Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Celetná street to Ovocn
;
trh, and you get to Mozart's Prague venue, the Estates' The-
ater. Dinner and your evening entertainment are all probably within a 10-minute walk
from anywhere in this area.
THE BEST OF PRAGUE IN 2 DAYS
On your second day, explore the varied sights of New Town, Old Town, the Jewish
Quarter, and Lesser Town—what you didn't have time for the day before. Just wander
and browse. Throughout Old Town you'll find numerous shops and galleries offering
the finest Bohemian crystal, porcelain, and modern artwork, as well as top fashion
boutiques, cafes, and restaurants. While the shops aren't that much different from
those in other European cities, the setting is.
From Old Town, it's just a short walk across Charles Bridge to Lesser Town. This
was once the neighborhood for diplomats, merchants, and those who served the cas-
tle, with narrow houses squeezed between palaces and embassies. Finish the day by
getting a riverside view of the city and Charles Bridge from Kampa Park.
THE BEST OF THE CZECH REPUBLIC IN 1 WEEK
The Czech lands offer many historic and cultural monuments. Castles and châteaux
dominating the picturesque natural landscape represent the most important part of
Czech attractions. Below I give you one example out of many possible itineraries.
Days
1
&
2
Arrive in Prague
Spend the first 2 days as recommended
above. Then rent a car from one of the
rental agencies recommended on p. 218.
Keep in mind that the speed limit is
90kmph (56 mph) on two-lane highways
and 50kmph (31 mph) in villages.
Day
3
Cesk; Krumlov
Leave for this romantic destination in
southern Bohemia early in the morning,
when the roads aren't too crowded. This
will also allow you time to stroll around
the city. Take Highway D1 and then E55.
The trip takes about 2
1
⁄
2
hours. Once
there, visit the castle first, then just wan-
der, and finally relax in a local restaurant.
Spend the night in one of the recom-
mended hotels or pensions. But book
early, as Krumlov is the most popular
Czech destination after Prague. See
details on p. 260.
Day
4
Ceské Budêjovice, Castle
Hluboká nad Vltavou
On this day start heading for Plze
n
via
C
eské Bud
ê
jovice, the home of Budvar
beer. Upon arrival at
C
eské Bud
ê
jovice,
have a quick stroll and look around one of
central Europe's largest squares, where you
can also have lunch. In the early afternoon,
take Highway E49 and then Highway 105
north for 30 minutes (this includes park-
ing time) to the tiny town Hluboká nad
Vltavou, where you'll see a castle fashioned
after the Windsor Castle in England tow-
ering above the green meadows. For more
information see p. 263.
Next, take Highway E49 to Plze
n
.
You'll get there in about 2 hours. Spend
the night there. See p. 264.
Day
5
Plzen
Explore Plze
n
's center in the morning,
when it is the least crowded. If you're
interested in the beer-making process,
visit the Pilsner Breweries in the early
afternoon. Just outside the factory is a
restaurant that serves traditional Czech
food. See p. 265 for more details.
After your break, hit the road again.
Highway E49 will take you to the most
popular Czech spa town, Karlovy Vary, in
about 1 hour. Spend the night there.
