General Information This fully guided holiday explores the most beautiful parts of Bohemia and includes the lesser-known gems of neighbouring Moravia as well. You'll visit the legendary spires of Prague, picnic in the Sumava National Park (in the former Iron Curtain region) and enjoy a 40-minute ride on a wonderful old steam train through the romantic Bohemian hills.
It's a mix of sightseeing and walking in small groups (never more than 12 people), and, throughout your trip, you are accompanied by a bi-lingual guide. Born locally, your guide is a real mine of information. Your guide takes you to parts of the country tourists seldom see, including traditional villages, stunning lakes and hidden little picnic spots. You'll get a glimpse into a way of life seemingly unchanged for centuries, and you're likely to spot a greater variety of birds and wild flowers than you thought still existed.
You stay in delightful 3 and 4 star hotels, all specially chosen for their character and charm. They range from an impressive chateau-hotel in the heart of the Moravian vineyards to a Renaissance town hotel in the beautiful historic square in Telc. Rooms are en-suite throughout (with TV and telephone) and all meals are included (except final dinner in Prague where you are free to choose from among the many restaurants on offer).
ITINERARY Day 1 Arrive at Prague airport You will be met at the airport for the scenic drive (3 1/2 hours) through the Sumava Mountains to your hotel in Cesky Krumlov where you will spend the next 4 nights.
Day 2 In Cesky Krumlov/Rozmberg Cobbled squares, wooden framed chocolate box houses, and flower-filled window boxes give you a flavour of what awaits you in Cesky Krumlov this morning. Huddled above a tight bend in the Vltava, the resplendent pink and green Bohemian palace and citadel is the highlight, with its Baroque Castle theatre and revolving stage, its sgraffitoed courtyards and exquisite gardens.
Day 3 Sumava National Park and the Peat Bogs (5hrs / 9km) We start today with a circular walk through the ancient maples and linden of the Boubin Primeval Forest, in the heart of the Sumava National Park. Picnic beside the peaceful lake, our only distraction being the rare sighting of the three-toed woodpeckers and red-breasted flycatchers hovering overhead. It's then a short transfer to the little village of Borava Lada where we begin our fascinating walk through the Ice Age old peat bogs.
Day 4 Vyssi Brod and No Man's Land (4 1/2hrs / 16kms) First stop today is at the mysterious cloisters of the grand 13C Vyssi Brod monastery, with its 24-carat gold Rocco library (hidden behind a secret door in a bookcase!).Then we hop aboard a train for an exciting 40-minute ride to Dvorak's Devil Rock, where vast granite slabs tumble spectacularly into the Cevtovastena river below. In the afternoon, we head out across the flower filled meadows of the former No Man's Land - the Iron Curtain of old still complete with watchtower and huge lights.
Day 5 Old Trebon and Moravian Telc (3hrs / 12kms) We drive to the start of our walk (1 1/2 hours) in the Stara Reka Nature Reserve, stopping first in Trebon to admire its medieval walls, miniature turrets and beautiful Gothic fountain. Time for a coffee at an authentic kavarna before picking up our trail through 500-year old giant oaks and past the New Widower and Bridegroom fishponds. A chance to spot nesting cormorants, red deer and antelope. It's then across the border into Moravia, and to the fairytale town of Telc - a medieval town "floating" as though enchanted on its own lake.
Day 6 Prodyii National Park (5 1/2hrs / 18kms) A lovely walk today across the ancient and romantic landscape which stretches out beyond Havrinky. The hills are ablaze with spring pasque flowers, violet mullein and crimson carabus. Then on to the Sobes vineyards of Southern Moravia where you have the chance to taste the white Rhines and Reislings, traditional favourites of the Viennese Imperial Court. You can further your discoveries at the chateau-hotel (with private wine cellars) in Valtice where we spend the next two nights.
Day 7 White Carpathian Mountains (4hrs / 15kms) It's real "Sound of Music" scenery today as we pick our way through the orchid-filled meadows of the White Carpathian Mountains (over 42 species to be found!). Spectacular views out across the adjoining plains of Slovakia. Lakeside picnic under the shade of the apricot trees, then a lift along the Slovak border to the open-air village museum in Straznice. In the evening, we take you to a local restaurant for a traditional Moravian evening - Mr Solarik, our convivial host, is more than generous with his home-made fruit brandies. Be warned!
Day 8 Lednice Park and Prague In the morning, we take a gentle walk through the Lednice Park with its impressive colony of night herons, and single pair of bittern. We pass the pinnacles and battlements of the Lichensteins' Gothic home, and the ruined Hansenburg castle. In the early afternoon, we arrive in Prague. It's one of Europe's most beautiful cities and has changed little since Mozart lived there. Prague castle, Wenceslas Square, the old Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge. The list is endless!
Day 9 We take you to the airport for your flight home.
