Days 1-2 From Prague, pedal amid a nature reserve aptly dubbed “Bohemian Paradise” Choose to ride flat roads through sleepy villages or challenge yourself with a hillier jaunt up to the remains of a 14th-century castle Providing delicious refreshment since the 1700s, the historic Dětenice Château Brewery is a tempting stop en route Dine at a roubenka (traditional cottage) run by the sister-in-law of former Czech President Vaclav Havel.

Day 3 Journey into the Vysočina highlands – a region of rich farmland, castles and friendly towns Cheese, honey, fruit brandy…sample local treats in the village of Bohdaneč Undulating countryside brings us to the hometown of famed Czech writer Jaroslav Hašek, where we are welcomed for lunch at his family’s restaurant Rejuvenate at our hotel’s heavenly L’Occitane spa.

Day 4 Deep forests, lakes and rivers line the road to the World Heritage site of Telč, a storybook town beloved for its houses with lovely sgraffito façades With a local expert, witness World War II-era bunkers hidden in the forest near charming Slavonice Willkommen in Österreich! Enter Austria through a historic border station Enjoy coffee or shop for souvenirs in riverside Waidhofen an der Thaya before traveling to Dürnstein.

Days 5-6 A ride on the famous Donauradweg bike path offers views of apricot orchards, pretty villages and churches perched on hillsides above the magnificent Danube River You’ll know it when you see it: Melk Abbey towering high on a bluff Join a wine expert at his estate for a private tour and tasting of acclaimed Rieslings and grüner veltliners Our exquisite dinner at Landhaus Bacher, one of Austria’s premiere culinary addresses, is certain to be a highlight Enjoy one last ride along the Danube to Spitz.

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