Great experience
Czech Republic
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Jun 8 - Jun 15, 2025
The trip was fantastic. All the hotels we stayed in were very nice. I will mention that if you are driving to a castle or cave system (especially Punkva Caves where you need to take gondola or walk 1.7km) that the parking was often not next to the attraction and it took 15 to 30 minutes to get to tour start points.
Going through our itinerary:
Prague is very walkable and public transport easy to access. The city itself is very nice with lots to see and do. Driving is not difficult with phone's gps directing the way and the drivers were extremely courteous compared to my local drivers. We did a half day vegetarian culinary/history tour which was excellent. This was more history with stops to a beginning snack, lunch, then dessert. Our guide was Gary and he showed us things that we likely would never of found on our own. Well worth it.
The day trip to Bohemian-Saxon National park was about a 2 hour drive each way but well worth it for the hike and the view.
Few hour drive to Cesky Krumlov with stops along the way. Konepruske Caves were not far from Prague. If you are going to only want to do one set of caves, the Punkva caves are better experience but further from Prague. Either way be forewarned that the tours are in Czech. Karlstejn Castle (also no far from Prague) tour was very good and full of information. Free parking can be found by the Karlstejn train station which is about 25 minute walk to castle. From here about 2 hour drive to Cesky Krumlov.
Cesky Krumlov is a very nice town. Easy to walk around. We did a tour of the Baroque Theatre which is one of two left in Europe. Very interesting with explanation of the theatre and even got to see the machinery that was used to change to scenery on the stage. If you are vegetarian and visiting Cesky Krumlov you should definitely eat at Laibon as food was delicious and you sit riverside to eat. Also David (server, owner) is just an exceptional person. Fun to talk to and made several suggestion of what we should see. We did a raft tour which went over some of the history of the town and was a nice experience.
Next was drive to Olomouc with several stops. We did go off itinerary and stopped at Pernstejn Castle (David recommended). While we did not have time to do a tour, we did walk around the courtyards and through the gardens which was well worth it. Then onto the Punkva caves and into Olomouc. We did stay just outside of town so did have to drive to get to the city for site seeing. We only had an evening here so just walked around town and saw the architecture and parks.
On way back to Prague we stopped at Kutna Hora for a tour of the towns several churches and the Bone Chappel. Very interesting tour and likely something that you will not see anywhere else. If you are in Prague, it is without question worth a day trip for this tour.
Overall a great trip.
Hotel Reviews
We had a room that had 2 areas. One with king bed, other with 2 twins for the kids so everyone was happy. Good breakfast. Short walk to center of Prague. Close to the castle.
Two rooms. Very clean. 10 minute walk into center of town.
Restaurant on property was nice after a day of driving and site seeing.
Very nice hotel but a little far from the city center requiring an easy short subway ride.
Activity Reviews
Gary was and excellent guide. Gave us lots of information about the city and culture.
Great hike. Drive was approximately 2 hours each way.
