Poland, Czech Republic & Slovakia: Krakow to Vienna

All you have to do is get to the airport. On our Air Packages, we’ll take care of the rest, handling all the logistics, so you can travel with peace of mind. Spend your first night aloft and arrive refreshed for an unforgettable trip.

Start off your first day in Krakow right by having a VBT representative greet you at the airport. A complimentary car service will whisk you to your centrally located hotel. From here, you are perfectly positioned to explore this charming city at your leisure.

After an included breakfast, meet your VBT representative and the rest of your group at 8:00 a.m. in the lobby of your Krakow hotel. After brief introductions, travel to Kromeríž in the heart of the Moravian region of Czech Republic (approximately 3.5 hours, including a stop on the way).

Declared the most beautiful historical town in the Czech Republic in 1997, the charming Moravian town of Kromeríž delights the eye with its manicured gardens and Baroque castle, together a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stop here for lunch, you might recognize scenes from Amadeus and Immortal Beloved that were filmed here.

Afterward, your trip leaders will conduct a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride along the Bata Canal bike path. The river will flow alongside you as you roll through small villages and countryside.

At the end of your ride, around mid-afternoon, board your private coach for a short ride (approximately 30 minutes) to Luhacovice, your home for next two nights. Nestled among steep wooded hills, this picturesque town is best known for its spa complex, one of the largest and most beautiful in the country. Though the spa itself dates back centuries, it is best known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles of Art Nouveau to mid-20th century design, with influences of regional folk art, the Arts and Crafts movement, and medieval artistry. As you explore, you will see why it has earned inscription on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage sites.

This evening, gather in the hotel with your small group for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner at a French restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choice:

Warm-up: 36 km (22 miles)

What to Expect: This afternoon’s warm-up ride is an easy roll along a flat stretch of the Bata Canal bike path. You’ll follow the river all along the way, passing through small villages and bucolic countryside.

Cumulative Distance Range: 36 km (22 miles)
Accomodation: Alexandria Spa & Wellness Hotel, Luhacovice
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The Moravian Slovakia region of the Czech Republic boasts a unique cultural heritage that blends Slovakian and Bohemian traditions. Your discoveries this morning feature Vlcnov, the cultural gem of the region. A uniquely Czech village of whitewashed homes with painted woodwork, Vlcnov is renowned for its colorful costumes, folk architecture, traditional music, and wine. Most famous of this rich heritage is the Ride of the Kings, an annual folk festival that celebrates the coming of age of young men with lively horseback riding, poetry, art, music, and dance.

Depart the hotel this morning on a beautiful, rolling ride framed by the famous Moravian Highlands. Enjoy vistas of forests and fields, hamlets and villages, as you wend your way to Vlcnov. Here, you’ll see prime examples of búdy, above-ground cellars and presses that represent a unique style of vineyard architecture.

Stop in at the Museum of Folk Distilleries to learn how “Slivovitz” plum spirit is made and for a typical lunch highlighted by Vlcnovský vdolecek, small Moravian pastries that are coveted throughout the country.

After lunch, you’ll cycle back to the hotel on a gently rolling route. Or opt for the more challenging ride, which rewards you with outstanding views of Luhacovice. The VBT shuttle is also available for those who prefer a quicker return to the hotel.

After time to refresh, embark on a short tour of the spa, including a description and tasting of different mineral waters. That will be followed by a presentation on Art Nouveau architecture and the spa’s best-known architect, Dusan Jurkovic, as well as other artists and architects of the period and the famed Czech composer Leos Janacek.

This evening is at leisure to enjoy your hotel’s spa and wellness area and have dinner on your own. Your trip leaders can offer suggestions.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Luhacovice to Vlcnov: 40 km (25 miles)
Afternoon
Vlcnov to Uherský Brod to Luhacovice: 25.4 km (16 miles) |Extra loop from Luhacovice 13.4 km (8 miles)

What to Expect: This morning’s ride departs from the hotel and follows a gently rolling route, mostly on a bike path, with two climbs at the end. From the hilltops, gaze out over the famous Moravian Highlands, savoring beautiful views of a landscape quilted with forests and open fields, and dotted with small hamlets and villages. Enjoy a similar ride back to the hotel in the afternoon, or choose a more challenging loop offering outstanding views of Luhacovice.

Cumulative Distance Range: 40.6-66 km (25-41 miles)
Accomodation: Alexandria Spa & Wellness Hotel, Luhacovice
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

This morning, board VBT’s private coach for the short drive (approximately 15 minutes) to Hluk, a charming village where traditional architecture and elaborate folk costumes are preserved. Here, you’ll visit a typical workshop to see firsthand how local ornaments are made.

From here, mount your bike for an easy ride along a flat route through small hamlets and villages. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the Strážnice and Uhersky Ostroh castles, as well as a unique bridge, a small Jewish cemetery, and búdy vineyard architecture.

Half of your ride features the White Carpathian Mountains, a UNESCO-protected landscape of endangered orchids and a shepherd culture that is unique to Slovakia and Moravia. Shepherds here keep their sheep near huts where unusual dairy products are made and sold during the summer grazing season. Among these is Bryndza, an EU-protected cheese that is typically served with small gnocchi. Perhaps you will see selling their wares along the side of the road as you ride.

As you cross Slovak border, you’ll enter the town of Skalica—a one of most beautiful medieval towns in the country. Here, the recipe for skalicky trdelnik, a local grilled pastry, is protected as fiercely as the designation of AOC wines. You are invited into the home of a young couple who will proudly share their traditional folkloric dress and music as they reveal the secret of making this sweet treat. You’ll enjoy the result over lunch, along with homemade herbal lemonade and wine made from grapes grown right on the premises.

You’ll be well fueled for this afternoon’s ride on small, narrow roads through White Carpathian meadows and beside a manmade reservoir separating the two countries. You’ll also pass by a 15th-century Franciscan monastery with 18th-century Baroque interiors at the end of your ride.

Then, board your private coach and cross the border back into the Czech Republic. Your ride (approx. one hour) leads to the town of Mikulov, in the heart of Moravian wine country.

With its warm climate, rich soil, and rolling hills, the area surrounding Mikulov offers the perfect conditions for grape growing, and winemaking traditions have been revered here since Roman times. The lush vineyards that fan out throughout the region have earned the nickname “Czech Tuscany.”

The town’s long and storied past is also reflected in the beautifully preserved architecture of its historic center. Dominating it from high atop a hill is Mikulov Castle, an 18th-century gem that stands atop the ashes of the original Romanesque structure.

Due to Mikulov’s close proximity to Austria, many Jewish people migrated to the town after they were expelled from Vienna in 1421. By the early 18th century, the town had the largest Jewish population in Moravia. Although the Jewish people were annihilated here during World War II, their proud culture is preserved in Mikulov’s Jewish quarter.

Your local touristic guide will acquaint you with the highlights of Mikulov during a short walking tour (approximately 45 minutes) and offer suggestions for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Hluk to Strážnice: 30 km (19 miles)
Afternoon
Strážnice to Skalica: 18.6 km (12 miles)

What to Expect: This morning, shuttle from Luhacovice to Hluk, where you’ll begin your ride. Most of your ride follows the Bata Canal bike path, an easy, flat route through small hamlets and villages. In the afternoon, cycle along small, narrow roads through White Carpathians meadows and alongside a manmade reservoir between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28.6-45.7 km (18-28 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Volarík, Mikulov
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Immerse yourself in the region’s exceptional wine culture and vineyard landscape today—crossing the border twice in just under 30 miles (48.3 km) this morning.

Roughly 95% of the Czech Republic’s wine-grape plantings are in Moravia, which has earned a reputation for producing high-quality wines. Set on roughly the same latitude as Alsace and Champagne, Moravia is particularly renowned for its white wines, which account for nearly 80% of production. Of particular note are Müller-Thurgau, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.

In Lower Austria, you’ll discover the beautiful Weinviertel. Characterized by gently rolling hills, countless vineyards, and charming villages, each with a pretty white church, the Weinviertel (meaning “wine quarter”) is Austria’s largest wine-producing area. Its most important grape variety is the peppery white Grüner Veltliner. This bucolic landscape is known for its wine cellar-lined roads called Kellergassen, meaning “wine-cellar street.”

Departing from your hotel, you’ll embark on a wonderfully easy, rolling ride along a designated bike route. From the seat of your bike, you’ll view complementary landscapes of man-made and natural splendor, as you pass small lakes, wildlife areas rich in birdlife, a UNESCO-protected landscape of wetlands, rolling vineyards that might remind you of Tuscany, and protected landscaped gardens. Perhaps you’ll stop for a beer at the village of Farma Nesyt.

Your ride culminates at Valtice Castle, which—together with its sister castle, Lednice—were once the home of the Dukes of Liechtenstein and are today a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gardens surrounding this complex are among the finest in the world. You are welcome to explore this impressive Baroque masterpiece, if you wish (at your own expense). You will find many options for lunch on your own in the village that has grown up around it.

You’ll hop back on your bike this afternoon for a rolling ride back to Mikulov. If you really wish to keep your legs moving, you can opt for an additional nine-mile (14.5-km) loop featuring stunning views of Palava, a UNESCO-protected Moravian biosphere.

Upon return, enjoy time to freshen up, then set out for a lively dinner in a typical Moravian wine cellar. A wine tasting and traditional Moravian music and dancing will be part of the festivities.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Mikulov to Valtice: 46.1 km (28 miles)
Afternoon
Valtice to Úvaly to Mikulov: 15.9 km (10 miles) | Extra ride Mikulov to Klentnice loop: 14.5 km (9 miles)

What to Expect: Most of this morning’s ride follows an easy, rolling dedicated bike path along both sides of Czech/Austrian border. A variety of landscapes, from wildlife refuges, and vineyards to manicured gardens, will sweep past your gaze as you ride. Your ride culminates at the magnificent Valtice Castle. In the afternoon, you’ll cycle to the hotel by way of the wine village of Uvalv, beginning with a 1-km (0.62-mile) climb followed by rolling hills, mostly along a bike path. If you’d like an additional challenge, two optional climbing loops along small side roads with some traffic afford outstanding views of Mikulov and the surrounding wine region.

Cumulative Distance Range: 46.1-76.5 km (28-48 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Volarík, Mikulov
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Delve into this beautiful wine region further on today’s ride to Lednice Castle. Departing from the hotel, you’ll enjoy an easy ride along the bike path. Listen to the singing of a wide variety of birds as you spin past the reeds, grasses, and trees of Moravia’s wetlands. Along the way, you’ll pass Pohansko, an important archaeological site where excavations have revealed artifacts believed to date to the origins of Moravian settlement from the 6th to the 10th century. You’ll also view abandoned World War II bunkers, an old oak forest, and a forest of plane trees on a floodplain at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje Rivers.

Take a break from the bike in the town of Breclav, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Moravian lunch at a lively local restaurant.

Just six miles (9.7 km) away lies Lednice Castle, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage complex you visited yesterday. This stately structure is bound to impress you with its sheer size and magnificent, 19th-century Neo Gothic architecture. The enormous park that surrounds it is a genius of design, with its flower gardens, manicured hedges, tree-lined walks, charming lakes, and romantic fountains and pavilions designed to blend into the landscape. Enjoy time to take in its splendor before boarding VBT’s private coach for the ride (approximately 1.25 minutes) to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.

Europe’s youngest capital city is too often overlooked by travelers to the region. Yet its rich history dates to the Stone Age, and its Old Town is a wonderland of Baroque architecture and whimsical bronze sculptures. The city’s music and dining venues are a delight, with some of its opera houses rivaling those of Vienna. On arrival, you’ll discover the vicinity of your hotel on a short walking tour with your local guide, who will also offer recommendations for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Mikulov to Breclav: 47.1 km (29 miles)
Afternoon
Breclav to Lednice: 9.3 km (6 miles)

What to Expect: Except when you’re cycling through villages, you’ll be following an easy, flat bike path today. Take in views of wetlands, oak and plane tree forests, and a significant archaeological site as you pedal along this scenic route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 47.1-56.4 km (29-35 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Arcadia, Bratislava
Included Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

The Danube bike path is just a short walk from your hotel, and that’s where you’re headed first this morning.

From the end of World War II into the 1960s, then Czechoslovakia built a series of concrete bunkers—first in response to the Iron Curtain and later as part of a Cold War defense system against nuclear war. You will have the opportunity to view one of these bunkers at the beginning of your ride. To get there, you will pass by the UFO bridge (also called the New Bridge [Nový Most] or the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising [Most SNP)]), the world’s seventh-largest hanging bridge. High atop the bridge you’ll see the UFO Café, a restaurant and observation deck offering striking panoramic views of the city.

Continue on the bicycle path along the Slovakian (south) shore of the Danube. After a short ride, you’ll arrive in the town of Cunovo, where you’ll find a Danube lock and dam whose wall is perfect for a leisurely ride. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the restaurants on the dam if the weather permits. Upon returning to the Danube shores, you may notice one of Slovakia’s Olympian rafters practicing in the artificial rafting canal.

At the end of the dam, the unusual Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum juts into the river. Enjoying a unique setting near Slovakia’s borders with Hungary and Austria, the museum offers exhibitions of modern art from Slovakia, Europe, and around the world, both within its walls and in its sculpture park. Just as beautiful as its artwork is the museum’s blend of architecture, landscape, and rooftop views of Bratislava, the Danube, and the Small Carpathian Mountains beyond. You’ll have time to relax and savor a cup of coffee here before your return by small boat, enjoying views of typical local house boats and the cityscape, if the weather permits the boat ride.

Upon your return to the hotel, you’ll have time to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll stroll the cobbled alleyways surrounding Michael’s Gate. Browse the Slovak National Museum, lodged within historic Bratislava Castle. Or enjoy the view from Slavín, a hilltop memorial to fallen Russian soldiers who liberated Bratislava from occupying Germans.

This evening’s farewell dinner will be a memorable event: a “guided journey” through the different regions of Slovakia led by a skilled Slovakian sommelier. During this gala 6-course feast, you’ll compare local food and wine to those of Moravia, while learning about the different vintages and why these differences exist. Dinner will held in a private room of your hotel—one of the most beautiful locations in Bratislava—and prepared by one of Slovakia’s best chefs.

Today’s Ride Choice:
Morning
Bratislava to Danubiana: 32 km (20 miles)

What to Expect: Ride out from your hotel in the center of Bratislava along wide Danube. Following EuroVelo Route 6, an easy bike route, you’ll visit one of the city’s Cold War bunkers, then continue along the flat bike path to Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum.

Cumulative Distance Range: 32 km (20 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Arcadia, Bratislava
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner

After an included breakfast, board VBT’s private coach to Vienna (approximately one hour), arriving at around 10:30 a.m.

Your room at Hotel Stefanie may not be available until 1:00 p.m., but you can leave your luggage with the reception desk. VBT provides city information, including recommendations for cafés, restaurants, museums, and transportation. The rest of the day is free for you to explore Vienna. Your hotel is located near the historic “Inner Ring” in the Old Town; many of the Old World palaces and concert halls are easily accessible.

Accomodation: Hotel Stefanie, Vienna
Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation will be provided to the Vienna airport (approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast

Meet your VBT representative at 8:00 a.m. at the Krakow hotel, the Bachleda Luxury Hotel (Plac Kossaka 6, Krakow; tel: +48 12 424 11 00), and travel to Kromeríž in the heart of the Moravian region of Czech Republic (approximately three hours, including a stop on the way).

Declared the most beautiful historical town in the Czech Republic in 1997, the charming Moravian town of Kromeríž delights the eye with its manicured gardens and Baroque castle, together a UNESCO World Heritage site. As you stop here for lunch, you might recognize scenes from Amadeus and Immortal Beloved that were filmed here.

Afterward, your trip leaders will conduct a safety and bike-fitting session, followed by a warm-up ride along the Bata Canal bike path. The river will flow alongside you as you roll through small villages and countryside.

At the end of your ride, around mid-afternoon, board your private coach for a short ride (approximately 30 minutes) to Luhacovice, your home for next two nights. Nestled among steep wooded hills, this picturesque town is best known for its spa complex, one of the largest and most beautiful in the country. Though the spa itself dates back centuries, it is best known for its eclectic mix of architectural styles of Art Nouveau to mid-20th century design, with influences of regional folk art, the Arts and Crafts movement, and medieval artistry. As you explore, you will see why it has earned inscription on UNESCO’s tentative list of World Heritage sites.

This evening, gather in the hotel with your small group for a welcome cocktail reception, followed by dinner at a French restaurant.

Today’s Ride Choice:

Warm-up: 36 km (22 miles)

What to Expect: This afternoon’s warm-up ride is an easy roll along a flat stretch of the Bata Canal bike path. You’ll follow the river all along the way, passing through small villages and bucolic countryside.

Cumulative Distance Range: 36 km (22 miles)
Accomodation: Alexandria Spa & Wellness Hotel, Luhacovice
Included Meals:Lunch, Dinner

The Moravian Slovakia region of the Czech Republic boasts a unique cultural heritage that blends Slovakian and Bohemian traditions. Your discoveries this morning feature Vlcnov, the cultural gem of the region. A uniquely Czech village of whitewashed homes with painted woodwork, Vlcnov is renowned for its colorful costumes, folk architecture, traditional music, and wine. Most famous of this rich heritage is the Ride of the Kings, an annual folk festival that celebrates the coming of age of young men with lively horseback riding, poetry, art, music, and dance.

Depart the hotel this morning on a beautiful, rolling ride framed by the famous Moravian Highlands. Enjoy vistas of forests and fields, hamlets and villages, as you wend your way to Vlcnov. Here, you’ll see prime examples of búdy, above-ground cellars and presses that represent a unique style of vineyard architecture.

Stop in at the Museum of Folk Distilleries to learn how “Slivovitz” plum spirit is made and for a typical lunch highlighted by Vlcnovský vdolecek, small Moravian pastries that are coveted throughout the country.

After lunch, you’ll cycle back to the hotel on a gently rolling route. Or opt for the more challenging ride, which rewards you with outstanding views of Luhacovice. The VBT shuttle is also available for those who prefer a quicker return to the hotel.

After time to refresh, embark on a short tour of the spa, including a description and tasting of different mineral waters. That will be followed by a presentation on Art Nouveau architecture and the spa’s best-known architect, Dusan Jurkovic, as well as other artists and architects of the period and the famed Czech composer Leos Janacek.

This evening is at leisure to enjoy your hotel’s spa and wellness area and have dinner on your own. Your trip leaders can offer suggestions.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Luhacovice to Vlcnov: 40 km (25 miles)
Afternoon
Vlcnov to Uherský Brod to Luhacovice: 25.4 km (16 miles) |Extra loop from Luhacovice 13.4 km (8 miles)

What to Expect: This morning’s ride departs from the hotel and follows a gently rolling route, mostly on a bike path, with two climbs at the end. From the hilltops, gaze out over the famous Moravian Highlands, savoring beautiful views of a landscape quilted with forests and open fields, and dotted with small hamlets and villages. Enjoy a similar ride back to the hotel in the afternoon, or choose a more challenging loop offering outstanding views of Luhacovice.

Cumulative Distance Range: 40.6-66 km (25-41 miles)
Accomodation: Alexandria Spa & Wellness Hotel, Luhacovice
Included Meals: Lunch

This morning, board VBT’s private coach for the short drive (approximately 15 minutes) to Hluk, a charming village where traditional architecture and elaborate folk costumes are preserved. Here, you’ll visit a typical workshop to see firsthand how local ornaments are made.

From here, mount your bike for an easy ride along a flat route through small hamlets and villages. Along the way, you’ll be treated to views of the Strážnice and Uhersky Ostroh castles, as well as a unique bridge, a small Jewish cemetery, and búdy vineyard architecture.

Half of your ride features the White Carpathian Mountains, a UNESCO-protected landscape of endangered orchids and a shepherd culture that is unique to Slovakia and Moravia. Shepherds here keep their sheep near huts where unusual dairy products are made and sold during the summer grazing season. Among these is Bryndza, an EU-protected cheese that is typically served with small gnocchi. Perhaps you will see selling their wares along the side of the road as you ride.

As you cross Slovak border, you’ll enter the town of Skalica—a one of most beautiful medieval towns in the country. Here, the recipe for skalicky trdelnik, a local grilled pastry, is protected as fiercely as the designation of AOC wines. You are invited into the home of a young couple who will proudly share their traditional folkloric dress and music as they reveal the secret of making this sweet treat. You’ll enjoy the result over lunch, along with homemade herbal lemonade and wine made from grapes grown right on the premises.

You’ll be well fueled for this afternoon’s ride on small, narrow roads through White Carpathian meadows and beside a manmade reservoir separating the two countries. You’ll also pass by a 15th-century Franciscan monastery with 18th-century Baroque interiors at the end of your ride.

Then, board your private coach and cross the border back into the Czech Republic. Your ride (approx. one hour) leads to the town of Mikulov, in the heart of Moravian wine country.

With its warm climate, rich soil, and rolling hills, the area surrounding Mikulov offers the perfect conditions for grape growing, and winemaking traditions have been revered here since Roman times. The lush vineyards that fan out throughout the region have earned the nickname “Czech Tuscany.”

The town’s long and storied past is also reflected in the beautifully preserved architecture of its historic center. Dominating it from high atop a hill is Mikulov Castle, an 18th-century gem that stands atop the ashes of the original Romanesque structure.

Due to Mikulov’s close proximity to Austria, many Jewish people migrated to the town after they were expelled from Vienna in 1421. By the early 18th century, the town had the largest Jewish population in Moravia. Although the Jewish people were annihilated here during World War II, their proud culture is preserved in Mikulov’s Jewish quarter.

Your local touristic guide will acquaint you with the highlights of Mikulov during a short walking tour (approximately 45 minutes) and offer suggestions for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Hluk to Strážnice: 30 km (19 miles)
Afternoon
Strážnice to Skalica: 18.6 km (12 miles)

What to Expect: This morning, shuttle from Luhacovice to Hluk, where you’ll begin your ride. Most of your ride follows the Bata Canal bike path, an easy, flat route through small hamlets and villages. In the afternoon, cycle along small, narrow roads through White Carpathians meadows and alongside a manmade reservoir between the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Cumulative Distance Range: 28.6-45.7 km (18-28 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Volarík, Mikulov
Included Meals: Lunch

Immerse yourself in the region’s exceptional wine culture and vineyard landscape today—crossing the border twice in just under 30 miles (48.3 km) this morning.

Roughly 95% of the Czech Republic’s wine-grape plantings are in Moravia, which has earned a reputation for producing high-quality wines. Set on roughly the same latitude as Alsace and Champagne, Moravia is particularly renowned for its white wines, which account for nearly 80% of production. Of particular note are Müller-Thurgau, Grüner Veltliner, Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris, Gewürztraminer, and Riesling.

In Lower Austria, you’ll discover the beautiful Weinviertel. Characterized by gently rolling hills, countless vineyards, and charming villages, each with a pretty white church, the Weinviertel (meaning “wine quarter”) is Austria’s largest wine-producing area. Its most important grape variety is the peppery white Grüner Veltliner. This bucolic landscape is known for its wine cellar-lined roads called Kellergassen, meaning “wine-cellar street.”

Departing from your hotel, you’ll embark on a wonderfully easy, rolling ride along a designated bike route. From the seat of your bike, you’ll view complementary landscapes of man-made and natural splendor, as you pass small lakes, wildlife areas rich in birdlife, a UNESCO-protected landscape of wetlands, rolling vineyards that might remind you of Tuscany, and protected landscaped gardens. Perhaps you’ll stop for a beer at the village of Farma Nesyt.

Your ride culminates at Valtice Castle, which—together with its sister castle, Lednice—were once the home of the Dukes of Liechtenstein and are today a UNESCO World Heritage site. The gardens surrounding this complex are among the finest in the world. You are welcome to explore this impressive Baroque masterpiece, if you wish (at your own expense). You will find many options for lunch on your own in the village that has grown up around it.

You’ll hop back on your bike this afternoon for a rolling ride back to Mikulov. If you really wish to keep your legs moving, you can opt for an additional nine-mile (14.5-km) loop featuring stunning views of Palava, a UNESCO-protected Moravian biosphere.

Upon return, enjoy time to freshen up, then set out for a lively dinner in a typical Moravian wine cellar. A wine tasting and traditional Moravian music and dancing will be part of the festivities.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Mikulov to Valtice: 46.1 km (28 miles)
Afternoon
Valtice to Úvaly to Mikulov: 15.9 km (10 miles) | Extra ride Mikulov to Klentnice loop: 14.5 km (9 miles)

What to Expect: Most of this morning’s ride follows an easy, rolling dedicated bike path along both sides of Czech/Austrian border. A variety of landscapes, from wildlife refuges, and vineyards to manicured gardens, will sweep past your gaze as you ride. Your ride culminates at the magnificent Valtice Castle. In the afternoon, you’ll cycle to the hotel by way of the wine village of Uvalv, beginning with a 1-km (0.62-mile) climb followed by rolling hills, mostly along a bike path. If you’d like an additional challenge, two optional climbing loops along small side roads with some traffic afford outstanding views of Mikulov and the surrounding wine region.

Cumulative Distance Range: 46.1-76.5 km (28-48 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Volarík, Mikulov
Included Meals: Dinner

Delve into this beautiful wine region further on today’s ride to Lednice Castle. Departing from the hotel, you’ll enjoy an easy ride along the bike path. Listen to the singing of a wide variety of birds as you spin past the reeds, grasses, and trees of Moravia’s wetlands. Along the way, you’ll pass Pohansko, an important archaeological site where excavations have revealed artifacts believed to date to the origins of Moravian settlement from the 6th to the 10th century. You’ll also view abandoned World War II bunkers, an old oak forest, and a forest of plane trees on a floodplain at the confluence of the Morava and Dyje Rivers.

Take a break from the bike in the town of Breclav, where you’ll enjoy an authentic Moravian lunch at a lively local restaurant.

Just six miles (9.7 km) away lies Lednice Castle, a part of the UNESCO World Heritage complex you visited yesterday. This stately structure is bound to impress you with its sheer size and magnificent, 19th-century Neo Gothic architecture. The enormous park that surrounds it is a genius of design, with its flower gardens, manicured hedges, tree-lined walks, charming lakes, and romantic fountains and pavilions designed to blend into the landscape. Enjoy time to take in its splendor before boarding VBT’s private coach for the ride (approximately 1.25 minutes) to the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.

Europe’s youngest capital city is too often overlooked by travelers to the region. Yet its rich history dates to the Stone Age, and its Old Town is a wonderland of Baroque architecture and whimsical bronze sculptures. The city’s music and dining venues are a delight, with some of its opera houses rivaling those of Vienna. On arrival, you’ll discover the vicinity of your hotel on a short walking tour with your local guide, who will also offer recommendations for dinner on your own.

Today’s Ride Choices:
Morning
Mikulov to Breclav: 47.1 km (29 miles)
Afternoon
Breclav to Lednice: 9.3 km (6 miles)

What to Expect: Except when you’re cycling through villages, you’ll be following an easy, flat bike path today. Take in views of wetlands, oak and plane tree forests, and a significant archaeological site as you pedal along this scenic route.

Cumulative Distance Range: 47.1-56.4 km (29-35 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Arcadia, Bratislava
Included Meals: Lunch

The Danube bike path is just a short walk from your hotel, and that’s where you’re headed first this morning.

From the end of World War II into the 1960s, then Czechoslovakia built a series of concrete bunkers—first in response to the Iron Curtain and later as part of a Cold War defense system against nuclear war. You will have the opportunity to view one of these bunkers at the beginning of your ride. To get there, you will pass by the UFO bridge (also called the New Bridge [Nový Most] or the Bridge of the Slovak National Uprising [Most SNP)]), the world’s seventh-largest hanging bridge. High atop the bridge you’ll see the UFO Café, a restaurant and observation deck offering striking panoramic views of the city.

Continue on the bicycle path along the Slovakian (south) shore of the Danube. After a short ride, you’ll arrive in the town of Cunovo, where you’ll find a Danube lock and dam whose wall is perfect for a leisurely ride. Enjoy lunch on your own at one of the restaurants on the dam if the weather permits. Upon returning to the Danube shores, you may notice one of Slovakia’s Olympian rafters practicing in the artificial rafting canal.

At the end of the dam, the unusual Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum juts into the river. Enjoying a unique setting near Slovakia’s borders with Hungary and Austria, the museum offers exhibitions of modern art from Slovakia, Europe, and around the world, both within its walls and in its sculpture park. Just as beautiful as its artwork is the museum’s blend of architecture, landscape, and rooftop views of Bratislava, the Danube, and the Small Carpathian Mountains beyond. You’ll have time to relax and savor a cup of coffee here before your return by small boat, enjoying views of typical local house boats and the cityscape, if the weather permits the boat ride.

Upon your return to the hotel, you’ll have time to explore on your own. Perhaps you’ll stroll the cobbled alleyways surrounding Michael’s Gate. Browse the Slovak National Museum, lodged within historic Bratislava Castle. Or enjoy the view from Slavín, a hilltop memorial to fallen Russian soldiers who liberated Bratislava from occupying Germans.

This evening’s farewell dinner will be a memorable event: a “guided journey” through the different regions of Slovakia led by a skilled Slovakian sommelier. During this gala 6-course feast, you’ll compare local food and wine to those of Moravia, while learning about the different vintages and why these differences exist. Dinner will held in a private room of your hotel—one of the most beautiful locations in Bratislava—and prepared by one of Slovakia’s best chefs.

Today’s Ride Choice:
Morning
Bratislava to Danubiana: 32 km (20 miles)

What to Expect: Ride out from your hotel in the center of Bratislava along wide Danube. Following EuroVelo Route 6, an easy bike route, you’ll visit one of the city’s Cold War bunkers, then continue along the flat bike path to Danubiana Meulensteen Art Museum.

Cumulative Distance Range: 32 km (20 miles)
Accomodation: Hotel Arcadia, Bratislava
Included Meals: Dinner

Your Danube bike tour through the Czech Republic and Slovakia ends at the Hotel Stefanie in Vienna.

Important: Train departures from Vienna prior to 11:00 a.m. are not recommended. If you depart earlier, you are responsible for your own transportation arrangements from the hotel in Bratislava. A taxi ride from the Hotel Stefanie to the Vienna train station costs approximately €15/$25 and takes approximately 20 minutes. A taxi ride to the Vienna airport costs approximately €30/$50 and takes approximately 40 minutes.

Accomodation: Hotel Stefanie, Vienna
Included Meals: Breakfast

After an included breakfast this morning, complimentary transportation will be provided to the Vienna airport (approximately 30 minutes, depending on traffic) for your departing flight.

Included Meals: Breakfast