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
In Bratislava, one of the great cities of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, we’ll walk right from our hotel into the city’s intact medieval center, with its stately burgher’s houses painted in soft pastels. Crossing into the Czech Republic’s Moravian wine country, we explore the grounds of Lednice Castle, one of the largest designed landscapes in Europe. Our first castle-to-castle hike starts at the ruins of a 10th century castle and brings us through Palava Highlands Nature Reserve to another crag-top ruin, then to the castle-town of Mikulov.
Days 4-8
Castle Roštejn / Telc / Slavonice / Ceský Krumlov / Šumava / Rožmberk
After a picnic at 14th century Castle Roštejn, a Gothic apparition, our hike brings us to the gates of medieval 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 immerse ourselves 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 the Vltava River.
Days 9-10
Prague
We’ll explore the Baroque lanes of Prague’s Old Town and visit 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
