8 days
Duration
Easy to Moderate
Difficulty
Czech Republic, Germany
Location
April-October
Availability

Easy cycle on flat riverside paths from the Czech Republic to Germany

Explore the Gothic cathedrals and Baroque palaces of historic Prague

Cycle past medieval towns and cliff-top castles perched high above the river

Marvel at the strange and wonderful rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains

Discover why Dresden is known as the ‘Florence of the Elbe’!


Cycling holiday along the Elbe Cycle Path: from Prague to Dresden

This self-guided cycling tour from Prague to Dresden connects two significant cultural and historical cities. Capture the flair of the golden city Prague before you set out on your way through the rural landscapes of the Czech Republic towards Germany.

The Elbe, Germany’s second largest river, flows through beautiful countryside. Its characteristic features include the towering Elbe Sandstone Massif, delightful riverbank meadows and impressive terrace vineyards. There are plenty of charming historical monuments along the river including magnificent castles, palaces and lovely, preserved, historical “old towns”.

Over the last few years, the Czech side of the Elbe Cycle Path has continuously been extended and developed. Therefore, you will cycle mostly on paved cycle paths, only occasionally using lightly trafficked country roads. You can look forward to discovering pretty riverside towns, such as Mělník and Litoměřice, before you reach the spectacular rocky landscape of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains and, finally, Dresden – the ‘Florence of the Elbe’.

This cycle tour can also be booked in the opposite direction, from Dresden to Prague. Please enquire for info.

8 DAYS / 7 NIGHTS From €775 per person sharing*

*A high season supplement of €20 per person will apply from 6/5 to 7/9.
*A single supplement charge will apply for solo travellers

BIKE RENTAL If you don’t bring your own, you can rent a bicycle from us. All bikes are provided with bicycle locks, repair kit, map holder and one 10L waterproof Ortlieb pannier bag per bike.

We deliver the bicycle at your first accommodation and pick it up from your last accommodation after your last cycling day. You just need to give us your body length, so that you receive the correct bike size, and we take care of everything else.

Bike hire prices

  • Touring bicycle (7/21 gears): €105 (€15 x 7 days)
  • E-bike: €210 (€30 x 7 days)

Please note that if travelling with children they will need to bring bicycle helmets as they are required by law in the Czech Republic (only for children).

ACCOMMODATION 7 overnight stay with continental breakfast buffet in *** and ****hotels. Extra nights can also be booked at any of the hotels along the way.
AVAILABILITY You can start on any day of the week, subject to availability, between April 1st and October 31st.
INCLUDED
7 x overnight stay in *** and ****hotels
7 x continental breakfasts
Luggage transport to the next hotel (1 piece per person)
Detailed maps and route notes
GPS tracks
Pre-departure information pack
Telephone support
NOT INCLUDED
Flights & travel insurance
Travel to Prague / from Dresden
Lunches, dinners, drinks & snacks
Anything else not mentioned in the Included section
OPTIONAL EXTRAS
Bike rental
Transfer from Dresden to Prague or vice versa
Single room supplement
DIFFICULTY This trip is rated as easy-moderate overall and is suitable for leisure cyclists. There is one short climb on the first cycling day but otherwise it is either flat or gently downhill all the way. The longest daily cycle is 55 km.
1

Day 1: Arrival in Prague

Prague can easily be reached by airplane or train from most European cities. If you wish to travel by car, we recommend driving to Dresden and using our convenient transfer service from Dresden to Prague. You can leave your car in the car park next to our partner hotel in Dresden for the duration of the tour.

Overnight: Prague

2

Day 2: Free day to explore the city of Prague

Before setting off on your cycling trip, you have a free day to explore the beautiful city of Prague at your leisure. Situated on both sides of the river Vltava, the ‘Golden city’ has plenty to offer. Visit the Old Town Square and watch the Astronomical Clock. Walk over the famous Charles Bridge with its sixteen arches before wandering among the maze of cobbled lanes and hidden courtyards. You can easily explore the historic centre by foot and the friendly atmosphere in the shops, cafes and wine bars make Prague a delightful place to visit.

Overnight: Prague

3

Day 3: Cycle from Prague to Mělník

Distance: 55 km approx.

Today you will start your bicycle tour from Prague to Dresden. After breakfast, you will leave the Czech capital and cycle along the Vltava River to the centre of the Bohemian wine growing area Mělník. The castle and old town of Mělník are located on a steep hill overlooking the confluence of the Vltava and Elbe rivers.

Overnight: Mělník

4

Day 4: Cycle from Mělník to Litoměřice

Distance: 45 km approx.

From now on the Elbe will guide you all the way to Dresden. Today’s cycling route will take you via the historic riverside town of Roudnice nad Labem to the former fortress town of Terezín. The town was a Jewish ghetto and concentration camp during WWII and the Terezín Monument is today a memorial to the victims of the holocaust. From here it is only a few kilometres to the beautiful historic city of Litoměřice. End the day with a stroll through the charming old town and admire its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance style buildings.

Overnight: Litoměřice

5

Day 5: Cycle from Litoměřice to Děčín

Distance: 50 km approx.

During today’s cycle tour, you will ride through the riverside city of Ústí nad Labem and past the hilltop ruin of Střekov castle, which tower majestically above the Elbe. You then continue along the river to Děčín. Here we recommend a visit to the baroque castle on top of a rocky hill, which offers wonderful views over the Elbe, and where Frédéric Chopin once went in search of inspiration.

Overnight: Děčín

6

Day 6: Cycle from Děčín to Bad Schandau/Pirna

Distance: 21/44 km approx.

Leaving Děčín, cycling along the left bank of the river, you will soon leave the Czech Republic and enter into Germany. Now you will be cycling through a fairytale landscape, as the amazing rock formations of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains rise to the left and right of the Elbe.

Overnight: Bad Schandau/Pirna

7

Day 7: Cycle from Bad Schandau/Pirna to Dresden

Distance: 45/22 km approx.

The last leg of your cycling holiday on the Elbe Cycle Path first takes you past the Königstein fortress and the Bastei viewing rock. Take your time to enjoy the stunning Elbe valley before you continue your journey. As you finally approach the city of Dresden, the sight of its skyline of spires, towers and domes is very impressive. Shortly before reaching the city, you can visit the famous Pillnitz Palace & Park and stroll around its tranquil gardens. From here it is only a short distance along the cycle path to the centre of Dresden.

Dresden is the capital city of Saxony and is an extremely picturesque city. Its buildings were lovingly restored following extensive bombings during WWII and it is today known as the ‘Florence of the Elbe’. There are many museums and galleries worth exploring, including the Frauenkirche Cathedral, majestic Zwinger Palace and the Semper Opera House. The historic town centre is perfect for a relaxed evening walk and for enjoying a pleasant farewell dinner in one of the many local restaurants.

Overnight: Dresden

8

Day 8: Departure

Your cycling holiday comes to an end after breakfast this morning, unless you have booked any additional services with us. If you wish to spend any additional nights in Dresden then just let us know at the time of booking.


Arrival information

  The most convenient airports to fly to are Prague Airport or Dresden Airport.
If arriving at Prague airport, take the public bus or airport express bus to the city centre (20 – 35 mins).
If you wish to travel by car, we recommend driving to Dresden and using our convenient transfer service from Dresden to Prague. You can leave your car in the car park next to our partner hotel in Dresden for the duration of the tour.

Departure information

  There are direct flights from Dresden Airport to  Copenhagen, London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Dusseldorf, Cologne, Stuttgart, Hamburg and Munich. Take an S-Bahn train from the city centre to the airport; the journey is just 12-20 mins.
Dresden has excellent rail connections to many cities in Germany, as well as elsewhere in Europe, see Deutsche Bahn for train timetables and fares.
Elbe Cycle Path Prague to Dresden
The many bridges of Prague
The old town of Mělník, Bohemia
The beautiful historic city of Litoměřice
Elbe Cycle Path, Děčín
Hrsenko village, Bohemian Saxony
View of the Bastei cliffs across the Elbe
Bad Schandau
View of the Elbe and Lilienstein mountain
Cycling along the Elbe at the Bastei cliffs
The Elbe Cycle Path
The picturesque village of Wehlen on the Elbe
Pirna
Pillnitz Castle on the Elbe
Elbe cycle path and TV tower just outside Dresden
Dresden riverside path
The historic centre of Dresden

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