Arrive at your hotel in the Bohemian city of Prague, capital of the Czech Republic. Positioned at the crossroads of Europe, Prague has been an important centre for trade since prehistoric times, reflecting its rich history in the many national treasures to be found here. Depending on the time of your arrival, you may have the opportunity to explore this UNESCO-Listed "City of a Hundred Spires" before your welcome meeting in the early evening, when our representative will be on hand to assist you with your bike collection and answer any questions you may have about the route. With the city straddling the Vltava river, taking a boat trip on this picturesque waterway is a fantastic way to discover its medieval bridges, riverine islands and the many monuments that line its banks; perhaps you might even like to enjoy an evening cruise to admire the illuminated cityscape from the water. You will be spoilt for choice of restaurants in which to take your dinner tonight and maybe sample some famous Czech pilsner beer.

You have a free day today to uncover the wealth of wonderful castles, cathedrals, squares and statues in this fascinating city, with its proudly protected heritage and well-preserved medieval architecture. Take a journey back in time as you explore the magnificent Prague Castle, dominating the left bank of the Vltava. The castle complex is huge, and for centuries has served as the seat of Czech monarchs as well as the official residence of the head of state. Within its fortified walls you will find the impressive Gothic cathedral of St Vitus; the picturesque Golden Lane with its characterful colourful houses; not to mention the collection of palaces, chapels, halls and towers that date from every period of its history. No visit to Prague is complete without a crossing of the beautiful and distinctive Charles Bridge and a visit to the Old Town Hall and Old Town Square where you can marvel at the astronomical clock. You can even climb the tower for a magnificent view over the historical centre of the city. The Town Square is also a great location to rest your feet and enjoy a spot of people watching over a cup of delicious coffee. Prague is of course much more than the Castle and the Old Town. There are beautiful Baroque palaces and gardens to be explored in the Little Quarter; the citadel of Vysehrad where you can discover its peaceful parks; and wonderful green spaces such as the Stromovka park and royal enclosure providing an oasis of tranquillity. PRAGUE FESTIVALS: There are a number of festivals held throughout the year in this vibrant city. Highlights include the Spring International Music Festival held annually between May and June which welcomes hundreds of international musicians to Prague; festivals celebrating food and drink such as the Mini-Brewery Festival or the Ice Cream Festival, both taking place in June; and the week-long Pride Festival in August.

Setting off on your bike this morning, your journey follows the course of the Vltava as it winds northward to its meeting point with the Elbe River at Melnik. Pedalling alongside the river, you will soon leave the outskirts of the capital city, negotiating a short uphill section to venture into rural Bohemia where splendid castles, chateaux and vineyards await you. Melnik, your destination and home for the evening, is in the heart of the Bohemian wine producing region and it is here that you will find the fantastic Melnik Chateau. Rising above the river confluence, this historic chateau offers tours and tastings where you can sample the wines produced at this very winery. Also worth a visit is the 11th century Church of St Peter and St Paul nearby, offering a lofty view from its tower over the picturesque city and its verdant surrounds. Look out for the distinctive mound of Rip in the distance, an extinct volcano of legendary and spiritual renown. The crypt of the church holds an ossuary, with bones arranged into the shape of anchors, hearts and crosses as symbols of faith, love and hope.

Now on the Elbe River proper, continue your journey through the peaceful Bohemian countryside following the main cycle way, past pastures and vineyards, wooded green spaces and through quiet cobbled streets. Roudnice makes for a timely break at the mid-point of your day's ride; here you can explore the majestic Baroque palace of Roudnice, or climb the Kratochilova tower for an elevated viewpoint over the valley. Or you may simply like to have a relaxed lunch stop watching people go by their day to day life. From Roudnice you can have the option to detour to visit the Terezin Memorial, or to take the bridge across the river to continue leisurely along the right bank to reach the royal city of Litomerice where you can settle in to your hotel for the evening. There is much to be discovered in Litomerice, considered one of the most beautiful cities in the Czech Republic, boasting fine examples of Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance architecture in the historic centre. You will also find it as interesting to discover what lies beneath the city: an extensive network of underground cellars dating back to the Middle Ages when the total length over several floors came to some 25 kilometres. Today, you can visit 366 metres of these underground cellars. We suggest a visit to the Gothic cellar of the Town Hall, where you can enjoy a tasting of the wines produced in this region.

Saying goodbye to Litomerice, today your route will take you through the Porta Bohemica (Gate of Bohemia) into the mountainous region of Bohemian Uplands, with a unique landscape of ancient extinct volcanoes and many large vineyards with terraces cut into the hillsides. The "Gates" are so-called for its canyon-like entry of the river valley, flanked by rocky cliffs. Look out for the three crosses set on the summit of an escarpment to the right - this marks the entry point to the valley. Rolling into the city of Usti, you might like to enjoy a lunch stop with a view. The Vetruse Chateau located atop a hill overlooking the city has a restaurant and garden, and can be reached by cable car from the Forum shopping centre. Also located on the edge of the city are the ruins of the Strekov Castle, a 14th century Gothic fortress perched on a rocky outcrop which guarded the important trade route with Germany from its elevated position. Your journey continues along the valley, travelling beneath forested hills to reach the city of Decin and your home for the evening. The Decin Castle with its Baroque Rose Garden is just a stone's throw from your hotel and is well worth a visit. Across the Elbe you can find the Shepherd's Wall lookout tower from where you can enjoy a wonderful viewpoint over the city and the castle; the Zoological Garden is also located on the western bank atop a sandstone hill and surrounded by woods.

This stretch of the route is probably the most spectacular as you pedal through the otherworldly landscapes of Saxon-Switzerland, punctuated by sandstone towers, rock needles and steep canyons. Almost without knowing it you will reach the border, but before you leave the Czech Republic you might like to stop in Hrensko, where the largest natural stone bridge in Europe, Pravcice Gate, can be found here on the edge of the Saxon Switzerland National Park. It is possible to take a walk from Hrensko to enjoy the striking vistas in this area. Entering Germany, your route continues past the spa town of Bad Schandau and on to Konigstein. We recommend a stop here to visit the imposing fortress perched high on a hill, offering breathtaking panoramic views all round. The Konigstein Fortress has a long history dating back some 750 years and holds an impressive collection of late Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque and 19th century buildings within its walls. Further along the Elbe you will reach another worthwhile stop where you can discover the famous Bastei Bridge, built high among the sandstone pinnacles. A hiking path is accessible from Rathen, taking you through a series of walkways amongst the fascinating rock formations and thick forest, offering magnificent views of this natural wonder and over the surrounding National Park. Bastei is also accessible by public transport from Wehlen; or if you are feeling energetic, it is possible to cycle up to the bastion by bike. From Bastei, your ride continues a further short way along the picturesque Elbe valley to reach Pirna, your destination for the evening.

Surrounded by green hills juxtaposed with pale sandstone, Pirna was originally a market town whose prosperity stemmed from the nearby sandstone deposits and river commerce. The famous Venetian court painter Bernardo Bellotto painted a number of large views of Pirna in the 18th century, bringing eminence to this small city. With a short ride today, you can take your time over a leisurely breakfast and explore Pirna's charming historic centre and market square before setting off on your final leg. A short way outside of the city, we highly recommend a visit to the Pillnitz Palace, a grand pleasure palace and summer residence of Saxony nobility. Within the palace gardens you can find a gorgeous camellia tree, believed to be around 250 years old and bearing a spectacular profusion of bright red blossoms in the spring months, as well as the majestic greenhouse which displays an array of exotic plants from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. Carrying on along the main Elbe Cycle Route, your week's ride culminates in the beautiful city of Dresden. Often called the Florence of the Elbe, the city offers up a smorgasbord of architecture, art and culture, all wrapped within a romantic landscape. Check in to your hotel and head to the nearby Old Town, where you can lose yourself in the incredible architectural gems here, all just a stone's throw from each other. Explore on foot to admire the iconic church of Frauenkirche overlooking the Baroque Neumarkt square. The magnificent Zwinger Palace is unmissable, along with the neighbouring Sanctissimae Trinitatis Cathedral, Semper Opera House and Dresden Castle. In downtown Dresden, the Grand Garden Palace is the largest and most beautiful park in the city, and even has its own miniature railway. On the edge of the park you can also find the Botanical and Zoological Garden.

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast and depending on your time of departure, take a final stroll along the river before making your onward journey. Across the Elbe you can find the Japanese Palace with its delightful landscaped garden right on the bank of the river; the iconic gleaming golden statue of Augustus the Strong; the Baroque Quarter boasting numerous artisanal shops, cafes and restaurants; not to mention a plethora of museums, gardens and historical landmarks. The hip district of Outer Neustadt is home to the vibrant Art Courtyard Passage, linking themed courtyards with colourful and imaginative designs, inviting the viewer to connect with their playful and creative side. With so much to discover in Dresden, why not extend your stay here to really immerse yourself into this beguiling city? We can assist with arranging additional nights accommodation for you, just speak to our sales team for more details.