Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive in
Prague, settle in, and take a gentle introductory stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge.
Morning
Arrival and Hotel Check-in
Arrive at Václav Havel Airport
Prague (PRG). Take the efficient Airport Express bus or a taxi to your accommodation in the city center. Settle in and get your bearings.
2-3 hours
$25-40 (transport)
Pre-book airport transfer or buy a public transport ticket at the airport.
Lunch
Lokál Dlouhááá
Traditional Czech
Mid-range
Afternoon
Charles Bridge & Lesser Town Exploration
Walk across the historic Charles Bridge, admiring the Baroque statues and views of
Prague Castle. Wander into the charming Lesser Town (Malá Strana), exploring its cobbled lanes, wall at the John Lennon Wall, and the grand St. Nicholas Church.
3-4 hours
$0 (walking), $5 (church entry)
Evening
Welcome Dinner in the Old Town
Enjoy a classic Czech meal at U Modré Kachničky (The Blue Duckling) for a cozy, old-world atmosphere.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town (Staré Město) or New Town (Nové Město) (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Central location puts you within walking distance of major attractions for your first days.
For the best photos of Charles Bridge without the crowds, visit at sunrise.
Day 1 Budget: $120
Explore the world's largest ancient castle complex and walk the historic Royal Route down to the Old Town Square.
Morning
Take the tram up to
Prague Castle. Explore the grounds with a Circuit B ticket, which includes St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Golden Lane. Don't miss the changing of the guard at noon.
4-5 hours
$15 (ticket)
Buy tickets online to skip the main ticket office queue.
Lunch
U Zlaté Hrušky
Modern Czech
Mid-range
Afternoon
Royal Route Walk
Walk the historic path of coronation processions from the castle. Descend Nerudova Street, past the Baroque Church of Our Lady Victorious (Infant Jesus of
Prague), across Charles Bridge, and through Karlova Street to the Old Town Square.
2-3 hours
$0
Evening
Astronomical Clock & Dinner
Watch the Astronomical Clock's procession on the hour, then dine at the historic U Prince Terrace for impressive square views (book ahead).
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town (Staré Město) (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Well located for evening ambiance in the historic heart.
For a free, spectacular view of the castle, walk up to the Letná Park beer garden.
Day 2 Budget: $110
Look into the profound history of the Jewish Quarter and experience
Prague's artistic side.
Morning
Visit the poignant sites of the former Jewish Ghetto, including the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Klausen and Maisel Synagogues, and the beautiful Spanish Synagogue. The tickets are combined for all sites.
3-4 hours
$20
Purchase tickets online to guarantee entry, in high season.
Lunch
Bistro Špejle
Czech tapas/skewers
Budget
Afternoon
Municipal House & Art Nouveau
Admire the pinnacle of
Prague's Art Nouveau architecture at the Municipal House (Obecní dům). Take a guided tour of its impressive interiors, including the Smetana Hall. Then, stroll past other Art Nouveau gems like the Hotel Europa.
2 hours
$12 (tour)
Check tour times in advance.
Evening
Classical Concert
Attend a classical music concert in one of the historic venues like the Rudolfinum or a chapel in the Lesser Town.
Where to Stay Tonight
Old Town (Staré Město) (Hotel or boutique guesthouse)
Close to both the Jewish Quarter and concert venues.
The Pinkas Synagogue, part of the Jewish Museum, has walls inscribed with the names of 80,000 Holocaust victims from Bohemia and Moravia—a deeply moving experience.
Day 3 Budget: $130
Travel south to the UNESCO-listed gem of Český Krumlov and explore its charming historic core.
Morning
Travel to Český Krumlov
Take a direct bus (e.g., RegioJet or FlixBus) from
Prague's Na Knížecí or ÚAN Florenc station. The scenic journey through the South Bohemian countryside takes about 3 hours.
3-3.5 hours
$10-15
Book bus tickets online a few days in advance, in summer.
Lunch
Krčma v Šatlavské
Medieval-style Czech, grilled meats
Mid-range
Afternoon
Český Krumlov Castle & Gardens
Check into your hotel and head straight to the magnificent castle. Tour the interiors, walk across the unique Cloak Bridge, and explore the large Baroque gardens with its revolving auditorium.
3 hours
$12 (castle tour)
The Castle Tower offers the best panoramic views of the town.
Evening
Dinner by the Vltava
Enjoy a meal with a view of the river and castle at Papa's Living Restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center of Český Krumlov (Pension or boutique hotel)
To be immersed in the captivating atmosphere of the old town, within easy walking distance of everything.
For a unique perspective, rent a raft or canoe and paddle a gentle stretch of the Vltava River that loops around the town.
Day 4 Budget: $110
A day trip to the 'Czech Windsor' and leisurely exploration of Český Krumlov's lanes.
Morning
Trip to Hluboká Castle
Take a local bus (about 1 hour) to the town of Hluboká nad Vltavou. Visit Hluboká Castle, a impressive 19th-century Neo-Gothic palace inspired by England's Windsor Castle, set in beautiful parkland.
4 hours (round trip + visit)
$10 (transport + castle entry)
Check bus schedules in advance as services can be infrequent.
Lunch
Restaurace U Zlaté Hvězdy in Hluboká
Czech
Budget
Afternoon
Český Krumlov Free Exploration
Return to Český Krumlov and lose yourself in its labyrinth of cobblestone streets. Visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, browse local artisan shops for garnet jewelry, or simply enjoy a coffee in a riverside cafe.
2-3 hours
$5-10 (museum entry or coffee)
Evening
Traditional Tavern Evening
Experience a hearty meal and local beer at the rustic and popular Nonna Gina.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center of Český Krumlov (Pension or boutique hotel)
Another night to soak in the fairytale atmosphere.
Visit the Minorite Monastery complex for a peaceful escape from the main tourist streets; it often hosts small exhibitions and has a lovely cloister.
Day 5 Budget: $95
Travel to the city that gave its name to a beer style and take a look at into brewing history.
Morning
Travel to Plzeň
Take a direct bus or train from Český Krumlov to Plzeň. The journey takes approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Store your luggage at the station or hotel upon arrival.
3 hours
$10-15
Trains may require a change; buses are often more direct. Book ahead.
Lunch
Na Spilce
Czech
Mid-range
Afternoon
Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
Take the legendary brewery tour. You'll see the modern bottling plant, historic brewhouse, and most importantly, descend into the historic cellars for an unfiltered, unpasteurized tasting straight from an oak lager barrel.
2.5 hours
$20
Book your tour time online well in advance; they sell out.
Evening
Explore Republic Square
Admire the Gothic St. Bartholomew's Cathedral and the Renaissance Town Hall on the main square. Have dinner at Anděl Restaurant & Cafe.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center near Republic Square (náměstí Republiky) (Hotel)
Plzeň is a functional city; staying central makes exploring easy.
For beer ensoiasts, also visit the small but excellent Brewery Museum located in an original medieval malt house to learn about brewing before industrialization.
Day 6 Budget: $105
Experience the elegant grandeur of the most famous Czech spa town, known for its thermal springs and colonnades.
Morning
Travel to Karlovy Vary
Take a direct bus or train from Plzeň to Karlovy Vary. The journey takes about 1.5 to 2 hours. The bus often drops you closer to the spa colonnades.
2 hours
$8-12
Buses are generally more convenient for this route.
Lunch
Restaurace Promenáda
International/Czech with a view
Mid-range
Afternoon
Colonnade Crawl & Moser Museum
Walk the Teplá River valley, tasting the hot, mineral-rich water from different ornate colonnades like the Mill Colonnade and the modern Hot Spring Colonnade. Visit the Moser Museum to see world-well-known Bohemian crystal being made.
3-4 hours
$10 (Moser Museum)
Buy a traditional porcelain sipping cup (lázeňský pohár) to taste the springs properly.
Evening
Dinner with a View
Take the funicular up to the Diana Lookout Tower for sunset, then dine at the restaurant there or back in town at the grand Grandhotel Pupp.
Where to Stay Tonight
Near the Hot Spring Colonnade (Spa hotel or pension)
To be in central the spa district, allowing for easy morning walks.
Spring #13 (Vřídlo) is the hottest and most powerful; the taste is an acquired one! Start with milder springs like #4 (Charles IV Spring).
Day 7 Budget: $120
Visit a dramatic castle perched on a rock before traveling east to the energetic capital of Moravia.
Morning
Trip to Loket Castle
Take a short 20-minute bus ride to the scenic town of Loket nad Ohří. Explore the impressive 12th-century Gothic castle dramatically situated on a rocky promontory surrounded by the Ohře River.
3 hours (round trip + visit)
$10 (transport + castle entry)
Check bus return times to Karlovy Vary in advance.
Lunch
Restaurace U Bílého koně in Loket
Czech
Budget
Afternoon
Travel to Brno
Return to Karlovy Vary and take a direct train or bus to Brno. The journey is the longest transit so far, taking approximately 3.5 to 4 hours through the scenic Bohemian-Moravian Highlands.
4 hours
$15-20
Trains are comfortable for this longer journey; consider booking a seat reservation.
Evening
Brno First Impressions
Check into your hotel and take an evening stroll through the busy Freedom Square (náměstí Svobody), perhaps trying the local Brno specialty of 'burčák' (young wine) if in season.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center near Freedom Square or the Old Town (Design hotel or apartment)
Brno is a walkable city with a great cafe and nightlife scene; staying central is key.
In Brno, don't miss the quirky astronomical clock on Freedom Square—it shoots out a glass marble at 11 AM (not noon!) daily.
Day 8 Budget: $100
Discover Brno's 20th-century architectural masterpieces and its imposing hilltop castle.
Morning
Villa Tugendhat
Take a guided tour of Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a masterpiece of modernist architecture by Ludwig Mies van der Rohe. The tour explains the revolutionary design and the fascinating history of its owners.
2 hours
$20 (guided tour mandatory)
Book tickets online months in advance; they are extremely limited.
Lunch
Stopkova Plzeňská Pivnice
Czech pub food
Budget
Afternoon
Špilberk Castle & Cathedral
Walk up to Špilberk Castle, once a feared prison. Explore the museum or just enjoy the panoramic views. Then, visit the Gothic Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul on Petrov hill, a city symbol.
3 hours
$8 (castle museum)
Evening
Dinner in the Old Town
Experience Brno's colorful dining scene at Koishi for excellent Asian fusion or Lokál U Caipla for Czech classics in a lively setting.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center (Design hotel or apartment)
Continue enjoying the convenience and atmosphere of central Brno.
For a great free view of the city and cathedral, go to the terrace next to the Bishop's Court (Biskupský dvůr) on Petrov hill.
Day 9 Budget: $115
Venture north to explore the impressive limestone cave systems and the Macocha Abyss.
Morning
Travel to Punkva Caves
Take a train from Brno hlavní nádraží to Blansko (30 min), then a local bus to the Skalní mlýn visitor center for the Moravian Karst Protected Landscape Area.
1.5 hours
$8 (transport)
Check train and connecting bus schedules carefully. Arrive early.
Lunch
Restaurace U Macochy at the visitor center
Czech
Budget
Afternoon
Punkva Caves & Macocha Abyss Boat Ride
Take the guided tour through the Punkva Caves, which includes a walk through magnificent stalactite chambers and a unique boat ride on an underground river, culminating in a view up the vast Macocha Gorge from inside.
3 hours (including wait time)
$15 (cave tour)
Tours are in Czech but with printed translations. In peak season, be prepared for queues; consider pre-booking online.
Evening
Return to Brno & Relax
Return to Brno and enjoy a relaxed dinner at a local pub like Pivní Burza, where beer prices fluctuate based on demand.
Where to Stay Tonight
City Center, Brno (Design hotel or apartment)
Final night in Brno after a tiring but rewarding day trip.
If you have time before your cave tour, take the chairlift from the top of Macocha Abyss down to the river for a different perspective.
Day 10 Budget: $100
Travel to the scenic town of Mikulov, the capital of the Moravian wine region, located under a castle-topped hill.
Morning
Travel to Mikulov & Check-in
Take a direct bus from Brno's ÚAN Zvonařka station to Mikulov. The journey takes about 50 minutes through rolling vineyard hills. Check into your hotel, ideally a wine-focused guesthouse.
1.5 hours
$6
Buses are frequent; no need to book far ahead.
Lunch
Templářské Sklepy
Moravian, with local wine
Mid-range
Afternoon
Mikulov Castle & Holy Hill
Visit the Dietrichstein family castle, now the Regional Museum with excellent exhibits on wine culture. Then, take a short hike up to the Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill) for commanding views over the town, vineyards, and to Austria.
3 hours
$8 (castle museum)
Evening
Wine Tasting in the Town Square
Sample excellent local wines like Pálava or Frankovka at a wine bar like Vinařské centrum or directly at a family-run winery (arrange in advance).
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center of Mikulov (Wine hotel or guesthouse (penzion))
To be steps away from the charming square, restaurants, and wine bars.
Visit the Jewish cemetery and the historic synagogue for a poignant look into the region's rich Jewish history, which was largely erased in WWII.
Day 11 Budget: $110
Explore the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice culture, a vast area of palaces, gardens, and romantic follies.
Morning
Travel to Lednice
Take a local bus from Mikulov to Lednice (about 30-40 minutes). The bus drops you near the spectacular Lednice Castle.
1 hour
$4
Check return bus times or consider renting bicycles for the day to explore the area freely.
Lunch
Restaurace U Tří Čápů in Lednice
Czech/Moravian
Mid-range
Afternoon
Lednice Castle & Minaret
Tour the extravagant 19th-century Neo-Gothic Lednice Castle, known as the "Garden of Europe." Then, walk or take a boat through the park to the 60-meter tall Minaret for a unique view over the ponds and parkland.
3-4 hours
$12 (castle tour) + $4 (Minaret entry)
Rent a bicycle to easily visit other follies like the Janohrad castle ruin or the Apollo Temple.
Evening
Return to Mikulov for Dinner
Return to Mikulov and enjoy a final wine-country dinner at Hotel Galant's restaurant.
Where to Stay Tonight
Historic Center of Mikulov (Wine hotel or guesthouse (penzion))
Your base for exploring the South Moravian region.
If you have energy, the 10km walk or bike ride between Lednice and Valtice through the parkland is beautiful and passes several follies.
Day 12 Budget: $105
Visit a fascinating open-air folk museum before making your way back to the capital for your final night.
Morning
Strážnice Open-Air Museum
Take a bus from Mikulov to Strážnice (approx. 1.5 hours with a change). Visit the National Institute of Folk Culture and its superb open-air museum (skanzen), showing traditional Moravian village architecture from different sub-regions.
3 hours (including travel)
$10 (transport + museum)
Check bus connections carefully; taxis are an alternative.
Lunch
Restaurace U Synků in Strážnice
Moravian
Budget
Afternoon
Travel from Strážnice to
Prague. This requires a bus/train to Brno or Břeclav, then a direct train to
Prague. It's a longer travel day (approx. 4 hours total).
4-4.5 hours
$25-30
Book the fast train (RegioJet or ČD) from Brno to
Prague in advance for best prices and comfort.
Evening
Enjoy a final, memorable Czech dinner. Try Field Restaurant for a Michelin-starred experience or U Fleků for a historic, rambunctious beer hall atmosphere.
Where to Stay Tonight
Prague 1 (Old Town, New Town) (Hotel)
Convenient for your departure the next day and a final taste of Prague's energy.
If the travel from Strážnice seems too complex, skip it and take a direct train from Břeclav (near Lednice) to
Prague, giving yourself a relaxed final afternoon in the capital.
Day 13 Budget: $130
Final explorations, souvenir shopping, and departure from
Prague.
Morning
Last Explorations & Shopping
Use your final hours to revisit a favorite spot, stroll through the Havelské Tržiště market for souvenirs, or visit the Mucha Museum if you're an Art Nouveau fan. Pick up some Becherovka liqueur or Bohemian crystal as gifts.
2-3 hours
$0-50 (shopping)
Lunch
Café Louvre
Czech/French cafe
Mid-range
Afternoon
Transfer to Airport
Check out of your hotel and take the Airport Express bus, a taxi, or pre-booked transfer to Václav Havel Airport
Prague (PRG) for your flight home.
1 hour
$25-40
Allow plenty of time for airport check-in and security.
Evening
Departure
Flight home.
Where to Stay Tonight
N/A (N/A)
Departure day.
If you have a late flight, many larger train stations (like Hlavní nádraží) and shopping malls have luggage lockers where you can store bags for the day.
Day 14 Budget: $80