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Custom tour packagesKarlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary, known as Carlsbad in German, is the most famous Czech spa town. Located in a lush valley on the Tepla River near the German border, Karlovy Vary is about two hours by car from Prague. According to legend, Charles IV (the namesake of Prague's iconic bridge, and Karlovy Vary itself) discovered the future town's hot springs while on a hunting expedition. People have come to Karlovy Vary for hundreds of years to enjoy its natural springs and peaceful atmosphere. A week at the spa is often prescribed by Czech doctors, and the town offers seemingly endless treatments.
A world-famous spa town. Grand streets lined with colonnades and beautifully restored buildings characterize Karlovy Vary, an elegant and peaceful city known for its thermal springs.
Karlovy Vary is the home of Moser, the famous glassmaker. It's also home to the Czech Republic's most famous liquor, Becherovka. Karlovy Vary is famous in the film industry as well. It hosts one of Europe's largest and oldest film festivals, which still attracts Hollywood's big names. Don't miss a funicular ride to the Diana Tower high above the town. This offers beautiful views over Karlovy Vary and the countryside. Be sure to purchase one of a unique porcelain souvenir cups. That way you can sample the famous and "flavorful" mineral water direct from the fountains. And don't forget to see the Vridlo hot spring, which shoots 12 meters into the air.
Popular itineraries featuring Karlovy Vary
Spend some time in Karlovy Vary on a tour that takes in other cities in Czech Republic and neighboring countries. Our custom tour packages including Karlovy Vary and other destinations throughout Czech Republic and Europe make multi-city trips hassle-free. We take care of getting you from place to place, accommodation, excursions and activities.
Things to do in Karlovy Vary
Most of our guests visit Karlovy Vary as a day trip from Prague, but we can offer tours for those staying in town, and help them choose between the countless spas. Karlovy is a romantic setting popular with couples. Each July, the Karlovy Vary Film Festival comes to town for a week, so if your travel dates correspond with the festival, Karlovy Vary is worth considering, even if hotel rates shoot up into the stratosphere. Otherwise, Karlovy Vary is the ideal town for a stroll, with its its impressive white colonnades and rejuvenating natural mineral water found in fountains around town. The Moser glass factory, less than a ten minute drive from the town center, is a must-see, its inexpensive museum and glassworks tour well worth your time. One of our favorite things to do in Karlovy Vary when the weather cooperates is to go for a swim in the outdoor pool at the Communist-era Hotel Thermal. The deck there affords fantastic views of the town, and because you're at Thermal, you don't have it spoiling your view!
Where to stay in Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary's reputation as a spa town for the well-to-do is evident in the luxury hotels available. With room rates attractive compared to Prague, why not stay in style? Wes Anderson pinpointed Karlovy Vary and its grand hotels as inspiration for The Grand Budapest Hotel. Once we start preparing your customized itinerary we will present our recommended options for you to select from.
Traditional Central Hotel
This renovated 'National House' offers historical rooms and 4-star+ amenities at affordable rates, right in the center of town.
Iconic Luxury Hotel
You might recognize it from its star turn in the Bond movie, Casino Royale. This is Karlovy Vary's most iconic hotel.
Small Heritage Hotel
Once home to one of the wealthiest families in Karlovy Vary, the Pupp-Mattonis, the hotel has recently been lovingly restored to the grandeur of its early years in the late 19th century.
From our team
What we love about Karlovy Vary
The architecture is amazing in this beautiful town. I love wondering around and tasting waters from the springs. It has a strange flavour, I have to admit, but how many other places do you know where you can do it? The best part was going up the funicular to the Rozhledna Diana lookout tower, and taking in the view from the top.
Bettina
Operations Executive
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