Reader trip for Schweizer Familie: South Bohemia and Prague

Outbound journey in the luxurious Premium coach via St. Gallen to Lake Ammersee. Lunch awaits you at the Restaurant Schreyegg. You then continue via Munich and Deggendorf. In the evening you arrive in the South Bohemian town of Budweis. Bohemia is one of the most beautiful regions of the Czech Republic. It was once the domain of the wealthiest Bohemian nobility, with magnificent castles, fortresses, monasteries and towns. The region has a lively history shaped by many different rulers and allegiances. Dinner at the hotel. (3 nights at the Grand Hotel Zvon).

The morning begins with an fascinating walk through the historic centre of Budweis (České Budějovice). Did you know? Budweis has been named European Capital of Culture 2028. The square market place is named after the town's founder, Přemysl Ottokar II. The mighty Samson Fountain is the centrepiece of the square and, together with the attractive burghers' houses with their continuous arcades, forms a magnificent ensemble. You will also see the town hall, the Black Tower and St. Nicholas Cathedral.

Afterwards, enjoy lunch together at a traditional restaurant. Savour typical Bohemian cuisine, which is above all shaped by its dumpling culture. Next is a visit to the famous «Budvar» brewery. Budweiser beer carried the name of Budweis around the world. Since 1895, the Budweiser master brewers have demonstrated their skill with their delicious 12-degree lager. You will get to taste it. The afternoon offers plenty of opportunity to explore the Bohemian metropolis at your leisure. Take a seat in one of the many venues and let the scene take you in. Dinner in a popular restaurant in the old town.

A short drive to Krumau (Český Krumlov). Explore the historic old town with your tour guide; it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The town is also described as a gem of urban architecture. The walk leads through a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes with old stone staircases, arches, gates and oriel windows, up to the castle, which towers high above the Vltava. The vast castle complex (the second largest in Bohemia after Prague Castle) dominates the entire townscape with its imposing dimensions. Across the multi-storey Mantle Bridge, past the castle theatre, you reach the castle gardens, which invite you to linger. A short guided tour gives you fascinating insights into the Baroque theatre. Afterwards, individual lunch and free time. On the return journey to Budweis, a detour takes you to Holašovice (Hollschowitz), a small village with the typical architecture of South Bohemian peasant Baroque. Nowhere else will you see so much beauty in such a small space as in this little village set in glorious countryside. The village looks as if it had sprung from a fairy tale, with the beautiful gables of Baroque farmhouses arranged around a spacious village green. Holašovice was rightly inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Enjoy the evening at your own discretion.

After breakfast you leave Budweis to reach the Czech metropolis of Prague around midday. A special guided tour awaits you here. Discover the Prague old town and its main sights in a playful way on a culinary walk. You will see, among others, the Old Town Square, the Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, the famous Charles Bridge and the Powder Tower. Along the way, sample tasty bites that will leave you wanting more. Evening at leisure. (2 nights at the Grand Hotel Bohemia).

The day begins with a visit to the impressive Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, along with the Castle District (Hradčany). It is the largest coherent castle complex in the world. At its centre rises the Gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, a masterpiece of architecture, before you continue to the notorious Daliborka Tower, which once served as a prison. Finally, you step into the medieval idyll of Golden Lane, where tiny, colourful little houses bring to life the legends of alchemists and goldsmiths. From midday you have plenty of free time to explore the Czech metropolis entirely to your taste. How about visiting the Petřín Tower, the Prague equivalent of the Eiffel Tower in Paris? From here you enjoy a wonderful view over the whole of Prague. The lookout tower stands on Petřín Hill in the Lesser Town district. On foot, the tower can be reached by an approximately 45-minute climb through the beautiful park, or by the funicular railway. In the evening you are invited to a Mozart dinner. It consists of a dinner, various arias and, sung as a duet, an excerpt from the most famous operas. A truly splendid finale that will linger on for a long time. Overnight stay in Prague.

After days full of memorable experiences, rich in pleasure, culture and traditions, you begin your return journey to Switzerland today. En route, enjoy an individual lunch stop in Bavaria, before reaching your pick-up points in the evening.