Self-Guided Krakow to Vienna Moravia Cycle Path Bike Tour

Moravia is one of Czech Republic’s treasured historical regions, tucked between Bohemia and Slovakia and shaped by the gentle flow of the Morava River valley. The famous Moravska Stezka cycling route follows this valley and leads riders into a world of timeless towns, elegant palaces, vibrant wine villages and stunningly kept gardens. The trail glides through ancient riverside woodlands, shimmering fish ponds and quiet old canals that once carried small boats. Clear signboards and well-planned paths make the entire ride effortless and enjoyable. With its mix of natural beauty, cultural heritage and peaceful countryside, Moravia easily matches the charm of Europe’s most celebrated travel regions.

For years, travellers had very few affordable cycling opportunities here, which is hard to imagine once you see its beauty. We’re thrilled to finally bring one. Thanks to the newly built highway from Krakow, reaching the Morava valley near Olomouc is quick and convenient. It’s the perfect place to begin a refreshing cycling holiday filled with delicious food, fine wine, scenic landscapes and a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

Tour Type

Self-Guided

Lodging

casual hotels

Start

Kraków

Finish

Laa an der Thaya

Level

easy

Avg. Daily Distance

39 km / 24 mi

Cycling Days

6

Group size

Min. 2, Max. 12

Fly-In

Kraków John Paul II International Airport (KRK)

Fly-Out

Vienna International Airport (VIE)

Highlights

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Culture, History and Landscapes Together

This cycling journey beautifully combines UNESCO-listed towns, historic palaces, charming old squares and peaceful river valleys, offering a perfect mix of cultural discovery and natural scenery across Poland, Czech Republic and Austria.

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Scenic Cycling on Well-Marked Routes

The tour follows flat, well-maintained and clearly signposted cycle paths along rivers, canals and vineyards, making it comfortable, safe and enjoyable even for leisure cyclists.

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Lednice-Valtice Garden

Explore the “Garden of Europe” with its stunning parks, palace gardens and decorative structures. It is a perfect scenic stop on your ride.

Itinerary

Brief Itinerary

Meals are indicated as B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner.

Listed hotels are subject to availability and may be replaced with similar alternatives of equal standard.

DayPlacecasual InnsMealsDistanceActivity
DAY 1KrakowHotel WyspiańskiB
DAY 2Olomouc Hotel SenimoB20 km / 12 micycling
DAY 3Kromeriz Hotel U Zlatého kohoutaB45 km / 28 micycling
DAY 4Uherske Hradiste Hotel MlýnskáB33 km / 20 micycling
DAY 5Hodonin Hotel PanonB45 km / 28 micycling
DAY 6Valtice Hotel Salety (4-star)B45 km / 28 micycling
DAY 7 Laa an der ThayaHanfthal HofB45 km / 28 micycling
DAY 8DepartureB

Detailed Itinerary

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Day 1: Krakow

The journey begins in the historic city of Krakow. After arriving, the day is kept relaxed to settle in and get a first feel of the city’s rich heritage. Visitors can spend time exploring the charming Old Town, walking through lively streets, enjoying local cafés, or simply resting after travel. This easy first day helps everyone ease into the tour and prepare for the cycling adventure starting the next day.

Meals: Breakfast
Accommodation: Hotel Wyspiański
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Day 2: Olomouc

This day marks the beginning of your cycling journey in the heart of Moravia. You start the morning with an 8:30 AM bus transfer from Krakow to the charming town of Litovel, known for its brewery and unique setting where the Morava River splits into several channels surrounding the old town. You will arrive in Litovel by 1:00 PM.

After lunch near a historic mill, the cycling tour starts with a short and easy ride through a protected riparian forest, offering peaceful nature and flat paths ideal for warming up.

As you continue, the landscape gradually opens up and leads you towards Olomouc. Soon, the impressive historic skyline of Olomouc comes into view, once the capital of Moravia and today a UNESCO World Heritage city. The day ends with time to admire the city’s rich architectural heritage and lively atmosphere, making it a gentle yet memorable introduction to the tour.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 20 km / 12 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Senimo
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Day 3: Kromeriz

Begin your day exploring the charm of Olomouc, a city steeped in history and culture. Take time to marvel at the Holy Trinity Column in the market square, a UNESCO-listed monument, and visit the town hall with its fascinating astronomical clock. The St. Wenceslas Cathedral, Olomouc Fortress, and the grand Archbishop’s Palace showcase the city’s majestic past. Cycling along the ancient fortress walls is truly an unforgettable experience.

As the journey continues, follow the scenic Morava River to Tovačov, an architectural gem nestled among tranquil fish ponds, home to a graceful palace and a Jewish museum. The route then passes through Chropyně, where a Renaissance-style hunting lodge stands proudly in the heart of the town. The day concludes in the enchanting city of Kroměříž, often called the Athens of Moravia for its artistic and cultural beauty. Here, you’ll find elegant arcades, a grand Archbishop’s Palace, and two exquisite gardens that are considered among the finest in the Czech Republic

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
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Day 4: Uherske Hradiste

Today’s ride offers a refreshing change of pace, following the gentle, flat trails along the Baťa Canal, a historic waterway often compared to France’s famous Canal du Midi. Originally built to transport lignite, this canal has been beautifully restored and now bustles with life, from houseboats and tourist ships to riverside cafés.

As you cycle along, take in the peaceful countryside and the rhythmic charm of passing old locks. Architecture lovers can make a detour to Zlín, the iconic hometown of the world-renowned Baťa shoe company, known for its innovative design heritage. The day ends in Uherské Hradiště, a picturesque town founded centuries ago on an island of the Morava River. With its elegant market square, neo-Romanesque synagogue, and vibrant historic center, it’s the perfect place to relax and reflect after a fulfilling day on the trail.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 33 km / 20 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Mlýnská
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Day 5: Hodonin

Today’s route takes you through the heart of Moravian Slovakia, a region celebrated for its vibrant folk traditions and timeless charm. As you cycle along, you’ll pass by quaint white cottages with blue shutters, beautifully adorned with wood carvings and traditional ceramics. The scenery blends rolling vineyards, flower-filled meadows, and elegant palaces, creating a perfect picture of rural Moravian beauty.

Along the way, stop to explore Uherský Ostroh, with its historical town center steeped in local heritage. Continue to Strážnice, where the palace gardens offer a tranquil retreat, and then to Petrov, famous for its charming alley of wine cellars carved into the earth.

The day concludes in Hodonín, a peaceful town known for its warm hospitality and fine wines. After a day surrounded by culture, color, and countryside, relax and enjoy a well-deserved evening in this delightful corner of southern Moravia.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Panon
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Day 6: Valtice

Today marks a scenic transition as you gradually leave the Morava River valley behind. The cycling route takes you through rolling vineyards and open countryside, offering beautiful views of South Moravia’s wine-growing landscape. You ride towards Břeclav, following the gentle flow of the Thaya River, and continue through protected floodplain forests rich in natural beauty.

A major highlight of the day is Lednice, home to a stunning neo-Gothic château surrounded by expansive gardens once frequented by European nobility. The route passes landscaped parks and ornamental structures such as a minaret, colonnade, and triumphal arch, all part of the famous Lednice–Valtice cultural landscape, often called the “Garden of Europe.” The day ends in Valtice, where you stay overnight near the grand Liechtenstein palace and enjoy the opportunity to taste excellent local Moravian wines.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Accommodation: Hotel Salety (4-star)
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Day 7: Laa an der Thaya

The final cycling stage leads you through the picturesque town of Mikulov, dominated by its striking Baroque castle perched high on a cliff, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The historic center, clustered around the lively market square, features beautifully decorated houses and the impressive tomb of the Dietrichstein family, one of the town’s most notable landmarks.

From here, enjoy a smooth and gentle ride along flat cycle paths, crossing the Austrian border as you reach Laa an der Thaya, your final stop. This inviting spa town is the perfect place to relax after an active week. Make sure to visit the thermal springs, a soothing way to celebrate the end of your cycling journey.

Meals: Breakfast
Cycling Distance: 45 km / 28 mi
Accommodation: Hanfthal Hof

Day 8: Departure

Today marks the end of your cycling journey. After breakfast, travellers begin their return trip either with our minibus service to Olomouc, Katowice or Krakow, or continue independently by train. A direct train connection takes about one and a half hours, making the onward journey simple and convenient.

Guests who wish to extend their holiday can stay longer in Laa an der Thaya, where the peaceful atmosphere and thermal springs offer the perfect place to unwind. The surrounding region also has several scenic loop routes, including the well-known Natural Jewels Cycle Route in the Czech Republic and charming paths through the northern wine country. It’s an ideal way to enjoy a little more cycling before heading home.

Vienna is only 70kms ( 45 mi) from Laa an der Thaya and accessible by train or car.

Meals: Breakfast

Ready to plan your adventure? Download a print-ready detailed itinerary.

Map

Dates and Prices

Book with Confidence: For scheduled group departures, your 20% deposit is fully refundable until 60 days before departure. Solo travellers booking 120+ days in advance can avoid a mandatory Single Supplement. See terms & conditions.

Single Supplement

From US $250

E-Bike Upgrade

From US $170



Couldn't find a trip with convenient dates?

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Essential Info

Inclusions

LODGING

All hotels as mentioned in the tour details or similar (subject to availability).

bike

Immaculately maintained bike with helmet, suited to a terrain.

Luggage Transfer

Transportation of luggage from one hotel to another.

meals

Meals as per itinerary. Guests are given the opportunity to dine on their own so that they discover a location independently.

Exclusions

Airport pickup

We recommend to book direclty from airport.

Airport drop

We recommend to book direclty from your last hotel.

Beverages

Beverages such as alcohol, tea, coffee, juice at a hotel or restaurant.

Gratuity

Gratuities for your guide team are not included in the trip price.

Bikes

A great ride begins with a great bike. Our tours typically include the models listed below, though in some cases—due to height or availability constraints—we may provide an equivalent alternative.

Bike Image

Lady's bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Men's bike or similar

hybrid

Included in your trip price

Bike Image

Kalkhoff Ebike or similar

ebike

Available at a surcharge

Arrival & Departure Details

Arrival

Most guests arrive in Krakow, Poland, which has an international airport (John Paul II Krakow–Balice Airport) well connected with many European cities through direct and budget-friendly flights. From the airport, the historic city centre can be easily reached by taxi, airport shuttle, or public bus in around 25–30 minutes.

Another option is arrival in Katowice, which also has an international airport with several low-cost airline connections. From Katowice Airport, taxis and buses are available to reach the city centre. Guests arriving here spend their first night in Katowice and join the group the following morning.

The journey can additionally begin in Vienna, especially for travellers continuing from the classical Danube Cycle Path tour. Vienna International Airport is one of Europe’s major hubs. From Vienna, guests can easily travel onward by train or bus. In this case, the first overnight stay is arranged in Vienna.

Departure

Your cycling tour ends in Laa an der Thaya.

Return transfers are available by minibus to Olomouc, Katowice, and Krakow, depending on the selected option.

Alternatively, guests may choose to return independently by train. There is a direct train connection from Laa an der Thaya to Olomouc, with a travel time of approximately 1.5 hours. From Olomouc, further connections are available to Prague, Vienna, Krakow, and other major cities.

Alternatively, you can take a train from Laa an der Thaya to Vienna and depart from the Vienna international airport.

Weather

The Moravia cycling region enjoys a pleasant Central European climate, making it a rewarding destination for most of the year, though the experience varies by season.

The best time to visit is May, June and September, when the weather is comfortably warm, landscapes are lush with vineyards and gardens, and daytime temperatures usually range between 18°C to 25°C, ideal for long cycling days without exhaustion.

July and August are also good months, especially for travelers who enjoy summer energy, festivals and longer daylight hours, though temperatures can rise to 26°C–32°C, making mid-day rides a little demanding.

April and October offer a mixed experience; spring brings fresh greenery and blossoms with cooler temperatures around 10°C–18°C, while autumn adds golden vineyards and wine harvest charm, though occasional rain and cooler evenings are common.

The off-season falls between November and March, when winter sets in, temperatures often drop to 0°C–8°C (and sometimes below freezing), cycling conditions become limited, and many attractions operate on reduced schedules.

Overall, Moravia is at its most charming in late spring and early autumn, when mild temperatures, scenic beauty and cultural vibrancy come together to create a truly enjoyable cycling holiday.

January

Offseason

February

Offseason

March

Offseason

April

Mixed

May

Best

June

Best

July

Good

August

Good

September

Mixed

October

Offseason

November

Offseason

December

Offseason

Best

Good

Mixed

Offseason

What to Pack

Packing smart is essential for a safe and enjoyable cycling adventure. From essential biking gear to clothing and travel necessities, this guide ensures you're prepared for any terrain or climate.

Recommended Bicycling Clothes & Gear

  • Bicycling shoes or stiff-soled sneakers.
  • Padded cycling shorts.
  • Short-fingered cycling gloves (personal gloves are ideal).
  • Brightly colored cycling jerseys or synthetic T-shirts for visibility.
  • Synthetic cycling socks.
  • Sunglasses with UV protection.
  • Personal helmet (recommended even though provided).
  • Personal saddle (optional for added comfort).
  • Rain jacket or windbreaker.
  • Cycling water bottle (to reduce plastic waste).

Note: Helmets, gloves, and water bottles are personal items, so bringing your own is recommended for maximum comfort and hygiene.

Clothing

  • Light, breathable fabrics like cotton or linen.
  • Full-sleeved clothing for sun protection.
  • Warm layers for chilly mornings and evenings (if traveling in winter).
  • Comfortable footwear for non-cycling time.
  • Bring a compact rain jacket in case of sudden weather changes.
  • Ethnic or modest clothing for exploring towns and temples.

Other Necessities

  • Toiletries: Basic hygiene essentials, including insect/mosquito repellent and sunscreen.
  • Hand sanitizer and wet wipes.
  • Plug socket adaptor.
  • Binoculars for wildlife spotting or desert landscapes.

Pro Tips

  • Pack light but plan for the varying temperatures: warm days, chilly evenings, and desert winds.
  • Use brightly colored clothing for visibility on roads.
  • Pack light to leave room for shopping.

Luggage

Please limit your luggage to one medium-sized suitcase and one carry-on bag. Mark your luggage with your name, address, and phone number.

Visa Information

Before venturing on your adventure, make sure you're equipped with essential travel advice, including security updates, local laws, and crucial passport and visa information. Start by visiting the official government website of your home country for accurate and reliable guidance:

Note: Passport and visa regulations can change at any time. Stay proactive by checking for the latest updates to ensure a smooth and stress-free journey.

Insurance

Medical insurance that covers medical costs in case of an accident during the trip is mandatory to participate in our tours.

We recommend to purchase adequate travel insurance in order to participate in our tours and protect yourself from unforeseen events. Our experience shows that guests who purchase travel insurance—including coverage for all activities on the itinerary, trip cancellation, interruption, delay, baggage damage, loss or theft, personal accident, death and repatriation costs, medical and emergency expenses (including Covid-19), and personal liability—travel with greater peace of mind.

Is proof of medical insurance required?

Yes. You must provide your insurer's name, policy number, and emergency contact via our reservation form. This is mandatory. If you cannot provide proof, you’ll need to purchase insurance before traveling with us.

Can I use my credit card insurance?

Yes, as long as it meets our requirements and provides adequate coverage. Ensure you have an emergency contact number and policy number available.

When should I buy travel insurance?

Purchase travel insurance as soon as you've paid in full or booked your flights.

Does Art of Bicycle Trips sell travel insurance?

We do not sell travel insurance directly, as we believe our customers should have the freedom to choose a policy that best suits their needs. However, we recommend Insured Nomads as a great starting point.

Frequently Asked Questions

A self-guided bike tour allows you to explore independently using our detailed app-based navigation and pre-arranged logistics. We provide route notes via app, luggage transfers, hotel bookings, and emergency phone support. There is no local guide riding with you, so you manage your own navigation and basic bike upkeep.

For self-guided tours, the fitting process is designed to be simple and flexible while ensuring you start with a bike that suits your measurements.

Before Your Tour

When you book, we ask for your height. This allows our local partners to select the correct frame size and prepare the bike in advance so it’s close to your ideal fit when you arrive.

At the Start of the Tour

The setup experience varies by destination:

  • In some locations, you may receive an in-person handover with basic adjustments made by the local partner.


  • In others, especially in more remote regions, you may receive a bike that is pre-set based on the measurements you provided.


All self-guided bikes include basic tools, so you can make simple adjustments such as raising or lowering the saddle yourself.

During the Tour

You can adjust the bike as you ride using the provided tools. If anything feels off and you need assistance, our local partners are reachable and will support you as promptly as the location allows.

What to Expect

The self-guided bike fit is practical and rider-adjustable. It ensures:

  • You start with the correct frame size

  • You can fine-tune your comfort easily

  • You have the flexibility to adjust as needed along the route


It’s not an in-depth professional fitting, but it’s perfectly suited for multi-day touring comfort.

We provide an app-based navigation system that includes all your daily routes, points of interest, and important trip notes. You can download the app to your phone in advance, and we’ll share your login details before your trip.

Yes. Once the routes are downloaded, the app works completely offline, so you don’t need mobile data while riding. You can even use it in airplane mode, which helps conserve your phone’s battery.

To extend battery life further, we recommend reducing screen brightness and carrying a small power bank for longer days on the trail.

A mobile holder is not provided. Since you’ll be using your phone for navigation, we strongly recommend bringing your own sturdy, handlebar-mounted mobile holder to ensure a safe and comfortable riding experience.

We do not provide GPX files separately. All routes are available within our navigation app, which is the most reliable and up-to-date source for your trip. Once you receive the login details for the navigation app — generally shared about one month before your departure — you can explore the routes and, if needed, also download the GPX files directly from the app for use with your personal Garmin or GPS device. We recommend getting familiar with the app and its features before your tour starts to ensure a smooth experience on the road.

For minor issues like punctures, the guests are provided with a self-repair kit, which includes tools to help them fix such minor issues. The exact contents of the kit depend on the type of bike, terrain and other factors, and will be communicated to you closer to your date of departure. However, usually such a kit includes tire levers, a spare tube, a patch kit, and a pump, allowing riders to fix the problem themselves. In some cases, the kit may only include a pump or a repair foam.

Self-guided riders are expected to be independent in handling these minor problems. While there are some bike shops along the route, they are limited. If you are unsure about how to repair a puncture, we recommend considering a guided or van-supported trip instead.

For major mechanical failures, such as a cable break, the guests can contact the emergency support number provided. The support team will help coordinate a solution, which could include dispatching a local mechanic, suggesting a nearby bicycle shop for repairs, or sending a vehicle to pick up the rider. Please note that all support services will be provided on a chargeable basis, and assistance may take time, so we advise being prepared for potential delays.

Yes, each rider will be provided with at least one pannier to carry personal items during the tour. Please note, road bikes do not support panniers.

Yes, we provide helmets. However, we recommend that guests try to bring their own helmets, as these are items of a personal nature.

Your luggage will be picked up at the reception of your hotel every morning by 9.00am.

It will be delivered to the next hotel before 5pm. Most of the time it is delivered in the early afternoon itself.

We recommend that you carry no more than 2 bags together weighing up to 15kgs for this trip. You can have one large bag, which contains all your clothing and gear needed for the trip, and one small bag that contains essential items you will frequently need such as passport etc. Please note that once a bag gets loaded in the luggage transfer vehicle, you may not have access to it till later in the evening when you reach the hotel for the night.

We provide local support by phone for any medical emergencies during the tour. Our local team will assist in coordinating medical care, guiding you to the nearest healthcare facility, and ensuring you receive the necessary support. The national emergency system is reliable and effective, and in the event of a serious accident, contacting them is highly recommended. However, due to our distance from certain areas, response times may be longer. We strongly recommend having appropriate travel insurance, and we will do everything we can to ensure your safety and well-being during an emergency.

Airport transfers are not included unless specifically mentioned in your trip inclusions.

For airport pickup, we recommend booking directly from the airport upon arrival — most airports have reliable taxi, shuttle, or app-based options.

For airport drop, please book a transfer through your last hotel — they can easily arrange it for you.

We focus on delivering exceptional experiences during your tour. For logistical simplicity and flexibility, we do not handle pre- or post-tour hotel bookings. However, we’re happy to share a list of recommended hotels near the starting and ending points of your trip so you can plan your stay independently.

We are happy to pass on your room preference for a twin or double setup, and our hotel partners do their best to accommodate these requests. However, room configurations are always subject to availability at each property.

On some of our trips—especially those that travel through remote regions or small boutique inns—room types may be limited. In such cases, despite our best efforts, you may need to stay in a double room instead of a twin, or twin instead of a double, depending on what is available.

Given the nature of our journeys and the unique places we visit, we kindly ask for your understanding and support if such adjustments are required.

We will always inform you in advance wherever possible and work closely with our partners to ensure the most comfortable arrangement for your stay.

The fitness level required for each trip is indicated by the "level" of the tour, which in turn is mentioned on each tour page right next to the price and the trip duration.

Easy: The terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle climbs.

Moderate: The terrain is either mostly flat or consists of rolling hills with a few challenging climbs. There could also be a few days with longer riding distances of up to 75 kms (45 miles)

Difficult: The terrain is mostly hilly with strong elevation gains and/or has long days on the bike. Such trips are recommended for intermediate to advanced cyclists.

Please note that we usually bike around 4-5 hours per day irrespective of the level of the trip.

You can exchange currency at the airport itself, or at ATMs in larger cities. Most commercial establishments will accept international credit cards for payments, though its good to carry some local currency with you at all times.

The meeting time on Day 1 is mentioned in your travel planner shared with you. You can arrive either on the morning of Day 1 depending on the meeting time, or book a pre-tour night to arrive a day earlier.

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