- Cycle along rivers, through forests and national parks
- Discover four history-steeped countries
- Enjoy Central European culture, cuisines, wines and beers
Prague to Budapest Ride
Cycling
Activity Level
Moderate
See our Activity Level Guidelines to check if this holiday is right for you
Comfort Level
Classic
Itinerary
Prague Budapest
Fly to Prague; optional sightseeing
After arriving in Prague, capital of the Czech Republic, a short walking tour is included in the evening today as we head out for dinner. If you wish to explore this beautiful city in more detail we recommend booking an extra night pre-tour, or requesting an earlier arrival time.
Your leader can also point out highlights on free maps from the hotel for those interested in visiting the city’s top attractions such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or Wenceslas Square. Prague is also the perfect place to just wander through the alleys of the pretty Old Town, sample world-renowned Czech beer or try their hearty local cuisine.
Hotel Lunik (or similar)
Start Prague
The tour starts in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, in the late afternoon. A short walking tour is included in the evening as we head out for dinner. If you wish to explore this beautiful city in more detail, we recommend booking an extra night pre-tour.
If you’re interested in visiting the top city attractions, such as Charles Bridge, Prague Castle or Wenceslas Square, your leader can also point out highlights on free maps from the hotel. Prague is also the perfect place to just wander; cut through the alleys of the pretty Old Town, sample Czech beer or try the hearty local cuisine.
Accommodation: Hotel Lunik (or similar)
Transfer to Ceske Budejovice; cycle to Cesky Krumlov by the Vltava River
We transfer 93mi (150km) to Ceske Budejovice to collect our bikes. Our first day is a relatively short one to warm us up, as we cycle to Cesky Krumlov on the Vltava River. A feature of the old town here is the narrow, crooked streets and the gothic, Renaissance and baroque architecture. There may be time to visit Cesky Krumlov Castle, one of the largest in Central Europe, which overlooks the town from a strategic position on a horseshoe bend in the river.
Accommodation: Penzion Prelat (or similar)
Ride through forests and hills to the medieval spa town of Trebon
Leaving Cesky Krumlov behind, we head into the hilly countryside. Our route flattens as we enter the Trebon Basin, a lowland area of forests, meadows and lakes. Our destination is Trebon, a medieval town of Renaissance architecture, now also known as a spa town. There is also a neo-gothic tomb in an English-style park plus cafes and restaurants in which to relax and enjoy a hearty meal. Many local dishes here make use of Trebon carp. Transfer (approximately 45 minutes) to our hotel in Jindrichuv Hradec.
Accommodation: Hotel Concertino (or similar)
Cycle through the Trebon Basin along the Greenways Trail to the Unesco town of Telc
Today we pass several human-made lakes as we follow sections of the Greenways Trail, part of a network of hiking and cycling trails in the Czech Republic (Czechia) and Austria. Our ride finishes at the Renaissance town of Telc, registered on the Unesco Cultural Heritage List in 1992. From here we transfer (approximately one hour) to Znojmo on the banks of the river Dyje, often seen as the gateway to the wine-making area of South Moravia.
Accommodation: Hotel Lahofer (or similar)
Cycle past vineyards to Mikulov
Today’s ride aims to discover the rich fertile flatland of the Moravia region, home to an abundance of vineyards and wine cellars. We cycle until Mikulov, a real gem directly on the border with Lower Austria. Worth visiting are the pretty castle, town square and surrounding architecture. In the evening we go wine tasting. Overnight in Mikulov.
Accommodation: Hotel Galant (or similar)
Ride into Austria through the grounds of Lednice, the Versailles of southern Moravia; continue to Poysdorf and transfer to Vienna
Today we enter Austria through the Unesco grounds of Lednice, known as the Versailles of southern Moravia; we continue to the wine-producing town of Poysdorf, from where we transfer the final 29mi (47km) to Vienna. Once checked into our accommodation, the city centre is a short metro ride away or approximately a 20-minute walk. The Austrian capital is a hub for architecture, history and culture with a lively cafe and bar scene and great restaurants.
Accommodation: Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)
Free day in Vienna; morning optional guided bike ride around the city
Today is free to explore the former imperial city of Vienna. The old centre is bursting with cultural, historic and architectural wonders as it was the former HQ of the Hapsburg Empire. The city is brimming with sights, including the majestic Schoenbrunn Palace (summer palace of the Hapsburgs), the popular Kunsthistoriches Museum and Hundertwasser Hause plus countless breath-taking churches, cathedrals and concert halls.
No visit to Vienna is complete without a visit to one of the many famous cafes for coffee and cake or soaking up all the culture this city has to offer in one of the many parks or beer gardens. An optional guided bike ride around the city is available for those who prefer a more active morning.
Accommodation: Hotel Boltzmann (or similar)
Follow the Danube Cycle Path to Donauauen National Park; into Slovakia and on to Bratislava
We join the Danube Cycle Path, following a quiet route out of the city and into Donauauen National Park, past the red-tiled turrets of Castle Orth and the chateau at Eckartsau. We cross the border at the town of Hainburg and enter Slovakia, winding our way towards the capital Bratislava, strategically positioned along the Danube.
Accommodation: Hotel Falkensteiner (or similar)
Morning sightseeing in Bratislava; cycle to the Slovakia-Hungary border and continue through Halaszi to Hedervar; transfer to Esztergom
In the morning, we have time to explore Bratislava, wandering through the narrow cobbled streets of the old town. Occupying a spot on the Danube, it has previously been an important economic, cultural and political centre of Central Europe. The compact old town is packed with beautiful 18th-century buildings and sights, including St Michael’s Gate and the medieval city walls.
We then continue our ride, crossing the border into Hungary, cycling through peaceful rolling countryside before arriving in Hedervar, a village of around 2,000 inhabitants. From here, we transfer to our hotel in the pretty town of Esztergom.
Accommodation: Panzio Bazilika (or similar)
Follow the Danube beneath Visegrad Castle, ride through rolling hills to Vac; transfer to Budapest; free time for sightseeing
We depart Esztergom mid-morning and begin the ride with a 2.5mi (4km) section of cycle path alongside the Danube before joining the road. Our route meanders over rolling countryside and through rural villages until we reach Vac, where our cycling ends. From here we transfer approximately 45 minutes to the Hungarian capital of Budapest, home to hot springs and delicious Magyar cuisine.
The remainder of the day is free to explore this grand city situated majestically along the Danube. Budapest is a history and architecture lover’s dream. It offers an eclectic mix of attractions, including the Szechenyi Baths, the largest medicinal bath in Europe; Fisherman’s Bastion, for breath-taking views of the Danube and Parliament building; the House of Terror Museum, where you can learn about the city’s dark Communist period; or simply enjoy a glass of excellent Hungarian wine in a local cafe.
Accommodation: Hotel Benczur or Hotel Verdi
Fly to London.
End Budapest
The trip ends this morning after breakfast. If you wish to explore this fascinating city more, we recommend booking an extra night post-tour. Please ask your sales representative for more details.
Essential Info
Is this trip for you?
This trip is classified Road and Activity Level 3 (Moderate). For more information on our trip gradings please visit our Activity Level Guidelines page. If you have any queries about the difficulty of the trip please do not hesitate to contact us.
The route is undulating and requires a reasonably good level of fitness. There is full vehicle support, minimising the amount you need to carry, and giving the option of a rest should you need it. However, there are sections (approximately 10 percent) where the vehicle cannot follow the group, for instance along narrow forest cycle paths or through vineyards. We aim to use quiet roads and cycle paths where possible, but sometimes we need to pass busy sections to reach the quiet roads on the other side. The optional cycling tour of Vienna is on some busy city centre roads and cycle paths.
- Average daily distance: 34mi (56km)
- Number of cycling days: Eight
- Vehicle support: 90 percent
- Terrain and route: 100 percent paved/easy gravel roads
Joining Instructions
Key information
Start hotel: Hotel Lunik, Londýnská 609/50, 120 00 Praha 2-Vinohrady
Phone: +420 224 253 974
Airport: Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG)
Getting to the start hotel
The start hotel is approximately 40 minutes’ drive from the airport. Your options for this journey are:
Take an Exodus transfer
Exodus provides one group arrival transfer from the airport, which is timed to coincide with the arrival of a chosen flight from London, UK. You may join this transfer at no extra cost, provided you can be at the airport before the transfer leaves. Speak to your sales representative for the group arrival transfer times or to arrange a private transfer.
Make your own way
You can reach the start hotel relatively easily using taxis or public transport. You can catch the 119 bus to Dejvická Metro Station and take Line A to Náměstí Míru. Hotel Lunik is about a two-minute walk away. Alternatively, there is an airport taxi service for a fixed rate of around 590 Czech koruna (US$25). Upon arrival at the hotel, make staff aware you are part of an Exodus group. If you would like further information on joining this trip, please speak to your sales representative.
Catching your return flight
There’s a group departure transfer to Budapest Airport (BUD) for customers who Exodus booked onto a chosen flight to London, UK. Please speak to your sales representative if you wish to join. If the group departure transfer does not suit your flight time, speak to your sales representative to arrange an alternative transfer.
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
Location start: Prague
Location end: Budapest
Passport
Remember to check the expiration date of your passport if travelling internationally. Many countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after the date of your scheduled return.
Hotels & Pensions
The accommodation listed below are the standard hotels used. However, there may be some departures where groups stay at similar hotels of the same standard and quality.
We use a mix of three- and four-star hotels and small pensions during our ride, chosen for comfort and convenience. Our city hotels may be a short walk or ride from the city centre. All hotels have en suite facilities and free wifi. Some have spas and wellness centres.
- Prague: Hotel Lunik
- Cesky Krumlov: Penzion Prelat
- Jindrichuv Hradec: Hotel Concertino
- Znojmo: Hotel Lahofer
- Mikulov: Hotel Galant
- Vienna: Hotel Boltzmann
- Bratislava: Hotel Falkensteiner
- Esztergom: Panzio Bazilika
- Budapest: Hotel Andrassy or Verdi Imperial
Single supplements are available upon request.
Reviews
Add your own reviewGreat way to explore Eastern Europe
A wonderful holiday visiting four countries and four capital cities. The cities and towns are beautiful and the trip involves a visit to a number of UNESCO World heritage sites. The cycling is varied using country roads, tracks and through forests.
Most Inspirational Moment
Learning about what it was like to live in the countries under communist rule and about the fall of the iron curtain.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jan was excellent. He kept us well informed and organised restaurants and tickets for a concert in Vienna for us. He was knowledgeable and enthusiastic about the countries we visited. It was particularly interesting to hear about his time growing up in Slovakia.
Advice for Potential Travellers
We naively assumed that the weather would be good but we lost some day's cycling due to rain, so take some wet weather gear.
Worth the Ride!
This was our first time on a biking tour with Exodus and we would highly recommend it!! Biking through small historical towns, UNESCO sites, scenic natural beauty, – amazing! Our guide, Jan, and driver, Lubos, took great care of us and Jan’s knowledge of the historical political scene during the Cold War made the tour so much richer. Worth the ride!!
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent!!
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do it!
Best Yet!
Having read the fairly negative review from an earlier tour, our party of five had concerns, and investigated our options to change from this tour. We are all so very glad we didn’t!! After our agent confirmed she had made enquiries, and Exodus had reassured her they were working hard to deal with the post covid supply issues, we decided to continue on with this tour. Every detail was beyond expectation, the bikes were near new, the guide team incredible and the route spectacular. Nothing, other than personal fitness, could have made this trip better.
Most Inspirational Moment
Its not a place or a moment, Central Europe is too beautiful and complex for that, it was the learnings. It was cycling with little concern right beside the remanets of the Iron Curtain. Waking up in a country that was recently freed, and going to sleep in a country that has been relatively unrestricted for many years. Nothing is more inspirational than stopping for morning tea at the memorial to the hundreds who lost their lives trying to cross a boarder, no matter why, which direction or what your beliefs are that is sobering… To spend 11 days, as a 50 something year old, in Central Europe, on a bike, is a privilege of our time, and that inspired me!
Thoughts on Group Leader
We struck gold! Jan is a compassionate, capable, incredibly knowledgeable, gentleman! Teamed with Lubos, our big gentle bear of a support driver - no need nor necessity was left unaddressed! Jan and Lubos are not only fantastic: bus drivers, gear haulers, tour guides, bike mechanics, historians, foodies, medics…. They are funny, warm and perceptive! Even though Lubos had limited English, he took us on side tours, when we chose to take the bus, conveyed instructions, lead us to points of interest, tried his hand at English and never stopped smiling! Jan assessed our group and altered the tour to meet our ability and quirks. We did off trail routes, had the option to take the bus when the elevation and heat made it less than fun, chose a picnic instead of a restaurant, found place we could swim or forage for fruit, stopped so we could work out what the crop growing actually was, or to try a Sugar Beet – because that was our group… He took us to the touristy places, but he also took us to the local hidden treasures, and when the rain hit… he gave his own raincoat to one of us to wear….
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you want to truly enjoy this tour… Get out and do the kms: ride the hills, ride off road! This is 480kms plus of variable terrain, heat, hills (at times), cobbles, gravel and even mud! The bikes are ‘Gravel Bikes’ – not suspended, not wide tyred, mountain bikes. The wheels are skinny, you have disk brakes, and these are opposite (right back / left front) for anyone from the southern hemisphere… But they are perfectly adequate if!... You have done some training off road. It’s not mountainous, but its definitely not flat, and after the uphills there are some glorious down hills – train for this! We rode downhill gravel sections that required a modicum of ability. We carried our, very lightweight, bikes up stairs – so prepare for this, it not hard at all, but carry your bike so the technique is not foreign. We navigated city traffic and tractors in villages. We had a heatwave and a downpour. And we had fun! Lots and lots of fun! Consider a Multicurrency Debit card - you ride through 4 Countries, and the currency can change twice on one day! Most places took a card, but a few notes in the local currency helped – your guide will advise, take note of what they say.
Biking P-B
Excellent trip. Great guide and driving
Most Inspirational Moment
The Vienna Opera and a return to Bratislava after 30 years
Thoughts on Group Leader
Great leader. Showcased special sites during the entire trip.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Be prepared for limited English in smaller towns.
Great bike adventure from Prague to Budapest
I had never been to this part of the world & this trip was an excellent way to experience it. We were a small group of 5 & our guide, Jan, was amazing. He knew so much about the area since he was from Slovakia. He individualized our adventures based on our interests. The Czech Republic, Austria, Slovakia & Hungary are rich in history, great architecture, local cuisine & culture. Do it!!! 😊
Most Inspirational Moment
Riding along beautiful, endless views of yellow canola fields
Thoughts on Group Leader
Jan was great! He went above & beyond to make sure our needs were met and that we were seeing & experiencing the local scene.
Advice for Potential Travellers
If you’re into it, we got tickets to see an opera at the Opera House in Vienna. It was such a cool experience.
PITY ABOUT THE SUBSTANDARD CZECH BIKES
The bikes we got weren’t Kelly Bikes as advertised on the initial trip notes but Czech bikes – Leader Fox Sumava. These were old bikes with cheap components, the gears slipped and jumped on all the bikes as the bikes had been fitted with new cassettes but not new chains. The tyres were bald some down to the canvas, the front chainrings were old and worn. There were no spare inner tubes and tyres. The bottle cage on the Ladies bikes was on the lower tube and couldn’t be reached when riding. After never ending mechanical problems, punctures & a broken chain, we asked the guide Andrej to get replacement bikes from the company which arrived the following day. They were the same model but the gears changed on these ones, so we had a mechanical free morning. After lunch there was an accident when the mudguard supports on a riders bike had broken off and attached to the rear tyre, the rear wheel jammed and the rider was thrown over the handlebars, followed by myself and partner. Had this occurred on a downhill section the injuries would have been far more serious. The rider whose bike had the dodgy mudguards was taken to hospital as his hand was very swollen, no fractures but he couldn’t ride his bike for 2 days. Fortunately myself and partner had cuts and bruises which we managed to get patched up using dressings from other members of the group. Andrej’s first aid kit consisted of a few plasters, betadine and a packet of tissues – not much use in the event of an accident. The group’s health and safety was compromised on this trip due to faulty bikes which is unacceptable as it was a CYCLING TRIP. The capital cities that we visited were great, as was the accommodation, just a pity the route to them hadn’t been more enjoyable. The trip notes stated that there would be full vehicle support which was impossible due to the cycle routes and narrow roads which the big bus and trailer were unable to negotiate. On several occasions we had to wait for the bus to appear as the driver had no smart phone or sat nav and relied on a paper map. Fortunately we had excellent weather and didn’t have to wait in the rain. This was an expensive trip and I don’t feel that I had value for my money. None of us had any confidence in the bikes wondering what was going to happen next. I always thought that Exodus looked after you on their trips but sadly this wasn’t the case on this one.
Most Inspirational Moment
Visiting Vienna and getting a bike tour of the city from the guide Andrej. We went to a Vivaldi Violin Convert in the evening Visiting Budapest which was a lot bigger than I thought. It has so much history. Bike tour of Budapest was worthwhile. Very easy to get around on the metro which was very efficient .
Thoughts on Group Leader
Andrej was a really nice guy who tried his best to adjust the gearing on the bikes. He was very helpful telling us where to eat and what the local dishes were. Unfortunately his choice of evening venue in Bratislava was not very good. The food and service were awful. Sometimes his communication about what was happening during the day could be rather vague, as was his historical information. Some riders wished to go ahead of the group and he didn’t give any information on where to stop to wait for the group. Needs to invest new tyre levers to get the tyres off when there’s a puncture Needs to get a decent first aid kit to deal with an accident - dressings, swabs and antiseptic spray
Advice for Potential Travellers
Take a decent set of Allen keys and tyre levers. A good first aid kit so you don’t have to rely on the guide. In Czech Republic we used our card and Karuna - they preferred Karuna to euros. In Budapest they took card and euros rather than HUFF. If you’re a vegetarian you’ll have difficulty finding anything other than a salad in rural areas. If we spotted a super market we got bread and cheese. They eat a lot of meat especially pork.
Fabulous - Exceeded Expectations
The trip was amazing. The organization could not have been better. The hotels were all great and if this is Grade 3, I’ll travel at that level all the time.
All of the places we stopped were excellent and the lead guide always provided us with background on the places we stopped. The ride along the old iron curtain was truly eye opening.
Overall, this trip exceeded my expectations and set the standard for future trips. I would even like to do it again.
Most Inspirational Moment
Budapest blew my mind. I could never have imagined such a historic city and its culture. Everywhere I turned I was in awe. I want to go back.
Thoughts on Group Leader
The guides were outstanding. All trip support was outstanding. The leader, Juan, kept everything moving, resolved any problems quickly and provided lots of relevant information along the way. He was always upbeat, ready to listen and provide whatever was needed. What an excellent representative for Exodus. Andy, who rode the back line, provided excellent support, encouragement, and humor. He was very good in keeping me encouraged. Juan and Andy - thank for all the support and encouragement you provided.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Really look at your fitness level. I did not pay enough attention to the trip notes, specifically the hills, and did not have the required fitness for the trip. I "made it" with only a few short trips on the bus but I would have enjoyed the journey so much more if I did not struggle as I did. So, before you do this trip, practice your hills and make sure you can stay in the saddle for consecutive days. And make sure you have the right gear.
Good but with issues
The trip achieves its aim of visiting the 4 countries and their capitals with a moderate amount of cycling. but the bikes were absolutley terrible.
Most Inspirational Moment
Not sure there was one
Thoughts on Group Leader
Very good - he lead the rides well, he communicated well. His local knowledge was excellent and was very informative. He helped the group gel. He worked very well with the second leader who was also excellent
Advice for Potential Travellers
The cycling is not that great - the best is in the Czech Republic but a large amount of it is on the banks of the Danube - so dead flat, dead straight and, frankly, dead boring. Also a lot of the ride is not on road - but on very well maintained gravel paths, a very small amount might be classified as trail. The places that the trip visits are pretty spectacular and our group gelled very well. So the trip, as a whole, is a trade off if you like doing more challenging cycling than this trip offers.
Prague to Budapest
Exceeded expectations. Great guides, driver and fellow cyclists. Tour is an interesting combination of rural and great cities.
Most Inspirational Moment
Our last meal as a group. Good companions
Thoughts on Group Leader
Excellent combination of cycling know how and narrative about the history of what we were seeing which included his experience of living under communism. I think he should make sure group is engaged before giving a briefing. Saying “ Gather around the map. I want you all to know where we are going.” once or twice would make all the difference. As well, if possible face people on the bus when relating some interesting history or giving some crucial information. Otherwise some miss key parts of what is being said.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Kick back and enjoy.
Prague to Budapest ride
Great ride through the rolling hills of Czech of republic and on through to Austria, Slovakia and Hungary. Many interesting stops along the way. Glad I did some training before the ride as we had some windy days.
Most Inspirational Moment
Riding along the old Iron curtain.
Thoughts on Group Leader
Peter and Dana were great. I required my brakes to be switched to accommodate my hands and even though I had some bike problems and switched three different bikes, Peter gladly switched for me.
Advice for Potential Travellers
Do some training, will make the trip much more enjoyable.
Would you like to include flights with your booking?
- ATOL protected
- Competitive flight prices
- Full refunds in the event of FCDO cancellations or major disruption at your UK departure airport
- Specialist support to rearrange flights and transfers
- Regional flights available from many UK airports
You may also like
The Adventure Begins Here
Get regular inspiration straight to your inbox from Exodus’ experts.