Czech & Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland 8-day hiking tour

Prague

Day 1: Arrival in Prague

Set on the banks of the Vltava River, enchanting Prague is the largest city and capital of the Czech Republic. From the countless towering spires of historic churches, cobbled streets and majestic squares of the magical Old Town, to its excellent museums, world-renowned breweries and vibrant cultural scene, Prague offers something for everyone.

Collect your rental car from the airport, check in to your hotel, then head into the city. Spend the afternoon with a local guide on a personalised introduction to Prague's culinary culture. Stroll through the Old Town with its authentic local restaurants, see tempting street food stalls and visit the market's traditional vendors. Sample Czech cuisine at six different venues along the way, with menus that range from authentic guláš to trdelník, a buttery pastry cooked over an open flame. This is a truly delicious way to get to know the city.

Prague

Day 2: Historical Prague

Peel back the layers of this iconic city on a two-hour walk through the history of Prague with a local expert at your side. From Prašná brána to Dancing House, explore Prague’s most notable landmarks and discover the historic events that made them famous. Learn how Prague’s history as a cultural and political centre of the Bohemian Kingdom impacted modern day architecture, cultural identity and the local dialect, a unique mix of Czech influenced by German and Latin.

Spend the afternoon on a private, app-based audio tour starting at the bridge. Journey through one of the largest ancient castle complexes in the world. Learn of rulers, saints and heroes while admiring churches, palaces and 1000 year-old royal gardens; a 'skip-the-line' ticket permits entry to all the highlights.

Afterwards, the evening is free to explore the city some more at your own pace.

Prague - Bohemian And Saxon

Day 3: Discover Saxon-Bohemian Switzerland

Enjoy a trip featuring visits of the two most famous sites of the Bohemian and Saxon Switzerland, which have featured in many films. Situated in the German area of the park, the Bastei Bridge offers breathtaking views of the Elbe River Canyon. An easy scenic walk takes you to the medieval castle ruins of Felsenburg Neurathen. Next, cross the park border back to the Czech side and head up to the Sneznik, a 19th-century lookout tower. Enjoy spectacular views across the national park as far as Dresden, then head to the Tyssa sandstone labyrinth. Explore this natural phenomenon before lunch, then prepare to enter the land of Narnia at the Tyssa Walls. Although popular among rock-climbers and locals, this place remains relatively unknown.

Enjoy the fantastical atmosphere and fabulous upper platform view, before making your way to tonight's hotel for a free evening.

Bohemian And Saxon

Day 4: Mountains and caves

After breakfast, spend today exploring this fascinating region. Numerous well-maintained local trails take you through striking gorges and up picturesque mountainsides. Whether on foot or mountain bike, this is a unique opportunity to explore the incredible park. Hike up to the Barbarine to see the natural 'needle' monument and spectacular views. The mountainside cafe provides ample refreshment before making the descent. Or make the manageable trek up to the Lichterhoehle caves: bring a torch!

Back at the hotel, take a break from your travels and relax in the wellness and sauna area, offering a real sense of natural peace and tranquility. The outdoor sauna with panoramic landscape views is particularly special.

For dinner, you could opt for the hotel's own menu featuring traditional Saxon dishes and showcasing seasonal ingredients and local produce.

Bohemia Switzerland - Hřensko - Krkonoše National Park

Day 5: Spectacular landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts

After breakfast this morning, head off to the youngest of the Czech Republic's four national parks. Bohemian Switzerland National Park is home to some of the country's most spectacular landscapes and is a must-see for outdoors enthusiasts.

Hike through the Elbe Sandstone Mountains, marvel at dramatic canyons and relax on a scenic boat trip along the Kamenice river. Just a short journey away from Prague, the park warrants an overnight stay for those looking to truly soak up its natural wonders.

After a day of adventure, head to your new hotel for an evening of well-earned relaxation. 

Krkonoše National Park

Day 6: Scenic parks and pretty villages

Set at the confluence of the rivers Elbe and Kamenice, the tiny village of Hřensko, lined with half-timbered houses, is gateway to some of the Czech Republic's most breathtaking natural sights. 

Enjoy a boat trip through the Kamenice Gorge, or head just north of the village to see the famous Pravčická Archway - as featured in the Chronicles of Narnia movie - it is simply breathtaking to behold up close.

In the far north lies Krkonoše National Park. Base yourself in the town of Vrchlabí, head to the ski resort of Špindlerův Mlýn or Beneck. Spend the afternoon hiking the endless trails through lush forests and past cascading waterfalls. Breathe deeply as the mountain air brings your senses to life. As the day draws to a close, head back to your hotel, set in an idyllic mountainside position, for another evening spent unwinding. 

Krkonoše National Park - Prague

Day 7: Beautiful Cesky Krumlov

After breakfast today, you'll embark on an exclusive bus tour to Southern Bohemia and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Cesky Krumlov.

Enjoy the unspoiled charm as you walk around this authentic city, with well-preserved historical sites and architecture in the Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque styles. Wander over the cobbled streets and through the medieval architecture, before visiting the enormous Cesky Krumlov castle, with its immaculate Rococo gardens.

Return to Prague for the night, check in to your hotel, then perhaps take a stroll through the Wallenstein Garden before enjoying a final evening of Czech hospitality.

Prague

Day 8: Departure from Prague

After breakfast, it's time to return your rental car to the airport, then get ready for your flight home.