Czech Republic: Vienna to Prague

2-5 miles, easy to moderate

Meeting Point & Time: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast is included at your hotel.

Your guide(s) will meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof (Hotel Stefanie for September 14 and 28 departures). Your guides will be wearing a Country Walkers shirt. Please be dressed for walking.

Upon meeting in Vienna, enjoy a scenic hour-long drive north to Hollabrunn, a district in Lower Austria’s beautiful Weinviertel. Characterized by gentle rolling hills, countless vineyards, and charming villages each with a pretty white church, the Weinviertel (meaning “wine quarter”) is Austria’s largest wine-producing area; its most important grape variety is the peppery white Grüner Veltliner. Upon arrival in this picturesque region, you walk along quiet country lanes nestled between vineyard-covered slopes and old oak forests. This bucolic landscape is known for its wine cellar-lined roads called Kellergassen, meaning “wine-cellar street”. You arrive in one of these villages on foot and receive a warm greeting for lunch at a family-run country inn, perhaps starting with a fresh salad, followed by an excellent dish of goulash. After, enjoy a short wine presentation with a chance to sample the region’s acclaimed vintages.

Later, drive across the border into the Southern Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, to visit Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage site and often regarded as the best-preserved of all Bohemian and Moravian Renaissance towns. Following a devastating fire in 1530, the entire town was rebuilt in a unified Renaissance style. You enjoy a walk from one side of the town to the other, passing through its central square bordered by historic structures displaying a dazzling array of colorful, elaborate façades, covered arcades, and walkways.

After time spent admiring Telc just over an hour’s drive brings you to the medieval town of Tábor by early evening. Fascinatingly, Tábor was founded in the 15th century as an egalitarian peasant commune and is known for its maze of narrow cobblestoned streets, elaborate tunnel system, and monumental city walls. Your home for the next three nights is ideally located right on the town’s central Žižka Square. After checking in, you reunite for dinner in your hotel’s excellent restaurant, known for its updated regional cuisine.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus, Tábor

2.5-7 miles, easy to moderate

Explore Tábor’s historic center, a labyrinth of narrow streets, with your guide. Later, follow an ancient pilgrimage route through fields and forests to spectacular, baroque Klokoty Monastery. Return to Tábor for free time before dinner.

Following a delightful breakfast spread, you set off on foot to explore Tábor’s historic center. From the moment you step outside your hotel onto Žižka Square, the town’s medieval ambiance embraces you. Admire the Old Town Hall, one of the Czech Republic’s most important Gothic buildings and home to a museum dedicated to the Pre-Lutheran Protestant movement. Meander with your guide through a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and continue to the picturesque forests surrounding town. Follow pleasant walking paths through nearby fields and forests along an ancient pilgrimage route to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Klokoty Monastery. This spectacular double-cross-shaped Baroque complex dates to the early 17th century and boasts numerous spires and an idyllic location above the Lužnice River. End your walk at a filming site of many current television shows and movies with medieval themes. You can learn about the entertainment industry in the Czech Republic and view props and costumes. After enjoying lunch here, you make your way back to the hotel.

This evening you regroup and talk a short walk to dinner in Tábor.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus, Tábor

1-8.5 miles, easy

Make your way through eight picturesque villages as you tread a timeless landscape of gentle, undulating hills, past pastoral towns, open pastures, and silent forests. Relax at your accommodation or discover Tábor on your own before dinner.

After breakfast a short transfer of 30 minutes brings you to the start of today’s walk. All walk options alternate between forest and open meadows with views of distant valleys, small towns and farmsteads. These are some of the Czech Republic’s dreamiest landscapes, dotted with open farmlands of grazing cows, horses, sheep, and deer as gentle hills undulate to the horizon. After lunch, you may choose to continue one mile along undulating terrain, with all options returning to Tábor by mid-afternoon.

Later, there’ll be time for you to relax in your hotel. Or explore the winding streets and shops of Tábor before dinner on your own. Your guides point out a number of nearby restaurants to choose from.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus, Tábor

3-7 miles, easy

After breakfast you transfer about one hour from Tábor. Today’s footpaths lead you through the peaceful countryside of Southern Bohemia—rolling hills with gentle ascents and descents. Your guides can offer flexible route options to satisfy those interested in shorter and longer walks. Throughout your idyll, you pass through some of the region’s distinct villages featuring remarkably preserved “Baroque peasant” houses. Dating from the 19th century when farmers and merchants imitated the architectural style of the nobility, these houses are appreciated for their colorful façades, gables, and white stucco ornamentation. On the quiet streets of these working communities, you encounter the descendants of several generations of farmers who might share stories or a handful of just-picked fruit from nearby orchards. During your visit, you are invited to enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared with fresh ingredients from local farms.

Later, you continue toward Ceské Budejovice. This provincial town of Southern Bohemia is steeped in authenticity and charm, an undiscovered gem free of tourist crowds. Pastel-hued Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings line its inviting streets leading to Ottokar II Square. Ceské Budejovice has brewed beer since the 13th century and was home of the imperial brewery for the Holy Roman Empire. Its Budweiser bier (that is, beer from Budweis) was one of Europe’s most popular centuries ago. Still today, the original Budweiser Budvar beer is brewed here. Before dinner, a short introductory walk takes you through Ottokar II Square, the largest square in the Czech Republic. From its central fountain depicting mighty Samson, narrow streets fan out, framed by archways and historic buildings housing a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Accommodation: Hotel Budweis, Ceské Budejovice

1-9 miles, easy

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you set off on short drive to start your exploration of the picturesque landscape surrounding Ceské Budejovice. Your countryside walk takes you meandering through four different, yet beautiful villages. You eventually reach Holašovice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique and well-preserved Baroque farm houses. After touring the historic town, you stop at a local farm for a satisfying lunch, perhaps consisting of venison with cranberry sauce accompanied by freshly baked bread.

In the afternoon, a 20 minute transfer takes you back to the Ceské Budejovice to enjoy some time at your leisure. You may choose to join a guided walk of the town’s surrounding parks or perhaps instead spend the time relaxing at your hotel or visiting local shops to look for the perfect souvenir. In the evening, you reunite with your group to enjoy another scrumptious dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Budweis, Ceské Budejovice

1.5-5 miles, moderate

After breakfast, you transfer to the Blanský Les Nature Reserve, a picturesque network of pastoral trails through a variety of natural habitats and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of pine, oak, beech, and ash. A break in the trees opens up every now and then to provide a glimpse of the open clearings and countryside as birdsong echoes in the canopy above. Continue on foot to the enchanting town of Ceský Krumlov, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 for its historical importance and physical beauty. You enter near the 13th-century Ceský Krumlov Château, Bohemia’s second-largest castle. Situated on the banks of the Moldau River—the Vltava in Czech—Ceský Krumlov is a showcase of elegant Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings housing delightful cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops, and galleries along cobblestone lanes. Explore this engaging village or painters and artisans on your own for the afternoon.

Returning to Ceské Budejovice in the early evening, you enjoy a dinner on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel Budweis, Ceské Budejovice

4 miles, easy

Bid farewell to Bohemia this morning and drive two hours north through the Czech countryside to Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety for its 1,100 years of history represented in its urban design and architecture. The “City of a Thousand Spires” is the nation’s capital, its skyline graced with gold-tipped towers, onion domes, and church steeples.

Upon arrival to Prague, you embark on a walking introduction to Prague Castle, the city’s 9th-century centerpiece overlooking the city. This city within a city atop Castle Hill is a vast complex of buildings composed of Gothic and Romanesque churches, several palaces, stunning gardens and courtyards, and defense towers. A highlight of your castle tour includes the unique gilded glass mosaic of the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch and set off on a walk through the city’s panoramic park and gardens above the city center (a route preferred by locals).

After checking in to your hotel, conveniently located between Prague Castle and the Old Town, you may decide to relax or instead join a short walking tour of Prague’s historic Old Town Square, with its Old Town Hall and medieval astronomical clock, returning to the hotel via the Jewish Quarter. Gather this evening at your hotel’s elegant restaurant, where you toast the week over a celebratory gourmet dinner accompanied by a glass of Moravian wine or the finest Czech beer.

Accommodation: Hotel Hoffmeister, Prague, Czech Republic

After breakfast, bid farewell to your group as your Czech Republic: Vienna to Prague tour concludes. You have the remainder of the day to take in more of the city independently. You may choose to spend your time with a visit to Wenceslas Square, the site of the 1989 Velvet Revolution’s demonstrations or strolling across the romantic Charles Bridge. Lunch and dinner are on your own today.

Country Walkers provides you with City Information that includes recommendations on what to see and do in Prague during your stay.

Accommodation: Hotel Hoffmeister, Prague, Czech Republic

2-5 miles, easy to moderate

Meeting Point & Time: Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof, 9:00 a.m.

Breakfast is included at your hotel.

Your guide(s) meet you at 9:00 a.m. in the lobby of the Steigenberger Hotel Herrenhof (Hotel Stefanie for September 14 and 28 departures). After a brief introduction to the group, your adventure begins.

Upon meeting in Vienna, enjoy a scenic hour-long drive north to Hollabrunn, a district in Lower Austria’s beautiful Weinviertel. Characterized by gentle rolling hills, countless vineyards, and charming villages each with a pretty white church, the Weinviertel (meaning “wine quarter”) is Austria’s largest wine-producing area; its most important grape variety is the peppery white Grüner Veltliner. Upon arrival in this picturesque region, you walk along quiet country lanes nestled between vineyard-covered slopes and old oak forests. This bucolic landscape is known for its wine cellar-lined roads called Kellergassen, meaning “wine-cellar street”. You arrive in one of these villages on foot and receive a warm greeting for lunch at a family-run country inn, perhaps starting with a fresh salad, followed by an excellent dish of goulash. After, enjoy a short wine presentation with a chance to sample the region’s acclaimed vintages.

Later, drive across the border into the Southern Bohemian region of the Czech Republic, to visit Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage site and often regarded as the best-preserved of all Bohemian and Moravian Renaissance towns. Following a devastating fire in 1530, the entire town was rebuilt in a unified Renaissance style. You enjoy a walk from one side of the town to the other, passing through its central square bordered by historic structures displaying a dazzling array of colorful, elaborate façades, covered arcades, and walkways.

After time spent admiring Telc just over an hour’s drive brings you to the medieval town of Tábor by early evening. Fascinatingly, Tábor was founded in the 15th century as an egalitarian peasant commune and is known for its maze of narrow cobblestoned streets, elaborate tunnel system, and monumental city walls. Your home for the next three nights is ideally located right on the town’s central Žižka Square. After checking in, you reunite for dinner in your hotel’s excellent restaurant, known for its updated regional cuisine.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus, Tábor

2.5-7 miles, easy to moderate

Explore Tábor’s historic center, a labyrinth of narrow streets, with your guide. Later, follow an ancient pilgrimage route through fields and forests to spectacular, baroque Klokoty Monastery. Return to Tábor for free time before dinner.

Following a delightful breakfast spread, you set off on foot to explore Tábor’s historic center. From the moment you step outside your hotel onto Žižka Square, the town’s medieval ambiance embraces you. Admire the Old Town Hall, one of the Czech Republic’s most important Gothic buildings and home to a museum dedicated to the Pre-Lutheran Protestant movement. Meander with your guide through a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and continue to the picturesque forests surrounding town. Follow pleasant walking paths through nearby fields and forests along an ancient pilgrimage route to the Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Klokoty Monastery. This spectacular double-cross-shaped Baroque complex dates to the early 17th century and boasts numerous spires and an idyllic location above the Lužnice River. End your walk at a filming site of many current television shows and movies with medieval themes. You can learn about the entertainment industry in the Czech Republic and view props and costumes. After enjoying lunch here, you make your way back to the hotel.

This evening you regroup and talk a short walk to dinner in Tábor.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus, Tábor

1-8.5 miles, easy

Make your way through eight picturesque villages as you tread a timeless landscape of gentle, undulating hills, past pastoral towns, open pastures, and silent forests. Relax at your accommodation or discover Tábor on your own before dinner.

After breakfast a short transfer of 30 minutes brings you to the start of today’s walk. All walk options alternate between forest and open meadows with views of distant valleys, small towns and farmsteads. These are some of the Czech Republic’s dreamiest landscapes, dotted with open farmlands of grazing cows, horses, sheep, and deer as gentle hills undulate to the horizon. After lunch, you may choose to continue one mile along undulating terrain, with all options returning to Tábor by mid-afternoon.

Later, there’ll be time for you to relax in your hotel. Or explore the winding streets and shops of Tábor before dinner on your own. Your guides point out a number of nearby restaurants to choose from.

Accommodation: Hotel Nautilus, Tábor

3-7 miles, easy

After breakfast you transfer about one hour from Tábor. Today’s footpaths lead you through the peaceful countryside of Southern Bohemia—rolling hills with gentle ascents and descents. Your guides can offer flexible route options to satisfy those interested in shorter and longer walks. Throughout your idyll, you pass through some of the region’s distinct villages featuring remarkably preserved “Baroque peasant” houses. Dating from the 19th century when farmers and merchants imitated the architectural style of the nobility, these houses are appreciated for their colorful façades, gables, and white stucco ornamentation. On the quiet streets of these working communities, you encounter the descendants of several generations of farmers who might share stories or a handful of just-picked fruit from nearby orchards. During your visit, you are invited to enjoy a home-cooked lunch prepared with fresh ingredients from local farms.

Later, you continue toward Ceské Budejovice. This provincial town of Southern Bohemia is steeped in authenticity and charm, an undiscovered gem free of tourist crowds. Pastel-hued Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings line its inviting streets leading to Ottokar II Square. Ceské Budejovice has brewed beer since the 13th century and was home of the imperial brewery for the Holy Roman Empire. Its Budweiser bier (that is, beer from Budweis) was one of Europe’s most popular centuries ago. Still today, the original Budweiser Budvar beer is brewed here. Before dinner, a short introductory walk takes you through Ottokar II Square, the largest square in the Czech Republic. From its central fountain depicting mighty Samson, narrow streets fan out, framed by archways and historic buildings housing a wide range of shops and restaurants.

Accommodation: Hotel Budweis, Ceské Budejovice

1-9 miles, easy

After enjoying a leisurely breakfast at your hotel, you set off on short drive to start your exploration of the picturesque landscape surrounding Ceské Budejovice. Your countryside walk takes you meandering through four different, yet beautiful villages. You eventually reach Holašovice, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its unique and well-preserved Baroque farm houses. After touring the historic town, you stop at a local farm for a satisfying lunch, perhaps consisting of venison with cranberry sauce accompanied by freshly baked bread.

In the afternoon, a 20 minute transfer takes you back to the Ceské Budejovice to enjoy some time at your leisure. You may choose to join a guided walk of the town’s surrounding parks or perhaps instead spend the time relaxing at your hotel or visiting local shops to look for the perfect souvenir. In the evening, you reunite with your group to enjoy another scrumptious dinner.

Accommodation: Hotel Budweis, Ceské Budejovice

1.5-5 miles, moderate

After breakfast, you transfer to the Blanský Les Nature Reserve, a picturesque network of pastoral trails through a variety of natural habitats and mixed coniferous-deciduous forests of pine, oak, beech, and ash. A break in the trees opens up every now and then to provide a glimpse of the open clearings and countryside as birdsong echoes in the canopy above. Continue on foot to the enchanting town of Ceský Krumlov, named a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1992 for its historical importance and physical beauty. You enter near the 13th-century Ceský Krumlov Château, Bohemia’s second-largest castle. Situated on the banks of the Moldau River—the Vltava in Czech—Ceský Krumlov is a showcase of elegant Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque buildings housing delightful cafés, pubs, restaurants, shops, and galleries along cobblestone lanes. Explore this engaging village or painters and artisans on your own for the afternoon.

Returning to Ceské Budejovice in the early evening, you enjoy a dinner on your own.

Accommodation: Hotel Budweis, Ceské Budejovice

4 miles, easy

Bid farewell to Bohemia this morning and drive two hours north through the Czech countryside to Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in its entirety for its 1,100 years of history represented in its urban design and architecture. The “City of a Thousand Spires” is the nation’s capital, its skyline graced with gold-tipped towers, onion domes, and church steeples.

Upon arrival to Prague, you embark on a walking introduction to Prague Castle, the city’s 9th-century centerpiece overlooking the city. This city within a city atop Castle Hill is a vast complex of buildings composed of Gothic and Romanesque churches, several palaces, stunning gardens and courtyards, and defense towers. A highlight of your castle tour includes the unique gilded glass mosaic of the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral. Afterwards, enjoy a light lunch and set off on a walk through the city’s panoramic park and gardens above the city center (a route preferred by locals).

After checking in to your hotel, conveniently located between Prague Castle and the Old Town, you may decide to relax or instead join a short walking tour of Prague’s historic Old Town Square, with its Old Town Hall and medieval astronomical clock, returning to the hotel via the Jewish Quarter. Gather this evening at your hotel’s elegant restaurant, where you toast the week over a celebratory gourmet dinner accompanied by a glass of Moravian wine or the finest Czech beer.

Accommodation: Hotel Hoffmeister, Prague, Czech Republic

Sbohem! After breakfast, bid farewell to your group as your Czech Republic: Vienna to Prague tour concludes. Your guides are available to assist departing travelers with transportation arrangements to the airport or your next destination.