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Castles & Lakes Tour

Germany • Austria • Czech Republic

August 7 - 20, 2023 (fully booked)

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Registration Deadline: May 14, 2023

Duration: 14-day vacation, 11 riding days,

                    1 sightseeing day, 2 travel days

Skill Level:                                (moderate)  

Group Size: 6 – 10 motorcycles

Arrival: Munich, Germany (MUC)

Departure: Munich, Germany (MUC)

Total Distance: 1,145 miles (1,843 km)

Average Daily Mileage:  142 miles (229 km)

Average Temperature: 65-85ºF / 18-29ºC

International Driver's License Required

Highlights: Prague (Czech Republic), canoeing, medieval castles and architecture including several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Bamberg (Germany), Romantic Road (Austria), vineyard tour in Dürnstein (Austria), and much more!

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Central Europe as it should be experienced; on a motorcycle, riding through quaint villages, lush countryside and farmland on the gloriously winding roads of Germany, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Designed around a relaxed riding schedule to allow participants to savor the medieval castles and classic architecture, the Castles & Lakes Tour will make you fall in love with these countries renowned for their romantic splendor, sumptuous cuisine, centuries of historical significance and daunting beauty.

 

The Castles & Lakes Tour visits several UNESCO World Heritage sites as well as medieval castles and country roads. As a two-wheel enthusiast (undoubtedly with a desire for entertaining routes) you will ride the famed motorcyclist’s gem; the Romantic Road of Austria; a twisting two-lane road that winds its way through forests and countryside.

 

Specifically designed as a laid back and relaxed motorcycle travel vacation, the Castles & Lakes Tour combines riding with history, unraveling ancient architecture, balanced against plenty of riding and sightseeing; cities as well as open country and mountain passes. On non-riding rest days you can trade your motorcycle for a walking day trip of stunning Prague, and in the Czech Republic, go for a canoe ride. There will be opportunities for winery tours, sightseeing, or just relaxing.

 

The tour will cover plenty of miles over country roads, farmlands, and mountains, with overnight stays in small villages and city centers in 3- and 4-star accommodations, further reinforcing the old world aspect of these picturesque countries.

 

A support vehicle makes easy work of transporting luggage, avoiding the daily ritual of packing the bike, and multilingual tour guides ensure a safe and pleasant foreign experience. A choice of BMW motorcycle perfectly fits the Castles & Lakes Tour, with the German motorcycles having been developed specifically for this environment.

 

There is no better way to see this part of Europe than from the seat of a motorcycle. For that reason the Castles & Lakes Tour offers a commensurate luxury motorcycling experience that will leave you with a lifetime of memories.

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Itinerary

Day 1
Overnight flight

Departure from the U.S. or Canada and arrival in Europe on the following day. There is a time difference of six hours from Eastern Standard Time.

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Day 2
Arrival in Ismaning (Munich), Germany

Once you arrive at the welcoming hotel, you'll have time for a stroll and lunch before we pick up motorcycles and go for a short ride in Bavaria. 

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Day 3
Ismaning – Bamberg, Germany

Ride through Bavaria with a few stops along the way like the oldest brewery and the spectacular monastery of Weltenburg.

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Day 4
Bamberg – Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic

We'll pass over the mountains of the Bavarian Forest into the Czech Republic and through the Bohemia region to Karlovy Vary, a famous vacation town dating back thousands of years.

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Day 5
Karlovy Vary, Czech Republic (optional day off)

Today you can either relax in the famous spa town or do the dayride into the mountains of the Bohemian Forest.

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Day 6
Karlovy Vary – Prague, Czech Republic

Traverse the wonderful landscape of the Czech Republic before arriving in Prague where we'll dine on a private boat on the Moldava river.

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Day 7
Prague - ÄŒeský Krumlov, Czech Republic

Explore the Bohemian Forest and ride to the prettiest town in the country: Cesky Krumlov, with its 13th-century castle.

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Day 8
ÄŒeský Krumlov, Czech Republic (optional day off)

This tour is ideal for couples and taking it slow to really immerse yourself in the culture. Today's rest day packs a leisurely canoe trip along Vltava river.

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Day 9
ÄŒeský Krumlov – Dürnstein, Austria 

We will visit the mountainous Waldviertel (region in the Upper Austria province) and the beautiful wine region, Wachau, before spending the night in a castle.

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Day 10
Dürnstein, Austria (optional day off)

Choose between wandering around in the historic and beautiful village of Dürnstein, a boat trip on the Danube, or the optional loop on the bikes through valleys and vineyards.

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Day 11
Dürnstein – Traunsee, Austria

We’ll ride the famous Romantic Road of Austria and end up at the wonderful Traunsee for a quick dip into the water.

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Day 12
Traunsee, Austria (optional day off)

Relax back at the hotel or take a day trip to the historic town of Hallstatt and some spectacular alpine roads.

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Day 13
Traunsee, Austria – Ismaning, Germany

On our last riding day, we’ll pass four huge lakes and the KTM motorcycle factory and museum. In the afternoon we'll return the motorcycles.

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Day 14
Departure 
Flight home from Munich and arrival back home in U.S. and Canada on the same day. 

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What Your Tour Includes

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  • Your choice of BMW motorcycle rental including low-deductible insurance

  • Support vehicle

  • Multilingual tour guide(s)

  • Accommodations at comfortable, family owned middle-class hotels (12 hotel nights)

  • All breakfasts and dinners; lunch is not provided

  • Fuel during the entire trip

  • All entrance fees and tolls

  • A detailed tour information package including maps, guide books, and a T-shirt

2023 Prices (per person)

Not Included in the Tour Price

Not included in the tour price are international or other airfare to/from Munich, Germany, personal items, passport, speeding tickets and other fines, lunches, beverages, personal hotel room charges, laundry and dry cleaning, telephone calls, medical and accident insurance, and transportation to and from the airport for early arrivals and late departures.

 

Accommodations

The hotels are mostly family-owned and -operated and each has wonderful local flavor. They are three and four-star establishments, and all provide breakfast and dinner. You will feel welcome and at home right away. Some hotels have a pool or sauna, so bring your bathing suit, and all provide hair dryers. If you bring any electronic devices, remember that Europe has different voltage (220V) and electrical outlets, so make sure you have the right converters and plugs and that your electronic devices work on both voltages. Casual clothing to wear in the evenings is fine; there’s no need for formal wear.

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Group Size

Group minimum is six riders, maximum is ten riders plus passengers.  

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Roads and Traffic

Though riding an average of only 142 miles / 229 km per day may seem easy, don’t be deceived. Some roads are technical, narrow, and curvy, but overall it’s an easy route. If you have a good amount of riding experience, you’ll be able to master this trip.

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Rental Bikes

Available motorcycles may be subject to change.

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  • F 750 GS

  • F 850 GS or GS/A

  • R 1250 R

  • R 1250 GS or GS/A

  • S 1000 XR

  • R 1250 RT

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Motorcycles are reserved on a first-come, first-served basis, depending upon availability and are not guaranteed.

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Keep in mind that smaller bikes handle much better on alpine roads! Great choices for a carefree, leisurely ride are the F 750 GS, F 850 GS or GS/A, and S 1000 XR. They handle very easily on the hairpins and still have enough power to keep up with anybody else on the mountain roads. The R 1250 GS is a good choice for two-up riding. Anything bigger (and heavier) takes away the pleasure of riding in the Alps. You may want to check out these bikes at your local dealer to see which one feels the most comfortable for you.

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Luggage

One piece of luggage per person will go on the support van. Tour members will be able to securely store suitcases and any other extra luggage in the first hotel of the trip. The motorcycles we provide for our tours are equipped with a luggage system. 

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The F 750 GS, F 850 GS or GSA, and S 1000 XR will have two side cases, while the R 1250 GS and GSA comes with two side cases and a top case.​ An electrical socket for GPS is available upon request. You will need to bring your own 12 V accessory Powerlet plug that fits the BMW/Euro-style socket.​

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The rental motorcycles are not equipped with tankbags. If you bring a tankbag, make sure that it uses straps and not magnets, which won’t work on the BMWs’ tanks. 

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Motorcycle Insurance

The deductible for the motorcycle insurance included in your tour package is approximately $700, except R1250RT, S1000XR/RR and R18 the insurance is $1200. The actual amount may vary due to currency fluctuation. This amount is not charged or held to your card as we use an honor system with our guests. In case of minor damage to your motorcycle, an appraisal of the repair cost is made, based on the dealer’s cost, and billed to you with the understanding that you are responsible for up to $700 of damages. In case the cost of any damage to the motorcycle is higher than the deductible, or if the bike is stolen, the full deductible will be due. The insurance company will cover the remainder of the cost. Repair appraisals can take up to 6 months to receive from the dealer.

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Trip Extras

To ensure that you have the easiest travel experience possible, Blue Rim Tours offers select services for an additional fee. If you are interested in any of the following trip extras, please indicate on your registration form:

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  • Early/late lodging arrangements

  • Extended motorcycle rental​

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Deposit and Payment

A deposit of $1,000 per person is required to reserve your place on the tour. All deposits are non-refundable and non-transferable. We accept personal checks, Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and money orders. On May 14, 2023, 50% of the tour price is due. The remaining balance of the tour is due before or on June 25, 2023.

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Reservation Deadline

The deadline for reservation is May 14, 2023.

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Cancellation Policy

If for any reason you need to cancel your trip and do so (in writing) between May 14 and June 24, 2023, you forfeit 50% of the total tour price. June 25, 2023 and after, the total tour price is non­refundable.

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Minimum Tour Requirement 

We reserve the right to cancel any tour if the number of participants booked does not meet the minimum requirement to operate the trip or due to force majeure. In the unlikely event that this should occur, your payment will be refunded minus the non-refundable registration fee. This fee can be applied to another tour of your choice. 

 

Please make your flight reservations after the registration deadline for the tour. We will send you a reminder email to book your flight.

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Trip & Medical Insurance

It is highly recommended that you get trip insurance. Also, check with your health insurance provider about your coverage while traveling overseas. For additional information on trip cancellation insurance, visit www.insuremytrip.com. Please read our helpful blog about travel insurance here​.

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Weather

Temperatures will range between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit or 18 and 29 degrees Celsius. The altitude changes during the day’s ride, and the temperature changes accordingly. It can rain and be chilly on the mountain roads, yet be warm when you come down into the valleys. Dress in several layers so you can easily adjust to the weather conditions. In case of heavy rain or other bad weather, we will choose the shortest route to the next hotel, and avoid pass roads wherever possible.

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Contact Information

 

Blue Rim Tours

3601 Edgemoor Court

Clemmons NC 27012

336-306-5282

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