DAY 1

Upon meeting in Vienna, you drive north through rolling countryside to your first destination. Located alongside the meandering Dyje River on the border with Austria, the newly established Podyjí National Park is known for its biological and geological significance. An ancient landscape shaped by the river, the park is a preserve for communities of rare vegetation and animals. You set off on a riverside trail bringing you from the dam past a charming village, each turn bringing a new perspective on the castle that looms on the horizon. The walk concludes with an enlightening visit of the remains of the Iron Curtain in the village of Čížov.

Late in the afternoon you reach the small Renaissance town of Telč, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site because of its cultural and historical importance. After settling in to your recently renovated hotel, you reunite for a short transfer to dinner in the nearby village of Krahulčí. Your first evening in the heart of the Czech countryside introduces you to the local cuisine, with a family-style meal including such Czech staples as traditional homemade dumplings and sauerkraut.
Hotel Anton, Telc

DAY 2

Awakening in your quiet hotel, after breakfast the day begins with a walking exploration of the picturesque landscape surrounding Telč. The Czech-Moravian Highlands is an area of quiet meadows replete with wildflowers, fish ponds, and verdant forests. Walk options abound, and you might start at the beautiful ruins of Roštejn, an old hunting lodge once used by nobility, and continue through the rolling hills that are so representative of the Czech topography, before returning to Telč by mid-day. Your morning efforts are rewarded with a light lunch, and perhaps a decadent chocolate tart for dessert.

This afternoon, you tour the well-preserved Telč Castle, displaying both Gothic and Renaissance influences. The rest of the day is yours to design, and you may join your guide(s) for an additional countryside walk. There is also the option to relax, or peruse the local galleries and watch artisans at work before dinner in a local restaurant. On the menu this evening are fish and other local specialties.
Hotel Anton, Telc

DAY 3

Today you bid farewell to the wine-growing region of Moravia and the town of Telč and board your coach for the transfer to Bohemia, renowned for its long-standing tradition of breweries and excellent beer. You stop en route for a walk that takes you through a constantly changing scenery of fields, forests, meadows, and manmade fish ponds. The most challenging walk of the week, a sustained ascent culminates at the top of the highest hill in the region, offering panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

You arrive in the town of Tábor early in the evening and are introduced to your home for the next two nights—a former brewery recently renovated into a comfortable, modern hotel and located on the well-preserved historic town square. There is time to unpack and relax before dinner at the hotel, or you might choose to stretch your legs once more and follow your guide(s) on a walk introducing you to this new area.
Orea Hotel Dvorák, Tábor

DAY 4

This morning, after breakfast, you explore the town of Tábor and the surrounding countryside, which offers several walking options of various lengths. Departing on foot from the hotel, you first take a tour of the historical town center, and then set off into the fields and forests. One stop, the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Klokoty Monastery, is on a pilgrimage route. The Baroque complex with numerous spires dates from the early 17th century. The trail then continues through the scenic Lužnice River Valley. A special refreshment awaits at a famous local pub, where you can pour your own brew, coming directly from the giant beer tanks to the individualized taps located on each table.

After lunch, one option is to follow the undulating path leading back to the village of Tábor, or if you prefer you can hop on the coach to return to your hotel. Dinner this evening is a departure from traditional Czech dishes—a walk across the square brings you to an Italian restaurant with excellent and authentic pizza straight from a wood-fired pizza oven.
Orea Hotel Dvorák, Tábor

DAY 5

After breakfast you transfer about one hour south of Tábor to the area north of České Budějovice for the day’s walk. The route takes you through rolling hills with only gentle ascents and descents, and countless villages and well-preserved “peasant baroque” houses—dating from the time when the farmers and merchants copied the architectural style of the wealthy nobility. On the quiet streets of these working communities, you encounter the descendants of several generations of farmers who might share their wisdom and perhaps a handful of fruit just picked from the nearby orchards. Once again, your guides offer flexible options to satisfy those interested in shorter and longer walks. Before arriving in Český Krumlov, you stop to visit a very popular brewery.

Upon reaching Český Krumlov, it is immediately apparent why the town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built on and around a tight bend of the Moldau River—the Vltava in Czech—Český Krumlov is a showcase of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture; all of its buildings, monuments, and town squares are remarkably unchanged since the 18th century, with the crowning feature of the fairytale-like castle presiding over the entire town. You settle into your home for the next two nights, located on the river bank in the historic center—the most desirable location in town, directly facing the imposing castle tower which illuminates the sky at night.

Stepping out into the charming cobbled streets, you make your way to a nearby restaurant where the menu may feature a delicious loin of pork roasted over an indoor barbecue with grilled corn and other garden fresh vegetables.
Hotel Dvorák, Ceský Krumlov

DAY 6

This morning a short drive takes you to a network of trails in the Blanský Les (literally the Blansky forest) protected area, which surrounds the town of Český Krumlov. The leisurely route is a good introduction to a variety of natural habitats and a mixed coniferous-deciduous forest of pine, oak, beech, and ash. A break in the trees opens up every now and then to provide a glimpse of the Šumava mountains, which stretch for 80 miles along the border with Austria and Germany.

Your return to Český Krumlov around lunchtime, and the rest of the afternoon, including lunch, is yours to enjoy at your own pace. You may continue your exploration of the inviting craft shops and narrow cobblestone streets of Český Krumlov and your guides are happy to point out the locals’ favorite restaurants and cafés for your independent lunch and dinner in this magical town.
Hotel Dvorák, Ceský Krumlov

DAY 7

This morning you leave Český Krumlov and South Bohemia for the approximate 3½-hour drive north to Prague through the farmland and villages of the Czech countryside. As you approach the city, it appears like a vision from a distant century. The captivating afternoon tour with a local guide is a perfect introduction to this World Heritage city protected by UNESCO. You begin at Prague Castle—where government officials still conduct their business—and continue to the Little Quarter, the Charles Bridge, and finally back to the Old Town.

Your hotel tonight is conveniently located only a few minutes from the 15th-century astronomical clock, Prague’s most treasured attraction, and yet the hotel’s chic design, local art displays, and inner courtyard immediately offer a peaceful retreat from the bustle of the city. Your Czech adventure draws to a close this evening at an elegant restaurant overlooking this art-loving city. You recall the week’s highlights as you enjoy a celebratory dinner and one last toast of Moravian wine or the finest Czech beer.
Hotel Leonardo, Prague

DAY 8

The tour ends today in Prague. After breakfast, you are free to continue your exploration of this majestic and historically fascinating city, or depart at your leisure for your next destination.

Itinerary Changes

Please bear in mind that this is a typical itinerary, and the actual walks, sites, and accommodations may vary due to season, special events, weather, or transportation schedules. We reserve the right to alter the itinerary since tour arrangements are made up to a year in advance, and unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Itinerary changes are made to improve the tour and your experience.

Nights 1 & 2

Hotel Anton
Telc, Czech Republic

Originally a cooperative distillery, the hotel has been recently renovated and offers four-star accommodations. It lies in a peaceful setting only a few steps from the historic town square.

Nights 3 & 4

Orea Hotel Dvorák
Tábor, Czech Republic

This four-star hotel opened a few years ago in the facilities of the former Tábor brewery, located on the historic town square.

Nights 5 & 6

Hotel Dvorák
Ceský Krumlov, Czech Republic

Located in the heart of Ceský Krumlov with panoramic views of the river and the castle, this recently renovated hotel was the former residence of local merchants.

Night 7

Hotel Leonardo
Prague, Czech Republic

This hotel consists of three ancient mansions renovated into an elegant boutique hotel and is located in Prague’s historic center, just steps away from the Charles Bridge.

Please note that this is a sample hotel itinerary for this tour. While these exact hotels are featured on most departures, we occasionally reserve other hotels of similar style and quality. If you are currently booked on a Country Walkers adventure, a hotel itinerary has been sent to you for your exact departure date. Please call Country Walkers at 800.464.9255 if you have any questions about the exact hotels selected for any of our tours.

Marie Kadlckova Janouchová

Born in a small traditional Moravian village, Marie studied at the Austerlitz College for Tourism and Travel in Brno. She honed her English skills as an au-pair in England and her German at Klagenfurter University in Austria. She brings a great knowledge of agriculture, ornithology and landscape architecture to her trips as well as a passion for Moravian folklore, song and dance.

René Janouch

Born in Slovakia, René studied at Charles University in Prague where he received a Masters in teaching Physical Education and Athletics. When not guiding, he works for the Czech Paralympic Team and as a service engineer. He has backpacked around the globe, and has been leading photography, ornithology, and walking tours for ten years.