Castles and Catacombs: The Bike Paths of Eastern Czechia

There’s something special about cycling through three countries—and on VBT’s splendid Austria, Slovakia & Czechia: Bratislava, Prague & Vienna Guided Tour, that’s exactly what you’ll do. On this unique adventure, your local VBT trip leaders guide you along quiet bike paths, through stunning landscapes, to discover parts of Czechia and Slovakia that are truly off the beaten path. As you spin past the vineyards of Moravia, the rolling hills of Vysočina, and the crystalline lakes of the Bohemian highlands, you’ll discover medieval castles, ancient wine cellars, and the traditional music and cultural expression that give this region a character all its own.

Not Your Average Cycling Tour of Czechia

Look around, and you’re likely to find many bike tours that include Austria and western Czechia—it’s a well-trodden path. But in classic VBT style, we’ve designed something completely unique—including the sublime Slovakian capital of Bratislava, followed by scenic spins on serene bike paths and quiet country roads. That’s where VBT Trip Designer Andrea Chlebova comes in. Born and raised in Slovakia, Andrea knows this region like the back of her hand—and, with her vast network of local cycling friends, she’s discovered low-traffic cycling routes with diverse scenery, fascinating history, and authentic cultural experiences along the way.

Like many Europeans, Andrea remembers when Prague was a destination almost entirely unknown to American travelers. “After the Iron Curtain came down, Western travelers were eager to experience Czechia for the first time,” she recalls. “And of course, Prague was a must-see on every traveler’s list. Today it is quite well-known, along with the southern route to Vienna that runs through Český Krumlov. But on this VBT adventure, we really wanted to take our discoveries to a whole new level.” With Andrea’s deep insider knowledge, this adventure is beautifully poised to highlight the fascinating contrast between Eastern and Western Europe through the eyes of the local families, musicians, and artisans who know it best.

Explore the Vibrant Vineyards of Moravia

While Moravia is a lesser-known destination for Americans, for Europeans it’s a dearly beloved cycling training ground. “Moravia is a cycling paradise for Austrians, Germans, and the local people,” says Andrea. “As a result, there are now luxury hotels in the region where before there were none. On this adventure, we’ll stay in a lovely 4-star hotel in Moravia with stunning views of Mikulov Castle. In the Bohemian highlands, we’ll enjoy a two-night stay in a picturesque 5-star hotel in a castle from a Bohemian fairytale.” As you pedal this pristine landscape of fields and vineyards, you’ll cycle bike paths and low-traffic country roads with a diverse range of scenery—including quiet fields, bustling vineyards, granite mountains, and crystalline lakes.

Renowned for its excellent vintages, the sunlit hills of Moravia call to mind another beloved European wine region. “The hills and valleys of Mikulov are often compared to Tuscany,” Andrea explains. “Of course, they are not heavily traveled the way Tuscany is today—so this is a wonderful opportunity to step back in time and experience one of Europe’s best wine regions without all the crowds.” With fantastic cycling infrastructure, pedaling the “Wine Route” bike path is a worry-free experience featuring distinctive scenery—including wine cellars with round wooden doors built into the hillside like hobbit houses from Lord of the Rings.

Of course, no journey through Moravia could possibly be complete without experiencing its exceptional vintages—as well as a favorite Moravian pastime, music. “On our first evening in Mikulov, we’ll have a very special event in a local wine cellar,” says Andrea. “Moravia is a region with a strong musical tradition, and we’ll hear a local musician play regional folksongs as we sip.” Moravian music is rather up-tempo and boisterous, and our musical friend is very much in demand—especially in the summer months when local weddings and festivals are ripe for dancing.

One of the most delightful things about cycling Moravia is the wealth of fascinating castles and monuments that are easily approached by bike. “Valtice and Lednice are two of the most important castles in Czechia,” explains Andrea. “Our bike path goes right through the Lednice-Valdice complex—featuring gardens which are very well-manicured and built in the French style. There are many fascinating monuments to stop and see as we pedal.” After an enlightening tour of the castle with a local guide, you may find yourself intrigued by an exploration of the ancient catacombs that snake for miles beneath the cobblestones of Valtice.

Charming Medieval Villages of Vysočina and the Bohemian Highlands

Leaving the sun-kissed fields of Moravia, our path turns north and west towards Prague. “The region of Vysočina is sometimes described as Czech Canada,” explains Andrea with a smile. “With lush forests and granite mountains, it feels totally different from the fields and vineyards of Moravia.” The highlands are also home to some of Czechia’s most beautiful medieval villages—including Slavonice, a Renaissance jewel with elaborate homes that look like decorated wedding cakes. During a stop in the nearby village of Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you’ll view some of the most important examples of Italian Renaissance architecture north of the Alps. More importantly, you’ll have the opportunity to quaff a world-class beer during a tasting at a local brewery. “Everyone loves beer in this region,” says Andrea. “You simply cannot miss sampling the best of the best.” After checking into your 5-star chateau hotel, you’ll have an opportunity to unwind at its luxurious spa, stroll the extensive castle grounds, and kick back a local brew along with a traditional dinner roasted over an open fire.

As you enjoy a stunning spin through the Bohemian highlands, you may find that castles are on your mind. A stop in the quaint village of Lipnice is the perfect opportunity to discover one of Czechia’s most impressive castles. As you wander the charming medieval streets of Lipnice nad Sázavou, you’ll have the opportunity to view this 14th-century fortress from many angles. After spending a final, glorious evening in your Bohemian chateau hotel, there’s just one castle left to see. The imposing silhouette of Prague Castle stands out against the city skyline like a towering Gothic cherry on the cake of this sweet cycling adventure.