Prague & The Bohemia Region

Today our grand adventure begins. This afternoon you will meet your localhost, your fellow explorers and settle into your new home. We choose comfortable flats/private houses in convenient locations (away from the lively crowds), as we cherish you to enjoy the time you spend home, we desire you to be able to move freely through the city whilst uncovering fewer known quarters. After freshening up, we will go for some drinks to one of our hidden spots, before heading for an included welcome dinner at one of our favourite local restaurants. There you will get to know your new friends (yes, we already call them friends — that is how we roll.) a bit better and indulge yourself with some Czech delicacies! Tonight is all about breaking the ice, sharing, having fun and experiencing your initial encounter with the local cuisine. Our culinary journey will naturally begin with traditional Czech food (We hope you are hungry and thirsty.). Czechia is popularly known for its excellent beer (some of the very best in the world), but don't be naive there is still a lot more to discover. Your first Czech lesson begins today — Vítejte v praze!

Our initial full day in Prague will begin with a nice cup of coffee or tea if you prefer. Remember there will habitually be coffee and tea at our accommodation for you to start the day with the right foot! It is up to you to have breakfast at home (as you will have a fully equipped kitchen and supermarkets nearby) or you can go to one of the numerous cafeterias the city offers. We have many suggestions and the digital map we have provided you with, too.

After breakfast, we will head out and start exploring the Czech Republic capital city. Today we will cover the historical centre, but we will leave the busiest areas for a late-night visit when we can enjoy them at our own pace. We will start with the obvious and recognise the key landmarks, so you know where they are (and understand how important they are when it comes to the history of the city.) and you can then decide what to explore during your free time. What we definitely want to show you today is the fascinating history hiding behind every corner, impressive architecture, our favourite views of the city, the squares, the cobblestoned streets, and the less known spots where only locals go. This will not be your typical walk where you get dates and names that you forget after a couple of hours. It will be a more intimate walk where you will find out what is not on Wikipedia. We desire you to perceive how the history of the city has shaped its culture and reality. We would love you to join us for lunch at our favourite eateries and enjoy some homemade food. The afternoon is free for you to explore further. Prague is walkable, but you can always use the transport card we have given you and take a tram or a bus. What about tonight? Who knows! We appreciate spontaneity. Remember, travel is an art, not a science!

Dobré ráno! Are you prepared for our first Escapade? This day we will be heading out of the city with another local. Hundreds of tourists go to see the famous Karlštejn Castle every day. However, most of them follow a traditional tour and miss the chance to visit the most impressive parts and also forget to enjoy the most scenic view of the castle surrounded by ancient woods. Not only that, but we will visit Karlštejn Village, where our guide’s family settled 100 years ago. To get there, we will enjoy a pleasant train ride from Prague's main railway station, before discovering trails off-the-beaten-path, the castle and other surprises along the way. We will also have the chance to enjoy a quick bite at a local eatery and consider the option to climb the Great Tower (not included). Today we will walk around 10 km, so we will deserve a delicious Czech beer when we get back. Would you like to join us and discover a traditional Czech pub?

Today you will enjoy a free morning. Use it to relax, explore Prague’s old town or maybe go to one of its numerous museums and learn more about this city’s extensive history. In the afternoon, if you desire it, we could explore the settlement of Kutna Hora. A train ride away, this town with 20.000 inhabitants is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It might be its impressive cathedral, the dark ossuary of Sedlec or the fact that it rivalled Prague itself during the middle ages. Kutna Hora will not leave you indifferent. Some stories regarding the black death and a rezané (mix of light and dark lagers) with delicious Hermelin cheese might complete our wander about this fascinating little town.

It’s time to cycle! One of our favourite ways to discover cities is by bike and Prague remain not the exception. We suggest hopping on a bike (there are limitless options here.) and go explore Prague 7, Stromovka Park, Letna and enjoy the architecture, views of the city and green spaces. Today we will be gaining our energy from delicious Vietnamese food. Yes, you read well — Prague has one of the largest Vietnamese communities in Europe, called Little Hanoi. Therefore, some of the best Vietnamese food on the continent. Let’s get our favourite dish and either enjoy it in the restaurant or maybe at the park, whilst witnessing this stunning city.

What about escaping out of Prague one more time? If you desire it, we suggest going to Český Krumlov. This UNESCO World Heritage Town will instantly transport you to a world of myths, fairies and legends. Apart from its undeniable charm, this settlement in Southern Bohemia remains an outstanding example of a small Central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over the centuries. This feudal town, a former centre of a vast estate owned by powerful noble families who played a relevant role in the political, economic and cultural history of Central Europe, was founded in the Middle Ages and underwent Renaissance and Baroque transformations. We will start early, as a 3-hour bus ride (each way) awaits us, but do not hesitate, it is totally worth the trip!

Today we will not be leaving the city, but we will be changing eras. It’s time to absorb a bit more about Czechia’s dark past, and there is no better way than with someone that has experienced it. Aleš, our guide today, has a unique view and knowledge of the Czech Republic and tragic Prague history in the Communist era, especially the infamous StB (State Security). What was it comparable to grow up during this time? He will narrate stories and fates of people experiencing repression, and we will visit the famous Bartholomew Street, which was home to the political headquarters of StB, as well as other sites. This controversial tour organized by a company that works with people that have experienced homelessness, so you will not only learn some relevant facts during communism, but you will be giving something back to the community.

We will be having an early farewell dinner this evening (no need to mention it will be in one of our personal favourites) because tonight we are attending a secret jazz concert (well, it is not that secret anymore.). This will be a sound way to put an end to a week of discovery and unfamiliar experiences!

Today we experience that sour-sweet feeling. It is certainly sad saying goodbye, but it is great knowing we have met people from various corners of the world. This morning we leave our home for the past week while getting ready for our upcoming adventures or heading back home. Please let us know if we can help you somehow.

Our last Czech lesson for now: Uvidíme se pozdeji!