Scenic 6-Day Itinerary to Prague and Český Krumlov

Must-See Sights

• Astronomical ClockArchitecture
  Situated in Old Town Square, on the south side of Old Town Hall, Prague's Astronomical Clock was installed in the year 1410, making it the oldest operational astronomical clock in the world. When the clock strikes each hour between 9 am and 11 pm, tourists crowd around the base of the clock to witness its famous show. On the hour, the skeleton (symbolic of death) will ring his bell and you'll catch a glimpse of the procession of the Twelve Apostles. Mechanical figures representing each of the Apostles can be seen in front of the windows above the clock. If you want to watch the procession from a different angle, as well as enjoy a spectacular view of Prague, you can buy a ticket into the Old Town Hall itself.
• Prague CastleCastles & Chateaux
  Prague Castle, built in the 9th century, was once the seat of ancient Bohemian kings and today serves as the office of the President of the Czech Republic. The castle complex itself is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and covers an area of about 70,000 square meters, making it the largest castle complex in the world. The Prague Castle complex includes historical buildings of various architectural styles, from the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral to the Renaissance Rosenberg Palace. The history and beauty of the Prague Castle complex are awe-inspiring, as you'll see for yourself when you make your way through the buildings and down the Golden Lane. If you wish to learn more about the castle's history, buy an entry ticket to learn the Story of the Prague Castle and see the Picture Gallery. If you're looking for a view, climb up to the Great South Tower of the Cathedral.
• Charles BridgeHistoric Landmarks
  Connecting Old Town and Lesser Town, Charles Bridge is one of the most-visited sites in Prague. It's also the oldest bridge across the Vltava River. The construction of Charles Bridge started in 1357 under the reign of King Charles IV and was finished in the 15th century, while the statues decorating the sides of the bridge were added later. Today, Charles Bridge is packed with visitors, street performers, and vendors. Take your time walking across the bridge and enjoy the beautiful view of the Prague Castle or stop to enjoy the live music of the street performers. If you want to participate in one of the many legends about the mystical bridge, touch the gold on the base of the statue of St. John of Nepomuk, which is said to bring good luck.
• Wenceslas SquareEuropean History
  Wenceslas Square is Old Town Square's newer counterpart, although new may not be the right word. Established in 1348 by King Charles IV, Wenceslas Square is now a commercial hub crowned by the National Museum as well as the sculpture of St. Wenceslas at the top of the square. Wenceslas Square is one of the most beautiful places in Prague, regardless of which season you decide to visit. Decorated with Christmas lights during the winter and lined by beautiful flowers and greenery in the summer, it's always a pleasure to walk the length of the square and pop in and out of the surrounding shops and cafes. You can also visit the newly-renovated National Museum to learn more about the city's history.
• Old TownHistoric Landmarks
  The heart of Prague, Old Town, is a historic district that stretches from the banks of the Vltava all the way to New Town's Wenceslas Square. Walking through Old Town feels like traveling back in time. The maze of cobblestone streets and the medieval Gothic architecture serve as reminders of the history that was made in Prague. The most notable part of Old Town is, of course, Old Town Square, formerly a significant marketplace for European trade routes dating back to the 10th century. The Old Town district houses some of Prague's most treasured architectural and cultural jewels, so there's no shortage of things to see here. Check out Old Town Square and the Astronomical Clock or the Gothic Church of Týn. Venture towards the Vltava and pay a visit to the Rudolfinum concert hall to take in a night of classical music. The Jewish Quarter, which now houses the Jewish Museum, is also located in Old Town. Or, just spend some time wandering around the oldest part of Prague and enjoying the magical atmosphere.
• Krumlov CastleCastles & Chateaux
  Český Krumlov Castle stands guard over the picturesque little town in all its ancient glory. Originally built as a Gothic castle in 1250 by an important branch of the Rosenberg family, it continued to change hands within noble families until it finally fell into the possession of the Czech state. As you can imagine, the castle architecture transformed through all those years to become the unique work of art you see it as today. The castle complex is directly accessible from the city center, so there’s no excuse not to explore it. Head to the castle museum, or climb to the top of the tower for panoramic views of the city. Visit the exquisite Baroque gardens, which make up the largest part of the castle grounds. Walk through the various courtyards and admire the architecture before heading inside to see the theatre, the cellars, and the preserved furnishings. No matter how much or how little of the castle grounds you explore, the beauty will take your breath away.
• Baroque TheatreArchitecture
  Housed in the Český Krumlov Castle, The Baroque Theatre is the best-preserved Baroque theatre in Europe. Built in the 1600s when the castle was in the hands of the Eggenberg family (yes, the same one their local beer is named after), it was later reconstructed and renovated by the Schwarzenbergs in the 1700s. This was the last round of renovations the theatre underwent, so the Baroque Theatre you see today is the same as it was back then. When you visit the Baroque Theatre, you’ll get to see not only the perfectly-preserved stage and auditorium in their original forms, but also marvel at setpieces and scenery, costumes and props, and even surviving scripts and scores from shows performed during years past. Take a tour to learn about Baroque theatre life in times of old and be awed by the architectural and mechanical details that have been carefully preserved.
• St Vitus ChurchChurches & Monasteries
  The other spire that dominates the town of Český Krumlov along with the castle belongs to St. Vitus Church. This church was established as a Roman Catholic parish in the Gothic style in the 14th century but was expanded throughout the years to accommodate a growing population. As a result of these expansions, you will see several later architectural styles coming together to create the landmark you see today. Step inside St. Vitus Church to get the full experience. The interior’s components include richly colored paintings, furnishings, and intricate instruments, as well as historical relics. Although the Czech Republic is mostly atheist, St. Vitus Church is still used for religious services to this day. If you’re not interested in attending a service, they also hold classical music concerts there occasionally.
• Town SquareArchitecture
  What’s a visit to a European city without seeing the main square? Svornosti Square is the Town Square in Český Krumlov, established in the 13th century, while the beautiful surrounding stone houses were built about a century after. However, the main landmarks in the Town Square were built even later. The Town Square’s centerpiece is an intricate fountain, along with the Baroque plague column topped with figures of the Virgin Mary and eight saints who were said to be the patrons of the town and protectors from the disease. The column was built in the 1700s as a piece of gratitude for the eradication of the plague from the town. The most notable building on the square is House No. 1, the Town Hall. The facade of this house was created by merging two existing Gothic buildings in the 17th century and bears four coats of arms: the Kingdom of Bohemia, the Eggenbergs, the Schwarzenbergs, and finally, the town of Český Krumlov itself.