Medieval village of Telc, Czech Republic

The buildings of medieval Telc are all at least 250 years old. We arrive at this beautiful 16th century town on foot. Our hiking and cultural odyssey brings us from castle to village across the Czech Republic.

Photo by Dan Heller

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Czech Castles and Country Walks route-map

Trip Details at-a-Glance

Cost From: $3595   see pricing
Length: 9 days
Arrive: Vienna, Austria
Depart: Prague, Czech Republic
Lodging: 8 nights 3- and 4-star hotels and country inns
Meals: All meals included except 2 dinners
Activity: Walking, Cultural Adventures
Trip Level: A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support
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Highlights

  • Delightful countryside walks between fairytale hilltop castles
  • Perfectly preserved Renaissance town of Telc
  • Baroque city of Cesky Krumlov, a World Heritage Site of labyrinthine alleys
  • The storybook town of Prague, with its amazing architecture and lively cafes


We just loved the whole trip—the Trip Leaders were the best!Ginger R.—Gualala, CA

Choosing the Right Trip

We work hard to help you choose the right trip for you, paying attention to your individual interests, abilities, and needs. If you have questions about the level of comfort or any of the activities described in this itinerary, please contact us.
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References

We are proud to have an exceptionally high rate of repeat travelers. For more information, we would be happy to put you in touch with a client who has traveled with us.

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Departure Notes

Once you have signed up on the trip, we send a complete packing list, relevant health information, and required travel documents.

Resources

Fairytale castles built by feudal lords reign over the lush countryside and traditional villages of the Czech Republic. There’s hardly a better place in Europe for a journey built around country walks, and many of ours begin and end at wondrous castles. The medieval heritage of this vibrant nation is enchanting and beautifully intact. We experience it in towns like Mikulov, a quintessential Moravian town of pale yellow Renaissance houses, and in tiny Telc, one of the best preserved 16th century towns in all Europe, which we first glimpse as we walk through the town gates at the end of a wonderful hike. Three unforgettable days in seductive Cesky Krumlov, one of Europe’s Baroque treasures, cap off our journey.

Itinerary at a Glance

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

Days 1-2
Vienna, Austria / Moravia, Czech Republic / Palava

Meeting in Vienna, we drive to the once-forbidden Austria-Czech border and cross it on foot with a hike into the Czech Republic’s wine country. Our first castle-to-castle hike brings us from the tower of a 10th century castle perched on a limestone crag through the Palava Highlands Nature Reserve to Divci Hrad, a haunting crag-top castle ruin.

Day 3
Castle Rostejn / Telc

Castle Rostejn is a Gothic apparition that seems to rise straight up from a dramatic rock outcrop. We hike cross-country from this striking castle through fields brightened with poppies and finish by walking through the arched gates of medieval Telc, a World Heritage Site. The town’s wedge-shaped main square is so perfect it looks like a stage set for one of Mozart’s operas, with Renaissance arcades and Gothic houses of subtle pastel colors.

Day 4
Telc / Slavonice

Starting at Telc’s castle, we hike through the forest highlands to Slavonice, a town with an intact medieval urban design just a hundred meters from the Austrian border.

Days 5-7
Cesky Krumlov

The stunning World Heritage town of Cesky Krumlov is like a miniature Prague, with its dreamy pink and green castle towering above 15th century Renaissance and Baroque mansions. On Day 7, we head into the countryside for a hike from Vyssi Brod, a serene 13th century Cistercian monastery, to the castle town of Rozmberk, built around the serpentine curves of the Vltava River.

Days 8-9
Prague

Vibrant Prague abounds with delights. We enjoy a walk through the stunning Old Town, where 600 years of glorious architecture, from Renaissance to Cubist, is on display. Depart on Day 9, or extend your stay in Prague.

For a more complete description, Download Full Trip Brochure

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated Level 2+, Easy to Moderate. It is an easy town and country walking tour consisting of day hikes of 2-5 hours over gently hilly terrain. You carry just a daypack. Our vehicle usually meets us at midday, bringing us either to a local restaurant, to the beginning of the next walk, or to another spot to explore. Our luggage is transported for us by van, so it is always possible to ride in the van if you want to opt out of a day's hiking.
Please note that in Europe, the dinner hour is considerably later than what it is in the US. We do our best to secure early reservations for our groups, but most often the evening meal will be at 7:30 p.m.

Explanation of Trip Levels

 

Departures & Leaders

Sep 3-11, 2010

May 13-21, 2011
Jun 15-23, 2011
Sep 2-10, 2011
Oct 7-15, 2011  Zuzana Sochorova

*There may be up to 3 leaders on any departure. Please call for details.

Tour Costs

Prices are for 2011
$3595 (11-15 members)
$3995 (5-10 members)
Single supplement: $490

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Tour Cost Includes:

  • expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
  • accommodations in hotels and comfortable inns
  • welcome and farewell dinners, and other meals as indicated in the Full Trip Brochure
  • ground transportation throughout the trip
  • sightseeing and entrance fees on group tours

Tour Cost Does Not Include:

International airfare, airport/hotel transfers, any meals not specified in the Full Trip Brochure, airport departure taxes, optional tipping or gratuities to leaders or staff, additional hotel nights that may be necessitated by airline schedule changes or other factors; pre-trip expense of medical immunizations (if any), travel insurance or passports; and other expenses of a personal nature (alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone calls, etc.).

Trip Payment Schedule

At time of reservation: $500
120 days prior to departure: 20% of tour cost
60 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation Fee Schedule

Minimum fee: None
46-90 days prior to departure: 25% of tour cost
45 days or less: 100% of tour cost

Our Trip Leaders

Here are the Trip Leaders scheduled for this journey (please note that leader assignments are subject to change).

Zuzana Rakova

Departure Dates: September 3-11, 2010, May 13-21, 2011, June 15-23, 2011, September 2-10, 2011

Zuzana Rakova studied English at the Czech Republic's University of Olomouc, founded as a Jesuit Seminary in 1566. When not leading trips in her homeland, Zuzana is a professional English teacher. She speaks fluent English, a little German and Italian, and enjoys reading literature, with a ...
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Ellen Santucci-Masi

Departure Dates: September 3-11, 2010

Ellen Santucci-Masi was born and raised in New Jersey, but always knew she would travel someday, and she did. She studied French, Spanish, German, Italian, and Latin, knowing that languages would allow her gather insights into different cultures. She eventually settled in Florence, Italy, where ...
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Zuzana Sochorova

Departure Dates: May 13-21, 2011, June 15-23, 2011, September 2-10, 2011, October 7-15, 2011

Zuzana Sochorova comes from the southeastern part of the Czech Republic, a region full of sunshine and vineyards, and has a degree in Economics and Marketing from the University in Ostrava. She loves her work as a guide and takes great delight in meeting new people and showing them the most ...
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Client Comments

We just loved the whole trip—the Trip Leaders were the best! Ginger R., Gualala, CA Kamila Macurova had excellent management of trip details, enthusiasm for subject matter, great knowledge of history and culture. Friendly and fun but maintained professionalism in every way. Gerald G., Afton, WY We enjoyed the beautiful countryside and the castles. The guides really made the trip fabulous. They were great! Bob P., Denver, CO
Our Trip Leaders did a wonderful job. I’m so glad we chose the Czech Republic—a beautiful country with ease of travel. Sharon M., Poway, CA Our trip was perfect. As I’ve told many people, there isn’t a thing I would change. Especially loved our two guides. Teresa K., Colorado Springs, CO This was a special trip with two exceptional Trip Leaders. Sandra G., Wayne, PA Very enjoyable, with excellent Trip Leaders. David H., Poway, CA