Final Up to date on June 11, 2022 by Nellie Huang
This Czech Republic itinerary takes you on a 1-week highway journey round nation, from the capital Prague to the castles of Český Krumlov and wineries of Southern Moravia.
Positioned within the very middle of Europe, the Czech Republic is a hodgepodge of castles, chateaux, and Gothic church buildings. This fairytale land is steeped in historical past and brimming with wonderful sights: from medieval towers to Bohemian castles, wineries to beer breweries. What’s extra, it’s low cost to journey in (suppose $1 beer!) and straightforward to get round.
The Czech Republic covers a bit over 30,000 sq. miles (77,000 sq. kilometers) and is way extra compact than neighboring international locations like Germany and Poland — making it an actual delight to discover on a highway journey! Most vacationers have a tendency to go to Prague solely, however as we found on our highway journey by Czech Republic, there’s a lot extra to the nation than its capital.
We’ve put collectively the proper Czech Republic itinerary for these keen on exploring past Prague and delving deep into Czechia’s beer heritage, bohemian tradition, and historical past on an epic highway journey.
My Czech Republic Street Journey Itinerary
Learn how to Get to the Czech Republic
This Czech Republic highway journey begins and ends in Prague. The Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) is the worldwide gateway most vacationers from Europe, the US and past use to entry the nation. The airport is round 10 miles from the town middle and the nationwide provider is Czech Airways.
Yow will discover low cost flights to Prague from most main European cities like London, Madrid, and Paris, for lower than $200 return. These flights from London to Prague are solely US$50 roundtrip!
From New York to Prague, you can too get pretty low cost flights for US$500 roundtrip. You may also get fairly good offers from Los Angeles to Prague for about US$550 roundtrip in case you e-book prematurely.
Present Czech Republic Journey Restrictions
All land and air borders to Czech Republic are actually open. No COVID exams or proof of vaccine are required for all nationalities. Verify the Go to Czech Republic web site for up-to-date information.
That mentioned, it’s necessary to have journey insurance coverage for journey, no matter how lengthy you’re touring. Security Wing is the most well-liked journey insurance coverage firm for COVID19-coverage. I take advantage of their Nomad Insurance coverage plan, which covers COVID-19 as some other sickness so long as it was not contracted earlier than your protection begin date. Consult with my journey insurance coverage information for extra particulars.
Learn how to Get Across the Czech Republic
By Automobile Rental
The easiest way to get round Czech Republic is by automotive rent. The nice information is that automotive rent in Prague may be very inexpensive. We rented a automotive from Prague Airport and located it very handy and inexpensive.
An economic system rental automotive within the Czech Republic averages simply $200 for an entire week, which is lower than $25 a day. We at all times use DiscoverCars.com as they’ve persistently given us the very best costs and customer support.
My high ideas for hiring a automotive embrace taking out a bank card that features automotive rental insurance coverage. You may additionally prefer to additionally test guide and automated costs, as stick shift autos are sometimes cheaper to hire. A compact automotive will usually use much less gasoline and might be simpler to drive.
Driving in Czech Republic
In Czechia they drive on the suitable, so except you’re from international locations just like the UK, Australia, Japan, India, Thailand or South Africa the place automobiles are left-hand drive, this will likely be acquainted to you.
One factor to learn about driving within the Czech Republic is that about 90% of all roads are toll roads! Since 2021 you want a digital toll vignette to make use of these toll roads. I like to recommend ordering your vignette on-line to keep away from any bother. A ten-day vignette prices €19.95 (US$21.26); and a 1-month vignette prices €24.95 (US$26.59).
One other level to notice is {that a} zero tolerance coverage applies to consuming and driving right here, so go simple on these Czech beers the evening earlier than taking to the highway!
Greatest Time for a Czech Republic Street Journey
The Czech Republic has a temperate local weather, with heat summers and chilly winters. Winter runs from December to February and these are the chilliest months with in a single day frosts and a few snow. The glittering Christmas markets held in December make it value braving the temperatures for certain!
One of the best time for a Czech Republic highway journey is in spring and fall, as temperatures are milder. Even at evening, temperatures are typically within the vary of 35℉ (or 2℃) and better. It’s additionally much less crowded. I’d counsel avoiding summer time as Prague will get ridiculously crowded and summer time highs might be round 75℉ (or 24℃).
1-Week Czech Republic Itinerary
With 1 week in Czech Republic, you’ll barely scratch the floor of this whimsical fairytale nation. However you’ll nonetheless be capable to expertise the very best of Czech Republic, from the Bohemia valley to the wine area.
After spending a couple of days within the spectacular capital metropolis Prague, you’ll head west to Pilsen to discover Czechia’s beer heritage earlier than going south to go to Český Krumlov, the archetypal Bohemian village. After that the main target turns to Třebíč, an interesting place with a UNESCO listed basilica and Jewish quarter.
In direction of the top of your journey you’ll absorb Mikulov on the middle of the Southern Moravian wine area earlier than heading again to Prague. Right here you’ll be taught that consuming within the Czech Republic isn’t solely about Pilsner!
Abstract of this Czech Republic Street Journey
- Days 1 & 2: Prague
- Day 3: Pilsen
- Day 4: Český Krumlov
- Day 5: Třebíč
- Day 6: Mikulov
- Day 7: Moravian wine area
Various Locations
- Mcely and Loučeň
- Loket
- Brno
- Lednice and Valtice
- Karlovy Differ (Karlsbad)
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 1: Prague
Discover the Outdated City
Get your bearings by beginning out at Staré Mesto – the Outdated City Sq.. That is positioned within the coronary heart of the Outdated City, between Charles Bridge and Wenceslas Sq..
The cobbled sq. is full of interesting sights, together with the Outdated City Corridor’s medieval clock, the gothic Church of Our Girl earlier than Týn and the baroque St Nicholas church. Whereas within the space you’ll be able to climb the Outdated City Corridor tower if you wish to for sweeping views over the town.
For an excellent orientation of the town, be a part of a free strolling tour of Prague previous city and see the town from a neighborhood’s perspective! I really like doing free strolling excursions and have finished them in lots of cities. These excursions are marketed as ‘free’ however a tip is in fact anticipated. The usual is €10 per individual.
Go to Wenceslas Sq.
Getting hungry but? If the reply is sure, then head over to Wenceslas Sq. and pattern some native avenue meals. There are stalls lining the world and the native fare ought to provide you with ample gas for the afternoon.
Whereas Wenceslas Sq. is a thriving hub, it isn’t actually a sq. – extra of a strip actually. There are extra pedestrians utilizing it than anyplace else within the nation, so count on it to be busy! A key sight right here is the Czech Nationwide Museum, an imposing neoclassical construction that borders the Outdated City and the New.
It’s simple to spend the complete day exploring the Outdated City and Wenceslas Sq., particularly in case you climb the tower on the Outdated City Corridor, drop into the Nationwide Museum or stroll across the outlets. There are many locations to seize a drink and dinner – and to celebration when you have the power! Don’t overlook to pattern among the beer that Czechia is legendary for.
The place to Keep in Prague
Funds: Hostel Mikoláše Alše
This small boutique guesthouse has a incredible location proper on the Charles Bridge, on the very coronary heart of the historic metropolis. The constructing comes from the 14th century and belongs to protected cultural heritage. Rooms and dorms are absolutely furnished and have been lately transformed. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Jalta Boutique Resort
Located instantly on Wenceslas Sq., the elegant and classy boutique resort Jalta is correct subsequent to the State Opera and the Nationwide Museum. Rooms are tastefully designed with fashionable teak wooden and slick Scandinavian furnishing. A novel function of the resort is a museum situated in a beforehand hid nuclear fallout shelter from the Nineteen Fifties, the place communist leaders would have gathered in case of nuclear battle. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: The Mozart Prague
Among the best resorts in Prague, the Mozart (pictured) is a regal constructing located within the coronary heart of Prague. Surrounded by artwork masterpieces and extraordinary cultural environment, the resort was the house of Mozart and Casanova in Prague. Get the possibility to expertise what it’s prefer to reside in a “palace” and absorb all of Mozart’s vibes proper right here. Verify charges right here.
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 2: Prague
Uncover Charles Bridge
Charles Bridge is however a brief get lost from the Outdated City Sq. and is the very best place to start out your second day in Prague. The baroque construction is broad, paved with cobblestones and lined with statues, so don’t overlook your digicam. You possibly can hire a ship right here if the concept appeals, and it’s a good way to see the town from one other angle.
Alternatively, head up the gothic Outdated City Bridge Tower at Charles Bridge. When you’ve ascended the slim staircase, you’ll be rewarded with gorgeous panoramas over Prague that may simply take your breath away. The Tower is critical in Czech historical past, because it was used throughout coronation ceremonies.
Music and pictures followers gained’t wish to miss the John Lennon Wall that may be discovered through the staircase on the finish of Charles Bridge. Should you’re unsure, simply comply with the crowds to seek out the colourful, graffiti-adorned wall!
Head as much as Prague Fortress
You’ll want the complete afternoon to discover Prague Fortress absolutely, and it’s one of many metropolis’s must-see sights. It may be seen on the high of the hill from Charles Bridge, so that you’ll know precisely the place you’re headed.
If the uphill slog isn’t for you, you’ll be able to take a tram to the hilltop web site. Catch the tram from the Malostranské Náměstí cease, and get off at Prazsky Hrad. You’ll have to validate your pre-purchased ticket while you board. Strolling again down is value it because the route between the citadel and the bridge is a photogenic one.
Prague Fortress dates from the ninth century and maybe surprisingly is the president’s official headquarters. Nearly 2 million individuals go to the citadel annually and the Guinness E book of Data states that it’s the most important historic citadel on the planet.
Actually it’s a set of separate buildings forming a posh, and there are numerous church buildings, halls, palaces, towers, gardens and different constructions to see. Highlights of this UNESCO-listed web site embrace St George’s Basilica, St Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace.
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 3: Pilsen
Delve into Pilsen
Pilsen (or Plzeň) is barely round an hour’s drive from Prague. The identify hints at a lot of what this place is all about, however there’s extra to this charming metropolis than beer.
The primary sq. has a gothic cathedral and the World Warfare II Patton Memorial Museum. Pilsen can be dotted with nice parks, has numerous colourful buildings to seize on digicam and there are nice locations to eat and drink everywhere in the metropolis.
Different sights to look out for embrace the Nice Synagogue, which is the most important within the nation. There’s additionally a ‘Thank You America’ monument with twin columns inscribed in English and Czech. Památník Díky, Ameriko! might be discovered on America Avenue.
Tour the Pilsner Urquell Brewery
Die-hard beer followers can not miss the Pilsner Urquell Brewery whereas on the town. The truth is anybody with the remotest curiosity in how this alcoholic beverage is made will discover it fascinating, not least dedicated foodies.
Varied excursions are supplied at this brewery in japanese Pilsen. The brewery prides itself on utilizing a recipe that’s over 175 years previous and nonetheless makes use of conventional picket barrels for maturing its drinks. All components are sourced from inside Czechia.
The Basic Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour is a favourite and features a cellar tasting of the manufacturing facility’s well-known brew.
The place to Keep in Pilsen
Funds: Resort Victoria
Positioned in a renovated bourgeois home from the start of the twentieth century, Resort Victoria is located inside a 10-minute stroll from the centre of Pilsen. It’s a easy place however gives nice worth with inexpensive costs. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Avenue Pallova 28
This model new resort has tastefully designed rooms with slick black and gray interiors. It’s appropriate for these on the lookout for one thing fashionable. The resort is situated subsequent to the town middle and costs are surprisingly low. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Wellness Resort Republika 24 Flats
Positioned close to the Cathedral of St. Bartholomew, this upscale resort (pictured) gives luxurious residences with absolutely geared up kitchen, giant residing areas, and eating rooms. It’s excellent for households or teams of pals touring collectively. Verify charges right here.
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 4: Český Krumlov
Examine Český Krumlov
It takes round two hours and 20 minutes to succeed in Český Krumlov from Pilsen by, so that you’ll be able to stretch your legs by the point you attain city. Take your time: Český Krumlov can get crowded throughout peak hours so later afternoon and night are the proper time to discover.
Český Krumlov is the quintessential Bohemian village, and folks go to primarily to savor its unimaginable magnificence. There are the winding cobblestone lanes of the Outdated City, fairly parks, the Vltava river and a fairytale, UNESCO-listed hilltop citadel with superb gardens to high all of it off.
Discover Český Krumlov citadel
The thirteenth century citadel is Český Krumlov’s crowning glory and was constructed by the Bohemian Vítkovci household. Like Prague Fortress it’s a posh slightly than a single constructing, and there are round 40 constructions and palaces on the web site.
The citadel gardens are a spotlight and these are free to enter. There are panoramic views of the town from right here and you can too see a lot of the majestic citadel complicated from the skin. It’s an excellent place to chill out after exploring the Outdated City or citadel buildings.
The place to Keep in Český Krumlov
Funds: Apartmány U zámku
One of many least expensive choices in Český Krumlov, this apartment-hotel has very clear and comfy rooms that come geared up with kitchen and personal toilet. Some residences even have views of the citadel. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Pension Kristian
A number of steps from Fortress Český Krumlov, Pension Kristian is housed in a medieval constructing with picket beams on the ceiling and centuries-old wooden floors. However the furnishing and decor are of this century, with lovely minimalistic design and clear, slick traces. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Pension Adalbert
Boasting phenomenal views of metropolis, Pension Adalbert (pictured) is located only a few steps from Fortress Český Krumlov. Don’t be deceived by its identify, it’s way more luxurious than the usual pension. Rooms are extraordinarily fashionable, with picket four-poster beds, mosaic tiles, and vintage furnishings including a contact of sophistication. Verify charges right here.
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 5: Třebíč
Wander round Třebíč
Třebíč is the following cease on this Czech Republic highway journey and it takes about 1 hour 45 minutes to get right here from Český Krumlov by automotive.
When you arrive, hit within the floor operating as there’s a lot to do in Třebíč. Try its an interesting Jewish quarter, two UNESCO World Heritage Websites, St Procopius Basilica and a Jewish cemetery. A climb up the basilica provides you nice views over city, and is the best solution to begin your day in Třebíč. This is without doubt one of the UNESCO World Heritage websites on the town; the Jewish quarter is the opposite.
See Třebíč Jewish Quarter and Cemetery
Třebíč’s Jewish quarter and cemetery can simply fill the remainder of your afternoon. The world is without doubt one of the most nicely preserved in Europe and you may stroll by the river right here or delve into little aspect streets to see what you may uncover.
The Jewish cemetery can be a peaceable place, nevertheless it’s additionally way more somber than the Jewish quarter. Lots of the graves right here date from the Second World Warfare and it’s a sobering reminder of the brutalities of battle.
The place to Keep in Třebíč
Funds: Apartmany u Synagogy
Set inside the slim streets of the previous city, Apartmany u Synagogy gives easy and clear residences. Each unit has an geared up kitchen with a microwave, a lounge with a settee and a spacious patio. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Resort & Flats U Černého orla
Resort Cerny Orel is located within the centre of Trebic, on the Jihlava River. It gives spacious, comfy rooms. Even in case you don’t keep right here, take a look at the resort’s restaurant that serves excellent regional dishes. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Resort Joseph 1699
This charming resort is located within the UNESCO-protected historic Jewish Quarter of Trebic, a couple of steps from the synagogues and the centre. The seventeenth century historic constructing has been transformed into a captivating B&B type resort with elegant rooms. Verify charges right here.
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 6: Mikulov
Get your Bearings in Mikulov
Mikulov might be missed, however there are a number of urgent causes to go to this Czech vacation spot. Firstly, it’s snugly located among the many Pálava Hills within the wine area of Southern Moravia, clearly demonstrating that Czechia isn’t solely about beer!
This city within the south of the Czech Republic can be near the Austrian border, so it has a unique really feel to it than different locations within the nation. It’s additionally supreme for strolling round. Mikulov Chateau is on the middle of all of it, and the gardens surrounding it are one of many greatest websites of this type within the nation.
Look out from Mikulov Viewpoints
When you’ve had your fill of the city, citadel and gardens it’s time to take an uphill stroll to a number of of Mikulov’s nice viewpoints. I counsel testing Goat Tower on the high of Goat Hill, and if the flag is flying you’ll be able to go up.
Holy Hill is an alternate. It’s one of many Pálava hill peaks, and from right here you’ll be able to see the encompassing vineyards in addition to the city. That is one among historic Czechia’s most revered websites and is house to a cluster of spiritual constructions.
Pattern Native Wine
Whereas in Mikulov the easiest way to spend the night is to pattern among the fruits of the well-known vineyards in Mikulov. Our favourite winery is unquestionably the Household Vineyard Mikulov, dubbed the very best restaurant in Mikulov. We tasted various kinds of regionally produced wine right here, and located their meals and wine pairing had been excellent! Should you simply wish to style wine on the town, Vinotéka Volařík is an superior wine bar to go for some pretty native wine.
The place to Keep in Mikulov
Funds: Resort Tanzberg
Set in historic constructing of Jewish rabbinate, Resort Tanzberg doesn’t resemble a funds resort in any means, however I categorized it as funds as a consequence of its wonderful inexpensive costs. In addition to lovely, properly appointed rooms, the boutique resort additionally homes a restaurant, a wine cellar and the U Golema beer pub. Verify charges right here.
Mid Vary: Apartmán Astrid
A model new condominium excellent for {couples} on the lookout for area, Apartmán Astrid has a shiny residing area, a terrace, and metropolis views. Because of its location, you’ll be able to simply get pleasure from mountain climbing and biking close by. Verify charges right here.
Luxurious: Resort Galant Mikulov
We completely liked staying at this resort (pictured), lauded as the most effective in Mikulov. Each night, we’d hang around on the wellness space with a rooftop swimming pool and sizzling tub. Our room was additionally tastefully designed in black and gray. Verify charges right here.
Czech Republic Itinerary Day 7: Prague
You might want to go again to Prague at this time, and you may count on the automotive journey to take round 2.5 hours. As you head north from Mikulov sure for Prague, do take the chance of visiting a cellar door or two as you wind your means again to the capital. There are wineries dotted all about this a part of the Czech Republic, so take a look at what will likely be open earlier than leaving so you can also make a pitstop.
Extra Czech Republic Itinerary Concepts
Loučeň and Mcely
Mcely and Loučeň are solely round an hour’s drive from Prague and only a few quick miles aside. Château Loučeň is nice enjoyable to go to and the complicated boasts a medieval pub and a variety of mazes full with towers.
Mcely is a romantic Czech vacation spot and it additionally has its personal fairytale citadel, Château Mcely, which you’ll be able to dine, swim, play and even keep at.
Loket
Loket is one other nice Bohemian vacation spot and takes about two hours to get to by automotive from Prague. The twelfth century citadel by the Ohře river is a gem, whereas the village hosted James Bond himself when it was used as a location in the course of the filming of On line casino Royale.
Brno
Brno is Czechia’s second metropolis and much much less touristy than Prague. It’s additionally a extra inexpensive place to spend time in. It’s the capital of Moravia and infrequently seen because the gateway to the wine area.
Brno is full of character, with cobblestone streets and historic websites courting again so far as the eleventh century. Plus there are many good eating places to try to festivals and live shows going down all year long.
Lednice and Valtice
Like Mikulov and Brno, Lednice and the smaller settlement of Valtice might be discovered within the South Moravian wine area. The neo-Gothic citadel right here is like one thing from the pages of a children’ fairytale, and is about amongst huge, magnificent grounds.
Valtice is value a point out as right here you’ll discover the Czech Republic’s 100 best-rated wines. This wine salon might be discovered on the Baroque citadel and is a should for a lot of wine followers.
Karlovy Differ
Also called Carlsbad or Karlsbad, Karlovy Differ is a vacation spot famend for its thermal springs. It’s about an hour and 45 minutes from Prague by automotive, in Western Bohemia in direction of the German border.
Sights to see in Karlovy Differ embrace the Pramen Vřídlo geyser and the spa space by the river, which options some neat colonnades.
Get pleasure from your journey to the Czech Republic!
I hope this Czech Republic itinerary will assist you to plan your individual journey by this magical kingdom. Be happy to bookmark my Czech Republic itinerary or print it out and convey this itinerary with you in your Czech Republic journey. Be sure you go away a remark beneath when you have any questions. We’ll be blissful to assist in any means we are able to!
Listed below are extra articles from Europe for many who are planning to journey across the area:
Disclaimer: This submit comprises affiliate hyperlinks i.e. I’ll get a small fee while you e-book something by my hyperlinks, at NO further price to you. I solely advocate corporations I’ve personally used and loved.
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