Berlin to Krakow Bicycle Tour!

Day 1: Berlin -check-in

Our trip starts in Berlin not far from the historic center of the city.

Berlin, Germany’s capital and cultural center, dates to the 13th century. Divided during the Cold War, today it's known for its art scene, nightlife and modern architecture, such as Mies van der Rohe’s landmark Neue Nationalgalerie. Reminders of the city's turbulent 20th-century history include its Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall's graffitied remains. Its 18th-century Brandenburg Gate has become an iconic symbol of reunification.

Today we will be fitting bikes and then host an afternoon sightseeing tour of the city. That evening we will meet our fellow cyclists at a welcome dinner and orientation meeting.

Day 2: Berlin to Baruth Mark (40 miles)

We leave Berlin by bike hoping for quiet Sunday morning exit from the city into the countryside. We'll venture through lovely wooded and lake areas that surround Berlin.

We stop to visit Zossen, an important military town both in WW II and recent history and rest for the night in the small town of Baruth Mark popular for its setting within the nature reserves.

Day 3: Senftenberg (50 miles)

Heading southeast, we pass through the village of Luckau-called the Pearl of Lower Lusatia. Dating back to the 13th century, Luckau boasts beautiful gable houses, a lovely gothic church and original city walls. We stop for the night on the beautiful Senftenberger See (Lake).

Day 4: Dresden (45 miles)

We leave Senftenberg traveling thorugh the Brandenberg region of forests and lakes, and little towns on village roads dotted with family-owned pensions and quaint cafes. Arriving to beautiful Dresden on the banks of the Elbe River, we take time for sightseeing this historic town and rest for the night here.

Day 5: Into the Czech Republic (35 miles)

We skirt the Elbe River today for a fast ride to the town of Decin. We'll be shuttled from here to Moravia in the Czech Republic and the town of Olomouc- the second most famous city for historical monuments after Prague.

We enjoy the rest of the day for sightseeing and a great group dinner.

Day 6: Stamberk (50 miles)

We join the "Amber Trail" today to experience one of the most important north-south trade routes connecting the Adriatic and Baltic Seas.

In route we will climb to enjoy the imposing Helfstyn Castle and visit the lovely spa town of Lipnik nad Beevou- famous for its Zbrasovska aragonit cave.

After lunch we continue on to Stary Jicin to see ancient ruins and then to Novy Jicin noting an arcade and renaissance chateau. Our destination for the day is Stamberk- a small town famous for ruins of a gothic castle.

Day 7: Cycling to the Polish Border (40 miles)

We leave Stamberk continuing on the beautiful Amber Trail.

In the town of Koprivnice you can visit the interesting museum of the original car make, Tatra. Then on into Hukvaldy, another lovely town with a ruined castle.

The rest of our day passes more quaint Czech towns, quiet cycle tracks and country roads to the Polish border.

Day 8: Cycling in Poland- Zywiec (44 miles)

Today we cycle through the breathtaking Beskid National Park. The undulating terrain is great for cycling small tracks and stopping for great views of the pined hillsides.

We'll be passing many quaint chalets with pointed roofs offered as B and B lodging for quiet relaxation. Then we join the Zyliac River with bike trails through several small towns on into Zywiec.

Zywiec, located on an impressive lake, is an old historical town and center of the region. It is especially famous for its Brewery that we plan to visit either this day or Sunday.

Day 9: Krakow (30 or 60 miles)

People will choose today to either bike part way and shuttle or enjoy the 60 mile adventure cycling right into Krakow.

We leave Zywiec and head east into the quaint town of Rychwald- known for its timber architecture and the oldest town in the Beskid Zywieki region. Today will include some hill climbing through lovely lakes and forests and rewarding views.

We stop for lunch in the town of Sucha, where those opting for the shuttle will board the bus for Krakow.

Others will continue on the official Polish bike route of the Amber Trail- meandering in and out of tiny National Park towns. At the town of Tyniec we join the river bike path to the Wawel castle in Krakow.

Day 10: Sightsee Krakow

Today is free to sightsee Krakow either with the group on a guided bike tour or on your own as you like.

Day 11: Krakow

After breakfast we say our goodbyes.