CZECH REPUBLIC
Hiking
7 DAYS

The hiking tour gives you a chance to discover a unique blend of exquisite scenery, magnificent architecture and rich history in an exotic part of Europe. More than 2,000 chateauxs and castles have been preserved in the Czech Republic, where ancient towns are still full of life and culture.

Our adventure begins in Vienna, former capital of the sumptuous Hapsburg dynasty.  We carry on to Moravia. We can stay overnight at a restored chateau in Valtice. We visit World Heritage site and park in Lednice, and walk through the medieval town of Telc. We explore the famous caves in Moravsky Kras area and visit the impressive town of Cesky Krumlov in Bohemia.

Our adventure ends with a tour and farewell dinner in the ‘Golden City’ of Prague.

Day 1.    Arrive in Vienna. Southern Moravia

Arrive in Vienna (there is also possibility to start the tour from Prague). The exact itinerary will depend on the time of arrival and the time of transfer to the Czech Republic. Transfer to Southern Moravia and stop in the small medieval town of Mikulov. We may explore the town and castle, and take an easy walk to Pavlov Hills (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve with unique flora and fauna). We may stay overnight at a hotel in the capital of Moravia Brno. Alternatively, we can stay at a restored chateau in Valtice. You will have a chance to chat with fellow travelers and your guide over a welcome dinner.

Day 2.    Valtice, Lednice and Vestonice

After breakfast we explore Valtice and carry on to Lednice. Lednice Chateau is among the seven chateaus that originally belonged to the Liechtenstein and Dietrichstein families. The chateau is surrounded by the largest park in the Czech Republic (about 270 hectares). This area is included in UNESCO World Cultural Heritage list. Later we visit Dolni Vestonice museum, where 25000 years old Venus of Vestonice was unearthed. The local area is also well known for its excellent wine. Local wine tasting can be arranged by request.

Day 3.    Straznice. White Carpathian Mountains. Velehrad

Leaving Valtice we are heading north. We stop in the town of Straznice and visit open-air museum of a southeastern Moravian village, and exposition of folk music instruments. Later we reach the White Carpathian Mountains (a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and take an easy hike through the beautiful meadows. This area is also known for maintaining folk traditions. Continue to the town of Uherske Hradiste. We carry on to the town of Velehrad, one of the most important pilgrimage sites of the Czech Republic, dominated by its 9th century cathedral. We may arrange dinner in a wine cellar (the building originally belonged to the 17th century monastery) and enjoy a performance of folk dance and folk music group in colorful traditional costumes.

Day 4.    Buchlovice, Kromeriz and Brno                 
                  
Today we visit the 18th century Buchlovice Chateau and surrounding park. The rooms of the chateau still contain most of its original Rococo furniture. We continue to Kromeriz and visit famous Baroque flower garden there. On the way to Brno we may also visit a nice castle in Bucovice or spend more time in town of Slavkov (Austerlitz), the site of the battle in December 1805, in which Napoleon defeated the allied armies of the Austrians and Russians. We settle in for the night at a hotel in the city centre.

Day 5.    Moravsky Kras      

Today we cycle in the well-known area of Moravsky Kras with many caves and important archaeological sites. We also take a boat trip on river Punkva and see the Macocha Abyss (138m deep). On the way back we stop in the village of Krtiny and admire the local church, a work of architect Giovanni Santini. Afternoon at leisure or for individual sightseeing in the town, including Gregor Mendel Museum, Leos Janacek Museum, Spilberk Castle, etc. In the evening we have dinner in a traditional restaurant or visit the national theatre.

Day 6.    Moravsky Krumlov, Telc, Trebon

After breakfast we leave for southern Bohemia. We stop in the town of Moravsky Krumlov and visit castle where Mucha gallery was founded. The art collection includes twenty monumental canvases of Slovanska Epopej. We continue to the medieval town of Telc, considered the most beautiful old own in the country. We visit the castle, park and beautiful square surrounded by 16th century houses.  

We carry on to another medieval town of Trebon. Trebon is a beautiful walled Renaissance town in a region of oak woods, meadows and large lakes. The international importance of the 15th century fishponds and lakes in the area is acknowledged by its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Trebon is also home of one of the oldest Czech breweries, the Regent.

We stay overnight at a hotel on the main square, rebuilt from a 16th century house.

Day 7.    Cesky Krumlov       

We cycle through the beautiful landscape to a historical pearl of the Czech republic – the town of Cesky Krumlov. The castle in Cesky Krumlov is the second largest in the country (after Prague castle). It was built in the 13th century and was reconstructed to become a Renaissance chateau in the 16th century. The large park (of French design) and 18th century Rococo theatre are other highlights of the town. We may arrange a private concert of Baroque music. We also visit Vyssi Brod, home of the 13th century Cistercian monastery and museum.

Day 8.    Hluboka Castle. Prague

We travel via Prague and to the north. Our first stop is in the town of beer - Ceske Budejovice, where we have a chance to visit a traditional restaurant Masne Kramy. Later we explore the Hluboka castle, originally founded in 13th century and rebuilt in the 19th century in Gothic style reminiscent of the English Windsor Castle. We arrive in Prague in late afternoon.

Day 9.    Explore Prague

Sightseeing tours through Prague’s historical core, including Prague Castle, Old Town Square, Lesser Quarter, Charles Bridge, Old Jewish Cemetery, etc. Concerts and performance in National Theatre may be arranged on request. We will have our farewell dinner at a restaurant near the Old Town Square, before retiring for the night at our hotel in historical centre.

Day 10.    Prague and departure

Transfer to the airport for your flight back home.

SUMMARY

Inclusions: All breakfasts and dinners, luggage transportation, escorted throughout

Exploratory Trip: The trip may not be limited to travelers 50 and over

Start: Vienna
Finish: Prague

Group Size: 2 to12 travelers

Accommodation: Comfortable accommodation with private facilities throughout

Trip Grade: Moderate        

Dates:
Jul 12-20, 2008
Aug 16-24, 2008

Land Cost: US$ 3,495

Note: Please note that all itineraries and prices are subject to change.