|  We are excited to offer this biking and hiking tour in the Czech Republic, one of the prettiest and most historically significant regions in Central Europe. From the breathtaking architecture of Prague, to the splendor of Vienna, this region is a non-stop visual treat. It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling by bike or by foot, this tour has it all - peaceful rural hamlets, UNESCO World Heritage towns, gothic churches, stunning castles and some of the best beer in the world. You'll be traveling amidst lush countryside on quiet roads and paths. Undulating farmland punctuated by inviting lakes and cool forests surround you as you peddle or walk to splendid overnight lodgings in picturesque medieval towns each night.
We have a created an itinerary where both the walkers and cyclists will see lovely parts of the country and be able to meet up each night. If the walkers want shorter distances, that can easily be arranged as we will have a support van that will be transferring the walkers each day. Daily walks will be 6 – 10 miles over rolling terrain and walkers could choose to walk half of the day as well. Hikers will be accompanied by a bilingual guide.
Cyclists will be accompanied by Chuck and Judy Nichols. If you choose do take a day off the bike, you will be welcomed to join the walkers. Cyclists will not have a sag wagon following us during the day, but will be able to coordinate with the support vehicle if there is a problem. Daily cycling distances are 20 – 33 miles over rolling terrain.
| CZECH REPUBLIC TOUR ITINERARY |
Day 1: Arrival in Vienna and transfer on your own to hotel. Evening welcome dinner. Overnight in Vienna
Day 2: Vienna – Valtice - Overnight in Valtice
We will depart Viennat by train to Breclav where we will meet our Czech Republic guide. When we arrive at our hotel we will receive more details about the tour. Here we will be given all the required information materials and equipment. Sightseeing in Valtice.
Day 3: Valtice - Lednice – Mikulov - Overnight in Mikulov
Hiking Valtice - Lednice (11 km / 7 miles)
Start by touring the Baroque Valtice Chateau, then follow the path through fields, vineyards and forest. See the romantic 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. Afternoon transfer to Mikulov.
Cycling Valtice - Lednice - Mikulov (30 km / 19 miles)
You will start your biking trip in Lednice-Valtice area (UNESCO World Heritage Site), where you will ride on forest and field trails. The area is graced by two magnificent chateaux and numerous 'follies', romantic structures set in a harmonious way into the surrounding landscape. A third class road with little traffic then leads you to Mikulov with its imposing castle, historic square, the tomb of the Dietrichstein family, as well as the synagogue and Jewish Cemetery, where the oldest tombstones date back to 1605.
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 Day 4: Mikulov - Vranov nad Dyji - Overnight in Vranov nad Dyji
Hiking Pavlov - Mikulov (10 km / 6 miles)
Morning transfer form Mikulov to Pavlov. Walk along the Palava hills through the ruins of Divci hrady (Maiden's Castles) and across Devin, the highest point of the Palava hills (550 m). After crossing the "saddle" you arrive at the ruins of Sirotci hradek (Orphan castle). From there climb to Tabulova Hill and over Turold Hill down to Mikulov, a magic castle town surrounded by vineyards. Afternoon transfer by car to Vranov nad Dyji
Cycling Mikulov – Znojmo – Vranov nad Dyji (41 km / 25 miles)
Morning transfer by van from Mikulov to Znojmo, a royal town with a lovely historical center. Here the most naturally scenic part of the trip begins, with the National Park Podyji, the river canyon and viewpoints that will reward you for enduring the very challenging, hilly terrain. The last remnants of the Iron Curtain in the village of Cizov are one of the highlights. The other highlight is the most fairy-tale-like castle of Vranov perched on a cliff high above the riverbed.
Day 5: Vranov nad Dyji – Telc – Overnight in Telc 
Hiking Cizov Vranov nad Dyji – Telc (14 km / 9 miles)
Morning transfer by car from Vranov nad Dyji to Cizov. Take in the unspoiled beauty of Podyji National Park. 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 nad Dyji. Finish your day with the tour of the magnificent Baroque chateau in Vranov, perched atop a cliff over the Dyje River. Late afternoon transfer by car from Vranov to Telc.
Cycling Vranov nad Dyji – Slavonice – Telc (46 km / 29 miles)
From Vranov we skim the Austrian border past the village of Safov with a quaint old Jewish cemetery, then past Uhercice, with a Renaissance chateau where a massive conservation effort is underway and can be toured, and a lovely pottery workshop on the pond in the village green. After arrival to Slavonice, we travel by local train to the town of Telc, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its perfectly preserved Renaissance town center.
 Day 6: Telc – Jindrichuv Hradec - Overnight in Jindrichuv Hradec
Hiking Telc - Slavonice – Landstejn – Jindrichuv Hradec (12 km / 7 miles)
Transfer by train from Telc to Slavonice, a forgotten jewel with sgraffito houses. The hiking trail begins in the town and finishes at the castle of Landstejn. On the way, you will see an interesting outdoor museum of military bunkers that were built along the Czech borders in the 1930s. You will have a short transfer by car from Landstejn to the town of Nova Bystrice to take the quaint narrow-gauge railway dating from 1897, which winds through the sparsely inhabited, forested region called “Czech Canada”.
Cycling Telc – Jindrichuv Hradec (42 km / 26 miles)
Today you will cycle through the Czech/Moravian Highlands, through fields and forests.
A unique stop on the way is the memorial of Jewish paintercalled Frantisek Moritz Nagl in Kostelni Myslova. He died in Auschwitz extermination camp in Poland, but loved to paint in the surrounding landscape here. The border areas have a complicated, modern history. The destination of today is the old town of Jindrichuv Hradec, containing the third biggest castle complex in the Czech Republic.
 Day 7: Jindrichuv Hradec – Trebon - Overnight in Trebon
Hiking Jindrichuv Hradec – Kojakovice – Trebon (14 km / 9 miles)
First, take in the historic town and castle of Jindrichuv Hradec, then transfer by car to the village of Kojakovice with its interesting local village museum. You will hike through the mosaic of ponds, woods and meadows of the Bohemia Lake District. The trail leads around Svet, a man-made lake and an engineering wonder of the 16th century. Finish in Trebon, a medieval city whose walls are still largely intact.
Cycling Jindrichuv Hradec – Trebon (30 km / 19 miles)
First, take in the historic town and castle of Jindrichuv Hradec, then start cycling through the mosaic of ponds, woods and meadows of the Bohemia Lake District to the town of Trebon, a medieval city whose walls are still largely intact. The only way to enter the historical core is through agate in the old fortifications, across a moat, which is a part of a unique water regulation system dating back to the 16th century.
Day 8: Trebon – Cesky Krumlov - Overnight in Cesky Krumlov 
Hiking Trebon – Klet – Cesky Krumlov (16 km / 10 miles)
Morning transfer by train from Trebon to Zlata Koruna, which is famous for its monastery. You continue over the highest peak of the Blanský Forest: Klet, with a restaurant, a lookout tower and an astronomical observatory. Then hike back to Cesky Krumlov.
Cycling Trebon – Cesky Krumlov (53 km / 33 miles)
The last day of cycling leads through hilly terrain to the jewel of South Bohemia, the town of Cesky Krumlov (a UNESCO Heritage Site), situated on the banks of the meandering upper course of the Vltava River.
Day 9: Cesky Krumlov – Praque - Overnight in Prague
Enjoy all that Cesky Krumlov has to offer within one day. The old town preserves a virtually intact and unparalleled ensemble of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque structures. Among the attractions are the second largest castle complex in the Czech Republic and the oldest working Baroque theatre in Europe. Afternoon transfer by bus from Cesky Krumlov to Prague.
Day 10: Tour ends after breakfast. We can arrange additional hotel in Prague if you would like to spend more days enjoying this beautiful city.
While
we strive to create the most accurate itinerary possible, the nature
of international travel demands that participants remain flexible to
any changes. We will do our best to substitute activities and services
of equal quality for those listed.
| DATES AND PRICES FOR CZECH REPUBLIC TOUR |
Trip Dates: August 11 – 20, 2011
Trip Cost:
€1,900 Euros pp/ double occupancy for a group of 10 or more people,
€2,100 Euros pp/ double occupancy for a group of 8 people,
€2,355 Euros pp/ double occupancy with a group of 6 – 7 people
Single room supplement: 350 euros
TRIP PRICE INCLUDES: 9 nights hotel, 9 breakfasts, 7 dinners, maps, route directions, Global Positioning System (GPS) console with programmed route, Transportation by car according to program, Quality TREK bike rental, bilingual guide to accompany hikers, Chuck and Judy Nichols to accompany cyclists, support van for hikers, support vehicle will only be available if there is a problem with the cyclists.
TRIP COST DOES NOT INCLUDE: lunches, dinner in Vienna and Prague, train & bus transportation
| IMPORTANT INFORMATION CZECH REPUBLIC TOUR |
WHO COMES ON A NICHOLS EXPEDITIONS BIKE TRIP?
You can expect a spirited mixture of singles and couples in their 20's
to 80's from all corners of the US and a few international locations
as well. Many have accompanied us on numerous tours in the past. Most
folks who come on our tours are recreational riders and hikers and
all seem to share the common bond of an appreciation for the outdoors
and an active lifestyle. We will gladly supply references and the make-up
of any trip that you are interested in joining.
TRAVEL INFORMATION: This trip begins in Vienna and ends in Prague. Many airlines will allow booking from the US to Vienna and returning from Prague back to the US. If you choose to fly roundtrip to either Prague or Vienna, trains connect Prague and Vienna five times daily; the 5 1/2-hour trip costs about $100.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: To protect you against life's uncertainties, we have a Travel Insurance Policy that protects you against tour cancellation, trip interruption and medical emergencies along with baggage benefits. WE HIGHLY RECOMMEND TRAVEL INSURANCE!
WEATHER: Weather can be changeable, so be prepared for riding in both sun and showers. Daytime temperatures are 60º to 85º F. and nights are 50º to 70º F. There is always the chance of rain, so to insure your personal comfort please make sure you have a good quality rain jacket with a hood and rain pants, too. For the sunny days, we recommend using SPF 30 sunscreen and lip screen. If you are really sun sensitive, we suggest sun-blocking clothing.
RENTAL BIKES: We rent good quality Trek hybrid bikes with a rear rack, a bike bag, a water bottle cage and flat pedals without toe clips and straps. You are welcomed to bring your own pedals and seat. We will supply full mechanical support during the tour. NOTE: You will need to provide your own water bottle and helmet. If you let us know in advance, we can arrange a helmet.
LANGUAGE: You do not need to be able to speak Czech. A small dictionary and some creative sign language are helpful, and many people at the hotels and restaurants speak English. And, our guide will also teach us common phrases.
MONEY: You will need Euros for lunches, 2 dinners, beverages, shopping, snacks, and tips. We suggest starting with a minimum of $150 (more if you like to shop and sample the local beer, wine and ice cream).
TIPPING: Most restaurants include a service charge, but an additional 5-10% for exceptional service is always appreciated. A tip for our guide and driver will be about 100 Euros/pp
CASH & CREDIT CARDS: US CASH: bring only NEW bills with NO tears. You can exchange money at the airport and in most towns on the tour. CREDIT CARDS: bring 2 or more Visa or MasterCards in case you have trouble with one. There are ATMs in most of the towns on the tour. To use your Credit Card to get Euros at an ATM, each Credit Card will need a PIN#. Be sure to activate the PIN# and check that it works BEFORE you begin your travels. We also suggest contacting your credit card company prior to your trip to inform them of the countries where you will be traveling and the dates. We do not recommend bringing Travelers Checks because some places do not accept them, exchange rates vary widely and they require a bank to exchange them.
PASSPORT: You must have a current Passport that will not expire within 3 months of the completion of your trip. We recommend making 2 photocopies of your passport’s photo page and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored separately from your passport. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.
IMMUNIZATIONS: For all travelers, we suggest keeping your tetanus immunization up to date (every 10 years), and we suggest a Hepatitis A immunization, too. You can check your state health department, the Center for Disease Control (CDC) or the online traveler's data base http://www.mdtravelhealth.com/ for the most current information.
PHONE CALLS ABROAD: You will receive a Pre-trip Letter listing all of the hotels and telephone numbers where you will be staying. Leave a copy of this phone list with your emergency contact person. If you bring your cell phone, it must be tri-band with international service. Be sure to activate the international service at least 1 week prior to your trip & check its operation. When you arrive in Europe, you can purchase an international calling card which is quite economical for making calls oversees.
TRAVEL DELAYS: Nichols Expeditions is not responsible for any costs you may incur due to travel delays or other contingencies we are unable to control. For international flights, arrive at least 2-3 hours prior to departure (check with your air carrier for their requirements) and allow ample time between connecting flights. If you miss your flight and you need a special shuttle to meet up with the group, you will be responsible for the cost.
TRAIN SCHEDULES: Check out http://www.raileurope.com/us/rail/fares_schedules/index.htm. You do not need to make advance train reservations.
CAMERA GEAR: Whether you shoot a digital or film camera, bring more media storage cards or film than you think you need! A portable hard drive may be the answer for digital storage. Other useful items are plenty of extra batteries, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, a mini tabletop tripod and a clean toothbrush to remove grit from your camera.
FILM WARNING FROM TSA: Equipment used for screening checked and carry-on baggage WILL DAMAGE UNDEVELOPED FILM. Make sure to REMOVE IT AND HAVE IT HAND INSPECTED. To expedite the screening process, carry all film in clear canisters or take the film out of solid colored canisters and put it in a clear plastic ziploc bag. DIGITAL CAMERAS AND DIGITAL MEDIA ARE NOT AFFECTED. See the TSA website for complete details - http://www.tsa.gov
SUGGESTED SUPPLIERS
OF OUTDOOR GEAR:
The following are suggested suppliers of quality outdoor gear:
Poison Spider
Bicycles - excellent source for bicycle clothing and accessories, www.poisonspiderbicycles.com,
800-635-1792
Patagonia
- the top source for outdoor clothing, www.patagonia.com
Campmor - all your outdoor gear needs, www.campmor.com
REI - lots of travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.rei.com
L. L. Bean - for travel clothing & outdoor gear, www.llbean.com
Sierra Trading Post - good deals on outdoor clothing & gear, www.sierratradingpost.com
Travel Smith - ventilated & sun blocking clothing, www.travelsmith.com
Zeal Optics
- great fitting sport sunglasses, www.zealoptics.com
| CZECH REPUBLIC TOUR EQUIPMENT LIST |
HIKERS - disregard cycling equipment.
__ PASSPORT! Please make sure that it DOES NOT EXPIRE DURING WITHIN 3 MONTHS OF COMPLETION OF YOUR TRIP! Make 2 photocopies of the photo and signature pages of your passport and any other valuable documents you might carry with you on the tour. Travel with one copy stored in a separate place from your passport. Leave the other copy at home with a relative or friend (ideally the same person you gave as your emergency contact). In the event that any of your documents are lost or stolen, this will greatly assist the process of replacement.
CLOTHING:
Temps. - days 60º to 85º F. & nights 50º to 70º F. , possible rain showers, dress is always casual, select synthetic quick drying clothing & do laundry in your room to keep your baggage light
__ Bike hat, visor or baseball cap
__ Bandanna or sweatband
__ Bike jerseys - 2, bright colors for visibility, breathable & comfortable
__ Short sleeved shirts - 2, synthetic quick drying fabric for evenings
__ Long-sleeved shirt - synthetic quick drying fabric for evenings
__ Long-sleeved t-neck or bike jersey - mid-weight synthetic for layering
__ Light sweater - fleece or wool
__ Light windbreaker - (optional) bright color cycling jacket for visibility
__ Underwear - sports bras for riding
__ Bike shorts - 2, padded lycra cycling shorts to prevent chafing
__ Bike tights
__ Shorts
__ Long pants - synthetic quick drying fabric, zip-off leg convertible pants recommended
__ Swimsuit
__ Rain suit - BOTH JACKET W/ HOOD & PANTS, gore-tex or waterproof nylon
__ Socks - cycling & walking
__ Comfortable shoes for walking - stiff soled if used for riding, avoid heavily lugged soles if using pedals with toe clips & straps
__ Bike shoes - STRONGLY RECOMMENDED to increase pedaling efficiency & reduce foot fatigue, NOTE: if using clipless pedals we recommend mountain bike or touring style shoes so you will have a recessed cleat for walking
__ Sandals - (optional)
__ Toilet kit - buy travel-size samples of your regular items, feminine hygiene products, Ziploc bag your lotions to prevent spills
__ Waterless hand sanitizer 2 oz. - clean hands will keep you healthy
__ Personal medications - keep all prescription meds. in original, labeled containers
__"Baby-wipe" towelettes - (optional) for quick clean up anytime
__ Personal first aid kit: anti-inflammatory, anti-diarrhea, anti-acid, anti-biotic cream, antihistamine / decongestant tablets, Vaseline, hydrocortisone cream, band-aids, tampons, eye drops, sunburn ointment, 1" white athletic tape, second skin for blisters
__ Sunscreen & lipscreen - SPF 30 min., sweat proof so it will not run in your eyes
__ Insect repellent - small amount
__ Small flashlight with extra batteries - sm. LED headlamps are most versatile and are good nightlights in hotel rooms
__ Small travel alarm clock
__ Portable laundry kit packed in a Ziploc bag - 1 cup powdered laundry detergent in 1 qt. ziploc bag, 10-12 clothes pins & 25 feet of light nylon cord for clothes line
__ Plastic laundry bag - for dirty laundry / damp swimsuit
__ Ear plugs - 2 pr., a MUST for sound sleep, European towns can be noisy
__ Daypack with hydration system for hikers
OPTIONAL ITEMS: Electrical systems are 220V & wall outlets accept EU-style 2 round-prong plugs. If your electrical equipment is 110 volt, you will also need a transformer.
__ Trekking poles
__ Camera in protective case - new & spare batteries, extra film / media cards, lens cleaner, lens tissue, lens brush, mini table-top tripod
__ Extra freezer weight Ziploc bags of assorted sizes
__ Small "hotel size" sewing kit
__ Guidebook
__ Phrase book / dictionary
__ Paperback book(s)
__ Small sketchbook, journal, notebook, pen
__ Postcards from home - a few to show the staff and others
__ Address book - for all those postcards you will want to send
__ Small calculator - to calculate exchange rates
__ Electrical plug adapter - European style 2 round-prong for 220V appliances
__ Voltage transformer - if your electrical equipment is 110 volt
__ Cell phone - must be tri-band with international service, activate US international service at least 1 week prior to your trip & check its operation
ESSENTIAL BIKE GEAR:
__ BIKE HELMET - all riders must wear them, check old helmets for cracks & replace!
__ SUNGLASSES - a MUST for eye protection, bring a spare pair
__ BIKE GLOVES - a MUST to protect your hands from nerve damage while riding & abrasion if you fall, short or long fingered
__ WATER BOTTLE - or Camelbak-style hydration system with an extra mouthpiece
OPTIONAL BICYCLE GEAR:
__ Rearview mirror - to fit on helmet, glasses or handlebars
__ Your own personal bike seat (ONLY THE SEAT WITHOUT THE SEAT POST ATTACHED)
__ Padded seat cover
__ Toe clips & straps (rental bikes have flat pedals without toe clips & straps)
__ Clipless pedals & your own bike shoes with cleats installed
NOTES ON YOUR PERSONAL BICYCLE EQUIPMENT:
BIKE HELMET - The pros wear them and so should you! A good helmet, along with your own common sense, is your best protection against the lifelong debilitation a head injury can cause. Replace your old helmet with a new one at the first sign of cracks, frayed straps or broken buckles. During the tour, all riders are required to wear a helmet.
SUNGLASSES - A good pair of sunglasses is all it takes to prevent an eye injury from road debris or an insect. Make sure they fit properly with your helmet. Consider replaceable or photochromatic lenses for different light levels, and bring a spare pair just in case.
TOE CLIPS & STRAPS - (optional) Rental bikes come with flat pedals. If you want toe clips and straps, please bring your own. If you want toe clips and straps, please bring your own pedals with the toe clips and straps. Also, shoes with flat soles are safer than lugged soles for pulling your foot out of the pedal.
CLIPLESS PEDALS - (optional) Clipless pedals are great for control and pedal power, but trying them for the first time on a tour may not be the best idea. For your personal safety, you must be comfortable riding, stopping and starting in traffic and on hills. If you bring clipless pedals, make sure to bring bike shoes with the correct cleats. For bike touring, we suggest Shimano SPD pedals. The release is adjustable and the recessed cleat makes walking safer and easier.
BIKE SHOES - (optional) Simply put, a properly fit bike shoe will increase your pedaling efficiency and reduce foot fatigue. For bicycle touring, we recommend either a mountain bike or touring style shoe rather than a racing shoe. These styles flex a bit to make walking easier, and if you use clipless pedals, your cleat will be recessed for safer walking. If you have custom footbeds or orthotics, consider trying them in your bike shoes.
HINTS ON PACKING: Simply put - TRAVEL LIGHT &
CARRY IT ON WITH YOU! You will avoid loosing your luggage (that may
contain irreplaceable clothing and medications) and you will be prepared
for European hotels with narrow stairs and few elevators. Through our
years of travel we have learned these valuable lessons and want to pass
them on to you before your trip.
Packing Hint #1: Limit your luggage to 1 carry-on
bag (a legal carry-on sized wheeled suitcase is perfect) and a small
personal bag like a small day pack or shoulder bag.
Packing Hint #2: Freezer-weight Ziploc plastic bags
are lightweight, inexpensive, and see-through. They make a great waterproof
biking wallet and are indispensable for packing items like clothing,
books, toilet kits, and especially lotions in your baggage.
Packing Hint #3: Travel-size samples save space
and weight! Visit the "samples section" of your drugstore or supermarket
and see if your favorite shampoo, conditioner, hand lotion, toothpaste
and deodorant are available in travel-size samples. If not, transfer
some to smaller plastic bottles in the size you need. Remember to plastic
bag all lotions!
Packing Hint #4: Think multiple use garments. Convertible
pants with zip off legs save bringing an extra pair of shorts. Quick
dry shorts double as a swimsuit. Be creative and keep that baggage light!
Packing Hint #5: Packing Hint
#5: Do your own laundry. If you bring synthetic clothing, you
can easily wash it and hang it to dry.
RESERVATIONS: For complete
reservation information click here.
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