Prague to Budapest Cycling

Prague to Budapest Cycling Itinerary:

• Day 1

  Your trip begins today in Prague, Czech Republic anytime. Transfer on your own to our hotel for the evening. Meals on your own.

• Day 2

  Come dressed in your cycling clothes and ready to ride when you meet the group this morning! We'll load the luggage and travel by van roughly 1 hour to Postupice. After a brief cycling orientation we set out on the first of many unforgettable rides, this one takes us from Lounovice, through Pacov and on to Pelhrimov. Today is a bit hilly, and the scenery is absolutely superb. From Pelhrimov, you have the option to transfer or enjoy an additional bit of riding on to Telc, where we'll enjoy dinner and spend the next two nights in this picturesque 14th century town. All meals included.
  
  Biking: 39 miles (optional additional 25 miles); Terrain: rolling hills.

• Days 3

  We spend a full day today exploring the countryside surrounding spectacular Telc by bike. Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a truly charming medieval town of intact Baroque and Renaissance architecture - picture perfect in all its pastel-colored, gingerbread rooflines and cobblestone streets. It is almost completely surrounded by tranquil ponds and is a town that has inspired painters and enchanted poets. Be sure to climb the church tower for the terrific 360° view. We'll spend one more night in Telc to fully absorb the charming ambience of its main square in the evening. Breakfast and lunch included.
  
  Biking: Wide range of options to suit all riders.

• Day 4

  Today we cycle through the wine country of lovely South Moravia. Of the many castles found in this area, Lednice and nearby Valtice are two of the best with gorgeous gardens and numerous wine cellars, one of which we will enjoy touring. Wine was first brought to southern Moravia from France in the 13th century and the quality of the wines here is quite good. Overnight in the Czech village of Hlohovec. All meals included.
  
  Biking: 38 miles; optional 13 miles. Terrain: rolling hills.

• Day 5

  This morning we cycle along the Morava River in Slovakia, passing through a few villages leading us to Devin Castle, just outside Bratislava. Our shuttle takes us next to the scenic Hungarian town of Sopron where we spend the next two evenings. You have the option of biking part of this transfer. All meals included.
  
  Biking: 30+ miles; Terrain: gentle, partly on a bike path.

• Day 6

  Today is a delightful day of biking in the rolling countryside around Sopron including a spin around Neusidler see, part of which is protected by UNESCO for its bird sanctuary. With its baroque and Gothic architecture and colorful history, Sopron is not only a step back in time it is one of the most charming cities in Hungary. Its inner town is dominated by several medieval churches, 13th century houses with gables and spacious courtyards and narrow streets. Overnight in Sopron. Breakfast, lunch included; dinner on own.
  
  Biking: 37 miles; Terrain: gentle to flat.

• Day 7

  This morning we pedal through the small Hungarian National Park of Ferto-Hansag on fairly flat terrain. Then it's through typical Hungarian plains, cycling through small Hungarian villages and past farms where farmers using horse-pulled wagons can still be seen. Our ride ends near the town of Gyor, located halfway between Budapest and Vienna on the River Raab, with its atmospheric and historical city center. There's the option to shorten your ride in order to have time enough to enjoy the thermal baths in Gyor. All meals included.
  
  Biking: 35-38 miles; Terrain: rolling hills.

• Day 8

  Cycling through the Hungarian hills, we wind our way to the UNESCO town of Pannonhalma. For the past millennium, Pannonhalma has been the site of a lovely and significant Benedictine abbey. The present church of Pannonhalma, a crowning achievement of Gothic style, was built at the beginning of the 13th century. Archeological findings under the floor of the basilica indicate the original church dates back to the 11th century. We enjoy a fascinating tour of the abbey in Pannonhalma, Hungary's oldest monastery, before stopping for a mid-afternoon celebratory meal with our guides as we begin to wind up our trip. Cold beer all around for a week of great cycling! Following lunch, our van transfer (2 hours) takes us into Budapest where we bid farewell to our guides at the hotel. There is typically time in the late afternoon to take a walk and see a bit of the city (check out the City Park and Heroes' Square). Overnight in a city hotel, dinner on your own. Overnight in Budapest. Breakfast, lunch included.
  
  Biking: 21 miles; Terrain: rolling to hilly.

• Day 9

  The tour concludes after breakfast. Independent transfer from our hotel to the Budapest airport. Breakfast included.

Although we do our best to adhere to the schedule listed above, this itinerary is subject to change for numerous reasons beyond our control.

Please check with us before purchasing your airline tickets to ensure your trip has the necessary minimum number of participants required to operate. 

If you are traveling alone and specifically request single accommodations, you will be asked to pay the full single supplement noted on the trip itinerary. If you wish to share accommodations, we will assign you a roommate if one is available. If a roommate cannot be found, you will be asked to pay a reduced single fee, which is half of the full single supplement. Please be advised that there are a limited number of single rooms available.

All accommodations; meals as noted in the daily itinerary; bi-lingual cycling guide; support staff; support vehicle; sightseeing as noted in the itinerary; bikes (24 speed hybrid touring bikes, equipped with a small bag for your camera and map, water bottle rack).

Round-trip airfare; airport/hotel transfers; 3 dinners; travel insurance; excess baggage charges; alcoholic beverages and items of a personal nature; optional gratuities to guides. Please bring your own bike helmet.

This trip is rated Moderate [3], however there are many hills in this region, and we keep you on the go the entire day.  This is a trip for active people in good health.  The countryside near Prague is more hilly than that near Budapest - regular conditioning prior to the trip is essential.  Most days also involve a van transfer ranging in length from one to three hours. Please refer to the daily itinerary for daily cycling times and distances.

The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary have mild climates with few temperature extremes. May through September are the prime visiting months. May temperatures range from the high 40's to the mid 60's F, with a limited chance of rain. Summer temperatures generally range from the low 50's to the mid 80's, although warmer temperatures are not uncommon.

This trip is subject to the booking information set forth in the current REI Adventures Reservation Information. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A full gear list and pre-departure information is sent upon sign-up. We highly recommend the purchase of travel insurance through REI Adventures. If coverage is purchased at the time of your initial reservation, the 'Pre-existing Conditions Exclusion' is waived (certain exclusions apply).

We look forward to having you join us for the trip of a lifetime! Why wait? Space is limited, reserve your adventure today.

The key to staying comfortable while on an active trip is layering. To get maximum comfort with minimum weight, you need versatile layers that mix and match to create the right amount of insulation, ventilation and weather protection. This gear list has been created to help you in choosing your equipment for the trip. Try to bring only what is necessary, as this will help you and the field staff.

Weather

The Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary typically experience mild temperatures in the spring and fall, warming up by 15-20 degrees in the mid-summer months. May temperatures range from the high 40s to the mid 60s F, with a limited chance of rain. June through September, expect temperatures from the low 50s at night to the mid-80s during the day. High humidity can compound the challenge of mid-summer heat.

Gear Checklist

Things to Consider

• Always pack essential items such as your passport, REI Adventures trip final bulletin, money, eyewear, medications and a change of clothes in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
• We recommend bright-colored bicycle clothing for visibility and safety.
• Always test your clothing layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding.
• If you are not bringing a shoe and pedal system (optional), you will need a shoe designed for cycling or cross training to be used with the provided flat pedals (toe clips are optional). Consider these features: lightweight, closed toe, designed with stiffer soles to provide more efficient energy transfer as you pedal. Stiff soles protect your feet while riding and support the full length of your foot to reduce cramping and fatigue.
• If you bring your own saddle, please bring only the seat and not the seat post. Seat posts are not universal and will likely not fit the bike you'll be riding. You are welcome to bring a gel seat cover for use on the provided saddle.
• Formal attire is not required at restaurants. Comfortable, casual clothes are appropriate for sit-down meals. We suggest bringing slacks, shorts that are mid-thigh or longer, skirts, or summer dresses in fabrics that are easy to wash and wear.