Group Tour Operator for holidays to Prague, Czech Republic

Depart the UK

Travel to Dover for the short sea ferry crossing to Calais. Drive through France and into Germany for an overnight stop in the Rhine Valley area. Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Travel to Prague

Depart after breakfast for the onward journey through Germany and into the Czech Republic and on to Prague for the next 5 nights. After check-in the rest of the evening is at leisure.  Dinner is included at the hotel.

Prague Sightseeing

Meet up with a local guide for a city tour which will show you the highlights of the city.  Straddling the River Vlatva, the ‘Golden City’ of Prague is full of architectural gems and contrasts.  You will see the area of Prague Castle and the immense St. Vitus’ Cathedral, set on a hilltop in the medieval quarter, the Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica, Charles Bridge, State Opera House and National Theatre.  There is Staremesto Square in the Old Town with the Tyn Cathedral, St. Nicholas’ Church and the Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock.  Then its on to Wenceslas Square in the centre of modern Prague, with its shops, bars, restaurants and cafes and stunning Art Nouveau buildings.

Another architectural marvel is the ultra-modern Dancing House, also known as the Nationale-Nederlanden building (or Fred and Ginger after the dancers of the same name). It has an unusual curved design representing two dancers which is especially striking in the city centre because it is a modern building surrounded by historic architecture. The top floor of the Dancing House is open to the public and is home to one of the city’s leading restaurants: the Ginger and Fred Restaurant, which has far reaching views over the Vltava River and beyond.

A must for a visit to Prague is a leisurely walk over Charles Bridge which connects the Old Town with Malá Strana. If you arrive at dawn, you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy a glorious sunrise over the city or take a leisurely cruise on the river.  Optional river cruises are also recommended.

Return to the hotel for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Royal Mělník  and Winetasting

Dating back to the 9th century, Mělník is a beautiful town situated north of Prague on a prominent hill above the confluence of the rivers Vlatva and Labe, and is the second home of the 13th century Bohemian Queens. An interesting town steeped in history and a favourite with the royals that was bequeathed by the Czech king to the queen.

Discover the ornate interiors of Mělník Castle and marvel at the incredible Baroque masterpieces and taste wine in the medieval cellars.  The castle is built in the Renaissance style and below the castle there are large wine cellars. Confiscated by the communists, it has been restored to its traditional owners, the House of Lobkowicz.  Mělník is the wine-producing capital of Bohemia and production has taken place there for centuries, and each autumn, the town hosts a special festival to honour the tradition.

The Cathedral of St. Petr and St. Pavel is also a dominating feature in Mělník.  Originally built in the 11th century but renovated and extended in the 14 and 15th centuries, the church of Saints Peter and Paul has stood alongside the fortress and castle since the time of Bohemia’s legendary Premyslid kings.

Return to Prague for dinner and an evening at leisure.

Pilsner Brewery and Nizbor Glass

An excursion to discover two of the most famous Czech products – beer and glass! First to Pilsen in Western Bohemia and the Prazdroj Brewery, where beer has been brewed since 1295.  A tour of the brewery will show you how the beer was and is currently brewed including a visit to the museum and a beer tasting.

Then its on to Nizbor, the most famous glass factory in Bohemia, situated on the Berounka river. On a tour of the factory you will learn the history of Bohemian glass production and see craftsmen and craftswomen at work.  There is also the opportunity to make purchases of the glass products before returning to Prague.  Dinner is at the hotel this evening.

Karlstejn and Konopistě Castles

During this full day excursion you will visit two unique gems among the many castles in the Czech Republic which lie in the vicinity of Prague.  First, Konopistě Castle, built in the 14th century as a hunting castle and rebuilt in the 19th century, it houses a fascinating collection of historical weapons, furniture, paintings and tapestries. It has become famous as the last residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria, heir to the Austro-Hungarian throne, whose assassination in Sarajevo triggered World War 1.  The bullet that killed him is now an exhibit at the castle’s remote museum.

Continue to historical Karlstejn Castle which houses many important Czech national treasures and which is built high on a rocky hillside.  The castle served as a place of safekeeping for the imperial crown jewels, holy relics and other royal treasures. Karlštejn is among the most famous and most frequently visited castles in the country.

Return to Prague for our final evening including dinner at the hotel.

Depart Prague

Depart after breakfast for the first leg of our return journey, stopping overnight in the Rhine Valley area.  Dinner is included at the hotel this evening.

Return to the UK

Depart after breakfast for the onward journey to Calais and take the short sea ferry crossing back to the UK, and home.