Overview
In the heart of uncrowded Central Europe lies a walker's paradise. Our journey brings us from Bratislava to Prague, with hikes to hilltop castles and ancient abbeys, following trails through serene forests where locals hunt for prized mushrooms, and right through the gates of enchanting Baroque towns encircled by vineyards. Our journey combines two ancient European capitals, Bratislava, Slovakia, with its cobblestone lanes and vibrant coffee-house culture, and romantic Prague, where ancient history and a lively international vibe happily coexist. Between these two intriguing cities, we’ll discover ancient castles like the brooding ruin of Devin Castle, whose ramparts rule over a strategic point in the Danube, and 16th century Telc, with its perfectly preserved town square. In the UNESCO-protected town of Cesky Krumlov, we’ll enjoy private backstage tour of the perfectly preserved 17th century theater and overnight in a beautifully renovated historic hotel. We celebrate our journey’s finale in Prague, exploring the haunting Jewish cemetery, the Old Town Square with its astronomical clock, and the theater district, where dissident playwright Václav Havel’s works were performed before the days of the Velvet Revolution. Our expert—and beloved—Trip Leaders share the ancient heritage and contemporary drama of this fascinating realm.
I enthusiastically recommend this trip. The combination of the beautiful walks, the ancient castles and chateaus and the preserved villages with their Renaissance architecture and cobbled streets, make this a special trip. Prague was magical.
— Gary B., Hanover, NH
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-3
Bratislava, Slovakia / Moravia, Czech Republic / Lednice Castle / Palava
We meet in Bratislava for a walking tour, then stretch our legs on a hike to Devin Castle. Crossing into the Czech Republic’s Moravian wine country, we explore the stately grounds of Lednice Castle, one of the largest designed landscapes in Europe. A castle-to-castle hike brings us to the Palava Highlands, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
Days 4-8
Castle Roštejn / Telc / Slavonice / Ceský Krumlov / Šumava / Rožmberk
After a picnic at 14th century Castle Roštejn, a Gothic apparition, we hike through the gates of the medieval town of TelČ, with 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. Crossing into southern Bohemia, we’re immersed in the magical atmosphere of Český Krumlov, with its dreamy pink and green castle. In the Šumava Forest, we hike from a 13th century Cistercian monastery to the castle-town of Rožmberk, set on a bend on the Vltava River.
Days 9-10
Prague
We walk the Baroque lanes of Prague’s Old Town and explore the medieval Jewish ghetto, which holds Europe’s oldest functioning synagogue, a magnificent place of worship. Depart on Day 10, or extend your stay.
From Bratislava to Prague
