Detailed Itinerary

Day 1 Depart US
You depart from the U.S. for the Czech Republic. The particulars of your arrival overseas are detailed with your flight itinerary and airline tickets.
Hotel: In Flight

Day 2
Upon arrival at the Prague airport, you will claim your luggage and proceed through customs. If for any reason your luggage appears to be lost, you must fill a PIR form before leaving the customs area as VBT representatives are not allowed into the customs area. You will be met after exiting customs. As you enter the arrival hall please look for your VBT representative who will be holding a VBT sign. Please wait here. Make sure also that your VBT luggage tags are attached to your bags – this assists our representative in identifying you. Your representative will welcome you to Prague and arrange for your transfer via taxi or van to your Prague hotel, (transfer time 30 minutes but may vary due to traffic). At this time, a little planning ahead is necessary: please verify with your airport representative the time of your transfer from your Vienna hotel to the Vienna airport at the end of your trip. At the hotel our representative will be available for a short time to answer your questions and to provide you with a city information packet for your stay, which will include information and recommendations on what to see and do in Prague. You have the rest of the day to relax or to begin your exploration of the city. Also please note: VBT transfer times and departure points are finalized in advance and cannot be modified for individual guests. If you are flying in earlier than the scheduled program dates, transportation from the airport will be at your own expense.
Meals: B Hotel: Bellagio Hotel

Day 3
Enjoy independent exploration in the city of Prague amidst unsurpassed culture and history. You may wish to visit Prague Castle which is the most popular sight visited in Prague. It is the largest ancient castle in the world (570 m long, on average 128 m wide, area 7.28 hectares). Constructed in the 9th century by Prince Boøivoj, the castle has been transformed from a wooden fortress surrounded by earthen bulwarks to the imposing form it has today. Rulers made their own additions so there is a mixture of styles. Prague castle has had four major reconstructions, but it keeps the classical baroque facade that it took on in the 18 century during the reign of Maria Theresa. The Jewish Quarter, Josefov, is also well worth a visit. Named after the emperor Josef II, whose reforms helped to ease living conditions ther, the Jewish Quarter contains the remains of Prague's former Jewish ghetto. As many of the Jewish died during the WWII and were forced by the communist regime to leave the country, the current Prague community numbers only 5000 – 6000 people. The Jewish Quarter is located in the Old Town which was mentioned in history as far back as 1091. It is the oldest of the towns of Prague. The New Town was founded in the 14th century. The centre of the Old Town has always been the Old Town Square dominated by the Gothic style Church of Our Lady of Týn and the Town Hall.
Meals: B Hotel: Bellagio Hotel

Day 4
Cycle to Borsov nad Vltavou / Guided Tour in the Historical Centrer of Cesky Krumlov
After breakfast we cycle through a beautiful and conserved landscape to Borsov nad Vltavou, a typical little Bohemian village on the banks of river Vltava, featuring the Porici Castle and Gothic church of St. James. On our way we stop at Zlatá Koruna, one of the best preserved Gothic monasteries in Bohemia, set in a quiet countryside . We return to our hotel in time to visit the gem of Cesky Krumlov, the Rosemberg family chateau and stroll the cobblestone streets maybe shopping for a Bohemian crystal or wooden piece. Dinner is on your own tonight.
Meals: B Hotel: Hotel Ruze Alternate Hotel: Hotel U Mesta Vidne . The hotel, which was a traditional bakery in the 16th and 17th centuries, has been recently renovated in accordance to the original design and today can welcome its guests with comfortable hotel services. An historical building with modern standard… Furthermore, the Restaurant “Garden of Vienna” with its wine cellar, impressive garden restaurant, is a good chance to discover local gastronomy.
Day 5
Discover the largest National Park in the Czech Replublic: Sumava / Cross the Czech – German border / Cycle on a former Railway Track to Passau
In the morning we travel by a nostalgic train through the National Park : Sumava to Nova Pec, not far from the German border, where we get by bike after an amazing ride in the beauty of an incontaminated landscape, far from traffic and villages. At Nove Udoli we walk and cross the border. This border crossing was closed in 1945 and opened some time ago for pedestrians and bicycles only. Due to this, you may find that this route has not yet made it into guide books. Across the border we begin cycling in Bavaria with a downhill stretch on a former railway track. Bavaria belongs to Europe's most beautiful and most serene cycling areas. On our way we stop at a Bavarian farm for a typical lunch. We continue cycling and in Waldenkirchen we take a shuttle to the historic baroque city of Passau which is situated between three rivers: the Danube, Inn and Ilz. Tonight dinner is at our hotel restaurant, right on the romantic Danube river.
Meals: B, L, D Hotel: Altstadt Hotel

Day 6
Short ride along river Inn / Explore Passau
Enjoy a leisurely bike ride along the river Inn - the frontier between Germany and Austria. We start by following the German bike path. At Neuhaus we cross the river to the Austrian Schärding. You will be impressed by the colorful baroque-style burgher houses on the two town squares. After exploring Schärding we return to Passau. However, before arrival we have a delicious picnic lunch while on the opposite bank, perched high above the Inn, where the Neuberg fortress looms. In the afternoon you have time to look around the fascinating town of Passau. Dinner is on your own tonight and the choice is quite wide in Passau.
Meals: B, L Hotel: Altstadt Hotel

Day 7
Danube impressions by bike and boat / Schlögener Schlinge
We start our day with a ship's adventure on the most popular river route in Europe. We cruise through the famous Schlögener Schlinge, where the Danube snakes through steep forested mountains in a series of sharp and scenic serpentine bends. Silence surrounds you, except for the occasional noise of passing barges. You decide where to start cycling, either at Schlögen or Aschach. We follow the Danube bike path to Linz, where we transfer by private motorcoach to our hotel at Weissenkirchen (Austria). The village is dominated by St. Michaels' Church, dating back to 987. There are quite a number of Renaissance buildings with romantic inner courtyards. One of them hosts our charming family-run hotel. Many ‘Vinegut',wine makers, and cellars call Weissenkirchen their home and are located in beautiful ancient manor houses. Have a famous young "heuriger" wine in one of the taverns! Later we gather for a dinner in a typical local Austrian restaurant.
Meals: B, D Hotel: Hotel Raffelsberger Hof

Day 8
Wachau Valley / Melk Abbey / the romantic town of Dürnstein
In the morning we cycle through the Wachau Valley, an area of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage, to Melk. The “Wachau” is one of Austria's most beautiful landscapes. A mix of orchards and vineyards on the hills all dotted with ruined castles , abbeys, andchurches. In Melk a guided tour takes you to the spectacular Benedictine Abbey, one of Europe's largest baroque monasteries. You will enjoy lunch at Melk on your own (maybe in the stunning gardens of the abbey). Early this afternoon we take a short cruise on the Danube to the lovely village of Spitz. From there we cycle via Dürnstein, where Richard Lionheart was kept prisoner in 1193 , back to Weissenkirchen. Our farewell dinner is in a local restaurant.
Meals: B, D Hotel: Hotel Raffelsberger Hof

Day 9
Transfer to Vienna/Free Day
After breakfast, all guests are transferred to Vienna, arriving at approximately 10:30 a.m. Land-only guests: Your tour ends at the Hotel Stefanie in Vienna. Important: we do not recommend train departures from Vienna prior to 11:00 a.m. Those departing earlier must make transfer arrangements at their own expense from the last hotel in Weissenkirchen. Taxi cost to the Vienna train station is approximately 15 Euros /18 USD (travel time 20 min). Taxi cost to the Vienna airport is approximately 30 Euros/$36 USD (travel time 40 min). VBT Air Package guests: we transfer by coach to Hotel Stefanie. Your room may not be ready until 1 PM, but you can leave your luggage with hotel reception. Upon arrival at the hotel, a Welcome Packet will be provided with maps and recommendations for cafes, restaurants, museums and transportation. The rest of the day is free to explore Vienna. Your hotel is located near the historic “Inner Ring” in the Old Town and many of the Old World palaces and concert halls will be easily accessible to you.
Meals: B Hotel: Hotel Stefanie