Czech Republic Travel Itinerary
Get ready for an epic Czech Republic road trip! The loop starts and ends in the capital city of Prague, and covers a perfect mixture of big cities, charming towns, and beautiful nature.
Not only this, but it’s home to one of the largest castles in the world! Spend a few days here absorbing the beauty of this gothic city.
Tip: Use ‘Lime’ electric scooters to get around the city. It’s fun and affordable!
Day 4-5: Karlovy Vary
Karlovy Vary is a stunning spa city that is home to hot mineral springs, beautiful collonades, and extraordinary mansions. It even has a spectacular cinematic history, as the setting for movies like ‘James Bond’. Enjoy wandering through timeless and romantic Karlovy Vary!
Prague to Karlovy Vary: If you have a rental car, you can drive to Karlovy Vary from Prague in around 2 hours. There are also regular buses and trains leaving throughout the day. (Find all bus and train options)
On your road trip from Prague to Karlovy Vary make stops at the Czech Grand Canyon (Quarry Great America) and the impressive Karlštejn Castle.
Hotels in Karlovy Vary
Day 6-7: Cesky Krumlov
Cesky Krumlov is a town out of a fairytale; sat on the bend of a winding river, with medieval cobbled streets, and a ‘Disney style’ castle. It even has UNESCO status as a result of its incredible preservation of 14th-century buildings.
Once you’ve finished with all the beautiful architecture and history, enjoy some kayaking on the mammoth river Vlatava. This might easily become a favorite during your Czech Republic Route.
More on: Medieval Cesky Krumlov (2 days)
Karlovy Vary to Cesky Krumlov: Reach Cesky Krumlov from Karlovy vary in 3.5 hours driving. (Rent a car) Public transport generally goes back via Prague, where you can catch a direct bus or train to Cesky Krumlov in 3 hours. (Find all bus and train options from Prague)
Day 8: Hluboka Castle
The Czech Republic is home to thousands of castles, and Hluboka Castle is one of the country’s prettiest. On your journey from Cesky Krumlov, make a stop here to wander around the grounds in your very own Czech fairytale. The castle is picturesque from any angle, at any time of day, or in any season, but it would be extra breathtaking during a snowy Czech Republic winter!
Read all about Hluboka Castle
Telč
After visiting the castle, break up your journey to Brno by staying the night in Telč. This is a UNESCO heritage town with one of the most stunning town squares in the Czech Republic! Absorb the atmosphere of the town at night and see the grand candy-colored mansions by day. There is even a town castle to visit!
To get to Telč: drive for 1.5 hours or take the bus from Ceske Budejovice (a 15-minute taxi ride from the castle).
Make sure to check out whatever pop-up event is happening in the main square; when we were there it was a summer wine festival!
Telč to Brno: 1.5 hours driving by car. Also possible by direct bus in just under 2 hours.
Day 11-12: Litomyšl
Spend the night in Litomyšl, located to the east of Prague, and home to a huge white brick renaissance castle. The castle was given UNESCO heritage status. This is no surprise when you see its stunning arches, collonades, and interior courtyards. The town is also charming, with its grand townhouses and wide-open avenues.
Brno to Litomyšl: 1.5 hours by car or train to Ceska Trebova (1 hour), followed by a 20-minute taxi. We highly recommend a car for this part of the road trip in order to make stops at the spots below:
Pilgrimage Church of St John of Nepomuk
This is one of the most breathtaking monuments on offer in the Czech Republic! The UNESCO church sits in the middle of the countryside within star-shaped walls. The real magic of the site is seen from above, where you can see the fantastic symmetry of the star shape that surrounds the church.
Day 13: Adrspach-Teplice rocks
The labyrinth of rocks at Adrspach-Teplice natural park is a natural phenomenon and is a place you have to see during your Czech Republic road trip!
What is Adrspach?
Over time the weather eroded the rocks to form them into this unique shape. Take the lake trail loop to see the stunning emerald waters against the forest backdrop. Alternatively, take the 7km main trail loop to see all of the natural sights in this beautiful corner of the Czech Republic.
See all: hotels nearby Adrspach national park
Tip: If you want to visit for more than a day, you can stay a night in the nearby city of Trutnov (50 minutes train ride). Another option is to visit the Polish city of Wroclaw, as the country’s border is very near.
Read our complete guide: Adrspach-Teplice natural park
Litomysl to Adrspach-Teplice Rocks: just over 2 hours driving or 4.5-hour train (with several changes).
Day 14: Ending your Czech Route
Unfortunately, this is the final day of your Czech Republic road trip. It’s a short 2.5-hour car journey back to Prague. If you would like to visit more spots on your way back, consider visiting: Valdštejn Castle or the Royal Forest Dam.
Costs of Traveling in the Czech Republic
Generally, traveling in the Czech Republic (especially at lesser-known destinations) is fairly reasonable and can be done for around 50-100 USD per day.
- Hotel: 45 – 100 USD / night
- Hostel: 15 – 25 USD / night
- Food: 20 – 45 USD / day
- Entrance Fee: 5 – 20 USD
- Transport: 10 – 35 USD / day
- Gas: 1.25 USD / L
How to Get Around the Czech Republic
The Czech Republic is absolutely perfect for a road trip, therefore, we recommend renting a car! This is the best way to get off the beaten path and visit destinations like Adrspach-Teplice park or Hbluboka castle.
We recommend renting Sunny Cars in the Czech Republic. They work with local car rental companies and the price includes full insurance. No surprises when collecting your car. Rent a car here.
However, if you prefer not to drive, the Czech Republic has a good railway and bus network, especially between the main cities like Prague and Brno. (Get all your bus and train tickets here)
Best Time to Travel in the Czech Republic
The best time to do a Czech Republic road trip is from April to October. To avoid the crowds visit either in spring from mid-March to mid-May or in fall September – mid November.
Czech Republic in Winter
The Czech Republic is famous worldwide for its spectacular Christmas markets and festive atmosphere. Because of this, and the chance of snow, December is a beautiful time to visit the country. However, temperatures can be freezing and prices will be higher than normal due to the popularity of this travel season.
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