Stay : The essentials of the Czech Republic in two weeks
A tour for those who have little time but still want to not miss anything of the country's points of interest and travel quietly.
Summary of the stay
Best time to go
14 days
€€ - Charm and comfort
Detail of the stay : The essentials of the Czech Republic in two weeks - 14 days
Day 1: Prague - Staré Město, Josefov
Day 2: Prague - Malá Strana, Hradčany
Day 3: Prague - Vyšehrad, Nove Město
Steps: Prague
Take advantage of the morning to discover the ruins of Vyšehrad, south of the historic center. This place is attributed to the mythical Libuše, the first ruler of Bohemia, who saw the future "glory of Prague " from the terrace of her castle (which can still be visited, despite the fact that it is now in ruins). On the territory of the former palace, the Romantic architects built the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul and the Slavín, the cemetery of the great men and women of the fatherland. In the afternoon, discover the wide avenues and pedestrian areas of Nové Město (New Town). All shopping fans will be in heaven: start, once again, at Republic Square and stroll leisurely along Na přikope, where numerous international stores follow one another.
After a brief stop at the unmissable Wenceslas Square, you can continue on National Street (Narodní). After a short stop at Café Slavia, a former meeting place for intellectuals, head to Charles IV Square, where you can admire Faust's house (which can even be visited by reservation).
PLACE VENCESLAS (VÁCLAVSKÉ NÁMĚSTÍ)
Day 4: Prague - Karlštejn - Plzen
In the morning you will leave for Karlštejn: the most famous castle in Bohemia is an excellent example of late Gothic architecture, complemented by Baroque elements. The town of Karlštejn is overcrowded with tourists, so continue on to Pilsen after the tour. This Czech beer capital is also a pleasant town with many green areas and a beautiful historic centre from the 16th and 18th centuries.
CHÂTEAU-FORT DE KARLŠTEJN (HRAD)
Day 5: Excursion Marianské Lázne - Karlový Vary
Steps: Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně
Pilsen is also a good starting point for exploring the large spa towns in western Bohemia. Start with the small town of Marianské Lázne, made famous by Goethe's elegy dedicated to one of its inhabitants. Continue your itinerary with a visit to Karlový Vary, a medium-sized town in Mediterranean style. Here you can relax in one of the four large thermal baths, which offer a variety of services (from a classic sauna to a massage to an intensive peeling ).
Day 6: Plzen - Česke Budějovice
Steps: České Budějovice
Leave Pilsen and head south to Bohemia, to Česke Budějovice (better known by its German name of Budweis). Known for its historic Renaissance and Baroque center, the city also has one of the most beautiful central squares in the country. It goes without saying that a visit to Budějovice would not be complete without a stop at the brewery that makes the world-renowned Budweiser-Budvar beer.
Day 7: Excursion to Český Krumlov
Thirty kilometers south of Budějovice lies Český Krumlov, the undisputed pearl of the region. Its medieval center, a Unesco World Heritage Site, was once the model for many of Egon Schiele's paintings. Its castle, which dominates the city from afar, is worth a visit. Moreover, all canoe fans will have the opportunity to indulge their passion, especially in the vicinity of Český Krumlov.
Day 8: Česke Budějovice - Telč - Brnó
Depart from Budějovice to Brnó, yet do not forget to stop in the morning at Telč. This small, somewhat deserted village, built around a square, is unique for the consistency of its style and the original beauty of its buildings. It is also a world heritage site, with a 16th century castle. In total opposition, Brnó, the country's second largest city, seems far from the architectural coherence of Telč. But this city, which at first glance may seem industrial and unwelcoming, has many surprises in store: the streets are lively, the city center has recently been restored. Its baroque squares, gothic churches and late 19th century buildings have since appeared in all their splendor.
Day 9: Brnó - excursion to Macocha
Steps: Brno
In the morning, a short walk through Brnó is a must. Go up to Spielberg Castle, whose dungeons are a must for all castle and history buffs (this is the prison where all the supporters of Italian independence, the famous carbonari, were imprisoned during the Austro-Hungarian Empire). In the afternoon you can visit the karst caves and the Macocha chasm ("the stepmother"; named after a wicked mother who wanted to kill her child by throwing him into the chasm...), a true wonder of nature.
CHÂTEAU DE ŠPILBERK (HRAD)
Day 10: Excursion Austerlitz (Slavkov) - Lednice-Valtice
Steps: Slavkov U Brna, Lednice, Valtice
A day of symbolic excursions. In the morning, go 30 km south of Brnó to the small village of Slavkov. Here, a small rococo castle and a monument still commemorate the great events that took place here on December 2, 1805. The Grand Army was stationed in a small town called Austerlitz and in the morning defeated the troops of the Russian and Austrian emperors. Some 40 km to the southeast, the castles of Lednice and Valtice tell the story of a Czech Republic dominated by Austrian nobility, whose most illustrious representatives, the Lobkowitz and Schwarzenbergs, built their fabulous residences.
Day 11: Brnó - Kroměříž
East of Brnó, the village of Kroměříž is best known for its baroque palace and gigantic formal garden. Anyone who has seen enough castles can also take a trip to Zlín, a functionalist utopian town planned and built by the shoe giant Bata, which today has its headquarters in Lausanne, Switzerland.
Day 12: Kroměříž - Olomouc
Steps: Olomouc
North of Kroměříž, the historic city of Olomouc is one of the iconic cities of Moravia. Originally designed around a citadel, it developed in the 18th century. Today, the historic center is its main attraction - not to mention the famous citadel. During the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars, General Lafayette was imprisoned here. Take the time to stop by one or two of the nice cafés in the center. For those who love cheese: Olomouc has the best cheese dairies in the country.
Day 13: Olomouc - Hradec Králove
Steps: Hradec Králové, Pardubice
Travel through the peaceful Moravian landscape to Hradec Králove - the site of the decisive Battle of Sadowa in 1866, when Austrian troops were destroyed by Moltke's Prussian army. A few kilometres to the south, the historic centre of Pardubice is a pleasant stopover with its original houses and terraces.
Day 14: Hradec Králove - Kutná Hora - Prague
Steps: Prague
Take the road back to Prague, but definitely stop halfway in Kutná Hora. Also known as Little Prague, Kutná Hora is beautifully situated on several hills. Born in the 13th century as a center of silver refinement, its listed Gothic town center and dozens of churches, like the spectacular Cathedral of St. Barbara, make it a unique village. Take the highway back to Prague for 40 km.
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