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BIKING CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA PREMIERE INNS Has the 21st century gone missing? In a place of such pastoral beauty, it’s easy to imagine that clocks have stopped. Easy to believe that time has disappeared among the folds of lush fields and deep forests. Among half-timbered villages almost too quaint to be real. And alongside a mighty river framed by storybook countryside and a wondrous history. We’ve perfected this dual-country trip, featuring the splendid Wachau Valley and a corner of the Czech Republic that’s still remarkably unexplored. We hope it stays this way forever. 15BZAIR1K (9/10/14)
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Page 1: BIKING CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA - Amazon S3at another icon of Český Ráj, the medieval castle Kost (meaning “the bone”). Back on your bike, take your ... transformed into an

BIKING

CZECH REPUBLIC & AUSTRIA

PREMIERE INNS

Has the 21st century gone missing? In a place of such pastoral beauty, it’s easy to imagine that clocks have stopped. Easy to believe that time has disappeared among the folds of lush fields and deep forests. Among half-timbered villages almost too quaint to be real. And alongside a mighty river framed by storybook countryside and a wondrous history. We’ve perfected this dual-country trip, featuring the splendid Wachau Valley and a corner of the Czech Republic that’s still remarkably unexplored. We hope it stays this way forever.

15BZAIR1K (9/10/14)

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I loved this trip. It was really a great experience all around. I loved the blend of athletic activity, with cultural and historical information. The guides are truly amazing people. The people were very nice and lively and intelligent. It was a great first Backroads experience.

Hilary Thomas - New York, NY

Click HERE to read more guest reviews

6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS Click HERE for departure dates and pricing

details

ROUTE RATING LEVELS 1–4 See below for details

TO RESERVE YOUR TRIP Sign up online HERE or call

800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) or 510-527-1555

Open daily 6 a.m.–6 p.m. Pacific time

NEVER SUBCONTRACTED We operate our own trips around the globe. That way we control the quality—and we're fully responsible for your great experience. TWO SUPPORT VANS We provide two support vans on all of our trips* so you can count on us to be there when you need us, regardless of the route you take. THREE LEADERS Our trips have three leaders*, for an average 6:1 guest-to-leader ratio. Guests consistently score our leaders 9.7 out of 10, telling us they make all the difference. THOUGHTFUL TRIP DESIGN We know how to create exceptional travel experiences, ensuring that you get the most from every moment as your trip unfolds. MULTIPLE DAILY ROUTES Being able to choose among several expertly designed routes each day gives you the freedom to enjoy the best of a region at your own pace. WE CELEBRATE MIXED ABILITIES To accommodate varied activity levels, you need three leaders, two vans, multiple route options, detailed directions, a rating system showing if shuttles are required, and plenty of well-matched riding/hiking companions.

*95% of Backroads guests travel with the support of two or more vans and three leaders. The remaining 5% are on trips with very few guests where only one van and two leaders are needed to maintain our high standards.

Click HERE to learn more about the Backroads Quality Index

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3 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

We want to make sure you’re on the right trip and that you have the best experience possible. Every Backroads trip is unique and this trip is no exception.

Shuttles To bring you to our favorite parts of the Czech Republic and Austria, we make liberal use of shuttles on this trip. So although you’ll see the inside of the Backroads van on most days and will have some longer shuttles (2–3 hours) as we move across regions, consider it an opportunity to view some spectacular scenery while resting your legs in preparation for your next ride.

Navigating Bike Routes Locals here know the way without the need for street signs along their lovely country thoroughfares. As such, many of our bike routes follow twisting roads with little or no signage, which may require more attention to the directions than you might expect. Be prepared to make a few more stops along the way to ensure you're on the right track.

Day 1 On the first day of the trip, meet your Backroads Trip Leaders (the folks wearing Backroads T-shirts) at 10 a.m. at the Grand Hotel Bohemia (+420-234-608-111) in Prague. The hotel is located at Kralodvorská 4 in the city center, approximately half a mile from the main train station (Praha hlavní nádraží) and not far from Old Town Square (Staromestské námestí). Please arrive dressed in your biking clothes and bring a daypack with your rain gear and anything else you may want for today’s ride.

Shuttle to Hrubá Skála 1½ Hours

Biking Options: Domousnice Route: 17 Miles* (1,000’ elevation gain) Mcely Route: 28 Miles (1,400’)

*with shuttle

Welcome to Prague, the Czech Republic’s capital and largest city. After meeting we shuttle to the Hrubá Skála Castle, deep in the heart of the country’s first nature reserve, Český Ráj (Bohemian Paradise). Set atop a steep sandstone cliff, this Renaissance structure offers fantastic views of the park. Here your Backroads Trip Leaders fit your bike and give a brief talk on biking techniques and safety, then you’re ready to ride! After warming up with a spin on quiet roads through thick forest, we break for a lunch of typical Bohemian cuisine at another icon of Český Ráj, the medieval castle Kost (meaning “the bone”). Back on your bike, take your time and enjoy this scenic introduction to the quintes-

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Czech Republic & Austria Biking 4

PREMIERE INNS

CHATEAU MCELY 2 NIGHTS (ABOVE) Perched atop a forested hill overlooking the village of Mcely, this elegant 17th-century estate features

a rooftop observatory and an award-winning restaurant. A Small Luxury Hotels of the World

member. (pool, spa, tennis)

Mcely +420-325-600-000

www.chateaumcely.com

CHATEAU HERALEC 1 NIGHT Find a lovely mix of history and contemporary art

at this beautifully restored castle, set amid stunning 18th-century English gardens and offering

the first L'Occitane spa in the Czech Republic. (pool, spa)

Herálec +420-569-669-111

www.chateauheralec.travel

HOTEL SCHLOSS DURNSTEIN 2 NIGHTS A “stately castle-hotel on a fortified promontory at a scenic bend of the Danube River,” raves Andrew

Harper about this gem. A Relais & Châteaux member. (pool, spa)

Dürnstein +43-(0)27-11-212 www.schloss.at

KEEPING YOU UP TO DATE We are always seeking opportunities to enhance this

itinerary. We’ll be certain to notify you of any important changes prior to departure; other changes

may be communicated on trip by your leaders.

sential northern Bohemian landscape of sandstone rock formations, rolling pastures, evergreen woodland and quiet villages.

Your destination is the outstanding Château Mcely, our luxurious forest retreat for the next two nights. Once a lodge for hunting game in the surrounding woods, this beautifully restored baroque château now boasts English gardens, a natural swimming pool and an exceptional spa. Tonight we gather for a welcome reception on the terrace followed by dinner at the hotel’s acclaimed restaurant, Piano Nobile. Lodging: Château Mcely

Day 2 Biking Options: Bučický Mlýn Route: 28 Miles* (1,300’ elevation gain) Dětenice Loop: 36 Miles (1,700’) Bedrich Smetana Route: 55 Miles (2,300’)

*with shuttle

Ease into the day with a mellow ride through the legendary St. George Forest, where noblemen once hunted for foxes and locals now hunt for wild mush-rooms. The quiet country roads lead through sleepy Bohemian villages to our lunch spot at Bučický Mlýn, a charming lakeside restaurant named for its iconic windmill.

Back in the saddle make your way to the Dětenice Brewery for a refreshing Czech beer made the old-fashioned way. Dating back to the 18th century, the brewery follows a vintage brewing style and recipe, which is explained in their illuminating Beer Museum. Your thirst quenched, continue spinning to Jabkenice, a small village once home to the celebrated 19th-century composer Bedřich Smetana. Returning to our château, you have time to indulge in a spa treatment or lay out at the pool’s white-sand beach. (Spa treatments are not included in the trip price. Advance reservations are recommended.)

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5 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

ROUTE RATING INFORMATION The routes on this trip are rated Levels 1–4.

LEVEL 1

10–20 miles 2–3 hours

LEVEL 2

21–30 miles 2–4 hours

LEVEL 3

31–40 miles 3–5 hours

LEVEL 4

41–55 miles 4–6 hours

This evening we take a short shuttle to a family-run restaurant housed in a delightful roubenka (classic timber cottage), where we’re treated to a traditional dining experience—it doesn’t get any more Czech than this! Lodging: Château Mcely

Day 3 Shuttle to Bohdaneč 1½ Hours

Biking Options: Bohdaneč to Lipnice Route: 24 Miles* (2,300’ elevation gain) Bohdaneč to Heralec Route: 36 Miles (3,500‘) Švejk Route: 44 Miles (4,200’)

*with shuttle

Today you’ll explore Bohemia’s Kraj Vysočina (Highlands Region), an area with dense forests, rich farmland, lakes and rivers, majestic castles and beautiful towns. We shuttle this morning to the small village of Bohdaneč, where we sample local goods like honey from the town’s apiary. Then we take off on a rolling ride toward Lipnice nad Sázavou, the hometown of renowned Czech writer Jaroslav Hašek, best known for his World War I satire, The Good Soldier Švejk. We enjoy lunch at a restaurant owned by his descendants and, if we’re lucky, Hašek’s great-grandchild will be around to play piano, serve us a beer and share stories of his celebrat-ed family member.

Refueled, pedal remote roads through the lush high-lands en route to Château Herálec, our splendid hotel for the night. For more than four centuries, the castle’s red turrets have towered over the countryside. Settle into your room then wander the property’s expansive English gardens, check out the 18th-century frescoes in the castle’s chapel or treat yourself to a massage at the fabulous L’Occitane spa.

Tonight’s gourmet dinner is prepared with fresh local ingredients, highlighting the best of Czech cuisine. Lodging: Château Herálec

Day 4 Shuttle to Telč 50 Minutes

Biking Options: Telč to Mařiž Route: 26 Miles* (1,800’ elevation gain) The Bunkers Route: 33 Miles* (2,100’) Highlands to Austria Route: 40 Miles (2,500‘)

Shuttle to Dürnstein, Austria 1 Hour

*with shuttle

Leaving the hotel this morning, we shuttle south to the hilltop town of Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage site and an outstanding example of Renaissance town planning and architecture. The city’s jewel is its main square, featuring well-preserved buildings adorned with high arcades and decorative baroque gables. Stroll along the cobblestone plaza, passing rows of pastel-colored restaurants, shops and museums. At the end of the square is Telč’s grand château, a once Gothic castle transformed into an elaborate Renaissance residence in 1553.

Set off on two wheels through the heart of Vysočina on undulating country roads lined with deep woods, streams and ponds en route to the quaint border town of Slavonice. This red-roofed Renaissance city has a secret: below the richly decorated houses is a network of medieval underground passageways! In the charming nearby village of Maříž, we break for a final Czech lunch.

Afterward, bid farewell to the Czech Republic as you ride across the border to the classic Austrian town of Waidhofen an der Thaya. There’s time to walk around the ancient streets perusing shops or stop at a local café for an afternoon pick-me-up before boarding the shuttle to Dürnstein.

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Czech Republic & Austria Biking 6

The van transports you to the only five-star hotel in lower Austria outside of Vienna: Hotel Schloss Dürn-stein, our home for the next two nights. This Relais & Châteaux member, located in a 17th-century castle, dons a formal air and prides itself on its efficient professional staff. The hotel’s scenic terrace overlooks the Danube and provides the ideal setting for dinner at your leisure tonight. Lodging: Hotel Schloss Dürnstein

Day 5 Biking Options: Melk Route: 23 Miles* (300’ elevation gain) Riverside Route: 37 Miles (500’) Melk Out-&-Back: 40 Miles (1,800’) Lonely Goatherd Route: 50 Miles (2,700’)

*with shuttle

This morning we head south from the hotel and pick up the Donauradweg, the most famous bike path in Europe. This primarily paved route originates in Germa-ny’s Black Forest and continues for about 750 miles, ending in Budapest. Bicyclists of all ages frequent the pathway—you’re as likely to see an 80-year-old on his upright one-speed as a heavily laden group of bike-touring youngsters. Our ride along the Danube is pleasant and almost entirely flat, which allows you to take in the picturesque scenery of marillen (apricot) orchards, and pretty villages and churches perched high on the hillsides bordering this mighty river.

Towering on a bluff above the Danube sits one of the most revered buildings in the Catholic faith: Melk Abbey. In the 10th century, Emperor Leopold gave the castle to the Benedictine monks, who converted it into a fortified abbey. It served as inspiration for Umberto Eco’s The Name of the Rose and is still used by the Benedictine monks, who financed part of its restoration in the 1980s by selling a Gutenberg Bible to Yale University. Today it also houses a secondary school for over 900 kids. You can visit the abbey and its grounds before enjoying lunch on your own in Melk.

The afternoon route is an easy spin back to Dürnstein along the Donauradweg. (If you prefer, you can shuttle back to the hotel.) If you’re up for more miles, take on the challenging route through the Dunkelsteiner Wald, a pristine region of forests, sleepy hamlets and plenty of hills.

This evening a local wine expert treats us to a tasting of the region’s illustrious Riesling and Grüner Veltliner wines. With our appetites whetted, we shuttle a short distance to Landhouse Bacher, an acclaimed family-run restaurant, considered one of the best in the Wachau Valley. Lodging: Hotel Schloss Dürnstein

Day 6 Mateurn Biking Route 16 Miles (1,300’ elevation gain)

or Castle Ruins Walk 1.5 Miles

Shuttle to Vienna 1½ Hours

If you’re not ready to part with your bike just yet, take one last mellow cruise along the Danube, this time to the winemaking towns of Krems and Mateurn in the fertile Wachau wine region. If you’d rather hike this morning, head up to the castle ruins overlooking Dürnstein to admire the Danube snaking its way through the verdant valley. This spot is also where Richard the Lionheart was imprisoned in 1192. It’s generally thought that Richard acquired his nickname due to his bold military leadership. One alternative legend has it that he earned the moniker while a prisoner here in Austria. After seducing the jailor’s daughter, a lion was set upon the legendary English king in his cell. Fearlessly, he wrapped his cloak around his arm and stuck it down the lion’s throat, pulled out the lion’s heart and ate it. Bon appétit, Richard.

Of course, if a morning of sleeping in and enjoying a leisurely breakfast sounds more appealing, skip the activities and relax at the hotel. Bid farewell to your leaders before boarding the shuttle bound for Vienna. Please see “Arriving & Departing” for end-of-trip logistics.

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7 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

PRICES & SCHEDULES All prices and schedules were current at the time of

printing, but are subject to change at any time.

Arriving & Departing See Day 1 for meeting time and location.

All prices are in US dollars and subject to change. The standard unit of currency in the Czech Republic is the koruna (CZK) and the standard unit in Austria is the euro (EUR). At the time of printing, 21 CZK = 1 USD and 0.75 EUR = 1 USD.

CONCLUSION OF THE TRIP On the last day of the trip, a shuttle takes you from Dürnstein to Westbahnhof, one of Vienna’s main train stations, arriving around 1:30 p.m. From here you can easily catch a train, taxi, bus or metro on to your next destination. Please note: Vienna has more than one international train station; if you’re continuing your travels by train, make sure to confirm your departure station.

If you’re flying out of Vienna today, take a taxi (25 minutes; around $50) or a bus (45 minutes; around $10) from Westbahnhof to the international airport.

FLIGHT ARRANGEMENTS This trip begins in Prague, Czech Republic, and ends in Vienna, Austria. We suggest flying into Prague’s Václav Havel Airport (formerly Ruzyně Airport; airport code: PRG; www.prg.aero/en). You can return to Prague after the trip ends or fly out of Vienna’s Schwechat Interna-tional Airport (VIE; www.viennaairport.com).

For help arranging air transport to and from your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Our team of professional travel advisors are experienced agents with an insider’s knowledge and expertise of Backroads and our worldwide destinations. They are available to assist you with any of your travel needs. Please call us at 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday– Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time.

GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM RUZYNE AIRPORT TO CENTRAL PRAGUE Taxis are a convenient way to get from the airport to central Prague and there are plenty of cabs waiting outside the Arrivals terminal. The trip takes 20–30 minutes and costs around $35, depending on the city zone.

Important: Prague is swarming with taxi drivers who take advantage of unsuspecting tourists. To minimize the chance of getting cheated, ask the driver before-hand how much the fare will be (preferably in writing). At the airport and train station, only use the taxis that are parked along the curb at the official taxi station (yellow cabs are typically the most reliable). Avoid taxi stands near Wenceslas Square and other touristy spots. Note that fares significantly increase after 10 p.m.

The Cedaz minibus shuttle (www.cedaz.cz; +420-220-116-758) runs from the airport to central Prague every 30 minutes, 7:30 a.m.–7 p.m. The standard drop-off location (V Celnici Street) is near Old Town Square at námestí Republiky. From námestí Republiky, it’s about a 5-minute walk to the Grand Hotel Bohemia (our meeting location on Day 1). A one-way ticket is about $7.50; excess luggage may add to the fare.

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Czech Republic & Austria Biking 8

Climate The Czech Republic and Austria enjoy a moderate climate with summertime temperatures that are usually quite comfortable. However, both countries are prone to variable weather, so in order to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, please come prepared for rain and cooler temperatures. Because it rains often in the Czech Republic, quality waterproof, breathable rain gear is a must; a sweater or light jacket for evenings is suggested. Please see “Suggested Packing List” in your Travel Planner for more details on clothing and gear.

Prague

Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

High °F 34 36 46 54 64 69

Low °F 24 25 32 36 45 51

Precip. inches 0.8 0.7 1.0 1.4 2.3 2.7

Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

High °F 72 73 65 54 41 36

Low °F 54 53 48 39 32 28

Precip. inches 2.6 2.5 1.6 1.2 1.1 0.9

Vienna

Average: Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

High °F 36 39 49 57 67 72

Low °F 27 28 35 41 49 55

Precip. inches 1.5 1.5 1.7 2.0 2.7 2.8

Average: Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec

High °F 77 77 69 57 44 39

Low °F 59 59 53 43 35 30

Precip. inches 2.9 2.7 1.9 1.9 1.9 1.8

Temperatures in Europe are measured in degrees Celsius. Zero degrees Celsius is 32 degrees Fahrenheit. For a quick conversion, double the Celsius reading and add 30 to determine the approximate temperature in degrees Fahrenheit.

Where to Stay Before & After Your Trip For help making hotel reservations for before and after your Backroads trip, please work with your own travel agent, or you may choose to work with the Backroads Travel Desk. Call us at 800-GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) to be connected with an advisor. Please note that consulting or ticketing fees may apply, depending on the services requested. The Backroads Travel Desk is open Monday–Friday from 9 a.m.–5 p.m. Pacific time. Of course, we also recommend extending your stay at any of the hotels we visit on this trip; see the accom-modations sidebar for details.

Refer to the Hotel Room Rate Guide for starting double-occupancy rates. Note that the chart reflects the internet and/or best available rates, which were accurate at the time of printing, but hotel rates are always subject to change. Also be aware that some hotels may require a minimum stay. We recommend that you consult directly with the hotels for specific details, as these requirements can change depending on the season and time of the week. Book early, especially during peak travel season!

Keep in mind that even in first-class hotels, rooms are smaller than those in typical US hotels. Rooms on the street tend to be noisy, so you might want to request a room overlooking the hotel’s garden or courtyard.

PRAGUE Grand Hotel Bohemia (Our meeting location on Day 1) A beautifully refurbished, Art Nouveau town palace, the five-star Grand Hotel Bohemia is conveniently located in the heart of Prague, within walking distance of Powder Tower, Wenceslas Square and Old Town Hall. It combines modern amenities with the charm and flair of old Prague. | Králodvorská 652/4 | www.grandhotelbohemia.cz | +420-234-608-111 | 78 rooms & suites | Rates:

Alchymist Prague Castle Suites With daily wine and cheese tastings by the fireplace and private concerts in the Music Room, this hotel offers an exclusive experience to every one of its guests. (spa) | Sněmovní 164/8 | www.alchymistpraguecastle.com | +420-257-286-960 | 8 suites | Rates:

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9 QUESTIONS? Call 800-462-2848

Augustine Hotel Prague This Leading Hotels of the World-member encompasses seven historic buildings, including the 13th-century Augustinian St. Thomas Monastery for which the hotel is named. (Several practicing monks still live in a separate part of the monastery, adjacent to the hotel grounds.) The tranquil Augustine Spa is located within the historic monastery and popular tourist attractions, such as Prague Castle, Wallenstein Garden and Charles Bridge, are all easily accessible. (spa) | Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | Letenská 12/33 | www.theaugustine.com | +420-266-112-233 | 101 rooms & suites | Rates:

Four Seasons Hotel Prague This luxurious hotel enjoys a prime location on the banks of the Vltava River and unites classical, baroque and Renaissance styles for an architecturally unique structure. (spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014; Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | Veleslavínova 2a/1098 | www.fourseasons.com/prague | 800-819-5053 (from the US) or +420-221-427-000 | 161 rooms & suites | Rates:

Aria Hotel Music lovers need look no further than the five-star Aria, a former theater located a few minutes’ walk from Old Town Square. Take in the magnificent city view from the hotel restaurant’s rooftop terrace or explore the adjacent Vrtbovska Garden, one of Prague’s oldest and most beautiful baroque gardens and a UNESCO site. | Tržiště 368/9 | www.ariahotel.net | +420-225-334-111 | 51 rooms & suites | Rates:

Buddha Bar Hotel Sleek and modern, the Buddha Bar Hotel is a unique urban resort situated in an ideal location for both exploring Old Town and experiencing the best of

Prague’s lively nightlife. (spa) | Jakubsaká 649/8 | www.buddhabarhotelprague.com | +420-221-776-300 | 39 rooms & suites | Rates:

Design Hotel Josef This four-star hotel designed around a peaceful land-scaped courtyard and is located near the old Jewish Quarter (within walking distance of Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square and Charles Bridge). | Rybná 693/20 | www.hoteljosef.com | +420-221-700-111 | 109 rooms | Rates:

InterContinental Prague This modern hotel, set on the banks of the Vltava River, appears devoid of charm on the outside, but once inside your impression will change. As one of the “most efficient hotels in the Czech capital,” it provides every-thing an international traveler needs. (pool, spa) | Parížská 30 | www.icprague.com | 877-834-3613 (from the US) or +420-296-631-111 | 404 rooms & suites | Rates:

Jalta Boutique Hotel “A Stalinist monstrosity just a few years back, the Jalta is now positively vibrant, down to the authentic Warhol print of Franz Kafka in the lobby,” according to Condé Nast Traveler. | Václavské Námestí 818/45 | www.hoteljalta.com | +420-222-822-111 | 94 rooms & suites | Rates:

The Icon Hotel & Lounge If you’re a fan of minimalist décor you’ll love The Icon, which occupies a refurbished Art Nouveau building just south of Wenceslas Square. | V Jáme 1263/6 | www.iconhotel.eu | +420-221-634-100 | 31 rooms & suites | Rates:

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Czech Republic & Austria Biking 10

SPECIAL HOTEL SAVINGS Backroads has negotiated special rates for our

guests at many hotels around the world. To find hotels with these exclusive Backroads savings, please visit www.backroads.com/hotelsavings.

VIENNA Hotel Sacher Wien Hotel Sacher promises “luxury, tradition, style and comfort” and it delivers. This 1876 Vienna landmark creates the feel of a traditional Viennese lifestyle. The Sacher, a Leading Hotels of the World member, is conveniently located in the city center, opposite the Opera House. (spa) | Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2014; Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | Philharmoni-kerstrasse 4 | www.sacher.com | +43-(0)1-514-560 | 152 rooms & suites | Rates:

Hotel Imperial Hotel Imperial is one of Vienna’s most luxurious treasures. It’s earned accolades for its refined elegance, exceedingly efficient staff, palatial and meticulously adorned rooms, and prime location in the heart of Vienna. | Travel + Leisure World’s Best 2014 | Kaerntner Ring 16 | www.hotelimperialvienna.com | +43-(0)1-501-100 | 138 rooms & suites | Rates:

Hollmann Beletage This intimate boutique hotel, housed in a converted Art Nouveau townhouse within walking distance of St. Stephen’s Cathedral, welcomes you with a personal chalkboard message and contemporary interiors. | Köllnerhofgasse 6 | www.hollmann-beletage.at | +43-(0)1-961-1960 | 25 rooms | Rates:

Hotel König von Ungarn The enchanting König von Ungarn is set in a building that dates from 1746, just steps from St. Stephen’s Cathedral. The atmosphere inspired Mozart—he stayed while he composed Le Nozze di Figaro. | Schulerstrasse 10 | www.kvu.at | +43-(0)1-515-84 | 44 rooms | Rates:

Hotel Alstadt If you’re a fan of boutique hotels with artistic flair, Hotel Alstadt is for you. Set in the Spittelberg area just minutes from the shopping street Mariahilfer Strasse, this property blends classic and modern design ele-

ments to create a warm, visually interesting environ-ment. | Kirchengasse 41 | www.altstadt.at | +43-(0)1-522-6666 | 42 rooms & suites | Rates:

Hotel zur Wiener Staatsoper “The Hotel Zur Wiener Staatsoper offers a delightfully old-fashioned atmosphere right in the heart of Vienna,” according to Karen Brown’s Guides. Located on a quiet pedestrian street near Kärntnerstrasse, this charming family-run hotel features an elaborate Neo-Baroque façade and simple yet comfortable guest rooms with private bathrooms. | Krugerstrasse 11 | www.zurwienerstaatsoper.at | +43-(0)1-513-1274 | 22 rooms | Rates:


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