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Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour Prague – Vienna Cycle Tour
- From: Bicycle_tours
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Description:
Last September I joined a cycle tour in the Czech Republic. The tour took us from Prague in Central Bohemia to the rolling hills and charming medieval and Renaissance towns of South Bohemia and then through the gently-sloping vineyards of South Moravia. Some riders then cycled on to Vienna, whilst others chose to return to Prague. For many non-Czechs the countryside of the Czech Republic is unknown, secret, and undiscovered. This tour is a wonderful opportunity to discover what lies beyond Prague, a city that is deservedly visited by millions of people every year.
We were a very diverse group. Our party consisted of seven Australians, a British couple, a couple from Brazil, a New Zealander, an American, and our Czech guide, Jiri (George) and driver, Jindrich (Henry). And me – I’ve been living and working in Prague for six years, but I’ originally from London, UK. Age-wise, collectively we covered every decade from early thirties to (almost) seventy. As those who have been on tours like this before, there is a camaraderie amongst cyclists that transcends continents and ages.
Our First Day: Prague to Ceske Budejovice by mini-bus
Ceske Budejovice to Cesky Krumlov by bike
After collecting everybody from their hotels on a quiet and overcast Prague Sunday morning, we group of strangers, soon to become brave companions of the trail, gathered together in the cellar meeting room of the tour company to introduce ourselves and to receive a full briefing. We were given a detailed itinerary for each day, a safety briefing and a small glass of slivovice (a local plum brandy that some people quite like).
Then it was outside to hitch up the bike trailers to the mini-buses, check on helmets and water-bottles, and on to Ceske Budejovice. After a two and a half hour drive, we parked up in the city centre and everyone was allocated their bikes for the week. The bikes are already pre-selected for individual size, weight and experience by the company. Some people had brought their own pedals and these were quickly fitted by the ever-helpful staff.
Ceske Budejovice is of course the home of the Czech Republic’s second most famous beer, Budvar or Budweiser. It is an old town with a lot of green spaces and a very large Renaissance square, where we took the first of many group photographs.
We made our way through the town and down to the River Vltava (Moldau), the same river that runs through Prague. It was a great way to start, riding along the flat cycle path following the river to test out the comfort and settings of our bikes. After a while, we reached a rocky outcrop – our first hill! After climbing above the river, we coasted down a winding forest path to the small settlement and large monastery of Zlata Koruna (Golden Crown) founded in 1263. Here was a chance to stock up on a well-deserved bowl of soup and plate of sausage.
After suitable refreshment, the last stage of the day’s short ride was down to the fairy-tale chocolate-box town of Cesky Krumlov, dominated by the second-largest castle in the country built on sheer rocks which rise up from the river. It is spectacularly beautiful and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. George gave us a tour of the town, but sadly it was raining quite hard at this stage, so we were very glad to arrive at our hotel. The luggage had already been delivered to our rooms and we had time to freshen-up before dinner.
Dinner was in a lovely medieval restaurant where the food was prepared on an open fire. We sat at long wooden tables and had a chance to get to know each other better. However, what really bonded our group together was the next stop in a lovely crowded pub with a piano player who took requests. I’d like to think that our lusty singing of old standards was enjoyed by the locals as much as it was by us.
Kilometres cycled: 27
Second Day:Cesky Krumlov to Trebon
After a fine and hearty breakfast, we gathered in the courtyard of the hotel to reacquaint ourselves with our bikes and make some final adjustments to them. And so we set off. It’s a long climb out of the valley of Cesky Krumlov, nestled on a bend of the river, where in high summer canoeing and rafting are very popular. We rode along paved cycle tracks and forest paths before stopping at a village restaurant for lunch. It was quite a strenuous day’s cycling and some of our valiant company took respite in the mini-bus for the more hill sections. The mini-bus is never far-away and is stocked up with water, fruit and energy bars.
I should add that the day was quite testing; not only because of the distance and terrain, but it was also quite cold and raining, so it did test the morale of the group. However, the week’s forecast was good and the outlook was for sunny weather. Some of us rode the mini-bus into Trebon, while others pressed on through the mud and rain to arrive later.
After a welcome shower, we met for a meal in the hotel restaurant, which was served with élan and charm by our hosts. Some opted to take a walk around the town afterwards to take in the Renaissance square, the Marian column, the charming castle and a local hostelry to taste the renowned local brew.
Kilometres cycled: 61
Third Day: Trebon to Telc
Trebon has been the centre of the Czech fish industry for five centuries. Over this time many fish-ponds and man-made lakes have been developed to produce carp and other fish. Carp is a traditional Christmas meal in the Czech Republic. It is a flatter area of South Bohemia, so a good chance to get in some faster cycling along paved forest paths. It was raining lightly and misty but this added to the mystique of riding through the dark, silent pine forests of Central Europe. All very atmospheric, all very Brothers Grimm.
After about 25 kilometres we left the woods and the land began to undulate through fields. We met up with Henry and the mini-bus for snacks and refreshments, and to mend a couple of punctures.
We pushed on through the rain. This was the most gruelling day, the furthest to cycle, nearly 80 kilometres and the second two-thirds were fairly hilly. We stopped for lunch at a country pub-restaurant, but otherwise it was head-down and concentrate on getting to Telc and South Moravia.
The town of Telc is another UNESCO World Heritage site. It has a breath-takingly beautiful and extensive square, consisting entirely of Renaissance buildings from the 16th century, decorated in the typical brightly-coloured and sgraffitoed style of the time. It’s a great photo opportunity.
We stayed in a very fine hotel not far from the main square, which had been a large farm and dairy complex. The tasteful reconstruction provided spacious rooms and a fine restaurant which served an excellent and well-deserved dinner.
We were all pretty tired after this day, but we went to bed knowing that the following days would be sunny with temperatures rising to 25 degrees Celsius. Indian summer weather!
Kilometres cycled: 78
Fourth Day: Telc – Vranov
This was a shorter day than the day before but we had some hilly country to tackle as we followed the spectacular rocky and wooded valley of the Dyje river, which flows into the Danube.
By mid-morning the sun had begun to shine and the temperature to rise. We rode through sun-dappled forests and fields and stopped at a large 17th century convent complex, where we stocked up on snacks and looked around the old buildings perched on top of a hill with lovely views of the Moravian landscape we were to cycle through.
In the afternoon, after lunch in a country village restaurant where some of our party were brave enough to assay the delicacies of the bull, we cycled through deeply-forested paths with short steep climbs and satisfyingly long downhill runs.
We passed the 11th century castle Bitov, high on an outcrop of the river, and climbed up to take a short tour of the castle. It was extended during the 15th to 17th centuries and had a fine library and impressive collection of hunting weapons: bows, crossbows and guns.
A short distance away is another castle called Zornstein (Angry Rock). This is a quite different structure to Bitov, having been abandoned in the Middle Ages and largely derelict. It is however an impressive ruin of medieval fortifications. There were fine views to be enjoyed from this historic vantage point over the blue skies and green forests of the winding valley of the River Dyje.
From Zornstein, it was a short ride down to the river and along the bank to Vranov.
Kilometres cycled: 44
Fifth Day: Vranov to Znojmo
This was also a shorter day in terms of distance, but again there were some tricky hills and off-road forest tracks to be negotiated.
However, we did have the chance to tour the castle which sits upon a rocky crag that dominates the small town. The castle was modified extensively in the Baroque style in the 18th century and so offered a completely different style to the previous day’s visits. It really was a most impressive place giving an insight into the opulent way of life of the aristocracy during Hapsburg rule.
After the informative tour, we saddled up again and rode out of Vranov towards the major wine-producing town of Znojmo. This was another enjoyable day during which we mostly followed the border between the Czech Republic and Austria. The trails pass through forest and paved tracks in an area which had been off-limits for forty years during the days of the Iron Curtain. The natural habitat is therefore unspoiled.
The last section of the ride was quite taxing as we had to climb up away from the border towards Znojmo, situated on a steep hill above the river Dyje. It is a impressive sight with several ancient spires and towers rising above the houses perched on the hillside.
After the steep ascent, we were pleased to arrive at the hotel, beautifully modernised with glass staircases, large rooms and comfortable beds.
Kilometres cycled: 40
Sixth Day: Znojmo to Mikulov
For me this was the finest day for cycling. The weather was beautiful, warm and sunny, and the terrain was gentle passing through undulating wine-growing lowlands.
We had a long lunch at a traditional pub-restaurant and passed by the only section of preserved pre-1989 defences with fences, originally electrified, tank defences and a cleared, and previously mined, dead zone. It was quite creepy to see the physical embodiment of the ‘Iron Curtain’ and difficult nowadays to understand how peoples could have been so brutally divided after the Second World War.
About 15 kilometres before Mikulov we stopped at a small wine-cellar, little more than an underground shelter, where the proprietor talked us through his current production and we tasted Burcak, the deceptively first fermentation of the grape juice. It was interesting to see the small scale of the production, but it is clear the the best of the wine never reaches the export market.
Feeling refreshed, we pushed on through the glorious afternoon sunshine to Mikulov which we could see jutting out of the surrounding plains from far away. We had our farewell dinner in a restaurant adjacent to the hotel and then repired to a wine bar for prize-giving and valedictions.
Kilometres cycled: 70
Seventh Day: Mikulov to Vienna
Mikulov to Vratice – Lednice area
Mikulov is a charming small town with a population of about 8,000 which was at one time a major centre of Jewish trade and scholarship. It is very interesting and thought-provoking to walk through its square with its pretty church and then through the adjacent Jewish quarter with its 15th century synagogue.
After breakfast, our fellowship was broken. Eight of our party had planned to end their tour in Vienna and they set off with George guiding. After a day’s ride they were driven the remainder of the distance to Vienna and delivered to their hotels by the ever-reliable Henry.
The rest of us spent an enjoyable day riding a circular route from Mikulov to Valtice and Lednice. This area is another UNESCO World Heritage site and is thought of as the most architecturally valuable region in the country. This was a great day’s cycling to end the tour. We cycled along deserted roads to Valtice through the heart of Moravia’s prime wine region. We paused in Valtice to have a look at the impressive chateau and then pressed on to Lednice. The route took us through the forested parklands of the Lichtenstein family which are studded with ostentatious monuments including the Temple of the Three Graces and a shrine to the patron saint of hunters, Saint Hubert. After lunch in Lednice, we went to walk around the glory of the neo-Gothic chateau.
Then it was back to Mikulov along a series of ribbon lakes following the border to meet up with the driver, Tonda, who drove us back to Prague and delivered us to our hotels, safe, sound and tired after a most enjoyable cycle tour through some of the finest countryside and towns that the Czech Republic has to offer.
Kilometres cycled: 47
Total kilometres over the week: 367
Guided Group Tour by: www.bicycle-tours.cz
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- 2 months ago
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Indochina Sails Cruise chosen Indochina Sails Cruise chosen as “Dream Hotel” by famous German Movie Series
- From: indochinasails
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Description:The popular, long-running German movie series called “Das Traumhotel” was filmed on Indochina Sails. The series of movies Das Traumhotel, which translates in English to “Dream Hotel”, features 5-Star properties from all over the world in which to set the stories. Previous installations in the series have been filmed in such locales as Dubai, Thailand, Bali, the Maldives, Brazil and Mexico… The latest installation in the series was on location in Vietnam. In Hoi An, the famous Nam Hai Resort was chosen and in Halong Bay, the Indochina Sails was the set for the movie. Indochina Sails is proud to be recognized along with other famous properties as a world-class destination.You can see the trailer of the movie here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S86HzqwTtCU&feature=endscreen&NR=1or take time to watch the full movie at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L9lWU4HmsM4Supported by Indochina Sails - The most luxury and safest cruises in Halong BayHanoi OfficeAdd: 27 – A6 – Dam Trau Quarter – Hai Ba Trung District – Hanoi – VietnamTel: +84 – 4- 39842362Fax: +84 – 4 – 39844150Email: info@indochinasails.comWebsite: www.indochinasails.com
- Blog post
- 1 year ago
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Nightlife in Sao Paulo,Brazil Nightlife in Sao Paulo,Brazil
- From: gauravks
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Description:
São Paulo is Brazil's most cosmopolitan city, with sundry cultural attractions to satisfy all tastes. In São Paulo, you can find nightclubs offering every beat in Brazil, as well as jazz and disco.
Sao Paulo’s nightlife is amongst the best in the world. This city offers a great variety of places where to spend a nice night. In Sao Paulo, it can find many excellent discos, nice bars, many music concerts, theater, dance, cine and much more. Most paulistas won’t even set foot in a disco or club till after midnight. The entertainment centers are distributed throughout whole city.
Sao Paulo is considered the cultural capital of the country; therefore it usually attracts the main Brazilian music stars and greatest shows. This city gets most stars, which play here more often than any other Brazilian city. Besides, many international music stars offer also amazing concerts in the main Sao Paulo’s stadiums. In addition to, the city have a great variety of theater, opera, ballet and classical music. It highlights the classical music, which is excellent and is presented in the famous and ancient Municipal Theatre, which is the main scenery of the cultural spectacles in Sao Paulo.
For Travel to Sao Paulo, you choose Cheap Flights to Sao Paulo or visit http://www.ticketstoworld.co.uk/ for tourism info about Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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- 2 years ago
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Sao Paulo attractions that sho Sao Paulo attractions that shouldn’t be missed by Anyone
- From: gauravks
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Description:
There are many quality Brazilian attractions surrounding the city of Sao Paulo, with the enticing Paulista Coast being just an hour's drive away and is therefore ideal for day trips, especially the superb beaches of Guaruja. Particularly close to Sao Paulo are the handicraft attractions of Embu das Artes, the vineyards of Louveira and the port of Santos, while excursions a little further afield include Campos do Jordao, Sao Sebastiao and Ubatuba.
The Zoologico is home to more than 3,000 animal species, and also includes a petting zoo area for children to interact with some friendly creatures. The Sao Paulo Playcenter is perfect for thrill-seeking families, with rides, games, and Brazil’s biggest roller coaster! The Parque da Monica is another theme park geared toward young children, and is based entirely around one of Brazil’s most popular cartoon characters, Monica.
Other activities in Sao Paulo include the Pinacoteca do Estado, one of the best art exhibits in the city for anyone wishing to experience Brazilian art, as well as the Sao Paulo Ibirapuera Park, which has over 2 million square meters of green space.
Finally, one of the Sao Paulo attractions that shouldn’t be missed by anyone is the chance to see a soccer match between some of the local clubs. There are four soccer clubs in Sao Paulo, and any match is going to be an experience and a half for an out-of-towner! Any hotel clerk will be able to tell you if there’s a match coming up, so don’t be afraid to ask!
As a city full of sights and sounds, Sao Paulo attractions are widespread and diverse, so you’ll never have to worry about finding something to do.
For Travel to Sao Paulo, you choose Cheap Flights to Sao Paulo or visit http://www.ticketstoworld.co.uk/ for tourism info about Sao Paulo, Brazil.
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- 2 years ago
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Sun_set_on_the_track_Sao_Paulo Sun_set_on_the_track_Sao_Paulo
- From: gauravks
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Description:Sunset on the track, Sao Paulo.
- 2 years ago
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Best Time to visit Sao Paulo,B Best Time to visit Sao Paulo,Brazil
- From: gauravks
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Description:
Although the Sao Paulo climate may not be as hot and humid as you’d find elsewhere in the country, the humid subtropical climate is very conducive to the many outdoor activities enjoyed by Paulista and visitors to the area. The Sao Paulo climate tends to be described as both subtropical and humid, with rainy weather being most likely between October and March.
The best time to visit Sao Paulo will be when the average temperatures are at a comfortable level which is during months January, February, March, April, October, November and December. Other great months to visit Sao Paulo are May, June, July, August and September when the average temperatures are a little cooler but still between a pleasant 10°C and 20°C .
Winter is also the dry season in Sao Paulo, with most of the rain coming in the early months of the year. Rain seems to come in concentrated bursts over a few days, instead of being spread out across a few months, and more often than not the city streets will flood due to overflow – the city receives about 53 inches of rainfall per year.
The average wind speed is around 8 Mph (12.8 Km/h) and wind blows from north to south. Usually there are 30 days with fog per year. Sao Paulo has a nice climate and worth visiting at any time of year.
For Travel to Sao Paulo, you choose Cheap Flights to Sao Paulo or visit http://www.ticketstoworld.co.uk/ for tourism info about Sao Paulo, Brazil
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- 2 years ago
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Salvador, Brazil Salvador, Brazil
- From: heybear00
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Description:Salvador, Brazil.
- 2 years ago
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Sao Paulo - Its gives you the Sao Paulo - Its gives you the feeling of visiting the whole world in just one place
- From: gauravks
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Description:
Sao Paulo is the largest city in Brazil, with a city population of about 11 million and almost 20 million in its metropolitan region. It is the capital of the Southeastern state of Sao Paulo, and also a beehive of activity that offers a jovial nightlife and an intense cultural experience.
Many tourists find it’s a little hard to distinguish the actual city from the Sao Paulo state, since the boundaries of this sprawling city are quite vast, and the Greater Sao Paulo area is actually the third-biggest megalopolis on the planet. Sao Paulo tourism should be included in your Brazilian holidays; it's one of the most unique travel experiences in South America.
The most impressive city we've ever visited in the whole wide world. It gives you the feeling of visiting the whole world in just one place. You may even feel some kind of cultural shock, be impressed or intimidated by its size and activity level.
The main tourist attractions in Sao Paulo are centered in two areas: downtown and Avenue Paulista. In the Downtown area you will find the cathedral, the town's skyscrapers, the historical buildings, and the shopping streets and malls. In Avenue Paulista you find the headquarters of Brazil's biggest companies, cultural institutions, some historical building, shopping malls and restaurants. Outside these areas is the Ibirapuera Park, especially recommended for families with children.
For Travel to Sao Paulo, you choose Cheap Flights to Sao Paulo or visit http://www.ticketstoworld.co.uk/ for tourism info about Sao Paulo, Brazil.
- Blog post
- 2 years ago
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Iguazu Falls, Brazil Iguazu Falls, Brazil
- From: marmat1711
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Description:
- 2 years ago
- Views: 575
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Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Jan Corcovado Mountain, Rio de Janiero
- From: marmat1711
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Description:
This view of Christ the Redeemer statue on Corcovado Mountain in Rio de Janiero, Brazil was taken from the Botanical Gardens.
- 2 years ago
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Devil's Throat Fall, Iguazu Fa Devil's Throat Fall, Iguazu Falls
- From: marmat1711
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This is the largest waterfall at Iguazu Falls, Brazil.
- 2 years ago
- Views: 769
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Iguazu Falls, Brazil Iguazu Falls, Brazil
- From: marmat1711
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Iguazu Falls consists of over 275 cascades and is spectacular along a 2 mile stretch of the Iguazu river on the border of Brazil, Argentina & Paraguay.
- 2 years ago
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MelissaFay47
- Points:652
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- Since: 2 years ago
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Sugar Loaf in Rio De Janeiro, Sugar Loaf in Rio De Janeiro, Brazil
- From: Litaun
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Aerial Tram ride to the top of the mountain top to view the city of Rio De Janeiro, from the beaches of Copacabana, Impanema and Leblon and more
- 2 years ago
- Views: 288
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Iguassu Sunset Iguassu Sunset
- From: gdcall
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Description:
I took this photo of the sun setting over the Iguassu Falls located in Brazil. The Iguassu Falls are spectacular. The falls are probably the most beautiful waterfalls I have ever seen. I used a Canon XSi with a Tamron 18-270 mm Lens.
- 2 years ago
- Views: 454
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Iguassu Falls Rainbow Iguassu Falls Rainbow
- From: gdcall
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Took this photo of the rainbow at the Iguassu falls in Brazil. The falls are beautiful.
- 2 years ago
- Views: 294
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Somewhere over the Rainbow Somewhere over the Rainbow
- From: gdcall
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This is a photo of a rainbow over the Iguassu Falls in the Iguassu Ntional Park, Brazil. The falls are spectacular. The rainbow as beautiful.
- 2 years ago
- Views: 416
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Monkey Monkey
- From: gdcall
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Description:
Took this photo of a monkey hanging out in this tree by the Iguassu Falls,Brazil.
- 2 years ago
- Views: 246
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Over the Rainbow Over the Rainbow
- From: gdcall
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Description:
Took this photo of the rainbow over the falls while vacationing at Iguassu falls ,Brazil. The falls are spectacular. This was a photo taken from the Argentina side of the falls. I used a Canon Xsi with a Tamron 18-270 mm lens.
- 2 years ago
- Views: 306
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playa1990
- Points:652
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- Since: 2 years ago
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