Reader Trip: Swiss Family in South Bohemia and Prague Castles, towns and world heritage

Day 1: Journey to České Budějovice

Outward journey in a 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 České Budějovice. 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 has a lively history shaped by a wide variety of rulers and allegiances. Dinner at the hotel. (3 nights at the Grand Hotel Zvon).

Day 2: České Budějovice

The morning begins with an exciting walking tour of the historic centre of České Budějovice (Budweis). Did you know? České Budějovice has been named European Capital of Culture 2028. The square market place bears the name of the town's founder, Ottokar II Premysl. The mighty Samson Fountain stands at the centre of the square and, together with the pretty townhouses and their连续 arcades, forms a splendid ensemble. You will also see the town hall, the Black Tower and St Nicholas Cathedral.

Afterwards, we enjoy lunch together in a traditional restaurant. Savour typical Bohemian cuisine, which is above all shaped by its dumpling culture. Next comes a visit to the renowned «Budvar» brewery. Budweiser beer carried the name of České Budějovice around the world. Since 1895, the Budweiser master brewers have demonstrated their skill with their delicious 12-degree lager. You will taste it for yourself. 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.

Day 3: Český Krumlov and Holašovice

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 in the historic old town and up to the castle, which towers high above the Vltava. The vast castle complex (the second largest in Bohemia after Prague Castle) towers high above the Vltava and, with its imposing dimensions, dominates the entire townscape. Across the multi-storey Cloak Bridge, you pass the Castle Theatre and reach the castle garden, which invites you to linger. During a short guided tour, you will gain fascinating insights into the Baroque theatre. Afterwards, lunch at your own expense and free time. On the way back to České Budějovice, 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 midst of magnificent countryside. This 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.

Day 4: Prague

After breakfast, you leave České Budějovice to reach the Czech capital, Prague, around midday. Here, an extraordinary city tour already awaits you. In a playful way, you will discover Prague's old town and its most important sights on a culinary walking tour. Among other things, you will see 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, you will repeatedly sample delicious bites that leave you wanting more. Evening at leisure. (2 nights at the Grand Hotel Bohemia).

Day 5: Prague Castle and Lesser Town

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 step into the medieval idyll of Golden Lane, where tiny, colourful houses bring to life the legends of alchemists and goldsmiths. From midday, you have plenty of free time to explore the Czech capital just as you please. How about a visit to Petřín Tower, the counterpart to the Eiffel Tower in Paris, so to speak? From here, you have a wonderful view over all of Prague. The observation tower stands on Petřín Hill in the Lesser Town district. You can reach the tower on foot via an ascent of about 45 minutes through the beautiful park, or by funicular. In the evening, a Mozart dinner awaits you. It consists of a dinner, various arias and excerpts from the most famous operas sung as duets. A truly fitting finale that will resonate for a long time. Overnight stay in Prague.

Day 6: Journey home

After eventful days full of enjoyment, culture and tradition, you set off today on your journey home to Switzerland. Lunch stop at your own expense in Bavaria along the way, before you reach your boarding points again in the evening.