Self-Guided Prague to Berlin via the Elbe Bike Tour

After your arrival and check-in to a Prague hotel, this day is yours to explore the 'Paris of Central Europe,' We recommend ending your day with a glass of some good Czech beer.

Leaving Prague, peek into the elegantly restored Trója Chateau and its royal gardens before rolling under the rock cliffs of the Prague basin. Pass by the sgraffito of the Renaissance-era Chateau Nelahozeves – feel free to enter the courtyard and admire the architecture. Pay attention to the small house nearly in the shadow of the castle, the birthplace of composer Antonín Dvořák. From Nelahozeves, it's only a short ride to Chateau Veltrusy and its Romantic-era park. Take time to meander around the hidden statues and monuments of the wooded park, or continue towards Hořín, whose water lock is a technical and architectural landmark of the late 19th century. Finish your first day of biking with a glass of wine, since this whole region is one of the centers of Czech wine-growing.

Today's bike tour stage takes you through the most fertile part of the Czech Republic – the Elbe lowlands (Polabská nížina region) or Czech Garden. For most of the day you'll have the volcanic cone Říp in sight, a hill where the mythical arrival of Slavs into the Bohemian (Czech) Lands occurred. Pause to watch local champions working out on rowboats in the Račice sports facility before pedaling to Roudnice, one of the oldest cities in the Czech Republic and an ideal place for a pleasant lunch. From Roudnice it's only a short bike ride through the hops fields (basic ingredient for Czech liquid gold – beer) to the impressive 18th-century fortress of Terezín. Unfortunately, nowadays it is very well-known as a Jewish concentration camp during the Second World War, bearing witness to the dark side of the 20th century. But a happier coda to the day can be found just across the river in the regional capital town of Litoměřice, your overnight stay.

Head towards the romantic region of the Czech Central Mountains. This ancient volcanic region rises high around your river valley route, medieval castles looming over visitors from the narrow peaks of extinct cones. Use the ancient trade route along the river Labe connecting the Czech and Saxon Kingdoms. Enter the Czech Central Mountains by the symbolically named Porta Bohemica, then continue to nearby Žernoseky, a village known for its wine-growing and Baroque chateau. Your next landmark will be more modern: the Masaryk flood-gates, followed by the ancient ruins of Střekov Castle majestically rising above the city of Ústí. In Ústí, you can admire the most off-center tower north of the Alps, whose incline was caused by heavy bombing at the end of World War II. Farther along, Velké Březno Castle is a fine testimonial of Empire architecture in the Czech Lands. End your bike route in the city of Děčín, dominated visually by a chateau high above on a rocky perch.

Take a break from your bicycles, only making a short 25 km ride through the picturesque landscape of the Czech and Saxon Switzerland National Park. The bike path is lined by amazing sandstone cliffs and pillars - one would scarcely believe that this is the lowest point of the Czech Republic! After arriving at Hřensko, you can dedicate the whole day to hiking across this exquisite terrain. Choose from a few options: hike up to the largest natural sandstone arch in Central Europe – Pravčická brána with an admirable view of the surrounding area, or take a relaxed stroll and gondola ride through an untouched part of the Kamenice River valley. Conclude the day after a short bike ride and crossing the border to Germany in the lovely Bad Schandau spa town area (you can also spend half a day with spa procedures!).

From Bad Schandau it's only a short ride to the impregnable fortress of Königstein. In Bastei you'll come along a great view combining the natural beauty of the local sandstone and the medieval castle ruins. It is highly recommended to take one more hike to enjoy stunning views of the Elbe valley and the Bastei Brücke! From medieval town Pirna all the way to Dresden, the system of chateaux and castles built by Saxon kings have merited an inscription onto the UNESCO World Heritage list. After a fulfilling day among culture and nature, arrive in bustling Dresden. As an alternative to biking, you can ride to Dresden on one of the historical steamboats.

Biking along the Elbe in Saxony is like a fairytale trip to romantic times. Easily cycling along the big river, admire the nearby castles, chateaux and monasteries nesting on the small hills on the river banks or just right by the river. The first picturesque stop will be the historical town of Meißen with its lovely town centre, castle and history of famous china! Further on, continue along the meandering Elbe, a valley that once belonged to the UNESCO heritage list. Finally arrive at the town of Riesa, your overnight spot for tonight.

Today bike through the lowlands, mostly along the Elbe having plenty of time to admire the still wild river and birdlife. Along the way meet a few old mansions like the chateaux in Strehla or Mühlberg. Finally arrive at the old fortress-shaped town of Torgau.

Another flat day along the Elbe. Even more wilderness, some more chateaux and castles like Lichtenburg, Pretsch or Klöden. To make the trip more fun, use some ferries on the way to cross the Elbe. Finally bike through the so-called Martin Luther land before arriving at your final destination today. Lutherstadt Wittenberg, the cradle of German and in fact world reformation, offers a lot to see and still stays a cozy small town! Moreover the place is part of the UNESCO heritage list!

Today is your last day with the Elbe. Follow the mighty river as far as Coswig. Here turn north to the mostly pine forest. First meet a Bismarck related viewing tower and then just enjoy the mildly hilly and forested landscape. Your destination today is a small town called Bad Belzig dominated by a mighty castle with surprising views of the surrounding countryside. Option: Those interested in the Bauhaus architecture of Dessau can take a morning train to Dessau and after touring the town either return to Coswig by train or bike from Dessau directly.

This day is one of many changes. Start through the forest from Bad Belzig following the Asparagus way. Soon get deeper into the forest discovering some of the old pre-WWII spa townships and feeling like time has changed its way. Finally arrive at Schwielow See, the southernmost lake of the Potsdam area and start exploring this UNESCO protected ex-imperial residence.

Today as the last cycling day you can choose to stay longer and explore Potsdam a bit deeper, or save your time for Berlin. For both options the direct fast train connection is great. Otherwise you follow the river Havel to its confluence with Spree and then along it to Berlin city centre to explore this lively capital at its best.

Departure day. You can choose to stay longer and continue exploring vibrant Berlin or head home with wonderful memories of your cycling journey from Prague to Berlin.