau or Krippen, depending on which hotel you are located in. Please note that the distance will vary depending on which location you are staying in. Why not indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, ready for your final day in the saddle tomorrow.

Ascent/descent: 33m/38m

Overnight Bad Schandau

Overnight Krippen

Overnight Pirna

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

aktiv Sporthotel | Hotel

Aktiv Sporthotel offers not only standard hotel facilities, but also a diverse range of sports and activities with views of the idyllic Saxon landscape.

Hotel Erbgericht | Hotel

The dominant building of the market place in the medieval town of Krippin stands the Hotel Erdgericht.

Day 7 Cycle to Dresden 13.5 miles / 22 km

Admire the towering Elbe sandstone cliffs as you cycle through the Saxon Switzerland National Park and past delightful riverbank meadows to Dresden.

Dresden is known as the ‘Florence of the Elbe’ and is a friendly and picturesque city. Take time to relax and explore the museums and galleries of Saxony’s capital city, including the Frauenkirche Cathedral, majestic Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House.

Please note that the distance will vary depending on which location you stayed in last night.

Ascent/descent: 5m/12m

Overnight Dresden

Accommodation

A sample of our typical carefully chosen accommodation in this location. Where you stay will vary depending on availability, but will be a similar standard.

Park Inn by Radisson Dresden | 3 Star | Hotel

The quiet streets of Neustadt district is within walking distance to Albertplatz Square and the banks of Elbe River.

Day 8 Depart Dresden

THIS TRIP'S CARBON SCORE

This trip has a carbon score of 8kg per person per night, meaning it’s one of our best trips! For comparison, a carbon count of 8kg is equivalent to 12 pints of local beer at the bar. Here at Macs, we pride ourselves on being a responsible travel company and continue to adopt, develop and innovate ways to positively impact the environment. Find out more information on how we've carbon counted our trips.

Reviews

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Other Information

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Is it for me?

This tour offers easy cycling on flat paths along the River Elbe between two delightful European cities—what more could you want?! This trip is ideal for leisure cyclists, combining city culture with riverscapes, lovely historic towns and the stunning sandstone cliffs of Saxon Switzerland.

Trip Type:

Classic Routes | If you’re the active, outdoorsy type, who’s interested in taking on the great routes of the world or looking for a challenge, then our Classic Routes are for you. We’re talking the West Highland Way, Tour Du Mont Blanc and the Passau to Vienna Danube Cycle Path, to name but a few!

Activity:

Leisure Cycling | Leisure Cycling

This trip is suitable for:

Solo Travellers, Families with Teens

The minimum age for this tour is: 12 Years

Grade & Terrain

This cycling tour is graded easy to moderate. The grade is determined on the basis of the entire trip. Individual days may vary in terms of difficulty, i.e some rides may be slightly more difficult or easier than the overall grade. You'll cycle on mostly dedicated bike lanes and some secondary roads with light to moderate traffic.

Experience & Fitness

The first day from Prague to Melnik has a small ascent (total elevation of 171m), otherwise the route is flat. Daily cycling distances are between approx. 21-55km, which is easily manageable if you are a beginner cyclist with good fitness and this is your first cycling holiday. It's perfect for those who wish to take it easy with plenty of time to explore en route; long lunches, museums, wineries and castles. Sometimes there will be an occasional longer day on almost flat terrain and you must be comfortable with riding on consecutive days.

Accommodation & Meals What's Included

Included

7 Nights accommodation in 3 and 4-star hotels and B&Bs
7 Breakfasts
Baggage transfers
Information pack, guidebook and route information
24/7 Emergency telephone support from our office

Excluded

Travel to Prague / from Dresden
Bike hire
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Personal equipment
Travel insurance (required)

Extras

Additional nights at the start or end of the holiday
Bike hire
Onward travel transfer from Dresden to Prague

When to go Travel & Transfers Info & FAQ

Equipment

We can arrange bike hire as an optional extra. You can rent comfortable bicycles for your tour along the Elbe Cycle Path. Choose between men’s and women’s bikes in different heights and between 7-gears (with backpedal-brake) and 21/24-derailleur gear (without backpedal-brake). Models are usually Kalkhoff, BBF or Lehmkuhlor. E-bikes are also available, with Ladies‘/unisex models with step-through or low-crossbar frames from a height of 1.60 m to 1.9 m. We will need to know your height if you are hiring a bike through us.

Bike hire includes: 1 waterproof Ortlieb pannier (10 litres), 1 map holder on handlebars per booked room, 1 bicycle lock (with code or key), 1 repairset.

Please note that bike hire does not include a helmet and you must therefore bring your own, as wearing a helmet is compulsory.

Travel Insurance

It is a requirement of booking this tour with Macs Adventure that you have suitable travel insurance which covers you for the activity, emergency evacuation and hospital care.