Reviews

Most Inspirational Moment

We just loved all the villages and towns we were able to visit, as well as riding through the National Park in Czech on quiet roads with great company. Inspirational moments included the day we crossed the border into Austria and understanding more of the political history of this part of Europe. We were also lucky to be in Cesky Krumlov for the yearly festival.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jan was excellent. Very enthusiastic and he provided us with much detail and information about the history of the towns and countries we passed through. We were very happy with the way he led the group and was able to relate to us all, as well as finding us the best cherry tree stops.

Advice for Potential Travellers

The last part of the trip is much flatter than the first few days. We had some great coffee and lunch stops during our 11 days. There are lots of beautiful villages and towns to add variety to each day as well as some lovely countryside.

Most Inspirational Moment

Peaceful cycling along paths shaded by spring green trees in the wilds of Czech Republic.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Jan and Dana worked well together, kept us informed of the days' activities so there were no big surprises, and bent to group demands where necessary! Both were professional, fit, organised, helpful and friendly, and above all, they enjoyed the ride as much as we did.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Several days of solid cycling followed by relatively easy days. Be prepared for all kinds of weather. Allow time in your itinerary to enjoy both Prague and Budapest for a couple of days.

Most Inspirational Moment

All the places we saw were interesting and it was great to experience new food.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Dana was great company and was eager to join in with the group after her day was finished , she helped us with choosing menus and Venus, and suggested places to go.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna, our tour leader, was most knowledgeable about the history of the areas we visited and provided insights we otherwise might not have gleaned.   I know this suggestion will impact the price of the tour, but I think the ride leader needed help with this size group – perhaps an assistant.

Advice for Potential Travellers

This is a very active tour - moving to a new hotel each day, with several transfers - affording little downtime.  Recommend that you not bring a lot of, or big, luggage and be prepared for a busy tour.

Most Inspirational Moment

Not one particular moment just the general experience of the trip.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna was well informed and organised the daily cycles well but we had problems with three difficult members in our group with whom she was extremely patient.  

Advice for Potential Travellers

Definitely need cycling experince and always wear your helmet.

Most Inspirational Moment

The opportunity to see four cities and take in the sights, Vienna and Budapest are spectacular.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Fab.  She really knows her stuff was friendly and approachable.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Yes.  Some days are long but the cycling is easy so do not be put off by the distances.

Most Inspirational Moment

As usual the people on the trip. We all got on very well ( ages 18 to 60+ and 6 nationalities) some interesting characters, we were all relaxed, on holiday, up for a laugh and had some interesting stories to tell.The history, culture and contrasts of the 4 countries. Cheap beer and food. Discovering the Euro Velo routes, good to see that all that EU money is spent on something I can use!! more adventures to plan. 

Thoughts on Group Leader

Agree with Simon, Anna was sociable and knowlegeable, in particular her experiences of pre 1989 Eastern Europe were very interesting to those of us who remember some of the era. This is an easy cycling trip and she did struggle a bit on the more difficult bits, and her and the drivers cycle maintainence skills were also somewhat lacking, good job a few of us were able to fix simple problems.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Book an extra couple of days in Prague and Budapest, can easily be done through discount airlines. Taking your own bike is only 30 pounds each way ( Jet 2.com) but see below.

Most Inspirational Moment

There were so many; the iron curtain memorials and the old crossing point beyond Mikulov  were the most moving; fields upon fields of sunflowers and wheat on rolling hills were beautiful;  the triple tier loggia at Jindrichov Hradec castle was just jaw-dropping; the smell of pine in the woods after a rainy night;  the fish restaurant in Trebon,  the gruner veltlinger wine; beautiful renaissance town 'squares';  watching Andy Murray lose a set  on TV in the fairy tale town of Cesky Krumlov;  the Sisi memorial in Vienna; Chris taking a tumble at the bottom the "Tower"; trying out the childrens' playgound in Znojmo;  Lorna paddling down the flume in Gyor; Jen giving us  cycling stats at the end of the day; Anna finding and feeding us mulberries , Lorna apricots, and David cherries. A really lovely time with a great group of people.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna was a fantastic and engaging leader and guide. She has a huge knowledge of the area and its history and was very generous in sharing that knowledge and her experiences. As well as keeping the cycling all on track, she took us to lots of interesting extra places  en route - amazing castles, a painted wine cave, iron curtain remains, a national canoe centre, a Hungarian spa pool... She knew some fabulous restaurants and was very sociable and tireless.

Advice for Potential Travellers

Take anti-mozzy spray as well as sun cream. Not all the hotels have lifts (or air-conditioning)The cycling is rightly described as 'moderate'. Some hills in the Czech Republic, and a couple of longish (though flat) rides in Slovakia/Hungary, but really nothing too difficult if you've done some cycling and are reasonably fit.If you want to do more than scratch the surface of Prague, Vienna and Budapest, be inspried to come back.  

Most Inspirational Moment

The beautiful villages of the Czech Republic; field upon field of happy sunflowers; Bratislava Castle; chasing down a roller skater at 37kph; David getting 'Man of the Mountain' for being the only one to bike it up 'The Tower' hill; Lorna plundering ripe juicy apricots after 'The Tower'; David shedding blood to get us all fresh cherries from up a spiky tree; trying to keep up with Dan and failing miserably (every time); Megan not washing her hair for the whole trip :-) and meeting a great group of people and having a laugh.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Anna was exceptional; she enabled the trip to flow smoothly and without a hitch. She allowed the faster cyclists to go on ahead informing of places to meet whilst she stayed with the slower ones of the group to make sure they didn't get lost. She socialised very well within the group, an immediately likeable lady who was easy to get on with. Her knowledge of all the places we visited was very interesting and her willingness to join the group in the evenings and arrange restaurants/dinners plus a tour of the surroundings was always appreciated. Overall, one of the best leaders we have had the pleasure to meet.

Advice for Potential Travellers

A reasonable level of fitness is required but the cycling really isn't difficult. You need stamina more than anything for the 70k days. Book an extra day before and at the end for extra sightseeing time in Prague and Budapest respectively if you can.

Most Inspirational Moment

Cesky Krumlov.  Rolling hills and pretty towns of Czech Republic, painted caves of vineyard near Austrian border.  The wine at the painted vineyard (buy it!).  The relics of the Iron Curtain were very moving.

Thoughts on Group Leader

Our guide, Anna, constantly went the extra mile to make our holiday a great experience and was open to any suggestions that we made.    I particularly appreciated her historical knowledge and also her apparent ability to book the group  into good restaurants at short notice, which cannot be easy.  A good dinner at the end of a long day on the bike makes a big difference.

Advice for Potential Travellers

When packing, be aware that the hotels do not always have lifts.  Take a rucksack or something you can carry up two flights of stairs!