A couple of years ago Mrs Bilbo and I rode from Hamburg to Magdeburg, using Hamburg and Hannover airports to reach Leeds Bradford Airport in the UK (where we live). This allowed us to ride the lower half of the Elbe river (which is basically where East and West Germany met). This year I'd like to complete the river (or most of it) and of course the cheepo airlines have moved where they fly from and to. So I'm proposing riding Prague to Berlin as I can get to Prague from Leeds and to Manchester from Berlin Schonefeld. There is good european bike paths to Berlin airport and along the Elbe but I need some help at the Prague end.

The river path of the Vltava (on google) looks either industrial or waterlogged. I'd rather ride along a river than head into the mountains to get to the Elbe. So anyone any idea where and which side of the Vltava is easy to ride on the bank and how to get there easily from the airport? Also any places worth staying over in Czech Republic along the river bank?

Marienabad and Kharlovy vary are not far off the track and these two spa gems - famous for centuries before the damper was put on international royalty coming here in Commie Days - both are neat towns in verdant settings.

Thanks P I'll look into it.

The cycling trail from Prague on is not comparable to the Elbe cycling trail in Germany. By far not in as good condition. You definitely need a good map. Be prepared for missing parts where you have to take roads for some km, gravel trails, and then again well maintained asphalt trails - so a bit of everything.

In Prague you go through Stromovko park, pass castle Troja (right bank), then take official cycling trail #2 (very little traffic). Between Rez and Libice the official trail is dangerous (very narrow, high above the river) and you better take a detour from Klecanky on minor roads through the countryside. Later you pass castle Veltrusy, near Bukol you cross the river on a ferry. On to Melnik, where you could stay overnight in Hotel Jaro. The castle is worth seeing, wine tasting highly recommended.

Next day you cross the Elbe river, cycle via Roudnice and Terezin to Litomerice. Beautiful town, another good option to stay overnight.

Continue via Usti to Decin (right bank). Beautiful landscape, but too much industry around Usti. Some rather basic hotels in Decin on the main square on the right bank near the castle.

From Decin cycle on the left bank to Bad Schandau/Germany. Perfect trail, very scenic and away from traffic.

Forget Marienbad / Marianske Lazne and Karlsbad / Karlovy Vary. Waaaayyyy too far from this trail.

Ingo, perfect, thank you

at Bad Schandau you can take a famous tourist tram five miles up into the forests to a famous waterfall near the Czech border - Bad Schnadau is a cute town - a nice place to overnight if looking for that.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kirnitzschtal_Tramway