Itinerary
- Day 1
Austria to Znojmo, Czech Republic
You'll start with a hotel or airport pickup in Vienna, then head into the Czech Republic's South Moravian Region. The drive takes you to Znojmo, a historic town sitting on a rocky hill above the Thaya River. Spend your time walking through the medieval center with its Renaissance buildings, historic churches, and narrow cobblestone streets. Znojmo Castle dates back to 1080 and gives you a real sense of the town's long history. Check into your accommodation and consider trying some local wines from the region before settling in for the night.
- Start point
- Vienna, Austria (Pick up at any hotel or place, in or around)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Znojmo Castle
- Explore the historic town centre with medieval city walls
- Wine tasting of local Znojmo wine region products
Landmarks Znojmo Castle - Day 2
Vranov nad Dyjí - Bítov - Telč
After breakfast, you'll head to Vranov nad Dyji Chateau, which sits on a high point in the Dyje River valley and was designed by architect Johann Bernhard Fischer. From there, continue to Bitov Castle, perched on a narrow cliff above the Zeletavka River and one of the oldest castles in the country. Both castles were part of the old defense line along the southern border. Later, drive to the town of Telc where you'll spend two nights. The town is known for its Renaissance architecture and charming character.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau
- Visit Bítov Castle
Landmarks Vranov nad Dyjí Chateau Bítov Castle - Day 3
Telč
Today focuses on exploring Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage town recognized for its Italian Renaissance design. Walk the cobblestone streets and see the Renaissance square with its colorful historic houses. The Church of St. James offers the best views of the castle and town from above. You can spend the afternoon just wandering the riverside areas with their parks, taking in the views back toward the historic center. It's a relaxed day to really see what makes this town special.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit the Church of St. James
- Walk through cobblestone streets and town square
- Explore Renaissance castle and historic architecture
- Walk along riverside parks and scenic viewpoints
Landmarks Telč Town Square Church of St. James Telč Renaissance Castle 
- Day 4
Telč to Jindřichův Hradec
After breakfast, travel to Jindrichuv Hradec, a town that dates back to the late 12th century. The main attraction here is the third-largest castle in the country, which reflects beautifully in the Vajgar Pond at the town's center. Walk through the historic square and see the mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. The region is popular for cycling and hiking if you're interested in that. Check in and then you have free time to either relax or take your own walk through the town and get a feel for the local atmosphere.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Jindřichův Hradec Castle
- Explore town square and historic architecture
Landmarks Jindřichův Hradec Castle Vajgar Pond - Day 5
Jindřichův Hradec to Třeboň to Český Krumlov
You'll explore Trebon, one of the most charming towns in the Czech Republic, famous for fish farming and the protected Trebon Carp. The region has over 6,000 lakes including Svetand Rozmberk, plus wetlands with rare plants and animals. Visit Rozmberk Castle, a 13th-century Romanesque residence with impressive Gothic origins and decorated rooms inside. After exploring, drive to Cesky Krumlov for a two-night stay in this well-preserved Renaissance town.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Třeboň town and fish-farming heritage
- Visit Rožmberk Castle
Landmarks Rožmberk Castle Třeboň Town 
- Day 6
Český Krumlov
Spend the full day in Cesky Krumlov, one of the most visited and best-preserved Renaissance towns in the Czech Republic. The 13th-century castle sits on the banks of the Vltava River and the whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Medieval churches, cobblestone streets, and buildings from the 14th to 17th centuries fill the streets. Walk along the river discovering historic buildings and seeing the architecture from different angles throughout the day.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Český Krumlov Castle
- Walk cobblestone streets and medieval town center
- Stroll along the Vltava River
Landmarks Český Krumlov Castle Vltava River 
- Day 7
Hlubokánad Vltavou - Červená Lhota - Tábor
This morning, visit Hluboka nad Vltavou Castle, a neo-Gothic jewel with the private rooms and lavish halls of the Schwarzenberg family. Then head to Cervena Lhota, a distinctive red summer chateau on a rocky island in a pond, rebuilt from a Gothic fort in the 16th century. If you want, you can take a boat ride around this fairytale water castle, which you'll recognize if you've seen certain films. Later, drive to medieval Tabor where you'll stay for the night.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Hlubokánad Vltavou Castle
- Visit Červená Lhota water castle
- Rent a boat at Červená Lhota
Landmarks Hlubokánad Vltavou Castle Červená Lhota - Day 8
Tábor to Lipnice nad Sázavou to Kutná Hora
After breakfast, visit Lipnice nad Sazavou Castle, one of the largest Czech aristocratic castles with seven centuries of history. This Late Gothic residence once guarded silver mines and merchant routes in the Vysocina Region. Continue to Kutna Hora, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for the Sedlec Ossuary containing 40,000 to 70,000 people whose bones decorate the chapel walls and chandeliers. Settle in for a two-night stay in this historic city of silver with its stunning Gothic architecture.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Lipnice nad Sázavou Castle
- Visit Sedlec Ossuary
- Visit St. Barbara's Church
Landmarks Lipnice nad Sázavou Castle Sedlec Ossuary St. Barbara's Church 
- Day 9
Kutná Hora
Keep exploring Kutna Hora, the historic city of silver. Walk through streets lined with houses and churches that show centuries of important events and architectural development. Originally a 12th-century monastery, this city became a major silver-mining center and one of Europe's richest cities from the 13th to 16th centuries. See the Church of St. Barbara, a jewel of the late Gothic period, and the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec with its Baroque restoration. In the evening, taste the local cuisine and sample regional wines, with grape growing here dating back to 1101.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore the historic city center
- Visit Church of St. Barbara
- Visit Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec
- Wine tasting of local Kutná Hora wines
Landmarks Church of St. Barbara Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec - Day 10
Český Šternberk - Konopište - Benešov
Visit Cesky Sternberk Castle, a well-preserved Gothic castle on a steep granite cliff above the Sazava River. The Sternberg family owned it for centuries and it has Baroque and Rococo interiors inside. You'll see a falconry demonstration showing this UNESCO-recognized living heritage. Next, visit Baroque Konopiste Castle, the former seat of Archduke Franz Ferdinand, featuring his private chambers, early electric installations, and one of Europe's largest weapon collections. Walk through the extensive chateau park with free-roaming pheasants, peacocks, and quails. Later, drive to Benesov for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Český Šternberk Castle
- Watch falconry demonstration (when available)
- Visit Konopište Castle
- Explore Konopište château park
Landmarks Český Šternberk Castle Konopište Castle - Day 11
Karlštejn - Beroun
Visit Karlstejn Castle, founded in 1348 by King Charles IV and the Holy Roman Emperor. This large medieval castle once held the Imperial Regalia, Bohemian crown jewels, holy relics, and royal treasures. Explore the Chapel of the Holy Cross and private halls with original furniture. The Gothic castle has fairy-tale charm and hiking trails start from here if you want to explore further. Afterward, travel to Beroun, a town where the Litavka and Berounka rivers meet, for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Karlštejn Castle
- Tour the Chapel of the Holy Cross
Landmarks Karlštejn Castle - Day 12
Křivoklát - Krakovec - Plzeň
Visit Krivoklar Castle, a royal residence of Bohemian kings built in the 12th century as a seat of the Premyslid dynasty. Tour the Late Gothic chapel, the Royal Hall (the second-largest in the Czech Republic after Prague Castle), the library, and the torture chamber. The Great Tower offers magnificent views. Continue to Krakovec to see Late Gothic castle ruins from the 14th century with distinctive Gothic architecture including a half-cylindrical tower and oriel chapel. Travel to Plzen (Pilsen), the fourth-most populous city, for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Křivoklát Castle
- Visit Krakovec Castle ruins
Landmarks Křivoklát Castle Krakovec Castle 
- Day 13
Plzeň
Explore Plzen (Pilsen), the fourth-largest city in the Czech Republic, which feels like a mini Prague without the crowds. See the picturesque central square Namesti Republiky with the Gothic Cathedral of St. Bartholomew from the 13th century, featuring the highest tower in the Czech Republic. The Renaissance town hall from the 16th century and the Moorish Revival Great Synagogue (the second-largest in Europe) are also on the square. Tour the historic 20 km tunnel and cellar network, among Central Europe's longest. Visit the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery (since 1842) or Gambrinus Brewery (since 1869) to learn about the pilsener beer style developed here in the 19th century.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Cathedral of St. Bartholomew
- Visit the Great Synagogue
- Explore historic tunnel and cellar network
- Tour Pilsner Urquell Brewery
- Tour Gambrinus Brewery
Landmarks Cathedral of St. Bartholomew Great Synagogue Pilsner Urquell Brewery Gambrinus Brewery - Day 14
Gutštejn - Bečov nad Teplou - Karlovy Vary
After breakfast, visit the small Gothic Gutstein Castle, ruins of a 14th-century structure on a rocky promontory. Continue to Bechov nad Teplou Castle, founded in the early 14th century and featuring a beautifully decorated golden casket from the 13th century. This casket held the remains of St. Maurus, the second most valuable relic in the Czech Republic after the crown jewels. Travel to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) for a two-night stay in this famous spa town with picturesque streets, excellent restaurants, taverns, and shops.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Gutštejn Castle
- Visit Bečov nad Teplou Castle
Landmarks Gutštejn Castle Bečov nad Teplou Castle - Day 15
Loket - Karlovy Vary
Explore Loket, a small picturesque town in the Karlovy Vary Region whose name means 'elbow' in Czech because of how the Ohre River curves around it. Visit Loket Castle built in the 12th century on a rock above the river with a torture chamber, collections of arms and military equipment, and a valuable collection of 19th and 20th century porcelain. Stroll the Old Town with its Baroque town hall from 1696 and the Column of the Holy Trinity. Return to Karlovy Vary and spend free time exploring the spa town at your own pace or visit the famous Hot Springs Colonnade.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Loket Castle
- Explore Loket Old Town
Landmarks Loket Castle - Day 16
Kadaň - Hašiště jn - Hnevin - Teplice
Travel to Kadan, one of the most charming towns in northern Bohemia founded in the 13th century. Explore the Late Gothic Franciscan monastery complex, the Gothic castle, and the historical square with late Gothic Town Hall and Baroque plague column. Visit Hashishtejnsk Castle, a ruined medieval castle that once housed scholar Bohuslav Hashistejnsky and his extensive library visited by Martin Luther. Continue to Hnevin Castle in Most, sitting on a hill with panoramic views. Drive to Teplice, the Czech Republic's second-largest spa town, for your overnight stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Kadaň town and Franciscan monastery
- Visit Hašiště jn Castle
- Visit Hnevin Castle in Most
Landmarks Kadaň Town Square Franciscan Monastery of the Fourteen Saints Hašiště jn Castle Hnevin Castle - Day 17
Střekov - Mělník
After breakfast, visit Strekov Castle perched atop a cliff above the River Elbe near Usti nad Labem, built in the 14th century. The castle offers impressive views that inspired Goethe, Richard Wagner, and other artists. Goethe called it the most beautiful view in Central Europe. See the unique 14th-century architecture with semi-round bastions inspired by French design. Continue to Melnik, a town where the Labe and Vltava rivers meet, for a two-night stay. Explore the Renaissance Melnik Castle with its wine cellars and watch the sunset over the two rivers while tasting local wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Střekov Castle
Landmarks Střekov Castle Mělník Castle - Day 18
Kokořín - Harasov - Mělník
Explore Kokokin Castle, located about 10 km northeast of Melnik, built in the first half of the 14th century and renovated in late Gothic style in the 15th century. Though damaged during the Hussite Wars, it was restored from 1911 to 1918. Visit Harasov Castle, a modest ruin on a 30-meter-high sandstone cliff above a pond with well-preserved rock cellars carved into the cliff. Return to Melnik and explore the main square with beautiful arcaded buildings, the Town Hall, and the former Capuchin monastery. You can optionally descend into medieval Melnik underground. Visit Melnik Chateau with Lobkowicz family collections and wine cellars where you can sample regional wines.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Kokořín Castle
- Visit Harasov Castle
- Explore medieval Mělník underground
- Visit Mělník Chateau and wine cellars
- Visit Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul ossuary
Landmarks Kokořín Castle Harasov Castle Cathedral of SS Peter and Paul - Day 19
Houska - Bezděz - Mnichovo Hradiště
Travel to Mnichovo Hradiste, a Central Bohemian town first mentioned in 1279, featuring a Renaissance castle that once belonged to the Wallenstein family. Visit Houska Castle, an early Gothic castle 47 km north of Prague and one of the best-preserved castles of the period. Built in the 13th century as an administration center for royal estates, it has a predominantly Gothic chapel and knight's drawing room. Then see Bezde Castle, a Gothic castle about 20 km southeast of Ceska Lipa built before 1264 with a stunning view from its tower. Check in at Mnichovo Hradiste for a two-night stay.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Houska Castle
- Visit Bezděz Castle
Landmarks Houska Castle Bezděz Castle - Day 20
Kost - Valdštejn - Mnichovo Hradiště
After breakfast, explore Kost Castle, a privately owned Gothic castle in the Bohemian Paradise region founded before 1349. Known for its impressive donjon (White Tower) protected by two fortress wall circles, the castle features a unique trapezoid-shaped tower design to deflect medieval missile attacks. Visit Valdstejn Castle, an early Gothic fortress built in the 13th century on three sandstone cliffs near Turnov, with a baroque pilgrimage church dedicated to John of Nepomuk built on the castle ruins. Return to Mnichovo Hradiste and spend free time relaxing or exploring on your own.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Kost Castle
- Visit Valdštejn Castle
Landmarks Kost Castle Valdštejn Castle - Day 21
Trosky - Louděň
Visit Trosky Castle, one of the most famous Czech castles located about 10 km south of Semily on two basalt volcanic plugs. The castle features the 'Old Woman' (Baba) structure on the lower peak and the 'Maiden' (Panna) on the higher outcrop. Built in the 14th century, it was never completely conquered during the Hussite Wars and remains a landmark of the Bohemian Paradise region. Continue to Loudeni to visit Baroque Loudeni Castle with its large park, labyrinths, and interesting sights. This castle presents the noble Thurn-Taxis family and is one of the few chateaux open year-round. Enjoy free time in the evening.
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Visit Trosky Castle
- Visit Louděň Castle
Landmarks Trosky Castle Louděň Castle - Day 22
Departure
On this final day, travel to Nymburk, a historic Central Bohemian town located 45 km east of Prague on the Elbe River, founded around 1275 by King Premysl Otakar II. Explore the Gothic brick Saint Giles Church, the Dominican Monastery, and the preserved Renaissance Town Hall. See unique examples of brick Gothic architecture and the impressive city walls with defensive ditches. Afterward, depart to your final destination with drop-off at your hotel arranged according to your schedule.
- End point
- Prague, Czech Republic (Drop off the same as pick up or by your wish in another place)
- Meals
- Breakfast
Optional Activities
- Explore Nymburk town and Saint Giles Church
- Visit Dominican Monastery
Landmarks Saint Giles Church
