Czech Republic Hiking and Cultural Tour In the very heart of Europe there is a lovely little country boasting of unique cultural and historic sites and endless natural beauty. The Czech Republic is a realm of castles, châteaux and enchanting medieval towns, a land of vast mountains and crystal clear rivers. Paths lead us through the noble landscape of the Lednice-Valtice area, often nicknamed the Garden of Europe, the town of Telc with its matchless Renaissance square, and the medieval town of Cesky Krumlov with its incredibly wellpreserved historic buildings and a complicated layout of winding narrow streets. The climax of this tour is the magnificent city of Prague one of Europe s and the world s most beautiful cities. Day 1. Vienna Southern Moravia. Hotel Hranici Zamecek in Hlohovec (http://www.hranicnizamecek.com/ 011 420 519 354 354 / private bath) We are picked up at our hotel in Vienna by our guide and driver and then transferred to Hlohovec in the Czech Republic. The drive passes by endless vineyards through the undulating landscape of lower Austria, crossing the Czech Republic border in Mikulov. This frontier town established its glory due to the Dietrichstein Baroque Château and the Dietrichstein family tomb. The town once housed one of the largest Jewish communities in Moravia and was the seat of the chief Moravian rabbi. Our first stop is Valtice, a gorgeous little town chosen by the House of Liechtenstein for their residence in the 17 th century. We have time here to see the majestic Liechtenstein Palace and the lofty Baroque Church of the Assumption. After lunch we enjoy the beauty of the UNESCO-protected Lednice-Valtice Complex. Waking through this quiet park, enjoy exotic arbors, pavilions and a number of Romantic sights including the Rajsna Watchtower which overlooks the entire area; the Temple of Diana, a former hunting lodge resembling a triumphal arch; the Temple of the Three Graces and St. Hubert Chapel. The monuments were built continuously over a period of 300 years and were designed by the most prominent architects of the times. In the evening we relax at our welcome dinner. 2-hour transfer Walk in the Lednice-Valtice Complex [up to 4 miles, 3 hours, flat] Day 2. Straznice White Carpathians Mikulov. Hotel Hranici Zamecek (http://www.hranicnizamecek.com/ 011 420 519 354 354 / private bath) In the morning we drive to the open-air village museum in Straznice for a glimpse of traditional Moravian life of the 19 th Century. Accompanied by a local expert, we inspect the picturesque wooden houses with their old-fashioned thatched roofs, wine cellars, a smithy, and a water-powered sawmill. We also visit the museum shop with its collection of traditional, hand-made works of art and objects of daily use of the forgotten life-style of the rural areas of southern Moravia. This cultural experience is followed by a pleasant hike in the lower parts of the White Carpathians, the mountains which form the border between the Czech Republic and Slovakia. We walk through orchid-filled meadows in this smoothly folded terrain, with majestic old oaks scattered here and there. During the hike we relish the peaceful surroundings of a small fishpond and stop to see an ancient, yet fully functional wooden windmill. The day wraps up in a cozy wine cellar in Mikulov where we enjoy a traditional dinner and wine tasting while being entertained by local musicians playing Moravian folk music. 2-1/2 hour transfer Walk in the White Carpathians [up to 7 miles, 4 hours, 1100 feet of elevation change Day 3. Lednice Podyji National Park Telc. Hotel U Hrabenky (http://www.hoteluhrabenky.cz/en/ / 011 420 567 578 551 / private bath) We begin the day with a drive to the remarkable national park of Podyji. This remarkable landscape is a highly protected area with communities of precious plants and animals, an island of forgotten peace among the civilized countryside. We walk through fields and forests to the ruins of Novy Hradek, once a dreaded frontier castle, learn interesting facts about the medieval fortification system and take in the breathtaking views of the Dyje River meandering in the deep canyon below. Close to the Austrian border, we learn about the oppression of the Communist Era as we visit the
remnants of the Iron Curtain in the nearby village of Cizov. We then drive to the town of Telc with its spectacular square adorned with well-preserved Renaissance and Baroque houses with their high gables and arcades. Since the Thirty Years War (1618-1648) there has been practically no construction on this 16 th century square, named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. 2-1/2 hour transfer Hike in Podyji National Park [8 miles, 5 hours, 1,000 feet of elevation gain/loss] Day 4. Telc Trebon Cesky Krumlov. Hotel Grand Cesky Krumlov (http://hotelgrand.cz/en/index.php 011 420 380 711 671 / private bath) Our day begins with an optional pre-breakfast walk around the fishponds which surround the historical center of Telc. After breakfast we admire the skills and craftsmanship of the builders and artists of the foregone days at the Telc Château. Although the original 14 th century building was Gothic, later owners invited Italian artists to make it a fine example of Renaissance architecture. The chateau is filled with ancient armors and arms, Renaissance paintings and other works of art as well as trophies brought back by the last owners from their travels to exotic countries. After a one-hour drive, we set out for a walk through the Trebon Lake District. The international importance of the man-made fishponds and lakes of this area is acknowledged by its status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. The countryside alternates with meadows, woods, fields and especially lakes and is an excellent example of a healthy and harmonic relationship between man and nature. The walk continues along Rozmberk, the largest fishpond in the country designed in the 16th century by Jakub Krcin. A scenic path lined with 500 year-old oaks on each side of the ancient dike leads to the picnic place where a table groaning under the weight of our sumptuous lunch awaits. The walk concludes in the lovely southern Bohemian town of Trebon, synonymous with the fishing industry. Noted for its medieval square and a Renaissance palace, we also stop at the Regent brewery founded as early as 1379. Finally, we conclude the day with a drive to the town of Cesky Krumlov, a real gem of the Czech Republic and a highlight of our tour. 2-1/2 hour transfer Hike through the Trebon Lake District [6 miles, 3 hours, flat] Day 5. Cesky Krumlov. Hotel Grand Cesky Krumlov (http://hotel-grand.cz/en/index.php / 011 420 380 711 671 / private bath) Cesky Krumlov is unique architectural and urban complex with a well-preserved medieval layout. On the UNESCO list of the world s natural and cultural places, the town has a distinctive atmosphere with its countless winding streets lined with ancient Gothic and Renaissance buildings. We begin walking this morning to Cesky Krumlov Castle, the second largest castle and château complex in the Czech Republic. Built gradually since the 13 th century it is comprised of several architectural styles. It once was the main residence of the Rosenbergs, one of the most powerful noble families of the Czech Kingdom who spent their fortune to make this place a jewel among cities. The second stop is the unique Baroque theater, the only example of its kind in Central Europe. The theater has been preserved in its entirety, including the wooden machinery and rope system for changing the stage. There is free time today after lunch to continue exploring the many remaining treasures of this town or to pay a visit to its plentiful museums and galleries. Highly recommended is the Egon Schiele Art Center displaying works of this master as well as those of Salvador Dali. In the evening choose from various evening programs in theaters and concert halls, or experience a guided night walk through undiscovered places with enchanting views of the beautiful town by night. Walk through Cesky Krumlov [1-1/2 hours, 2-1/2 miles, flat] Day 6. Vissy Brod Monastery Sumava National Park. Hotel Grand Cesky Krumlov (http://hotelgrand.cz/en/index.php 011 420 380 711 671 / private bath) We drive this morning in the direction of Vyssi Brod along the Vltava River, considered to be the national river of the Czech Republic. In Vyssi Brod we visit a magnificent Gothic monastery where monks have prayed and worked for more than 700 years. Accompanied by one of the monks, we learn the history of the Cistercian monastic order and the Rosenberg family. We walk through the majestic Gothic church, admiring its impressive bearing structure, richly decorated altar and the Rozumberks Shrine. We proceed to the Rococo library with thousands of valuable books and manuscripts resting in engraved bookcases decorated with 24-carat gold, and finally enter a
gallery displaying famous Gothic pictures painted mostly by the Dutch masters. The afternoon walk offers captivating views of the town, monastery, and above all the undulating landscape of the Sumava National Park. Continue the walk on a traditional pilgrimage route learning about the life of Jesus from the descriptive Stations of the Cross, relax for a while in the surroundings of a tiny church at the summit and continue through the peaceful scenery back to the awaiting vehicle. Back in Cesky Krumlov we have dinner in a local medieval restaurant. 1-1/2 hour transfer Walk [6 miles, 3 hours, 1200 feet of elevation gain/loss] Day 7. Cesky Krumlov Prague. Clarion Hotel Prague Old Town (http://www.clarionhotelpragueoldtown.com/en/ / 011 420 296 398 100 / private bath) We head north today to Prague with a lunch stop in an elegant restaurant in Pruhonice, Upon arrival in Prague we begin the city tour of the major highlight sites, churches and palaces of this most gorgeous city in Europe. Rightfully inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List, Prague reveals her charm and beauty and is a fitting crown to our entire trip. The tour begins at the Prague Castle, founded as early as the 9th century and the center of Czech statehood for almost 11 centuries. Within the castle complex, we admire the splendor and hugeness of St. Vitas Cathedral with its spires reaching high to the sky. Continue through the Golden Lane lined with its picturesque little houses, where alchemists once struggled to make gold. The peaceful English-style Garden on the Ramparts leads to the Lesser Quarter, well-known for its aristocratic palaces and above all for St. Nicolas Church, a gem among Baroque sights worldwide. Appreciate its intricately curved masonry and a variety of frescoes and statues. From here it is a stone s throw to the illustrious Charles Bridge which is highly valued for its historical significance and for its 30 Baroque statues on both sides. On the opposite bank of the Vltava River, wind through narrow streets of the Old Town emerging in front of the Astronomical Clock, where the twelve apostles appear every hour in two small windows of the clock. Our Czech experience concludes with a farewell dinner served in an elegant restaurant on Petrin Hill with the sun setting on Prague below. 3-hour transfer Walking tour of Prague (4 miles, 3 hours, flat) Day 8. Departure from Prague Our tour ends after breakfast today. Trip Details Trip Type: Inn to Inn Trip Length: 8 days / 7 nights 2015 Departure Dates: June 30-July 7, September 6-13 Price: $2898 per person double occupancy with a minimum group size of 4 (can confirm the trip with 3 for a $525 per person surcharge) Single Supplement: $425 Group Size: Minimum 3 / Maximum 12 Trip Rating: Easy Activities: Hiking and Sightseeing Gateway City: Vienna, Austria Meeting Time & Place: Vienna Airport at 10:00 a.m. or at selected city center hotel at 10:30 a.m. Trip Conclusion: at the Clarion Hotel in Prague after breakfast on Day 8 Trip Fees Include: All meals (lunch on Day 1 through Breakfast on Day 8), 7 nights accommodation, activities as specified in the itinerary, all transportation as specified in the itinerary, and the services of an English-speaking guide (2 guides if nine or more guests) and driver throughout the trip.
Trip Fees Exclude: airport transfer at the end of the trip, [air travel, travel insurance, any accommodation or travel costs before or after the tour, gratuities, laundry or minibar items at hotels, and other items of a personal nature. The Next Step References Don t take our word for it that The World Outdoors trips are the finest in the adventure travel industry. Ask our past guests. Call about any of our trips and we ll be happy to refer you to someone who s been there with us. The Best Value in Active Travel Guarantee: We commit to you that all of our trips are of the highest quality at the best value. If you find a trip of equal quality that matches our itinerary and inclusions at a lower fare within 30 days of booking your trip with us, we will gladly refund the difference. A simple guarantee that assures you of the best trip at the best fare! How do I join this trip? Call The World Outdoors at (800) 488-8483 and a Trip Consultant will reserve your space(s) or register online at www.theworldoutdoors.com. Your travel agent can also book your trip at no extra cost and provide other helpful assistance. Special Requests: If you have any special dietary needs or any special request that will make your trip more enjoyable, please be sure to notify your Trip Consultant or travel agent upon booking. Then Leave the Rest to Us... Before you go, we provide you with extensive pre-departure information, including your reservation payment receipt and confirmation, travel insurance application, suggestions for preparing for your trip, a packing list, information on pre- and post-trip arrangements, a guest questionnaire and a liability release agreement. Travel Protection: To make your trip with The World Outdoors even more carefree, we strongly recommend the purchase of our travel insurance plan. Offering comprehensive coverage and peace of mind, our travel insurance plan is designed to protect you in case of lost or damaged luggage, a sudden illness or death in the family, emergency medical expenses and transportation costs, and flight delays. We d be happy to arrange travel insurance coverage for you, so contact us at (800) 488-8483 with any questions. How do I book airfare for this trip? Call our in-house travel agent, Sherry Malanify, at 800-488-8483 from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time Monday through Friday or you can email her at sherrym@theworldoutdoors.com. Sherry is also available to assist you with pre- and post-lodging needs. If Sherry is unavailable and your needs are urgent, please call James TravelPoints, a local travel agency, at 800-538-7461 and ask for Georgia (ext 251) or email her at GeorgiaT@travelpoints.com. Be sure to tell her you are traveling with The World Outdoors. Alternatively, you are welcome to book your airfare online, directly with the airline or through your personal travel agent. General Information, Questions & Answers What weather conditions can I expect? In early July typical highs are in the upper 70s and lows are in the upper 50s. September has typical highs in the upper 60s and lows around 50. July gets 2-1/2 inches of rain for the month on average while September gets less than 2 inches. How difficult is this trip...really? This is a relatively easy trip suitable for guests that are comfortable with walks of up to seven miles with not much elevation change. Tour Operator: This tour is conducted by ETours Travel, a local Czech tour operator selected by The World Outdoors for their reputation, service and reliability. Emergency Contact Information: Our office in Boulder, Colorado is open Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Mountain Time 1-800-488-8483. For emergencies outside of our normal business hours call Bill Marriner at 720-289-0460, Sherry Malanify at 303-915-9660, or Eric Wagner at 303-324-7795. ETours Travel can be reached at 011 420 571 151 613 during working hours or by email at jiri@etours.cz. After hours please call 011 420 603 180 400. Passport & Visa Requirements: Visitors need a passport that is valid for at least three months after the date of your arrival. You should always carry your passport with you during your visit. It is also wise to make a photocopy of your passport and keep it separate from the original. For citizens of the United States and most western countries no visa is required for entry. Money: The Czech Republic uses the Euro as its official currency. The Euro is divided into 100 cents. There are coins or one, two, five, 10, 20 and 50 cents, as well as 1 and 2 Euro. The notes come in denominations of 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 200 and 500 Euro. The best exchange rates are generally obtained at banks and it is easy to purchase Euros at ATMs on the street. Medical Information: The Czech Republic poses no serious threats to health and excellent medical facilities exist. No immunizations are required but it is always wise to make sure routine vaccinations such as polio (usually administered during childhood) and tetanus and diphtheria (usually administered together and updated every 10 years) are up to date.
Food & Water: Tap water and ice are safe to drink throughout the country but bottled water is always readily available as well. The food in the Czech Republic is excellent fresh produce is readily available. We're Always Improving! While the information presented here details this trip's planned activities, routes, accommodations, departure and conclusion times, we are consistently seeking new opportunities to enhance this itinerary and your experience. Our actual activities and sites may vary due to season, special events, or weather. As a result, we reserve the right to alter the itinerary since unforeseen circumstances that mandate change may arise. Naturally, we will keep you up-to-date on any changes that may affect your arrival or departure times.