Hiking

For each day there is a different selected route, 14 miles maximum, taking you over the best parts of each Greenway area. You will be given maps, and a detailed trail guide and itinerary.

Cycling

If you choose to go bike riding on a given day, you will be provided with maps, itinerary, saddlebags, and a bicycle to ride over a selected route up to 36 miles long.

Horseback

On a given day you may choose to look over a section of the Greenways from the saddle, maximum length 4 hours. This is the only one of the four options that returns you to your starting point at the end of the day.

Automobile

You can also travel by car with our driver or a rental car. You will be taken to see the most interesting towns or points of interest, and be offered the option of a short hiking route (max. 6 miles).

On water

In three places along the Greenway it is possible to go by canoe. The longest route is 10 miles; the easier ones you may travel by yourself, while on the harder ones you are accompanied by a trained guide.

Day 1

Vienna - Mikulov
After arrival in Vienna you will take the one-hour train ride to Breclav, where you will be picked up by our GTC representative and driven to Mikulov area, with your first overnight stay at a local hotel. You will meet with the GTC program coordinator, who will introduce you to the program, give you all necessary materials, and who will also be your contact person for the whole trip. Of course, if you wish to spend one or more days in Vienna first, it will be our pleasure to arrange for accommodation there.
Overnight in Mikulov.

Day 2

Mikulov - Vranov nad Dyji
After a tour of Mikulov, the program concentrates on the unique Valtice-Lednice area, the former estate of the Liechtenstein family, which resided there from early 13th century until 1945. The area is graced by two magnificent chateaux and numerous follies, romantic structures set in a harmonious way into the surrounding landscape. Vineyards on the slopes of mellow hills, mirror-smooth ponds, nature reserves, bird sanctuaries, storks' nests perched up on high trees and telephone poles - all these, plus excellent cooking and wine, are among the simple pleasures of life in South Moravia.
Upon return to Mikulov there will be a transfer ready to Vranov nad Dyji.

Hiking

Route Valtice - Lednice. Start by touring the Baroque Valtice chateau, then follow the path through fields, vineyards and forest. Stop for lunch at the romantic Border Chateau, see the follies on the way to Lednice, and wrap up your day in the Gothic Revival Chateau of Lednice, one of the most ornate examples of this historical architectural style. (15 km/9,4 miles)

Cycling

Make the round trip Mikulov - Lednice - Valtice - Mikulov. This is the GTC recommended option for the day. It will offer some mild challenges and rewards of a beautiful view of Mikulov and its famous Holy Hill Chapel. In the afternoon you will encounter the architectural masterpieces of the area, and comfortable biking trails through flat, shady forests. (41 km/ 26 miles)

Horseback

Experiencing this romantic backdrop from the saddle will give the feeling of going back in time to the end of 18th century, as you make a round trip through the forest from Valtice to Lednice and back.

Automobile

Besides a round trip of the Valtice-Lednice area, you will also have the opportunity to drive through the beautiful lime-rock Palava Hills, and visit the historic village of Pavlov. For exercise you can take a stroll in the romantic chateau park in Lednice and climb up the Minaret to watch, from above, the herons and storks in their treetop nests.

Day 3

Vranov nad Dyji - Telc
Start your day with the tour of the magnificent Baroque chateau in Vranov perched atop a cliff over the Dyje River. Then give your full attention to the unspoiled beauty of the National Park Podyji, spreading along the border with Austria around the deep, meandering canyon formed by the Dyje River. The National Park Podyji is a unique ecological system which has no rival in the Czech Republic. The terrain is part of a plateau on the south-eastern edge of the Czech-Moravian Highlands. Here the main branch of the Dyje River forms the international border with Austria. The National Park boasts extraordinary natural scenery. The deeply-etched canyon of the Dyje and its towering cliffs are natural geologic formations of great interest. The park itself spreads over sixty-two square kilometers.
Overnight in Telc.

Hiking

The trail starts in the village of Cizov, where you can see the last remnant of the Iron Curtain, continues to the Austrian village of Hardegg with its ancient castle and a sweeping view of the Dyje valley, and then leads back to Vranov. (14,5 km/9 miles)

Cycling

The bike trail begins in Znojmo and leads through the entire National Park to Vranov. Very challenging, hilly terrain (44 km/27 miles).

Horseback

The ride begins in the village of Havraniky and takes you along the Dyje River inside the National Park. (maximum 4 h)

Automobile

After the tour of the Vranov castle, drive a short distance to the nearby Bitov castle, mirroring in the waters of the Vranov reservoir. Then drive over to Cizov to set out for a short hike to the Austrian town of Hardegg.

Day 4

Telc - Jindrichuv Hradec
Enjoy your morning coffee on the spacious square of Telc encircled with Renaissance gables and arcades, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage site. Don't miss the Renaissance chateau and the ponds surrounding the old town. The atmosphere is even more suggestive in the border town of Slavonice, set amid bucolic natural surroundings, for decades untouched by development.
Overnight in Jindrichuv Hradec.

Hiking

The trail begins in Slavonice, with its sgrafitto facades and town square, then leads past the castle of Landstejn, the site of Schiller's Highwaymen, to Nova Bystrice. To get back to Jindrichuv Hradec, take the quaint narrow-gauge railway dating from 1897, which leads through the sparsely inhabited, forested area of the ”Czech Canada”. (22 km/14 miles)

Cycling

The route begins in Telc and leads you through rolling countryside to Slavonice, then past Kunzak to Jindrichuv Hradec (36 miles). If you wish to shorten the day's cycling distance by 20 miles, you can take a train to Slavonice. We recommend that you visit the tiny village of Mariz, only 3 miles away, and its unique pottery studio.

Horseback

We will take you to the village of Studnice, where you will begin a 4-hour ride. The destination is Cervena Lhota, a magnificent chateau located on an island in the middle of a pond. This ride is not suitable for total beginners - for the less experienced there is a shorter route available.

Automobile

After a tour of Telc you will visit nearby Dacice, a quiet town with a Renaissance chateau, beautiful Slavonice, and the nearby village of Mariz, located in the former no-man's land on the Austrian border. Stare Mesto will be the starting point for a hike up to nearby Landstejn castle (4 miles). Your day's travels will be crowned by a train ride on the curious narrow-gauge railway to Jindrichuv Hradec, where the superb Renaissance chateau of the Rozemberks and the famous Bohemian tapestry center are the principal point of interest.

Day 5

Jindrichuv Hradec - Trebon
First, take in the historic town and castle of Jindrichuv Hradec, then continue through the mosaic of ponds, woods, and meadows of the Bohemia Lake District and its capital, Trebon, a medieval city whose walls are still largely intact. The only way to enter the historical core is through a gate in the old fortifications, crossing a moat which is a part of a unique water regulation system dating back to the 16th century.
Overnight in Trebon.

Hiking

After arriving in Trebon, take the trail around the Svet man-made lake, an engineering wonder of the 16th century. The trail lead you through some of the most idyllic, pastoral countryside you'll see anywhere. (22 km/14 miles)

Cycling

The bike path makes a circle around Trebon along a popular nature trail through the forest and along the top of the levees. This trail was constructed for the Trebon Natural Protected Area, has 22 informational exhibits, and is a prime example of the region's special environment of countryside and lakes(24 miles).

Horseback

The route leads around Trebon's bucolic lakes and ponds; its length can be varied according to the wishes of the riders.

Automobile

After a tour of Jindrichuv Hradec, you will visit the magic chateau of Cervena Lhota, then on to Straz nad Nezarkou, the home of the Metropolitan opera singer Emma Destin. The route ends at Trebon, from which you can set out on a short walk by the Svet as far as the Schwartzenberg tomb, go for a swim, and then back to Trebon.

On water

Canoeing on the river Luznice starts in Suchdol nad Luznici, and ends in the village of Majdalena. The route is about 7 miles long, basic canoeing skills are necessary. There is one stretch of dangerous rapids to be portaged around.

Day 6

Trebon - Cesky Krumlov
This will be a day of rest. The program is a visit to the historic Trebon Spa and a course of therapy meant to regenerate your strength for the next part of the trip. The spa offers hydrotherapy, electrotherapy, mud baths, wraps, exercise, massage, accupuncture, and pneumopuncture. After your refreshing day in the spa you will travel by train to Cesky Krumlov, and your lodging for the night.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.

Day 7

Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov, the jewel of South Bohemia, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, universally recognized as a unique remnant of historic urbanism. The old town preserves, virtually intact and still vital, an unequaled ensemble of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures. Among the attractions of the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic is the oldest working Baroque theatre in Europe, and an open-air theatre with a revolving auditorium. The recommended program gives you ample time to enjoy all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer within one day.
Overnight in Cesky Krumlov.

Day 8

Cesky Krumlov - Tynec nad Sazavou
Our program offers the activities described below. In the evening, transfer to Benesov u Prahy by train (about 3 hours). From there transfer to Tynec nad Sazavou.
Overnight in Tynec nad Sazavou.

Hiking

The route from Cesky Krumlov leads through Zlata Koruna, famous for its monastery founded in 1263 by the Premysl King Otakar II. It continues over the highest peak of the Blansky Forest - Klet, with a restaurant, a look-out tower and an astrological observatory. Then go back to Cesky Krumlov. (15,7 km/10 miles)

Cycling

Make a round trip through Krasetin, from where you can take a cable car to the peak of Klet, then continue to Zlata Koruna to tour the monastery. Come back to Cesky Krumlov in the evening. (20 miles)

Horseback

You will be transferred to the starting point of your ride in Chabicovice. You can pick your own level of challenge for the day in the saddle. Your destination is the Zlata Koruna monastery.

Automobile

From Cesky Krumlov drive to Zlata Koruna to visit the monastery, then continue to Krasetin to take the cable car to the top of Klet. Your next stop is the fairytale-like Tudor Gothic chateau of Hluboka, the most visited castle in the Czech Republic. End your trip in Ceske Budejovice (Budweiss) famous for its world-class beer.

On water

You can take a canoe to cover the distance from Cesky Krumlov to Zlata Koruna. (6 miles). Return to Cesky Krumlov by train.

Day 9

Tynec nad Sazavou - Prague
Tynec nad Sazavou lies on the prettiest section of the Sazava River, and is one of the best areas for water sports in Bohemia. The trip to Prague on the ”Sazava Pacific” itself is a unique experience. The railroad runs high above the Sazava River valley, and offers superb views.
Overnight in Prague

Hiking

The route leads through the Sazava River canyon on one of the most popular hiking trails in the Prague region. It leads through a beautiful valley with cliffs and woods, complete with romantic ”tramping” chalets built in the style of the Canadian north. (12,5 km/8 miles).

Cycling

The trail leads through the Valley of the Moon. The valley of the Konopiste creek is a calm, natural oasis dotted with typical Czech country houses and cottages. Visit the Konopiste castle with its large English park and rose garden. Distance 16 miles.

Horseback

Tour of the castle of Konopiste, one of the most popular Czech castles. It once belonged to Franz Ferdinand d'Este, the Emperor of Austria.

Automobile

The route begins with a tour of Konopiste castle. Next stop is Karlstejn, founded by Czech King Karel IV. The day ends with a short walk through the beautiful Sazava River valley.

On water

Canoe or kayak trip down the Sazava River canyon. The highlight is the section from Tynec to Pikovice - in a sturdy canoe. This small section of white water can be easily negotiated even by a beginner with the help of a guide. Experienced paddlers can go by kayak in more challenging areas. Water route - 10 miles.

Day 10

Prague
Coming to Prague from the quiet, bucolic countryside is like entering a different world. This living, changing, active city combines the feeling of history with a uniquely modern world view.

Prague is one of the great cities of the world, a sprawling metropolis of towers, palaces, parks, museums, galleries, exhibitions, and trade fairs. It is warm, well lived-in city of shops, restaurants, pubs, and cafés. Centuries-old buildings in Romanesque, Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque line narrow, winding streets, interrupted by some of the most daring Art Noveau architecture of the century. Somehow it all seems to fit together. In Prague, the past and the future are in harmony, one complementing the other. When you enter Prague, even for a day, you become more aware of your own small place in the flow of history. This awareness will return to you later as a memory - an old stone wall, a rainy street, a green park lawn in the sunshine, a soaring tower. Hidden in Prague, somewhere, you may accidentally find something of the meaning of life.

Included in Land Cost Standard Flexible Tour:

• accommodation with breakfast and dinner 9 nights
• transportation by car or van according to program
• luggage transfer during the entire trip
• bike rental (see on the right) & saddle-bags, horse and canoe rental
• informal welcome on arrival by your program coordinator
• detailed information package containing maps, itineraries and instructions
• contact person available to deal with any problems
• value added tax

Included in Land Cost Economy Flexible Tour:

Excluded from Land Cost:

- Visa fee, if any, based on your nationality.

- International airfare & airport tax.

- Personal expenses such as meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, laundry, etc.

- Medical, Evacuation and Trip Cancellation Insurance.

- All other services not mentioned above.