Active Czech Adventure: Castles & Countryside in Prague, Cesky Krumlov & Bohemia

See Prague's most photographed moment when the late medieval timepiece constructed on the side of the Old Town Hall Tower comes to life at the top of the hour.

Apostles proceed from the tower’s 1410 astronomical clock hourly, flanked by figures representing vanity, greed, death, and pleasure. You can also take an elevator to the top of the Old Town Hall tower for a great view of the Old Town Square and rooftops. Tours of the town hall and its gothic cellars are also offered.

Count the spires on the Church of Our Lady Týn before discovering the hidden courtyard behind it.

The 14th-century, Gothic church is a stunning structure with asymmetrical towers (note that the one on the right is slightly larger than the one on the left). It is the dominant feature of Old Town square and serves as an extensive gallery of Gothic, Renaissance and Early Baroque works. The church is the final resting place for the great astronomer Tycho Brahe.

Discover a large historical complex of buildings and courtyards "hidden in plain sight" within the Old Town.

Founded as an abbey in the 11th century and later transformed into a Jesuit university, it is the second largest complex of buildings in Prague after the castle and contains four separate churches. Guided tours begin at 10am, and include an awe-inspiring Baroque library hall and the Astronomical Tower, from which you have a beautiful view of the Old Town.

Old Town

A visit to the Old Town transports you to an entirely different era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys surrounds Old Town Square, which has been Prague's municipal center since the Middle Ages. The square is lined by magnificent churches and imposing Renaissance palaces. As you wander through the Old Town, you discover numerous other delights, including several beautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and an outdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages.

Make sure to visit one of Europe's most important, historic, and stunning city squares.

The square is filled with rich history and surrounded by many beautiful old buildings, such as the gothic church of Our Lady before Týn and the baroque church of St. Nicholas. At the center of the square is a large statue of Jan Hus, a church reformer burnt at the stake in 1415, and a lovely and recently-restored column topped by the Virgin Mary. Today the square is filled with street performers, food stalls, and horse-drawn carriages.

See Prague's most photographed moment when the late medieval timepiece constructed on the side of the Old Town Hall Tower comes to life at the top of the hour.

Apostles proceed from the tower’s 1410 astronomical clock hourly, flanked by figures representing vanity, greed, death, and pleasure. You can also take an elevator to the top of the Old Town Hall tower for a great view of the Old Town Square and rooftops. Tours of the town hall and its gothic cellars are also offered.

Cross the river dividing Prague's most historic neighborhoods, and experience one of Europe's most iconic landmarks.

Bridge construction began in 1357 under King Charles IV (hence the name), and it was the only bridge across the Vltava River until 1841. 30 baroque statues of saints line the bridge, and it is filled with street artists and entertainers. Not to be missed.

See a historic wall that has been covered in John Lennon-inspired graffiti since Communist days.

The wall has been covered in graffiti since the 1960s, and during Communism anti-regime sentiment was common. John Lennon's assassination inspired grafitti reflecting his song, Imagine, which earned the wall its current moniker. It is now a favorite gathering place for tourists, and musicians sometimes congregate there as well. Just around the corner is the Maltese Square, which is one of Prague's more quaint and relaxed public spaces, despite being just off the main tourist route.

Royal Route Guided Tour

On this charming guided walk, you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that occurred there. Your tour guide will then take you either through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex, or through the upper part of the castle district around the oversized palaces of the old Catholic nobility and the top of the Castle Steps for incomparable views over the red rooftops of the Little Quarter.

Prague Castle is one of the main attractions in Prague and is also the largest castle complex in the world.

The Prague Castle is the largest castle complex in the world with structures dating back to the 9th century. The St Vitus Cathedral and Basilica of St George can be found within the castle walls. The Prague Castle also includes several gardens, palaces, and a monastery. This castle was the seat of power for the Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of former Czechoslovakia. Prague Castle is a UNESCO world heritage site and is one of the most visited places in the country.

Guided Bike to Karlštejn

In this tour, you will bicycle alongside a beautiful river and through forested hills to reach one of Europe's most famous and awe-inspiring castles. After picking up your bikes in Prague, you will cycle to a rail station where you will catch a train and take a 40-minute ride through the Czech countryside to the town of Beroun. You will then begin a beautiful journey along the Berounka River, stopping in a pub in a riverside village for lunch. After lunch, you will make your way up into the hills above the castle Karlštejn and then descend to the fairy-tale perfect, Medieval castle below.

Guided Bike to Karlštejn

In this tour, you will bicycle alongside a beautiful river and through forested hills to reach one of Europe's most famous and awe-inspiring castles. After picking up your bikes in Prague, you will cycle to a rail station where you will catch a train and take a 40-minute ride through the Czech countryside to the town of Beroun. You will then begin a beautiful journey along the Berounka River, stopping in a pub in a riverside village for lunch. After lunch, you will make your way up into the hills above the castle Karlštejn and then descend to the fairy-tale perfect, Medieval castle below.

Guided Bike to Karlštejn

In this tour, you will bicycle alongside a beautiful river and through forested hills to reach one of Europe's most famous and awe-inspiring castles. After picking up your bikes in Prague, you will cycle to a rail station where you will catch a train and take a 40-minute ride through the Czech countryside to the town of Beroun. You will then begin a beautiful journey along the Berounka River, stopping in a pub in a riverside village for lunch. After lunch, you will make your way up into the hills above the castle Karlštejn and then descend to the fairy-tale perfect, Medieval castle below.

Guided Bike to Karlštejn

In this tour, you will bicycle alongside a beautiful river and through forested hills to reach one of Europe's most famous and awe-inspiring castles. After picking up your bikes in Prague, you will cycle to a rail station where you will catch a train and take a 40-minute ride through the Czech countryside to the town of Beroun. You will then begin a beautiful journey along the Berounka River, stopping in a pub in a riverside village for lunch. After lunch, you will make your way up into the hills above the castle Karlštejn and then descend to the fairy-tale perfect, Medieval castle below.

Wander in a graveyard where many prominent Czechs are buried, such as famed composers Dvořák & Smětana.

The cemetery is filled with many tombs which are works of art in themselves, including several arcades with beautiful art-nouveau frescoes. The monumental Slavin tomb is a sort of pantheon of the Czech people, with over 55 prominent persons buried within it. Dvořák and Smětana have their own more modest graves.

Enjoy stunning city views from atop the fortress walls.

Prague Castle and most of the city can be seen from above the cavernous Gorlice Hall. A walk along the fortress walls is a delightful experience, as you will enjoy numerous excellent vantage points on all sides of the fortress, enjoying Prague from a different perspective without all the crowds.

Vyšehrad Fortress

The castle of Vyšehrad was the seat of Bohemia's kings from the 11th to the 12th centuries. Due to its strategic position on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and Prague, it became an important army garrison in the 17th century, and it was transformed into a fortress with huge walls, gates, and ramparts. Walking along these ramparts will offer you wonderful views of the city and river. The interior of the fortress is now given over to a pleasant and quiet park which is a favorite of locals.

Venture within the fortress's massive 17th-century walls and gates.

A tour through the Brick Gate on the fortress's north side will take you through the narrow underground passageways and casemates of the fortress. You will see a historical exhibit on Vyšehrad as well as the underground Gorlice Hall, where the original statues from the Charles Bridge are stored for safe-keeping (many of the statues on the bridge are copies).

Guided trip to Kutná Hora

On this full-day guided excursion, you will discover the charming Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. Due to nearby silver mines, Kutná Hora was rich and powerful during the Middle Ages. It was even declared a Royal town, meaning that the Bohemian King directly controlled the town. The town spent much of its wealth on beautiful buildings, many of which still exist today, and which have earned the town the status of a UNESCO World Cultural site.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

Guided trip to Kutná Hora

On this full-day guided excursion, you will discover the charming Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. Due to nearby silver mines, Kutná Hora was rich and powerful during the Middle Ages. It was even declared a Royal town, meaning that the Bohemian King directly controlled the town. The town spent much of its wealth on beautiful buildings, many of which still exist today, and which have earned the town the status of a UNESCO World Cultural site.

Confront your own mortality in the crypt of a small Gothic church decorated with garlands of human skulls, plus a bone chandelier & chalices.

As macabre as it might appear, one cannot help but admire the imaginative ways in which thousands of human bones have been put to decorative use. There's everything from huge pyramids of skulls, to a chandelier to an aristocratic coat of arms composed of the remains of those who sought their final resting place in Sedlec. It’s a breath-taking reminder of the medieval practice of reflecting on mortality, summed up in the Latin expression ‘Memento mori’ or ‘remember you must die’.

Bohemian Switzerland Guided

This tour is a great option for active travelers looking to spend the whole day hiking in both Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks. During this excursion, you will see Pravcicka Gate, enjoy a boat ride on the Gorges of Kamenice River, and admire the famous Bastei Bridge. The tour takes around 11h30m and you will walk for around 10 miles (16km).

Bohemian Switzerland Guided

This tour is a great option for active travelers looking to spend the whole day hiking in both Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks. During this excursion, you will see Pravcicka Gate, enjoy a boat ride on the Gorges of Kamenice River, and admire the famous Bastei Bridge. The tour takes around 11h30m and you will walk for around 10 miles (16km).

Bohemian Switzerland Guided

This tour is a great option for active travelers looking to spend the whole day hiking in both Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks. During this excursion, you will see Pravcicka Gate, enjoy a boat ride on the Gorges of Kamenice River, and admire the famous Bastei Bridge. The tour takes around 11h30m and you will walk for around 10 miles (16km).

Bohemian Switzerland Guided

This tour is a great option for active travelers looking to spend the whole day hiking in both Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland National Parks. During this excursion, you will see Pravcicka Gate, enjoy a boat ride on the Gorges of Kamenice River, and admire the famous Bastei Bridge. The tour takes around 11h30m and you will walk for around 10 miles (16km).

Relax in a beautiful park inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

The park offers a beautiful panorama of the city overlooking a small vineyard. You'll find fountains and water cascades, lakes, pavilions, statues and a charming grotto. The Vineyard Gazebo and Grébovka Pavilion café are surrounded by large vineyards. Its unique replica of the original historic bowling alley from the 1870s is a pleasant place to sit.

Spend an evening relaxing in one of Prague's most popular and largest beer gardens.

The beer garden features benches and long tables shaded beneath trees. It is popular with locals, expats, and tourists. It is located in Riegrovy Gardens, a classic English garden of the 19th century. The park has great views of the city on its western side.

Vinohrady

Vinohrady, which translates literally as 'vineyards', is a beautiful residential area of Prague that carries a reputation of prestige and elegance. Most of its grand Neo-Renaissance, Art Nouveau, Pseudo Baroque, and Neo-Gothic buildings come from the second half of the 19th century and first half of the 20th century, and many have been and continue to be restored in an amazing array of color and architectural detail. It also contains an eclectic range of restaurants, wine bars, cafes and pubs that offer great venues for an evening meal or a night out.

Relax in a beautiful park inspired by the Italian Renaissance.

The park offers a beautiful panorama of the city overlooking a small vineyard. You'll find fountains and water cascades, lakes, pavilions, statues and a charming grotto. The Vineyard Gazebo and Grébovka Pavilion café are surrounded by large vineyards. Its unique replica of the original historic bowling alley from the 1870s is a pleasant place to sit.

Experience the historic charm of Cesky Krumlov's golden gem, the Castle Theater, one of Europe's oldest Baroque theaters.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Theater, dating back to the 17th century, is a Baroque architectural wonder. It's among the few theatres worldwide preserving original stage machinery, scenery, and costumes. Offering guided tours, except on Mondays, it invites visitors to delve into its rich theatrical heritage. The experience is a journey through time, showcasing well-preserved artifacts of Baroque stagecraft.

Stroll through the sprawling serene beauty of Cesky Krumlov's Castle Gardens, showcasing a splendid Baroque fountain and panoramic town views.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Gardens offer a peaceful retreat with their meticulously designed landscape. The centerpiece is a majestic Baroque terraced fountain, complemented by formal garden arrangements. Visitors can enjoy a scenic walk that offers captivating views of the town, leading to a tranquil forested area and a serene pond at the park's rear, providing a perfect blend of art and nature.

Cesky Krumlov Castle

Český Krumlov was ruled by the powerful Rožmberk family during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. As rivals to the Czech King, the Rožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to have a castle which could compete with Prague Castle in its magnificence, so they poured tremendous wealth and effort into building it.  line-holder  Note : The castle interiors are closed on Mondays, but you can still access the castle grounds.

Experience the historic charm of Cesky Krumlov's golden gem, the Castle Theater, one of Europe's oldest Baroque theaters.

Cesky Krumlov's Castle Theater, dating back to the 17th century, is a Baroque architectural wonder. It's among the few theatres worldwide preserving original stage machinery, scenery, and costumes. Offering guided tours, except on Mondays, it invites visitors to delve into its rich theatrical heritage. The experience is a journey through time, showcasing well-preserved artifacts of Baroque stagecraft.

Guided trip to Hluboka Castle

This guided excursion by vehicle will take you on an approximately 45-minute trip to Hluboká palace, which is perhaps the most fascinating chateau in all of Central Europe. It is directly surrounded by exquisite formal gardens, which form part of a much larger park setting. Its romantic shimmering white architecture has inspired thousands of Czech couples to dream of a wedding there.

Guided trip to Hluboka Castle

This guided excursion by vehicle will take you on an approximately 45-minute trip to Hluboká palace, which is perhaps the most fascinating chateau in all of Central Europe. It is directly surrounded by exquisite formal gardens, which form part of a much larger park setting. Its romantic shimmering white architecture has inspired thousands of Czech couples to dream of a wedding there.

Guided trip to Hluboka Castle

This guided excursion by vehicle will take you on an approximately 45-minute trip to Hluboká palace, which is perhaps the most fascinating chateau in all of Central Europe. It is directly surrounded by exquisite formal gardens, which form part of a much larger park setting. Its romantic shimmering white architecture has inspired thousands of Czech couples to dream of a wedding there.

Guided trip to Hluboka Castle

This guided excursion by vehicle will take you on an approximately 45-minute trip to Hluboká palace, which is perhaps the most fascinating chateau in all of Central Europe. It is directly surrounded by exquisite formal gardens, which form part of a much larger park setting. Its romantic shimmering white architecture has inspired thousands of Czech couples to dream of a wedding there.

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Taxi Transfer to Airport

Taxi Transfer to Airport