Best of Bohemia Cycling Tour, Czech Republic

The Czech Republic, as it has been known since 1993, is located at the crossroads of Central Europe, a real cultural melting pot. Renaissance towns, Gothic spires, huge palaces and citadels splashed with sgraffito all bear witness to the country’s remarkable past. Religious wars have been fought here since the 16th century and, for 400 turbulent years, the country was under the control of the Austrian Hapsburg Dynasty.

This 9-day independent cycling holiday explores southern Bohemia, the westernmost province of the Czech Republic, an area of outstanding natural beauty and a Mecca for touring on bikes. The region is small, cars are sparse, and with over 2000 châteaux and castles, it is brimming in architectural and historic interest. You’ll pass soft pastel-coloured houses dripping with stepped gables, stop off at beautiful fountains which adorn village squares and cycle alongside mediaeval walls harbouring dramatic gateways.

The places you’ll stay in are pretty special too, and include a beautifully renovated boutique hotel on the main square of historic Tabor, and a familyrun traditional hotel, with state-of-the-art wellness centre, in the heart of mediaeval Trebon.