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BOHEMIA Castles, gardens and country houses

7 days | £3650 per person with flights | 22 - 28 September 2025

Castles, gardens and country houses

While Prague, the historic capital of Bohemia, and her treasures are well known, the rich cultural heritage of the Bohemian countryside and smaller towns is still largely terra incognita to a larger touristic audience. A plethora of mediaeval castles and country houses from Renaissance to Baroque are to be found throughout the delightful, deeply rural natural landscape. In fact, this relatively unexplored region boasts one of the finest collections of castles and country houses in all of Europe. The often spectacular interiors are true treasure troves of furnishings and works of art. Kutná Hora and Český Krumlov – both UNESCO World heritage sites – are prime examples of beautiful Bohemian historic towns. Their well-preserved architecture ranges from Gothic cathedrals to elegant Italianate town houses and exuberant Baroque palaces and churches.

As we explore a great variety of carefully selected sights we will learn not only about the ancient and in many ways glorious history of the former Kingdom of Bohemia but we will also hear stories revealing the turbulent times of 20th century Czechoslovakia. During our drive particularly in Southern Bohemia we will be accompanied by charming countryside in the shape of meadows and fields, deep forests, dramatic rocky cliffs as well as calming man made lakes.

Day to day Itinerary

Day 1

Flight from London to Prague. Continue into Prague where we will explore the exterior and gardens of a little-known palace tucked away in the Lesser Town (Mala Strana). First of three nights in Prague.

Day 2

Full-day coach excursion to Kutnà Hora, probably one of the most beautiful towns in Bohemia thanks to its charming location in the deep valley of the Vrechlice and its precious old buildings, where Bohemian kings often resided. Rich silver mines quickly made the mining town the largest city in Bohemia after Prague in the 14th century. Our visit here includes the Cathedral of St Barbara, built according to designs by Peter Parler and the Gothic-Baroque church by of the former Cistercian abbey of Sedlec, yet another UNESCO World Heritage monument. In the evening we enjoy an orchestral concert at the Rudoflinum concert hall.

Day 3

Full-day coach excursion. Hidden between five gently sloping hills lies the most beautiful mediaeval castle in Bohemia, maybe in all of Europe: Karlštejn Castle. In the middle of impenetrable forests, Charles IV, Bohemian king and emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, stipulated its erection as a place of relaxation and inner contemplation, but also as a refuge for the imperial insignia and his vast collection of relics. The splendor of the interior with its seven chapels and churches is unsurpassed. On returning to Prague we shall pay a visit to the delightful Troja pleasure palace. Built for the counts of Sternberg, this architectural gem embodies perfectly the idea of a baroque Gesamtkunstwerk. Last of three nights in Prague.

Day 4

Today we leave Prague to travel to South Bohemia. En route lies Kratochvile Castle. Built in the 1560s and 70s as a water-moated hunting lodge for the influential Rožmberg family, it is a jewel of Renaissance and mannerist architecture highly valued for its wall painting and fine stucco interiors. After its recent restoration it now counts amongst the most beautiful country houses in Bohemia. Continue to Český Krumlov. Check-in followed by an introductory walk will acquaint us with the charming centre of town. First of three nights in Český Krumlov.

Day 5

Full day on foot in Český Krumlov. The town is picturesquely situated on eith side of two consecutive narrow bends in the Vltava River. One side encircles the rocky outcrop on which the castle – Bohemia’s second largest after the Prague Hradčany – dominates the town, the other shelters the town itself. Our visits include Krumlov Castle and the Baroque Theatre as well as walking the gardens including the newly renovated summer house Belaria and the historic centre. Some free time in the afternoon.

DAY 6

Full-day coach excursion to Hluboká nad Vlatvou. Originating in a royal mediaeval castle, today’s palace is mainly the product of a 19th-century Romantic reconstruction when it became the main seat of the noble Schwarzenberg family. The castle has sumptuously rendered interiors, embellished by high quality woodcarving and wainscoting most of which were transferred from other family seats to Hluboká. The rich Schwarzenberg art collection including one of the most significant collections of historic tapestries in Europe, mediaeval stained glass and objets d’art are also presented at Hluboká Castle. From here we continue to the castle at Jindřichův Hradec. This mediaeval castle with Renaissance extension boasts an extensive cycle of medieval wall paintings, a picture gallery and interesting furniture. Final night in Český Krumlov.

DAY 7

Coach excursion to Zvíkov for its 13th-century castle ruin. Continue from here by boat across the Vltava River to Orlík Castle, another property of the Schwarzenbergs. Return to Prague airport for our return flight to London.

Hotel Paris

Located in the heart of Prague Old Town, the Hotel Paris is a luxury retreat housed within a magnificent Neo-Gothic building, recognised as a historical monument. Immerse yourself in timeless elegance with stylishly designed rooms and indulge in the spa, complete with a jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and fitness centre. Explore the vibrant city from this ideally-located and enchanting establishment.

Boutique Hotel Latrán

Situated in the heart of the historic town, the Hotel Latrán is a modern hotel with attention to detail, combining historic charm with contemporary fittings, comfort and elegance. Each room has an en-suite bathroom with modern amenities to ensure you have all the comfort you need during your stay.

With Flights: £3650

Join Direct: £3500

Single Supp: £255

Deposit: £450

Departure Dates:

22 - 28 September 2025

Duration:

6 nights / 7 days

Your Holiday Includes:

Return flights (Economy class) from London to Prague
Three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Hotel Paris in Prague, three nights’ bed and breakfast at the Boutique Hotel Latrán in Český Krumlov.
Private coach transfers and excursions
Two evening meals and five lunches
Ticket for the closing concert of the 25^th Dvořákova Praha
International Music Festival
Guided visits to the sites and monuments listed in the programme
Services of the tour lecturer and a tour manager
Detailed programme and study notes
All entrance fees, taxes, and gratuities for coach drivers and serving staff

Tour Lecturers

Dr Ulrike Ziegler

Specialising in mediaeval art and the cultural politics of post-war Germany at the universities of Regensburg and Aberdeen, Dr Ulrike Ziegler is a well-respected member of Art Pursuits and has lectured at universities and for multiple cultural institutions, along with organising and leading many study tours in both Germany and Austria. Ulrike is now working on Art Pursuits' German programme.

Martina Hinks-Edwards

Martina Hinks-Edwards was born and raised in Prague. Since her graduation at Charles University where she studied English, Martina has lead mainly cultural tours in Prague and the Czech Republic. She demonstrates a tremendous passion for her job and is highly valued for her expertise and depth of knowledge. She takes a particular interest in the 20^th century turbulent history of her country. She lives just outside Prague with her English husband and two children.

Travel Information

The price does not include extras at the hotels or travel insurance.

Please note that Art Pursuits use hotels of character featuring a variety of rooms & styles.

Stamina

Please note that some of our tours can involve a fair amount of walking, sometimes across uneven ground. Please contact us if you would like more information.