Overview
The Czech Republic is a walker’s paradise, and this spirited journey brings us on hikes through the idyllic countryside to fairytale stone castles and gorgeous Baroque towns. Medieval heritage is remarkably intact in places like Telc, which we’ll encounter on a hike whose grand finale brings us on foot through the town’s arched gates, and we’ll follow trails through Moravia’s pristine woodlands to reach Slavonice, a medieval gem just a mile from the once-forbidden border with Austria. In the UNESCO-protected town of Cesky Krumlov, our private backstage tour brings us inside the town’s perfectly preserved Baroque theater, and we celebrate our journey’s finale in Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Our Trip Leaders are exuberant Czech natives who share their country’s heritage and cuisine in WT style.
It was a good balance of hiking, dining, sightseeing, learning local history, and other activities. Both guides' personal stories they shared of World War II and the communist era were memorable and wonderful.
— Rick K., Madison, WI
Days 1-2
Vienna, Austria / Moravia, Czech Republic / Lednice Castle / Palava
We meet in Vienna, and our first hike brings us across the border into the Czech Republic’s Moravian wine country. At Lednice Castle, we walk its grounds, one of the largest designed landscapes in Europe, then explore Palava Highlands Nature Reserve.
Vienna, Austria / Moravia, Czech Republic / Lednice Castle / Palava - Days 1-2
Hotel Princess
Days 1 to 2 (2 nights), Lednice, Czech RepublicThis relatively new hotel enjoys a great location in Lednice, close to the castle, palace, and other monuments of this World Heritage Site. With just 14 spacious guest rooms and an inviting courtyard with fountain, it offers a cozy, peaceful ambiance.
Days 3-4
Castle Rostejn / Telc / Slavonice
After a picnic at 14th century Castle Rostejn, a Gothic apparition, we hike across fields brightened by poppies and into the medieval town of Telc, with a delightful dinner on the terrace in the historic town square. The next day we’re off through pristine woodlands to remote Slavonice, with its triangular-shaped Renaissance plazas.
Castle Rostejn / Telc / Slavonice - Days 3-4
Hotel U Hrabenky
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Telc, Czech RepublicSet in a converted 18th century building of charming Baroque architecture, the 16-room Hotel U Hrabenky ("House of the Countess") is just a two-minute walk from the stunning medieval square of Telc, a World Heritage Site of Renaissance-era gingerbread houses.
Hotel Anton (September 6 departure)
Days 3 to 4 (2 nights), Telc, Czech RepublicThis hotel has a fascinating past—it was originally a distillery producing slivovitz and brandy! It was reconstructed in the 1990s as a hotel, and the guestrooms are simple, but modern and comfortable. It’s set close to the historic center of Telc.
Days 5-7
Cesky Krumlov / Sumava / Rozmberk
Crossing into southern Bohemia, we’re immersed in the unique atmosphere of Cesky Krumlov, with its dreamy pink-and-green castle. In the Sumava Forest, we hike from a 13th century Cistercian monastery to the castle-town of Rozmberk, set on a bend on the Vltava River.
Cesky Krumlov / Sumava / Rozmberk - Days 5-7
Hotel Leonardo (May 10 departure)
Days 5 to 7 (3 nights), Cesky Krumlov, Czech RepublicThis hotel is actually two renovated townhouses dating back to the 16th century, so of course, you'll find a wonderfully historic ambiance. Each of the 20 guestrooms are stylishly furnished—and no two are alike. It's also in a great location—it's right in the center of town just off the main square, so you're close to everything.
Krcinuv Dum (September 6 and September 20 departures)
Days 5 to 7 (3 nights), Cesky Krumlov, Czech RepublicThis charming 12-room hotel is practically a historical monument itself in a town that is steeped in history. Dating back to the 14th century, the structure has lots of character, from the painted exterior walls to the spacious guestrooms that are nicely decorated with original furniture—a step back in time. The hotel is ideally located, right in the center of town and just a short walk from the main square and Cesky Krumlov castle.
Days 8-9
Prague
Bohemia’s jewel of a city had a golden age that lasted from the 14th to the 18th centuries. We walk Prague’s narrow Baroque lanes and cross medieval stone bridges amid the glorious architecture, and explore the Jewish ghetto, which dates to medieval times. Depart on Day 9, or extend your stay.
Prague - Days 8-9
Hotel Paris
Day 8 (1 night), Prague, Czech RepublicWith a Neo-Gothic exterior and elaborate Art Nouveau design elements, this beautifully restored and historic building has a wonderful location just a 5-minute walk to the Old Town Square and 10 minutes to the Charles Bridge. The hotel’s 1930s-style Café de Paris is a great place to wind down at the end of the evening and provides an excellent perch for people watching.
Czech Castles and Country Walks
Highlights
Highlights
Details
A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support (for luggage or if you wish to skip a day’s hike).
