Readers' Trip: Swiss Family in South Bohemia and Prague

Outward journey in the luxurious Premium coach via St. Gallen to Lake Ammersee. Lunch awaits you at the Schreyegg restaurant. You then continue your journey via Munich and Deggendorf. Towards 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 territory of the wealthiest Bohemian nobility, with magnificent castles, fortresses, monasteries and towns. The region is shaped by a lively history and a wide variety of rulers and affiliations. 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 bears the name of the town's founder, Premysl Ottokar II. The mighty Samson Fountain forms the centrepiece of the square and, together with the pretty townhouses and their continuous arcades, makes a magnificent ensemble. You will also see the town hall, the Black Tower and St Nicholas Cathedral.

Lunch together follows in a traditional restaurant. Enjoy typical Bohemian cuisine, which is characterised above all by its dumpling culture. Next comes a visit to the famous "Budvar" brewery. Budweiser beer carried the name of Budweis around the world. Since 1895, the Budweis master brewers have demonstrated their skill with their delicious 12-degree lager. You will taste it for yourselves. The afternoon offers ample opportunity to explore the Bohemian city on your own. Sit down in one of the many cafés and restaurants and soak up the atmosphere. Dinner in a popular restaurant in the old town.

Short drive to Český Krumlov. Together with your tour guide, discover the historic old town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The town is also described as a jewel of urban architecture. The tour leads through a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes with old stone steps, arches, gateways and oriels up through the historic old town to the castle, which towers high above the Vltava. The vast castle complex (the second largest in Bohemia after Prague Castle) dominates the whole townscape with its mighty dimensions. Across the multi-storey Cloak Bridge you pass the Castle Theatre and reach the castle garden, which invites you to linger.

On a short guided tour you will gain fascinating insights into the Baroque theatre. Afterwards, lunch is at your own arrangement, followed by free time. On the way back to Budweis, a detour takes you to Holašovice, a small village with the typical architecture of South Bohemian peasant Baroque. Hardly anywhere else will you see so much beauty in such a small space as in this little village in the middle of glorious countryside. The village looks as if it had stepped out of a fairy tale and captivates with the beautiful gables of Baroque farmhouses arranged around a spacious village green. Holašovice was rightly added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. You may spend the evening as you wish.

After breakfast you leave Budweis and reach the Czech capital, Prague, around midday. A far from ordinary city tour awaits you here. In a playful way, you will discover Prague's old town and its most important sights on a culinary walking tour. You will see, among other things, 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 delicious bites that leave you wanting more. Evening at leisure. (2 nights at the Grand Hotel Bohemia).

The day begins with a visit to the imposing Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the castle district (Hradčany). It is the largest enclosed castle complex in the world. At its centre stands the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, before you continue to the notorious Dalibor Tower, which once served as a prison. Finally, you will step into the medieval idyll of Golden Lane, where tiny, colourful houses bring the legends of alchemists and goldsmiths to life. From midday you have plenty of free time to explore the Czech capital as you please.

How about a visit to Petřín Tower, effectively Prague's answer to the Eiffel Tower? From here you have a wonderful view over the whole of Prague. The lookout tower stands on Petřín Hill in the Lesser Town district. You can reach the tower on foot via a climb of about 45 minutes through the beautiful park, or by funicular. In the evening you are expected at a Mozart dinner. It consists of a dinner, various arias and, sung as duets, excerpts from the most famous operas. Truly a fine finale that will resonate for a long time. Overnight in Prague.

After eventful days full of enjoyment, culture and traditions, you begin your journey home to Switzerland today. Along the way, a lunch stop in Bavaria at your own arrangement, before you reach your boarding points again in the evening.