Prague to Budapest Cycling
Our Prague to Budapest cycle tour offers a well-rounded blend of European culture, from worldly capital cities to exquisite Moravian towns of Baroque and Renaissance origin. This is an unforgettable journey through four central European nations; beginning in the Czech Republic, traveling through Slovakia, Austria and ending in Hungary. We ride past enchanting castles through the picturesque medieval villages of central Bohemia, over lush rolling hillsides past fertile vineyards, through forests and fields of shoulder high sunflowers. In addition, we visit the enchanting UNESCO towns of Telc and Pannonhalma. Each twist in the road brings a scenic vista or the wave of a friendly farmer. In the evenings, we enjoy authentic regional cuisine and sample outstanding local beers and unique regional wines. Two of Europe's most vibrant cities, Prague and Budapest, are ideal bookends to this fabulous route.
Important Notice: Day 1 is the day you should plan to arrive at the meeting point for the trip. This may require departing your hometown one or more days in advance and traveling on an overnight flight.
Prague to Budapest Cycling Itinerary:
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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.
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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.
Prague to Budapest Cycling
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. Try to bring only what is necessary—this will help you and the field staff.
Weather
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.
Gear Checklist
- 24-speed hybrid touring bicycles with suspension
- Water bottle cage
- Rear rack bag
- Group first-aid kit
- Route map
- Valid passport
- Airline tickets
- Duffel bag or soft suitcase
- Daypack or fanny pack
- Luggage tags and luggage locks
- Security wallet/money belt
- Bring a few lightweight, easily washable items for city wear (dinner, sightseeing), comfortable and casual
- Comfortable walking shoes/sandals
- Sweater and/or light jacket or windbreaker for after dinner
- Shorts
- T-shirts, synthetic and cotton
- Long-sleeve shirt
- Long pants, lightweight
- Underwear
- Socks
- Swimsuit
- Cycling jersey, long-sleeve
- Cycling jersey, short-sleeve, quick-drying, lightweight
- Cycling pants
- Cycling shorts
- Cycling raingear, jacket and pants, waterproof and breathable
- Windbreaker/wind pants
- Cycling gloves
- Cycling shoes (not clip-in)
- Helmet - required!
- Sun hat
- Bandana
- Sunglasses and retainer strap
- Sunblock and lip balm
- Hand sanitizer gel
- Toiletry kit
- Personal first-aid kit
- Watch with alarm or travel clock
- Water bottle(s) or hydration pack
- Insect repellent
- Camera, film and spare batteries
- Reading and writing materials
- Favorite snacks and drink mixes
- Cycle computer
- 2nd water bottle and cage
- Gel seat cover
- Rear view mirror
- Your own toe baskets (not provided), or your own clipless pedals and cycling shoes
- Ziploc baggies
- Electrical adapter plug
- Travel pillow
- Ear plugs
- Flip-flops (for visiting thermal spa/baths)
Things to Consider
- Please remember to always pack essential items such as your passport, money, eyewear, helmet, a pair of cycling shorts/shirt/shoes/gloves and medications in your carry-on baggage, in case your luggage is delayed.
- Your luggage is transported for you to each night's accommodation. However, your belongings should fit in the equivalent space of a large duffel bag. Tip: Roll your clothes to save space and reduce wrinkles. Stuff sacks are great for sorting your gear. Use different sizes and colors to differentiate the contents.
- Always test your clothing layers before a trip. Your outer layer should fit easily over the inside ones without binding. You do not need to dress up for dinner. However, you will be more comfortable if you have a complete change of casual clothes for evening, especially a change of shoes.
- The restaurants have a nice, pleasant atmosphere, but are not "stuffy." Therefore, you will feel quite comfortable in casual clothes for these meals. We suggest bringing slacks, shorts that are mid-thigh or longer, skirts, summer dresses, etc. in fabrics that are easy to wash and wear. Cycling clothes are not appropriate and should be reserved for cycling only.
- Helmets are required. We also recommend brightly-colored bicycle clothing for visibility and safety.
- Feel free to give us a call at (800) 622-2236 should you have any questions regarding the gear list. The staff at our stores and Direct Sales (800-426-4840) will be happy to help you with gear questions. Or visit REI's website at www.rei.com. The Expert Advice section has great information to help you prepare for your trip.
Central Europe is a popular destination with adventure travelers. The area not only boasts grand cities and cultural gems, but also beautiful natural areas worthy of exploration. This year, REI Adventures has eight different trips in the region, featuring hiking or cycling as the main activity. On the Prague to Budapest adventure, cyclists get glimpses of four countries, each with its own history, culture and natural beauty. Adventure Travel Coordinator Cris Miller recently joined REI members on the Prague to Budapest trip. We asked her to share her perspectives on traveling in this part of the world:
Q: Why might someone choose this bike trip over another one in Europe? What makes this one particularly unique or special?
A: All the reasons you might have for wanting to bike in Western Europe are valid for biking in Central and Eastern Europe but there's more, in my opinion. Not only are there fabulous old cities such as Prague and Budapest that are colorful montages of the historic and the modern, there are the perfectly preserved villages that hold on to tradition like a treasure. We cycled on quiet roads through landscapes dotted with castles, cathedrals and chateaus. It felt like a step back in time. I also loved cycling the rolling hills and past enormous fields of sunflowers. Unlike its more well-visited western neighbor, central Europe is just less crowded and the sense of "what is life really like here?" seems more accessible.
Q: This tour touches the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Austria and Hungary. What is it like to cycle over the border into four different countries?
A: Of course, we don't cycle all the hundreds of miles between Prague and Budapest, but we cycle the best sections spending most our time in the Czech Republic and Hungary, just touching Slovakia and spending a day in Austria. This particular routing really gave me a sense of how the histories and the traditions of these regions are so interwoven.
Q: You visited several UNESCO World Heritage sites—places deemed by the United Nations to be of outstanding cultural or natural importance—including the towns of Telc and Pannonhalma and National Parks in Hungary and Austria. Can you describe your favorites?
A: My "hands-down" favorite was the UNESCO town of Telc! It's right out of a storybook with its charming town square lined with colorful, Renaissance houses complete with gingerbread facades and cobblestone alleys. The town is dominated by the chateau and the castle towers and is surrounded by the most bucolic landscape you can imagine. It was easy to spend two nights here with plenty of time to explore both the town and to cycle through the enchanting countryside.
Another of my favorites was the impressive Pannonhalma monastery in Hungary. We cycled up the hill—it seems like all monasteries and chateaus are on hills!—early in the morning to visit this "thousand-year-old-and-going-strong" Benedictine abbey. Although it's been refurbished and rebuilt many times over its long history, it still feels like a step back in time. As I stood on the patio surveying the surrounding countryside, I was struck not only by the expansive view but by the quiet. It is no wonder why it has been designated a World Heritage Site.
Q: Did you see any out-of-the-way places or sample any memorable cuisine that you wouldn't have learned about in the guidebooks?
A: Southern Moravia produces some really good wine (especially, in my opinion, the white wines) and we visit at least one wine cellar in the Valtice-Lednice area that dates back hundreds of years. Dropping into the catacomb-like cellar, surrounded by huge wooden barrels and uncorking a few varieties for sipping was a delightful treat. Hardly any of Moravia's wine gets exported because the cellars tend to be small family operations. Many of these wines remain local secrets.
Q: Tell us about your guide. What did you learn from him and what do you think is the benefit of having a local guide?
A: A native of the Czech Republic, our lead guide, David, was not only delightful but incredibly knowledgeable about the history and the culture of the area through which we cycled. We'd stop for a cold beer or ice cream in some small village and he'd strike up a conversation with the shop owner and soon we'd all be part of it. It was great to get an insider's perspective about the changing politics, the modernization of central Europe and the challenges facing the deeply traditional culture of this area.
Q: The Euro is very strong right now compared to the dollar. Is it really a good time to travel to Europe?
A: Our European trips are a great value, considering the strength of the Euro. Our trip prices are fixed so they won't go up with the exchange rate, and nearly everything is included in the trip price, making additional out-of-pocket expenses minimal.
