Czechia

Day Trips

Begin your day with a stroll through the UNESCO-listed Old Town Square, marveling at the historic Týn Church and the Gothic spires that frame the cobblestones. Be sure to arrive in time for the famous Astronomical Clock show at the hourly chime. Sip a rich Czech coffee at a nearby cafe as the city awakens around you.

Wander through the winding lanes of the Jewish Quarter, discovering hidden synagogues and poignant memorials. Stop for a hearty lunch of goulash and dumplings at a family-run tavern. Seek out the colorful Lennon Wall and leave your own message among the many layers of street art.

Embark on a scenic Vltava River cruise to admire Prague’s facades illuminated at dusk. Dine riverside with views of the Charles Bridge glowing in golden light. Finish the night with a leisurely walk across the bridge, pausing to enjoy the statues and the reflection of city lights in the water.

Ascend the castle hill to explore Prague Castle, home to St. Vitus Cathedral’s soaring stained glass and the ancient Royal Palace. Visit the charming Golden Lane, where medieval artisans once lived and worked. Enjoy sweeping city panoramas from the castle battlements.

Roam the tranquil castle gardens and wander through the ornate Ball Game Hall before sitting down for a light lunch at a hilltop bistro. Discover the story of Czech kings in the elegant interiors of the palace’s state rooms. Pause for a coffee in the castle’s quiet courtyard.

Take the funicular up Petrin Hill and wander the manicured paths of the romantic gardens. Climb the Petrin Tower for a miniature Eiffel Tower–style view of Prague at sunset. Return via the Mirror Maze and savor traditional chimney cake at a nearby stand.

Set off early for the drive south to Český Krumlov and start with a climb up the castle tower for a bird’s-eye view of the red-roofed town. Explore the Baroque and Renaissance architecture winding through the narrow streets. Capture photos of the Vltava River looping around the medieval core.

Enjoy a riverside lunch at a café, sampling fresh trout or hearty Czech sausage. Opt for a guided tour through the castle’s lavish rooms and theater, stepping back into Renaissance court life. Drift down the river by kayak or raft for a unique perspective on the town’s spired skyline.

Dine in a cozy riverside tavern lit by candlelight and savor homemade dumplings and knedlíky. Listen to live folk music as local musicians celebrate Bohemian traditions. Stroll the empty lanes after dark and admire the fairy-tale ambiance beneath arching bridges.

Depart early for Bohemian Switzerland, arriving at the Pravčická Gate to hike through lush forests and sandstone gorges. Snap dramatic photos of the largest natural stone arch in Europe. Breathe in fresh, pine-scented air and pause at scenic lookout points.

Enjoy a leisurely picnic lunch beside the emerald waters of the Kamenice Gorge. Board a rustic boat for a gentle ride through the narrow Edmund’s Gorge, marveling at towering cliffs above. Take an easy trail back to the visitor center, stopping to admire hidden waterfalls.

Check into a local guesthouse near Hřensko and unwind by a roaring fireplace. Share a dinner of roast pork and sauerkraut paired with Czech craft beer. Drift to sleep to the sound of wind rustling through the treetops outside your window.

Travel west to the elegant spa town of Karlovy Vary and begin by sampling the famed thermal mineral springs at the Mill Colonnade. Follow the spring trail and learn about the healing properties of each fountain. Marvel at the pastel facades lining the Teplá River.

Indulge in a rejuvenating spa treatment, choosing from a thermal bath, mud wrap, or mineral-rich massage. Savor a healthy spa lunch at a historic hotel overlooking the river. Wander through the flower-filled colonnades and stop for a wafer dipped in the town’s special herbal liqueur.

Feast on gourmet Czech cuisine in the grand dining hall of your spa hotel. Toast to wellness with a glass of Bohemian sparkling wine. End the evening relaxing in a heated outdoor pool with views of the lighted spa buildings.

Head south to Plzeň, the birthplace of Pilsner beer, and start with a tour of the original Pilsner Urquell Brewery. Learn about the four-hundred-year brewing tradition and admire the historic copper kettles. Sample fresh unfiltered beer straight from the oak barrels.

Enjoy a hearty lunch paired with seasonal brews in the brewery’s Beer Hall. Descend into the ancient underground cellars, where beers age in oak casks at a constant temperature year-round. Visit the Brewery Museum to see vintage bottling machinery and period artifacts.

Stroll through Plzeň’s Art Nouveau city center, stopping at the Great Synagogue for an evening architectural tour. Dine at a local pub with live folk music and sample more regional beers. Conclude with a nightcap beneath the glow of the illuminated town square.

Take the train to Brno and head straight to Špilberk Castle, exploring its fortress walls and panoramic city views. Visit the castle’s museum to learn about Brno’s storied past. Wander down to the historic villa park below for a leisurely walk.

Tour the UNESCO-listed Villa Tugendhat, a masterpiece of modernist architecture. Admire the open floor plan, glass facades, and innovative steel supports. Refuel with a light lunch at a stylish café in the city’s functionalist quarter.

Explore Freedom Square at dusk, watching Brno’s landmarks glow in the evening light. Sample Moravian wines at a cozy wine bar, pairing them with local cheeses and charcuterie. Return by tram to your hotel for a taste of the city’s vibrant nightlife.

Drive to the picturesque town of Mikulov nestled in the Pálava Hills, and hike to the Svatý Kopeček chapel for sweeping views of the vineyard-clad countryside. Learn about local grape varieties grown on sunlit slopes. Snap photos of the Baroque chapel overlooking town.

Spend the afternoon touring family-run wineries, sampling Grüner Veltliner and Pinot Noir. Descend into historic cellars carved out of limestone to taste reserve vintages. Enjoy a farm-to-table lunch in a vineyard restaurant overlooking rolling hills.

Dine al fresco under a canopy of vines, relishing regional specialties like roast duck with sauerkraut. Attend a traditional Moravian folk concert in a rustic wine cellar. Let the soft glow of lanterns guide you back to your guesthouse.

Travel back toward Prague to the medieval mining town of Kutná Hora and begin at the eerie Sedlec Ossuary, adorned with bone chandeliers and skull motifs. Learn about the church’s macabre decoration and its unique history. Visit the surrounding cemetery to feel the solemn atmosphere.

Wander to the grand Gothic St. Barbara’s Church and admire its soaring vaults and intricate frescoes. Enjoy lunch at a nearby café, sampling fresh local pastries and coffee. Explore the historic center’s silver mines at the Czech Museum of Silver.

Return to town center as evening falls and dine in a decades-old tavern known for artisanal spirits. Sample a plum brandy or rye liquor crafted by local distillers. Stroll through the quiet, lamp-lit streets before heading to your charming accommodation.

Return to Prague for your final day and savor breakfast at a quaint café in the colorful Lesser Town. Delight in fresh pastries and strong espresso while watching trams glide past baroque facades. Plan the rest of your day over a map spread across the table.

Visit the National Gallery or the Museum of Communism to round out your understanding of Czech art and history. Pause for lunch in New Town at a modern bistro that blends traditional flavors with contemporary twists. Browse the shops along Wenceslas Square for last-minute souvenirs.

Celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at a Michelin-starred restaurant or a classic Czech beer hall in the Old Town. Raise a final toast to new friends and unforgettable memories. End the night with one more stroll across the illuminated Charles Bridge, absorbing the city’s magic one last time.