Vienna to Prague Cycle Challenge

About this challenge

This beautiful ride links the striking cities of Vienna and Prague. There’s not much actual flat, but the gently rolling roads have enviably smooth tarmac and very little traffic – a gift for cyclists of all experience levels!

Our beautiful route kicks off with the stunning architecture of Vienna’s imperial palaces; by the afternoon we feel as though we have pedalled back in time as we ride through Czech Republic’s farmland, forest and traditional villages.

Packed with interesting culture, we pass through picturesque villages and towns with lakes, old squares and pastel coloured buildings. A wonderful cycle path brings us right into central Prague with all its historic sights, including the iconic Charles Bridge and old town.

Day 1: Arrive Vienna
On arrival in Vienna, check in and make time to assemble the bikes and ensure everything is ready. Spend any free time (flight-times dependent) exploring the city and its riverside walks along the Danube. We meet in the evening for dinner and a trip briefing before a good night’s rest in preparation for tomorrow’s efforts. Night hotel.

Day 2: Vienna – Znojmo
An early start takes us through Vienna, mainly on cycle paths; we pass some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Hofburg. On leaving the city we take on our only significant climb of the trip – it’s long, and steep in places, but our reward is the hilltop view down over Vienna and the River Danube. From here it’s a cruising descent to the Danube, which we cross before heading roughly north towards the Czech border. By the time we reach our afternoon water-stop we’re in the Czech Republic, which immediately feels very different culturally. A short ride brings us to our hotel in Znojmo, an old fortified town. Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 125km (77 miles)

Day 3: Znojmo – Telč
Today we get to fully immerse ourselves in the beautiful Czech countryside, as we follow rolling roads north-west, roughly parallel to the Austrian border. We pass through farmland and thick forest, and lots of small villages which each have their own traditional fishpond, making for a very scenic ride. The roads are smooth and very light on traffic, making this a thoroughly enjoyable day on the bike. The cherry on the top comes at the end of our day as we arrive in Telč. Dominated by its gothic castle, its renaissance centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The huge town square, surrounded by pastel-coloured houses with ornamental gables and archways, is beautiful – and the perfect place to mark the end of a great day with a low-cost beer! Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 128km (79 miles)

Day 4: Telc – Tabor
Another day of rolling hills, riding through forested terrain as we east initially. The views over clear rivers and lush green valleys are mesmerising, and the countryside is dotted with Renaissance churches, red-roofed villages and old castles – the Czech Republic has more castles per square mile than any other country in the world! After our lunch-stop we swing north towards Tabor, and after more small climbs and descents come to this lovely town with another striking old centre. Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 104km (64 miles)

Day 5: Tabor – Prague
Our road climbs gradually uphill from Tabor and, after a lovely descent into Central Bohemia, it’s the usual undulating countryside through woodland and small villages. The outskirts of Prague give us the opportunity to appreciate its Communist past, with fairly utilitarian tower blocks of small apartments, but then we come to the River Vltava and our amazing cycle path. This leads us right into the city centre, past the much-photographed Charles Bridge and – via a few unavoidable sections of cobbles – into the historic centre with its famous town square. It’s a rewarding and memorable finale. After checking into our central hotel, we meet again for dinner and a final dinner together to celebrate our achievements. Night hotel.
Cycle approx. 104km (64 miles)

Day 6: Depart Prague
After a leisurely breakfast, you may have time to explore the many sights, depending on your flight times
Dates
Pricing
- Fundraising Option - Pay a registration fee of £199 today, then £2,100 to Hospice UK approximately 10 weeks before departure.
- Part Payment Option - Pay a registration fee of £199 today, then £250 to Discover Adventure and £1,600 to Hospice UK approximately 10 weeks before departure.
- Full Payment Option - Pay a registration fee of £199 today, then pay £1,500 to Discover Adventure approximately 8 weeks before departure. You can arrange to make a separate payment to Hospice UK.