This bike tour is a unique combination of cycling in three countries; Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria (Austro-Hungarian Empire) combining some of the most popular cycle routes along the Danube River with unique ΄off the beaten track΄ paths. Cycle through vineyards, visit 800 years old wine cellars built by the Templar Knights, explore the Slovak Carpathian mountains, castles and chateaus and get involved with locals on the way.
Over eight days you´ll experience:
The week begins with three nights in the medieval town of Mikulov in southern Moravia, a region well known for producing some of the best Czech wines. Approaching Mikulov you will be greeted by the Mikulov Castle, an imposing structure high on white limestone cliffs, and the protected Svaty Kopecek (‘Holy Hill’) with a chapel and belfry.
Accommodation
Mikulov - Hotel Galant (or similar)
Meals included
none
In the morning we head to the protected Palava region of the Inner Western Carpathians. En route we see three castle ruins – Divci (Girls), Sirotci (Orphans) and Novy Hrad (New Castle). Afterwards, we cycle through the most romantic and historic area of southern Moravia, the UNESCO Lednice-Valtice grounds. There are many buildings to discover including the Lednicky and Valticky chateaux, built by the Lichtenstein family. Also not to be missed is the Palm House, 92 metres long and hiding tropical vegetation from South America. Visit the minaret, from which there are stunning views over the chateau and park – but first you have to climb its 302 steps! In Valtice there is the opportunity to explore the large complex of wine cellars and underground passages beneath the town.
Total cycling
Distance: 51 km
Total Ascent: 440 m
Total Descent: 440 m
Max elevation: 368 m
Min elevation: 159 m
Accommodation
Mikulov - Hotel Galant (or similar)
Meals included
Breakfast
Today we cycle to Cejkovice where we have the opportunity to visit the famous 800-year-old wine cellars of the Knights Templar. This is also an ideal spot for refreshments before continuing over the border to the Slovakian royal town of Skalica, where we spend the next three nights.
Located at the foothills of the White Carpathians, Skalica is undoubtedly one of the nicest towns in western Slovakia. With a plethora of beautifully preserved historical monuments, it has six major churches, nine smaller sacred buildings, including the ancient St. George rotunda, parts of which date back to the twelfth century.
Total cycling
Distance: 69 km
Total Ascent: 293 m
Total Descent: 348 m
Min elevation: 159 m
Max elevation: 262 m
Accommodation
Skalica – Penzion na Potocnej (or similar)
Meals included
Breakfast
A cycle path will take us from Skalica along the banks of the Morava river and the Bata canal (Tomas Bata, of shoe making fame) to Straznice and its historic chateau. You’ll have a guided tour around the outdoor museum of Morava village, made up of 64 houses presenting a way of life from centuries past.
After lunch in one of the local traditional restaurants you’ll continue with your ride to the small winegrowing village of Petrov and its unique wine cellars – called Plze, a picturesque complex of white cellars with blue ornaments, typical for this region.
Returning back to Skalica you´ll get ready for an authentic wine tasting experience with a local wine-dresser where you´ll have a chance to sample some of the locally produced wines including Skalický Rubín (Skalica´s Ruby), which is a reference to its specific colour.
This wine which is on EU´s list of specialities can only be produced using grapes grown on the precisely defined territory of the Royal town of Skalica and several neighbouring villages, including Mokry Haj. This village was established in the foothills of the Vintoperk Hill by Croatian colonists in the second half of the 16th century.
Total cycling
Distance: 45 km
Total Ascent: 262 m
Total Descent: 171 km
Max elevation: 271 m
Min elevation: 262 m
Accommodation
Skalica – Penzion na Potocnej (or similar)
Meals included
Breakfast, dinner
After breakfast you transfer 70km to Zahorska Ves located on the bank of the Morava River from where we follow the popular cycle path that leads us all the way to Bratislava, the Slovak capital and former coronation town of the Austria-Hungary monarchy.
En-route admire the untouched nature of the flood-plain forests that used to form the Iron Curtain border, dividing Austria and Czechoslovakia during the communist regime. You´ll stop by Devin castle, located at the confluence of the rivers Morava and Danube, from where weyou can admire the beautiful panoramic views overlooking Austria.
You continue to Bratislava, a charming city with an intriguing history. We recommend an evening stroll through the old town, with its narrow streets and many historic sites along the Danube embankment, full of cafes and nightlife.
Total cycling
Distance: 45 km
Total Ascent: 114 m
Total Descent: 104 m
Max elevation: 171 m
Min elevation: 138 m
Accommodation
Bratislava – Hotel Devin (or similar)
Meals included
Breakfast
This day is free to explore charming Bratislava, the former coronation city of the Austro-Hungarian monarchy. Have a stroll through the narrow streets of the Old Town and a wander along the Danube with its many cafes and restaurants.
There are numerous fascinating historical buildings in Slovakia’s capital. Some of our favourites are Bratislava Castle, the old town hall and the 18th century Primate’s Palace, which has a beautiful pink and white façade and an amazing Hall of Mirrors. Just bear in mind that you’ll need to pay any entrance fees.
Your tour leader will be there to help you with your chosen activities.
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Hotel Devín (or similar)
Today you’ll follow the popular Danube cycle path all the way from Bratislava to Vienna. The path leads us through the Donau-Auen National Park, which preserves the last remaining major wetlands area in Central Europe.
Once you get to Vienna, there will be time for a short stroll in the Old Town before our farewell dinner in one of the local Viennese restaurants.
In terms of distance, this is the most demanding day of the tour. The terrain is flat and normally everyone with an average level of fitness is fully capable of completing the ride all the way to Vienna.
Total cycling
Distance: 70km
Total Ascent: 661 m
Total Descent: 609 m
Max elevation: 207 m
Min elevation: 120 m
Meals included
Breakfast
Accommodation
Vienna - Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)
After breakfast your tour ends. Transfer to airport or extend your stay in Central Europe by booking another one of our adventure tours.
Meals included
Breakfast
This trip is available as Self-Guided or Guided.
Choose a date between April and October, and we´ll make all the arrangements for you. Just let us know when you want to travel.
Self-Guided: you'll experience this tour independently, following perfectly prepared maps and route descriptions.
Guided Groups: you'll be accompanied by one of our friendly leaders, who will lead you along the way and take care of everything you might need.
Available
to Monday 31st October 2022
Self-Guided
Single room + 190 EUR
Available
to Monday 31st October 2022
Guided Groups
Single room + 190 EUR
This tour is graded as moderate to intermediate with a combination of shorter and longer rides. Sometimes the terrain will be flat, and sometimes it will be undulating. The difference with the Grade Two trips is that they have some longer days, and a few more hills.
Single room supplement: 195 EUR
Normally 14 max.
This tour starts in Mikulov, Czech Republic.
This tour ends in Vienna, Austria.
To enhance flexibility our holidays do not include flights. This gives you the freedom to choose a local airport that works for you and shop for the best deal.
List of airports with distances to the first hotel in Vienna:
Vienna Airport – 20 km
Bratislava Airport – 75 km
Once you have decided which airport works for you best you will need to choose the way how to get to the starting hotel / joining point. There are two options:
Public transport
You can reach Vienna by public transport (bus, train). Using the public transport is another way of experiencing your destination, which puts you right in the centre of the action. If you prefer to travel by public transport we can help you find the best option.
Private transfers (door to door service)
Book your private airport transfers directly with us. Our fast, reliable and affordable private transfers are the best way to reach your starting hotel quickly and comfortably. For up-to-date prices of Airport private transfers click here.
During this tour you´ll stay in comfortable three star hotels and pensions.
If you need to arrive or leave on a different date, please contact us and we’d be more than happy to arrange extra pre or post tour accommodation for you.
We recommend you pack as light as possible, with a backpack for your main luggage and daypack for each day’s cycling. Below you will find a recommended packing list. It is by no means exhaustive, so if you’re in any doubt, please contact us.
We recommend you pack as light as possible, with a suitcase or backpack that are easy to lift and carry. A daypack for riding days is also useful. Below you will find a recommended packing list. It is by no means exhaustive, so if you’re in any doubt, please contact us.
Please note, we want to run this trip following the day-to-day itinerary on the trip notes. However, sometimes operational circumstances may sometimes prevent us from doing this. Your tour leader will keep you fully informed of any alternative plans that are necessary on-the-ground. Also, based on feedbacks from past travellers, occasionally our itineraries are amended. Final version of your trip notes will be emailed to you prior to travel.
Feel free to contact us if you have any questions at all. Our knowledgeable and helpful team is here to help, and we look forward to welcoming you to our spectacular country soon!
Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.
To download trip notes, please submit your email address down below.
This holiday is operated by our expert, in-country team at Slovakia Explorer. By booking with us, you’ll benefit from our unrivalled local knowledge, and have 24/7 support during your trip.
Our holidays offer unique experiences, which give you an unparalleled insight into the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Austria. During the planning and booking process, we pay attention to every detail of your holiday to ensure your trip is perfect.
Slovakia Explorer offers great value, high quality holidays.
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