The Ultimate 30-Day Czechia Travel Guide
- tejaswiseth
- Apr 5
- 10 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Let's map out a delightful 30-day journey through the heart of Europe – Czechia (Czech Republic)! This itinerary balances the fairytale beauty of Prague with charming spa towns, magnificent castles, historical cities, beautiful natural landscapes, and, of course, world-famous beer.
Czechia 30-Day Discovery: Your Ultimate Guide to Prague Castles, Bohemian Brews & Moravian Charm
Why This 30-Day Czech Guide is Valuable For You:
Beyond Prague: While giving the stunning capital its deserved attention, this guide takes you deep into Bohemia and Moravia, exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites, picturesque towns (like Český Krumlov), spa resorts (Karlovy Vary), unique rock formations (Bohemian Switzerland), Moravian wine country, and historical cities like Olomouc and Brno.
Paced for Enjoyment (Pohoda): Blends intensive sightseeing days with relaxing spa experiences, scenic train or bus rides, brewery tours and beer garden relaxation, castle explorations, gentle hikes, and opportunities to soak up the Czech sense of easy-going enjoyment (pohoda).
Rich History & Architecture: You'll encounter magnificent castles and châteaux, stunning Gothic cathedrals, Baroque monasteries, picturesque Renaissance town squares, poignant Jewish history sites, functionalist architecture (Brno), and charming folk traditions.
Nature & Adventure: Explore the unique sandstone formations of Bohemian Switzerland, hike in national parks (Krkonoše, Šumava), discover cave systems (Moravian Karst), and enjoy the rolling hills of Moravia.
Flexibility Built-In: Use this detailed plan as your expert guide, but feel empowered to linger longer in towns that capture your heart, choose different hiking trails or breweries, delve deeper into specific regions, or simply relax in a traditional pub (hospoda). 30 days offers this wonderful freedom.
Leveraging Excellent Transport: Relies heavily on Czechia's dense and affordable public transport network (trains - ČD, RegioJet, Leo Express; buses - various carriers like Student Agency/RegioJet). Recommends optional car rentals mainly for deep exploration of rural South Bohemia, Moravian wine country, or reaching specific trailheads easily.
Czechia 30-Day Discovery: The Itinerary
Pacing Legend:
(R) Relaxing: Slow pace, focus on scenery, food, beer, spas, unwinding.
(M) Moderate: Mix of sightseeing, gentle walks, exploration.
(A) Adventurous: Hiking, significant walking/cycling, potentially long/active days.
(T) Travel: Significant driving/train/bus travel time involved.
Part 1: Prague - City of a Hundred Spires (Days 1-6)
Day 1: Arrival in Prague (T/R)
Arrive at Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG). Take Airport Express bus, public bus+metro, or taxi/ride-share to your city center accommodation (Old Town - Staré Město, Lesser Town - Malá Strana, New Town - Nové Město offer different vibes).
Check in. Gentle orientation walk: Old Town Square (Staroměstské náměstí), see the Astronomical Clock (wait for the show on the hour), walk across the iconic Charles Bridge (Karlův most).
Welcome dinner featuring Czech classics like Svíčková (beef sirloin) or Guláš, accompanied by excellent Czech beer. Value: Easy arrival, magical capital introduction.
Day 2: Prague Castle Complex Exploration (A)
Dedicate significant time to exploring Prague Castle (Pražský hrad): Visit St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane. Choose circuit ticket based on interest. Enjoy panoramic city views from the castle grounds. Lots of walking! Value: Iconic landmark, centuries of history.
Day 3: Charles Bridge, Malá Strana & Petřín Hill (M)
Walk across Charles Bridge again (early morning is best for fewer crowds/atmosphere). Explore the charming Lesser Town (Malá Strana): St. Nicholas Church, Kampa Island, Lennon Wall.
Take the funicular up Petřín Hill: enjoy the gardens, climb the Petřín Lookout Tower (mini Eiffel Tower) for great views, visit the mirror maze. Value: Iconic bridge, picturesque district, city park & views.
Day 4: Old Town Square, Jewish Quarter & River Cruise (M)
Explore the Old Town Square further. Visit the Church of Our Lady before Týn. Delve into the historic Jewish Quarter (Josefov): visit the Old Jewish Cemetery, Pinkas Synagogue (Holocaust memorial), Spanish Synagogue, Old-New Synagogue.
Take a relaxing Vltava River cruise for different city perspectives. Value: Historic square deep dive, poignant Jewish history.
Day 5: New Town & National Museum OR Vyšehrad Castle (M/R)
Explore the New Town (Nové Město): Wenceslas Square (Václavské náměstí), see the National Museum (Národní muzeum - grand building), admire Art Nouveau architecture (Municipal House - Obecní dům).
Alternative: Visit Vyšehrad Castle complex on a hill overlooking the Vltava – explore the Basilica of St. Peter and St. Paul, Vyšehrad Cemetery (famous Czechs buried here), enjoy parkland and views away from main crowds. Value: Exploring different city area or historical fortress escape.
Day 6: Day Trip - Kutná Hora (UNESCO) Bone Church (M/T)
Take an easy train day trip (approx. 1-1.5 hours) from Prague Main Station (Hlavní nádraží) to Kutná Hora.
Visit the unique Sedlec Ossuary ("Bone Church") decorated with human bones. Explore the magnificent St. Barbara's Church (UNESCO site), a masterpiece of Gothic architecture. Wander the historic town center. Value: Unique macabre site, stunning Gothic cathedral.
Part 2: West Bohemian Spas & Breweries (Days 7-10)
Day 7: Travel to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) (T/R)
Take a comfortable bus (Student Agency/RegioJet or Flixbus often faster/more direct than train) from Prague Florenc or Černý Most station to Karlovy Vary (approx. 2 hours).
Check into your accommodation in this elegant spa town. Stroll along the Teplá river, admire the ornate colonnades (Mill Colonnade, Market Colonnade), sample the mineral waters from different springs (buy a special spa cup!). Value: Arrival in famous spa town.
Day 8: Karlovy Vary - Spa Treatments & Views (R/M)
Indulge in a spa treatment (mineral baths, massages - book ahead at a spa hotel or public spa like Elisabeth Baths).
Ride the Diana Funicular up to Diana Observation Tower for panoramic views of the town and valley. Visit the Moser Glass Museum (optional). Enjoy Becherovka liqueur (local herbal spirit). Value: Spa relaxation, great views.
Day 9: Mariánské Lázně Spa Town OR Loket Castle (M/T)
Option A (Another Spa): Day trip (bus/train) to nearby Mariánské Lázně (Marienbad), another beautiful spa town with impressive colonnades and parks. See the Singing Fountain (seasonal).
Option B (Castle): Day trip (bus/train or car) to the picturesque Loket Castle perched dramatically above the Ohře river. Explore the castle and charming town. Value: Exploring another spa town or medieval castle.
Day 10: Travel to Plzeň (Pilsen) - Birthplace of Pilsner (T/M)
Take a train or bus from Karlovy Vary area to Plzeň (approx. 1.5-2 hours).
Check in. Visit the Pilsner Urquell Brewery for a tour and tasting – learn about the origin of Pilsner beer (book tour ahead!).
Explore Republic Square (Náměstí Republiky), see St. Bartholomew's Cathedral (climb tower for views - check access), visit the Brewery Museum or Pilsen Historical Underground (optional). Value: Essential beer history experience.
Part 3: South Bohemian Fairytales & Forests (Days 11-16)
Day 11: Travel to Český Krumlov (UNESCO) (T/R)
Take a bus (often more direct than train) from Plzeň to Český Krumlov (approx. 2.5-3 hours).
Check into your accommodation (within the medieval center is magical). Lose yourself wandering the incredibly picturesque, winding streets of this fairytale town nestled in a bend of the Vltava river. Value: Arrival in stunning UNESCO fairytale town.
Day 12: Český Krumlov Castle Complex & Views (A)
Dedicate ample time to exploring the vast Český Krumlov Castle complex (second largest in Czechia): tour castle interiors, climb the Castle Tower, visit the unique Baroque Theatre (tour essential, book ahead!), wander the Castle Gardens. Enjoy stunning views from various points. Value: Major castle exploration, iconic views.
Day 13: Vltava River Rafting/Canoeing OR Relaxation (A/R)
Option A (Adventurous): Go rafting or canoeing on the Vltava River through Český Krumlov and downstream – a popular and fun way to see the town and surroundings from a different perspective (various trip lengths available).
Option B (Relaxing): Enjoy Český Krumlov's atmosphere: visit the Egon Schiele Art Centrum, browse shops, relax at a riverside café, revisit favourite spots. Value: Fun river activity or relaxed town time.
Day 14: Holašovice Village (UNESCO) & Hluboká Castle (M/T) - Car Recommended
Rent a car for the day OR piece together bus routes/taxi.
Visit Holašovice (UNESCO site), a unique, perfectly preserved village showcasing South Bohemian folk Baroque architecture.
Visit the stunning, romantic Hluboká Castle (inspired by Windsor Castle). Tour the opulent interiors and grounds. Value: Unique folk architecture, fairytale castle.
Day 15: Šumava National Park Gateway (T/M)
Travel towards Šumava National Park (Bohemian Forest) on the German/Austrian border (requires car for flexibility, or buses to gateway towns like Železná Ruda or Kvilda).
Check into accommodation (guesthouse/pension). Enjoy a first walk into the forest, perhaps around Černé jezero (Black Lake) or Čertovo jezero (Devil's Lake) if accessible from your base. Value: Entering large forested national park.
Day 16: Šumava National Park Hiking (A)
Explore Šumava National Park: Choose hiking trails based on fitness and location – options include walks along Schwarzenberg Canal, hikes to viewpoints (Poledník tower), exploring peat bogs (near Kvilda/Modrava), or cycling routes. Enjoy the peaceful forest environment. Value: Hiking in beautiful natural surroundings.
Part 4: Moravian Marvels - Brno & Wine Country (Days 17-22)
Day 17: Travel to Telč (UNESCO) & Třebíč (UNESCO) (T/M) - Car Useful
Travel east (car recommended for ease, or bus/train involves changes).
Stop at Telč (UNESCO site) to admire its stunning, perfectly preserved Renaissance town square with colourful arcaded houses. Visit Telč Chateau.
Continue to Třebíč (UNESCO site): Visit the unique Jewish Quarter and the Romanesque-Gothic St. Procopius Basilica. Stay overnight in Telč, Třebíč, or continue towards Brno. Value: Two more UNESCO gems.
Day 18: Travel to Brno (T/R)
Complete journey (train or bus) to Brno, the capital of Moravia (approx. 1.5-2 hours from Telč/Třebíč area).
Check into your accommodation. First exploration: Zelný trh (Cabbage Market) square, see the Parnas Fountain, Old Town Hall (climb tower for views, see the Brno Dragon & Wheel legends). Value: Arrival in Moravia's largest city.
Day 19: Brno - Špilberk Castle & Villa Tugendhat (M)
Visit Špilberk Castle overlooking the city – explore its history as fortress, prison (casemates), now museum.
Visit Villa Tugendhat (UNESCO site), a masterpiece of functionalist architecture by Mies van der Rohe (guided tour essential, book MONTHS in advance!).
Explore Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul (Petrov). Value: Historical fortress, iconic modern architecture.
Day 20: Moravian Karst - Punkva Caves & Macocha Abyss (A/T)
Day trip (requires car or specific bus/train+local bus combo) to the Moravian Karst protected area.
Visit the Punkva Caves: take the underground boat trip and see the bottom of the spectacular Macocha Abyss sinkhole. Book cave tickets WELL in advance! Hike trails in the area. Value: Impressive cave system & natural wonder.
Day 21: South Moravian Wine Region - Mikulov (M/R) - Car Recommended
Travel south (car recommended, or bus/train) into the South Moravian wine region near the Austrian border. Base yourself in the charming town of Mikulov.
Explore Mikulov: visit Mikulov Chateau, walk up Svatý kopeček (Holy Hill) for views, wander the historic square. Value: Arrival in picturesque wine town.
Day 22: Moravian Wine Tasting & Lednice-Valtice Complex (M/R)
Explore the Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape (UNESCO site):
Visit the fairytale Lednice Chateau with its extensive English park, greenhouse, and minaret.
Visit Valtice Chateau (home to the National Wine Centre - Salon vín České republiky - great tasting opportunity).
Explore the surrounding landscape dotted with follies. Visit local wine cellars (sklípky) in villages like Pavlov or Velké Bílovice for tastings (especially white wines). Value: UNESCO cultural landscape, wine tasting focus.
Part 5: Eastern Moravia & Return Journey (Days 23-30)
Day 23: Travel to Olomouc (T/R)
Travel north-east (train or bus, approx. 2-3 hours from Brno area) to Olomouc, a beautiful historical city often called a "hidden gem".
Check in. Explore the stunning Holy Trinity Column (UNESCO site) on the main square (Horní náměstí). See the Astronomical Clock on the Town Hall (different style to Prague's). Value: Arrival in beautiful, less-crowded historical city.
Day 24: Olomouc Exploration - Churches & Fountains (M)
Explore Olomouc further: Visit Saint Wenceslas Cathedral, Archbishop's Palace (check tours), admire the city's numerous Baroque fountains. Wander the charming streets. Enjoy the relaxed university town atmosphere. Value: UNESCO column, Baroque beauty.
Day 25: Bouzov Castle OR Kroměříž Gardens (M/T) - Car Recommended
Option A (Castle): Day trip (requires car or careful bus planning) to the romantic Bouzov Castle, often used in fairytale films.
Option B (Gardens/Chateau): Day trip (train/bus) to Kroměříž (UNESCO site). Visit the magnificent Archbishop's Chateau and especially the stunning formal Flower Garden (Květná zahrada). Value: Fairytale castle or stunning UNESCO gardens.
Day 26: Travel Towards Bohemian Switzerland Area (T)
Long travel day. Take train west/north-west (likely involves changes via Pardubice/Prague/Ústí nad Labem) towards Děčín or Hřensko, gateways to Bohemian Switzerland National Park (České Švýcarsko). Approx. 4-6+ hours.
Check into accommodation. Value: Positioning for final nature exploration.
Day 27: Bohemian Switzerland - Pravčická Brána (A)
Explore Bohemian Switzerland National Park:
Hike up to Pravčická brána (Pravčice Gate), Europe's largest natural sandstone arch (iconic landmark). Enjoy the views. Note: Access directly under the arch may be restricted. Combine with boat trip through Edmund's Gorge (check status/operation). Value: Iconic natural arch, beautiful hiking.
Day 28: Bohemian Switzerland - Gorges or Viewpoints (A/M)
Explore more trails in the park: Hike through Kamenice river gorges (Edmund's and Wild Gorges - requires boat sections, check operation), or hike to viewpoints like Mariina vyhlídka or Vilemínina stěna near Jetřichovice. Value: More unique sandstone landscapes.
Day 29: Return Towards Prague / Buffer Day (T/R)
Travel back towards Prague (train/bus from Děčín, approx. 1.5 hours).
Use as buffer time, do final souvenir shopping (Bohemian crystal, garnet jewellery, puppets, beer steins), revisit a favourite Prague spot, enjoy a final Czech beer hall experience. Farewell dinner. Value: Easy return, buffer time.
Day 30: Departure (T)
Enjoy a final Czech breakfast (perhaps palačinky - pancakes).
Travel to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) for your departure.
Leave Czechia with wonderful memories of its history, beauty, beer, and charm!
Essential Tips for Your 30-Day Czech Trip:
Transport: Trains (ČD - České dráhy) and private operators (RegioJet, Leo Express) connect major cities well. Buses (various companies, check IDOS.cz for schedules) are extensive and often better for reaching smaller towns/specific routes. Renting a car offers flexibility for South Bohemia, Moravian wine country, national parks. Drive on the RIGHT. Buy an electronic motorway vignette if driving on highways. Prague has excellent public transport (metro, trams, buses).
Accommodation: Wide range: Hotels, pensions (penzion), apartments, guesthouses (ubytování v soukromí), hostels. Very affordable compared to Western Europe. Book ahead for Prague Old Town, Český Krumlov, Karlovy Vary, especially in peak season.
Language: Czech is the official language (Slavic language). English is widely spoken in Prague tourist areas and by younger people, but less common in rural areas/among older generations. German is also understood by some. Learning basic Czech phrases (Dobrý den - Good day, Děkuji - Thank you, Prosím - Please/You're welcome, Promiňte - Excuse me) is very much appreciated.
Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK). Euro is NOT typically accepted (except some very touristy spots at poor rates). Cards widely accepted in cities/towns, ATMs common. Carry cash for smaller villages, markets, some pubs/restaurants, entrance fees.
Food & Drink: Hearty cuisine. Try Svíčková, Vepřo-knedlo-zelo (pork, dumplings, cabbage), Guláš, Řízek (schnitzel), Bramboráky (potato pancakes), various soups (polévky). Dumplings (knedlíky) are staples. Beer (pivo) is cheaper than water sometimes and excellent quality (Pilsner Urquell, Budvar, Staropramen, many regional/craft beers). Try Becherovka (herbal liqueur), Slivovice (plum brandy).
Beer Culture: Pubs (hospoda or pivnice) are central. Ordering beer is often assumed if you sit down. Tipping is common (rounding up or ~10%). Be aware of different beer sizes (usually 0.5L or 0.3L).
Booking Ahead: Essential for Villa Tugendhat (months!), popular castle tours (Karlštejn if visited, Prague Castle circuits), brewery tours (Pilsner Urquell), specific train tickets (sometimes cheaper), accommodation in peak season, and Punkva Caves boat trip.
Safety: Generally very safe. Take standard precautions against petty theft/pickpockets in crowded Prague areas (Charles Bridge, Old Town Square, metro). Be aware of taxi scams (use reputable apps/call companies).
Na zdraví! Have an absolutely fantastic 30-day adventure discovering the wonders of Czechia!
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