Travel Plan, Czech Republic 2025
7
. June (Saturday)
Prague
WSP Petrin Garden Apartments
Morning: Arrive in Prague and start at Wenceslas Square to see its statues and lively atmosphere.
Afternoon: Explore Old Town Square: watch the Astronomical Clock chime (hourly, best at 2 PM), admire the Týn Church’s spires, and stroll to Charles Bridge for Vltava River views.
The House at the Golden Ring, part of the Prague City Museum, which is located at Týnská 6, 110 00 Prague 1, in the Old Town near Old Town Square.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Try vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut), a hearty Czech classic.
National Gallery (Šternberg Palace, near Prague Castle): Features European art. Key works: Albrecht Dürer’s Feast of the Rose Garlands, Rubens’ The Murder of the Innocents. Open 10 AM–6 PM, entry ~€10/adult, student discounts. Accessible tomorrow.
Church of Our Lady Before Týn: Iconic Gothic church in Old Town Square. Free entry to view the exterior and nave; check for evening organ concerts.
St. Nicholas Church (Old Town): Baroque masterpiece with stunning frescoes. Open 10 AM–4 PM, entry ~€3.
Prague Fringe Festival (likely June 1–8, based on 2024 dates): Eclectic theater, comedy, and music in small venues. Family-friendly shows available; check praguefringe.com closer to 2025 for schedule. Venues near Old Town, tickets ~€5–10.
8
. June (Sunday)
Prague
WSP Petrin Garden Apartments
Morning: Stroll to Lesser Town (Malá Strana) a vibrant spot for photos and counterculture history.
10am Mass at The Church of Our Lady Victorious (Pentecost Sunday, Child of Prague).
Afternoon:
Explore Prague Castle complex (open 9 AM–5 PM, full ticket ~€16/adult, student discounts). Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, and Golden Lane, rich in history and architecture. Allow 2–3 hours.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Svíčková (marinated beef in cream sauce with dumplings), a flavorful Czech classic.
Šternberg Palace (National Gallery): Near Prague Castle, visited post-castle if time allows. Highlights: Lucas Cranach’s Adam and Eve, El Greco’s Christ on the Cross. Entry included in National Gallery ticket (~€10/adult).
Prague Museum: https://maps.app.goo.gl/PUTgF7kQCZz6byEZ9?g_st=aw
Church of Our Lady Victorious (Kostel Panny Marie Vítězné) in Malá Strana with Statue of Child of Prague. https://www.pragjesu.cz/en/
St. Vitus Cathedral (within Prague Castle): Gothic masterpiece with stunning stained-glass windows. Free entry to part of the nave; full access with castle ticket.
Church of St. Nicholas (Malá Strana): Baroque church with a climbable tower for views (extra ~€4). Open 9 AM–5 PM.
Prague Food Festival (likely early June, based on past years): Outdoor event at Vyšehrad or similar venues, showcasing Czech and global cuisine. Includes live music, appealing to teens. Check praguefoodfestival.cz for 2025 dates. Entry ~€10.
9
. June (Monday)
Prague
WSP Petrin Garden Apartments
Morning: Visit the Jewish Quarter (Josefov): explore the Old Jewish Cemetery, Spanish Synagogue, and Maisel Synagogue (combined ticket ~€20/adult, student discounts). Guided tours provide historical depth for teens.
Afternoon: Take the funicular (~€2.50, public transport pass) to Petřín Hill. Climb Petřín Tower for views (entry ~€7) and enjoy the gardens for a relaxed outing.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Trdelník (chimney cake), a sweet street dessert, and goulash, a savory favorite.
Municipal House (Smetana Hall): Art Nouveau building with exhibitions. Features Alfons Mucha’s Slav Epic (select canvases, if on display). Open 10 AM–7 PM, entry ~€12/adult, student rates. Near Jewish Quarter.
Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul (Vyšehrad, near Petřín): Neo-Gothic with striking interiors. Open 10 AM–5 PM, entry ~€2.
Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord (Vinohrady, en route to/from Petřín): Jože Plečnik’s modernist 1932 church, with a distinctive clock tower and minimalist interior.
United Islands of Prague (likely mid-June, based on 2024): Free music festival on river islands (e.g., Střelecký Island). Pop, jazz, and indie bands appeal to teens. Check unitedislands.cz for 2025 details.
10
. June (Tuesday)
Hruba Skala
EA Zamecky Hotel Hruba Skala
Morning: Explore the Hrubá Skála Rock City (Hruboskalsko), a stunning sandstone rock formation area. Follow the Mariánská vyhlídka trail (3–4 km loop, moderate, ~2 hours) from the Castle Hill parking lot for breathtaking views of rock towers and valleys. Ideal for teens interested in nature or photography.
Afternoon: Visit Hrubá Skála Chateau, a Renaissance chateau on a sandstone cliff, built over a 14th-century castle. Guided tours (~1 hour, ~€8/adult, student discounts) cover its history and interiors. Stroll the English-style park for scenic views.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Pečená klobása (grilled sausage with mustard and bread), a Czech outdoor favorite, and smažený sýr (fried cheese) for a vegetarian option.
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11
. June (Wednesday)
Hruba Skala
EA Zamecky Hotel Hruba Skala
Morning: Hike to Valdštejn Castle (3 km from Hrubá Skála, ~1-hour moderate trail). Explore the 13th-century Gothic ruins, with stone bridges and panoramic views. Entry ~€4/adult, student discounts. Ideal for history-loving teens.
Afternoon: Drive or hike (21 km round trip, challenging) to Trosky Castle, a 14th-century ruin on twin volcanic peaks. Climb the towers for stunning Český ráj views. Entry ~€5/adult. Allow 2–3 hours.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Bramboráky (potato pancakes), a regional snack, and vepřo knedlo zelo for a hearty meal.
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12
. June (Thursday)
Brno
Grandhotel Brno
Morning: Explore Náměstí Svobody (Freedom Square), Brno’s lively central square with the Baroque Plague Column. Visit the Brno Dragon (actually a crocodile) in the Old Town Hall’s passageway, a quirky photo spot for teens. Climb the tower for city views (~€3/adult, student discounts).
Walk to Špilberk Castle, a 13th-century fortress with medieval dungeons and the Temple of Stone exhibit (centuries-old statuary). Castle grounds free; museum and casemates ~€8/adult, student rates. Allow 2 hours.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Nakládaný hermelín (marinated cheese), a Moravian pub snack, and vepřo knedlo zelo (roast pork, dumplings, sauerkraut).
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov Hill, near Old Town): Baroque-Gothic cathedral with twin spires. Free entry to nave; tower climb (~€3) for panoramic views. Open 8 AM–6 PM.
Capuchin Crypt (near Freedom Square): 17th-century crypt with mummified monks. Entry ~€4, open 9 AM–5 PM. Intriguing for history-loving teens.
Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov Hill, near Old Town): Baroque-Gothic cathedral with twin spires. Free entry to nave; tower climb (~€3) for panoramic views. Open 8 AM–6 PM.
Capuchin Crypt (near Freedom Square): 17th-century crypt with mummified monks. Entry ~€4, open 9 AM–5 PM. Intriguing for history-loving teens.
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13
. June (Friday)
Brno
Grandhotel Brno
Stroll Zelný trh (Cabbage Market), a historic square with a daily market (fresh produce, crafts). See the Parnassus Fountain (1690s Baroque) and explore nearby Labyrinth under Vegetable Market, medieval cellars showing Brno’s past (~€7/adult).
Visit the Ossuary at St. James Church, a haunting crypt with 50,000 skeletons, rediscovered in 2001. Entry ~€6.50/adult, student rates; open 9 AM–6 PM. Music enhances the eerie vibe, captivating for teens.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Smažený sýr (fried cheese) with tartare sauce, a Czech favorite, and pivní zmrzlina (beer ice cream) for a quirky dessert.
Moravian Gallery (Governor’s Palace): Near Zelný trh, showcases 19th–20th-century Czech art. Highlights: Max Švabinský’s Afternoon in the Garden, Emil Filla’s cubist works. Entry ~€6/adult, open 10 AM–6 PM.
House of Arts (near Old Town): Contemporary exhibits, occasionally featuring Jan Zrzavý’s symbolist paintings. Entry ~€5, open 10 AM–6 PM.
St. James Church (Jakubské náměstí, near Ossuary): Gothic church with a 92m tower. Free entry to nave; tower climb (~€3) for views. Open 10 AM–5 PM.
Church of St. John the Baptist and St. John the Evangelist (near Zelný trh): Baroque with ornate interiors. Free entry, open 9 AM–4 PM.
14
. June (Saturday)
Brno
Grandhotel Brno
Drive (~50 km, 45 min) to Lednice Castle in the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO). Explore the neo-Gothic chateau, a 19th-century Liechtenstein family masterpiece. Guided tours (~1 hour, ~€10/adult, student rates) cover opulent interiors; the English park with a minaret lookout is free. Ideal for history and nature lovers.
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Highlights
Food to Taste: Moravian koláče (sweet pastries with fruit or cheese) and grilované klobásy (grilled sausages), popular in South Moravia.
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15
. June (Sunday)
Hluboka Castle / Cesky Krumlov
Hotel U Maleho Vitka
Morning: Stop at Hluboká Castle (Hluboká nad Vltavou, ~30 km from Český Krumlov) en route from Brno. Tour the neo-Gothic chateau, a 19th-century Schwarzenberg residence modeled on Windsor Castle. Guided tours (~1 hour, ~€12/adult, student discounts) showcase opulent interiors. Explore the park and Winter Garden (~€4 extra). Allow 2–3 hours.
Arrive in Český Krumlov (~25 min drive) and explore the Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander Latrán Street and Castle Lane for fairy-tale views of the Vltava River and Český Krumlov Castle. A Vltava River rafting tour (1 hour, ~€20/person) offers a fun, teen-friendly adventure.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Pstruh na roštu (grilled trout), a South Bohemian specialty, and trdelník (chimney cake) for dessert.
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Český Krumlov: Festival of the Five-Petalled Rose (likely June 13–15, based on 2024): Medieval reenactments, parades, jousting, and music in the Old Town. Teen-friendly with vibrant atmosphere. Check ceskykrumlov.cz for 2025 dates. Free entry to most events; some activities ~€5–10.
16
. June (Monday)
Cesky Krumlov
Hotel U Maleho Vitka
Tour Český Krumlov Castle, a UNESCO highlight. Visit the Castle Museum, Tower (panoramic views, ~€3/adult), and Baroque Theatre (guided tour, ~€10/adult, student discounts). The painted tower and theater’s restored stage captivate history and art fans. Allow 2–3 hours.
Afternoon: Walk the Cloak Bridge and castle gardens, then visit the Museum Fotoateliér Seidel (Linecká 272) for historic Bohemian photography (~€6/adult). Stroll Parkán Street for local shops, engaging for teens.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Svíčková na smetaně (beef in cream sauce with dumplings) and jihočeská kulajda (creamy dill soup with mushrooms).
Church of St. Vitus (Český Krumlov, near Old Town): 15th-century Gothic church with frescoes and a soaring nave. Free entry, open 9 AM–4 PM. Its spire defines the skyline.
17
. June (Tuesday)
Karlovy Vary
Windsor Spa Hotel
Stroll through the Mill Colonnade (Mlýnská kolonáda), a neo-Renaissance structure housing several hot springs. Sample the mineral water (bring a spa cup, ~€2) from springs like Mlýnský pramen (safe at low doses). Continue to the Market Colonnade (Tržní kolonáda), a delicate wooden structure, for a relaxed walk. Allow 1.5–2 hours.
Afterward, relax at Smetana Park, sipping coffee at a café, perfect for a low-key family afternoon.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Karlovarské oplatky (spa wafers), sweet layered treats, and svíčková (beef in cream sauce with dumplings), a Czech classic.
Karlovy Vary Art Gallery (Galerie umění Karlovy Vary, Goethova stezka 6): Features Czech 19th–20th-century art, including Ludvík Kuba’s Landscape with a River or Václav Brožík’s historical scenes (if displayed). Entry ~€5/adult, student discounts, open 10 AM–5 PM.
Church of St. Mary Magdalene (Kostel sv. Máří Magdalény, near Mill Colonnade): Baroque masterpiece by Kilian Ignaz Dientzenhofer. Free entry to nave, open 9 AM–5 PM. Known for organ concerts; check schedules for evening events.
18
. June (Wednesday)
Karlovy Vary
Windsor Spa Hotel
Take a leisurely funicular ride (~€2.50/ride, near Grandhotel Pupp) to Diana Lookout Tower on Friendship Hill. Enjoy panoramic views of the spa valley (free entry to tower). Walk the gentle forest trails (1–2 km) for a relaxing family outing. Allow 2 hours.
Visit the Moser Glassworks Museum (Kpt. Jaroše 46/19), showcasing Bohemian crystal craftsmanship. Guided tours (~€8/adult, student discounts) include the factory and museum, fascinating for teens interested in design. Relax at Becherovka Museum (T. G. Masaryka 57, ~€5) for a non-alcoholic tasting of the herbal liqueur’s history.
Highlights
Food to Taste: Pečená vepřová žebra (roast pork ribs) and lokše (potato pancakes), hearty spa-town fare.
Becherovka Museum Exhibition (visited with museum): Small display of Art Nouveau posters and regional art tied to the liqueur’s history, including works inspired by Alfons Mucha. Entry included (~€5).
West Bohemian Gallery (occasional exhibits at Císařské lázně, if open): May feature Czech landscapes by Max Švabinský or František Kaván. Entry ~€5, check karlovyvary.cz for schedules.
Orthodox Church of St. Peter and Paul (Krale Jiriho 2, near Moser): Russian-style church with golden domes and icons. Free entry, open 9 AM–4 PM. Its ornate interior appeals to art-loving teens.
19
. June (Thursday)
Karlovy Vary
Windsor Spa Hotel
Visit the Hot Spring Colonnade (Vřídelní kolonáda), home to the Vřídlo spring (72°C, geyser-like). Sip the water (use a spa cup) and admire the modernist glass structure. Walk to the Park Colonnade (Sadová kolonáda), a cast-iron beauty, for a serene morning. Allow 1.5 hours.
Take a gentle hike or bus (~€1.50) to Goethe’s Lookout Tower (4 km, 1-hour walk or 10-min bus). Enjoy forest views and a relaxed picnic vibe (tower entry free). Return for a leisurely coffee at Café Pupp near Grandhotel Pupp.
Highlights
Bramboráky (potato pancakes) and medovník (honey cake), ideal for a relaxed meal.
20
. June (Friday)
Prague
Grand Hotel International
Arrive in Prague from Karlovy Vary (~2-hour drive). Start near the Grand Hotel International in Dejvice with a relaxed visit to Stromovka Park (~1.5 km, 20-min walk or 5-min tram from Podbaba, Line 17). Stroll through this expansive green space, once a royal hunting ground, for a calming reintroduction to Prague. Ideal for teens to enjoy nature and photography. Allow 1.5 hours.
Head to Letná Park (~2 km, 10-min tram to Čechův most, Line 17). Walk the scenic paths with views of the Vltava River and Prague’s bridges. Visit the Hanavský Pavilion, a neo-Baroque gem, for coffee or a snack with a panorama. Explore the Metronome, a quirky landmark replacing a former Stalin statue, appealing to teens interested in history or urban art. Allow 2 hours.
Highlights
Smažený sýr (fried cheese with tartare sauce), a Czech pub favorite, and palačinky (crepes) for a sweet treat.
Strahov Monastery Library (within monastery, ~3 km): While primarily a library, it displays Baroque art and manuscripts, including decorative frescoes by Siard Nosecký. No major paintings, but the artistic ambiance captivates teens. Entry ~€6/adult, open 9 AM–5 PM (closed 12–1 PM).
Galerie Rudolfinum (~2.5 km, 15-min tram to Staroměstská, Line 17): Contemporary and modern art, often featuring Czech artists like František Kupka’s Cathedral or Emil Filla’s cubist works (if displayed). Entry ~€7/adult, student discounts, open 10 AM–6 PM.
21
. June (Saturday)
Dublin
Highlights