Former Czechoslovakia Round Trip

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Prague

   “The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it from the magnificent Old Town Square with its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, evident on every street, especially in the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.

   A driver will be at the airport to greet you and transfer you to your centrally located Prague accommodations.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   Local Breweries and Letna Park

   After your arrival, grab a refreshment in one of Prague's breweries. If you seek classics, try out the black beer at one of the city's oldest breweries, U Fleků. Some of Prague's many highlights are its monastery brews. Visit the country's oldest, St. Adalbert's (Sv. Vojtech) in the Brevnov district, which dates back to 993. The floating "Loď Pivovar" ("The Ship") is a tour boat converted into a brewery. If you need to stretch your legs after a long flight, stroll through the Letna park and enjoy a glass of beer with an amazing view of Prague Old Town.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Prague

   

   Get to Know Prague on a City Walking Tour

   Today you will be exploring the hidden streets and main sites of Prague's historical center. Your local tour guide will walk you through the medieval Royal Route while showing you the Old Town Square with Astronomical Clock, Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge, and Lesser Town. You will learn a lot about past and present life and also get tips on further activities and places worth visiting. This walking tour is the best way to fall in love with Prague.
   

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Prague Old Town Small Group Evening Food Tour

   Enjoy a Prague food tour that lets you taste centuries of Czech culinary history, from traditional dishes to modern twists. With a local foodie guide, explore the evolution of Czech cuisine, from early influences to Communist-era fare and today’s dynamic flavors. Savor authentic specialties like goulash, roast pork, and beef sirloin with dumplings paired with Czech beer or Moravian wine. Discover hidden local favorites and leave with a personalized map of food recommendations to continue exploring Prague’s food scene.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Prague

   

   Prague Venice Sightseeing Group Cruise

   Take a 45 minute boat tour aboard the Vodouch and cruise through Prague Venice and the waterways of old Prague. Learn the history of Prague in the Charles Bridge Museum right next to the dock. This historical boat tour will give you the chance to see Prague from a different perspective. Don’t forget to enjoy the complimentary beverages during the tour and visit the Charles Bridge Museum.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 45 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   Stretch Your Legs in "Switzerland" and "Paradise"

   The Czech countryside is full of magical places. One of our most favorite places to go to is a region called the Saxon or Bohemian Switzerland, depending on which side of the German/Czech border you're standing. If some parts of the National Park reminds you of The Chronicles of Narnia you are right because this part of the country attracts not only tourists and artists, but also filmmakers. Another charming place is the aptly named Bohemian Paradise. If you are interested in getting some exercise while on vacation, Prague's the place.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   The Highlights of the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland Small Group Tour

   Hikers will enjoy this tour out of Prague into the magnificent countryside along the Czech/German border. You'll see many of the highlights of this beautiful natural reserve known for its stunning rock formations and gorges, and have a great time doing it. Please wear comfortable shoes and don't forget your camera, as there will be plenty of amazing views to admire! You'll cover about 10 miles (16 kilometers).

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 12 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Bohemian Paradise Private Day Trip

   Trade busy Prague for a natural paradise, walking through deep forests, stark rock formations and medieval castles. This UNESCO-listed natural park is popular among Czechs, but has yet to draw big crowds, so it's an ideal destination for those seeking tranquil nature. This trip is a perfect fit for hiking lovers, families with children, and travelers seeking pure natural beauty, taking in stunning views from the tall sandstone formations.

   • Activity Level : Strenuous
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

4. Day 4 Traveling to Cesky Krumlov by Private Car / Arrival in Cesky Krumlov

   

   You'll be exploring more of the Bohemian countryside today and ending up in the picture-perfect town of Cesky Krumlov. A driver will pick you up in Prague based on your chosen departure time and take you on the 2.5 hour journey, ending at your Cesky Krumlov accommodation. For an additional fee, we can also arrange some extra sightseeing. You might enjoy exploring the South Bohemia region's largest city, Ceske Budejovice, home to the original Budweiser beer (brewery tours take place most days at 2pm), or touring the ornate castle in Hluboka. To escape the crowds, 13th century Zvikov Castle, on a spit of land at the confluence of the Otava and Vltava rivers, would be our choice. All are on the way. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   UNESCO-listed Cesky Krumlov (pronounced CHES-kee KROOM-lohv) is the second most visited place in the Czech Republic and for good reason. A 2.5 hour drive south of Prague, it is a prime example of Bohemian village life. The town is highlighted by a castle which houses more than 300 rooms and is the second largest in the Czech Republic. The Vltava river flows through the old town, which is a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways with delightful shops. No matter where you are, all the town's highlights are no more than five minute walk away. Cesky Krumlov is surrounded by verdant hills, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even golfing. A canoe or rafting trip on the Vltava should not be missed. It is also a city of culture and art, with seven museums and four galleries as well as medieval, music and theater festivals taking place year round. The castle gardens even have a unique rotating stage. For beer lovers, the city has its own brewery. The local brew is served around town in traditional taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy typical hearty Czech dishes in a unique classic setting.

   Your driver will bring you as close as possible to your accommodation in Cesky Krumlov. Please note that the Old Town is car-free between 10 AM and 3 PM. Should you arrive in Cesky Krumlov during this time period, you will either need to walk to your hotel from the drop-off point or take a taxi, which is not included in the price (only taxis are allowed to enter the Old Town). Please note that if you are traveling in vans or bigger vehicles, the car is not allowed to enter the historical center and will park at one of the parking lots close to your accommodation. Our local representative will assist you with getting a taxi or arranging a porter service from the hotel.

5. Day 5 Your First Full Day in Cesky Krumlov

   

   Cesky Krumlov Private Walking Tour

   Cesky Krumlov is the second most popular tourist attraction in the Czech Republic, bested only by Prague. Avoid getting lost in the crowds by putting yourself in the hands of a born-and-bred Cesky Krumlov native who will make sure you make the most of your visit here. This 1.5-hour tour will get you familiar with the history of the town, its famous past residents and introduce you to all the most impressive spots in this gem of an old town, with architecture that spans many centuries and styles.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   Visit Southern Bohemia's Highlights

   An extra night in Cesky Krumlov will give you enough time to see some of the surrounding countryside and another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore one of the country's most picturesque corners on a day trip with a local tour guide. We offer several tours. Our favorites are the South Bohemia Highlights Small Group Tour and the Trebon, Telc, and Slavonice Private Day Trip.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   South Bohemia Highlights Small Group Tour

   This full-day trip will show you some of the most beautiful areas in the Czech Republic. You'll see hills and valleys, views over the countryside and dine in a delicious local restaurant. Your guide will take you to the key destinations and you'll also have the freedom to explore at your own pace.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Trebon, Telc and Slavonice Private Day Trip

   This day trip with an expert local guide will take you through some of the most interesting towns in Bohemia. Trebon, Telc and Slavonice are not just places along the former Iron Curtain, each of them is fascinating in its own right, with amazing architecture, unique sights, great restaurants and more to see. You'll check out the local carp fishing ponds as well as beautiful Renaissance architecture. Along the way your guide will tell you all about the history of the region and what has made it special.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 9 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Experience Cesky Krumlov on a Small River Cruise

   On this 50-minute boat tour you'll get a new point of view on the beautiful little town of Cesky Krumlov. This place looks like a fairytale and you'll love seeing it from the water. After exploring the jewels of the city aboard a boat, you'll stop at a local brewery for some refreshment. It's definitely a fun way to explore this magical destination.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 50 minutes

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

6. Day 6 Traveling to Brno by Private Transfer / Arrival in Brno

   

   This morning your driver will pick you up from your accommodations in Cesky Krumlov and drive you to the Czech Republic's second largest city, Brno, stopping on the way in Telč. You'll have about an hour and half to visit the UNESCO-listed, chocolate-box perfect Renaissance town square. The journey time, including the stop in Telč, is about five and a half hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee. Please note that this is not a guided transfer.

   Don't listen to the Praguers when they tell you Brno is dull. They probably haven't been in a while. This provincial city and capital of the South Moravia region has plenty to keep you occupied. A tech boom in the 2000s and onwards has raised salaries and expectations all round and the city center is alive with cool places. The NY Times called Brno an architectural mecca, and you'll definitely want to reserve tickets to see Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed functionalist villa built for a wealthy industrialist's family in the 1920s by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. Brno is also a great base for trips to the wine hills of Southern Moravia and to the Moravian Karst, where the Punkva Cave is the most popular attraction.

   Upon reaching Brno your driver will take you to your accommodation in the city center.

   

   Where Czechoslovakia Divorced

   There are only a few single-family dwellings on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and only one of them was built in the 20th century - Villa Tugendhat. In this place, Czechoslovakia was officially divided into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993, a peaceful event known as the "Velvet Divorce." Visitor numbers are limited, so it's advisable to book a few months in advance, but if you miss joining the guided tour, you can always visit the garden and see the villa from the outside.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Brno

   

   Get to Know Brno on a City Walking Tour

   Today's tour will have you exploring Brno with a private guide. You will discover Brno's Old Town and its highlights with a private local guide who will share the secrets behind the city's main landmarks. You will walk down cobblestone streets, admire Art Nouveau architecture, and visit the 12th-century St. Peter and Paul Cathedral. You will explore the Vegetable Market, where you can make a wish at the Parnassus Fountain, and discover the monuments of Freedom Square, among many other attractions.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Moravian Karst and Punkva Cave Private Tour

   Travel deep into the underground wonders of Moravia with a trip into one of the most breathtaking natural wonders of Central Europe – the Moravian Karst, home to over 1100 caves. On this tour, you'll visit the most popular cave, Punkva. You'll also head to the bottom of the Macocha Abyss, a massive sinkhole, and cruise down an underground river. On the way back to Brno, you'll stop at the village of Krtiny, to visit the beautiful Church of the Name of the Virgin Mary.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

8. Day 8 Traveling to Bratislava by Train / Arrival in Bratislava

   

   Today you will take a train from Brno to Bratislava. A driver will pick you up at your accommodations and take you to Brno's main train station. We will book a train ticket with a seat reservation for you. The train journey takes about 1.5 hours. If you'd prefer more flexibility, we can arrange a door-to-door private transfer straight to Bratislava, for an extra fee. While being driven to Bratislava, you could explore the beautiful Moravian countryside (we recommend stopping at the charming hilltop wine town of Mikulov (on the Austrian border) or the breathtaking Lednice-Valtice castle complex.

   

   You can upgrade your transfer

   Bratislava by Private Transfer

   Upgrade for an additional cost

   The capital of Slovakia and the largest city in the country, Bratislava is the political and cultural epicenter of the region. It has quickly joined the ranks of modern EU capitals, sitting at the crossroads of German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish influences. You’ll see this reflected in the architecture and design of the city, as well as in its cuisine. A true city of culture, Bratislava boasts numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls. In the past, giants of classical music including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel have composed and performed here. Step through a gateway into the walled-in Old Town and you’ll find cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleys and plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings, and lively bars, restaurants, and cafes, from the traditional to the hip and modern. There is deep Jewish history here to explore. The most prominent site in the city is Bratislava castle, which sits stately on a hill overlooking the city on the Danube. Memorable excursions to wine country outside of Bratislava are available, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines. Bratislava’s compact size, combined with its variety of local activities and excursions, and its proximity to Vienna and the beautiful High Tatra mountains, make it a perfectly inviting destination.

   Welcome to the capital of Slovakia! A private driver will greet you upon arrival at Bratislava's main station and take you to your accommodation.

   

   Catch the View from a UFO

   Ascend Bratislava's architectural marvel, the iconic UFO Bridge (a.k.a. Most SNP or Most Slovenského národného), and indulge in panoramic city views that will leave you breathless. From its sleek restaurant and bar, savor delectable cuisine and sip on exquisite cocktails while taking in the enchanting panorama of Bratislava's skyline. On warmer days, venture to the bridge's enchanting beach bar and soak up the sun while enjoying refreshing drinks and breathtaking views. Let the UFO Bridge be your gateway to an unforgettable Bratislavan experience.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Bratislava

   

   Bratislava Private Walking Tour

   One of the best ways to get to know a new city is a private walking tour with a professional local guide. Discover what the Slovak capital has to offer over the course of two hours, and advice on what to do and see afterwards.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   Just Around the Corner

   Leave Bratislava for a couple of hours and explore the surrounding area with a local guide. Just around the corner from the capital, you can experience what life in rural Slovakia is like. Take the Little Carpathians Wine Tour to lear about Slovakian wine tradition or go for the Devin Hike if you like a combination of hiking and history.

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Little Carpathians Wine Route Private Tour

   Enjoy a fun tour of the Little Carpathians, known for wine since Roman times. You'll visit small towns devoted to wines, as well as a well-preserved castle, a pottery workshop and will end your tour by sampling the area's best wines.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

   

   Devin Castle Private Tour

   Visit the legendary Devín Castle ruin near Bratislava. Explore the former Iron Curtain border zone with Austria with remnants of the barbed wire and a WWII bunker. Extend the tour by the hike to the sand rock (View Hike, +2 hours), abandoned Cold War military base (Army Base Hike, +4 hours), or local Wine Tasting (+2 hours).

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Suggested activities for an additional cost, depending on your choice

10. Day 10 Traveling to High Tatras by Private Transfer / Arrival in High Tatras

    

    Today, your English-speaking driver will pick you up from your accommodations and take you to the High Tatras. En route, you'll enjoy a 3-hour stop at the town of Banska Stiavnica, a UNESCO-listed town, where you will have time to explore on your own. The whole journey, including the stop, takes about 7 hours.

    Also known as the Slovakian Alps, the High Tatras are gorgeous at any time of year. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or just relaxing, this is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city to revel in the breathtaking nature of Central Europe. You’ll find numerous trails for all modes of transportation, from hiking to biking and skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. The mountain air is crisp and clean, the locals are friendly, and everywhere you look you’ll see a picture-perfect view. There are numerous ski resorts in the area, several of which have spas that offer massages and other wellness treatments. The High Tatras central location near the must-see cities of Budapest and Krakow also make it perfect for a stop-over, or the home-base for a series of day trips in the region. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or the ultimate in relaxation, you’ll find it nestled in the rolling hills and rocky crags of these incredible mountains and their unique, inviting atmosphere.

    Upon your arrival, the driver will take you to your accommodations in High Tatras.

    

    The History of the National Park and its Joys

    The Tatra National Park Museum in Tatranska Lomnica can trace its roots back to the 19th century, which helps explain the diversity of its collection, with objects related to botany, zoology, history, cartography, geology, and ethnography. If you have enough time, visit the neighboring Ski Museum, which traces winter sports in the High Tatras from their very beginning, until 1945. Highlights including a bobsled collection, and 19th century skis over three meters (nearly ten feet) long!

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in High Tatras

    

    High Tatras Private Hiking Tour

    High Tatras National Park offers Slovakia's best, highest hikes. Starting at the magnificent mountain lake Strbske Pleso, 1,345 meters above sea level (4,400 feet) you'll travel through Popradske Pleso, a glacier-fed lake sitting in the Mengusovska Valley, where you'll enjoy a lunch while taking in stunning views. Over the course of 14 kilometers (9 miles), you'll take in plenty of photogenic vistas!

    • Activity Level : Strenuous
    • Duration : 7 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

12. Day 12 Traveling to Kosice by Private Transfer / Arrival in Kosice

    

    Today you will leave the High Tatras for Kosice. Based on your preferred departure time, a driver will meet you at your accommodations and drive you to Kosice. En route, you'll stop at the UNESCO-listed Spis Castle, which you'll have three hours to explore on your own. Please note that the entrance tickets are not included but can be purchased on the spot. The journey takes about five hours in total.
    

    Slovakia's second largest city, Kosice (pronounced "Kosh-eet-sa") features a well-preserved Old Town, rich with Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic exemplars. Literally standing above it all is the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the country's largest church, which reflects 15th century Kosice's brief but glorious time as one of Europe's largest cities. Fought over by a confusing array of armies and kings, cosmopolitan Kosice's many inhabitants are reflected in its architecture and culture, with traces of the Jews, Germans, Turks, and Hungarians who have called this "City of Peace" home, helped make the place a European Capital of Culture, and given it more protected historical monuments than anywhere else in the country. Spend a day strolling the Old Town, then an evening indulging in its lively arts scene, and you won't leave disappointed.

    Upon your arrival the driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

    

    Traditional Slovak Folk Dance Private Class

    Slovakia's folk dances are as varied and as beautiful as the countryside in which they developed, and as interesting as the people who invented them. From the simplicity of village dances to the elaborate stage choreographies of today's ensembles, they mirror the history and culture of a people who have clung tenaciously to their folk traditions and maintained a strong identity despite centuries of subjugation. Enjoy a unique Slovak folk dance lesson based on your preferences.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 1 hour 30 minutes

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

    

    The Singing Fountain

    Nestled between the imposing Cathedral of St. Elisabeth and the State Theater, the Singing Fountain adds some liveliness to Kosice's main street. If you time your visit right, you can watch the fountain's jets shoot water illuminated by lights into the air, synchronized with the 22 chimes of a neighboring carillon.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Departure Day

    

    Slovak Arts and Crafts Private Class

    Even seen a tinker or weaver in action? Watch them at work, then learn to make some crafts yourself! In this class, you can choose between crafting wire, pottery, weaving, painting glass, or making corn husk dolls, all under the guidance of a professional. Naturally, this is a great way to create your own souvenirs!
    

    • Activity Level : Easy
    • Duration : 2 hour 30 minutes

    Included in your vacation package price

    Today, you'll fly out from Budapest Airport. A driver will pick you up from your accommodation in Kosice and take you to the airport, which is approximately 3.5 hours away, ensuring you have plenty of time to catch your flight.