Reader trip for Swiss families: South Bohemia and Prague Castles, cities and world heritage

Day 1: Journey to České Budějovice

Travel in your luxurious premium coach via St Gallen to Lake Ammersee. Lunch awaits you at the Schreyegg restaurant. You then continue your journey via Munich and Deggendorf. Towards evening you arrive in the South Bohemian town of České Budějovice. Bohemia is one of the most beautiful regions of the Czech Republic. It was once the territory of the wealthiest Bohemian nobility, with magnificent castles, fortresses, monasteries and towns. The region is shaped by a lively history and a great variety of rulers and allegiances. Dinner at the hotel. (3 nights at the Grand Hotel Zvon).

Day 2: České Budějovice

The morning begins with an exciting walk through the historic centre of České Budějovice (Budweis). Did you know? České Budějovice has been named European Capital of Culture 2028. The square market place bears the name of the town's founder, Přemysl Ottokar II. The mighty Samson Fountain stands at the heart of the square and, together with the pretty town houses and their continuous arcades, forms a magnificent ensemble. You will also see the Town Hall, the Black Tower and St Nicholas Cathedral.

Afterwards, lunch together in a traditional restaurant. Enjoy typical Bohemian cuisine, which is characterised above all by its dumpling culture. Next comes a visit to the famous «Budvar» brewery. Budweiser beer carried the name of České Budějovice all over the world. Since 1895, the Budweis master brewers have demonstrated their skill with their delicious 12-degree lager. You will taste it for yourselves. The afternoon offers ample opportunity to discover the Bohemian city on your own. Sit down in one of the many cafés and restaurants and soak up the scenery. Dinner in a popular restaurant in the old town.

Day 3: Český Krumlov and Holašovice

Short drive to Český Krumlov. Together with your tour guide, discover the historic old town, which was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992. The town is also described as a jewel of urban architecture. The tour leads through a labyrinth of narrow, winding lanes with old stone steps, arches, gateways and oriel windows, up through the historic old town to the castle, which towers high above the Vltava. The vast castle complex (the second largest in Bohemia after Prague Castle) dominates the entire townscape with its imposing dimensions. Across the multi-storey Cloak Bridge you pass the Castle Theatre and reach the castle garden, which invites you to linger. On a short guided tour you will gain fascinating insights into the Baroque theatre. Afterwards, lunch on your own and free time. On the way back to České Budějovice, a detour takes you to Holašovice, a small village with the typical architecture of South Bohemian peasant Baroque. Hardly anywhere else will you see so much beauty in such a small space as in this little village in the middle of glorious countryside. The village looks as if it had stepped out of a fairy tale and impresses with the wonderful gables of Baroque farmhouses arranged around a spacious village green. Holašovice was rightly added to the UNESCO World Heritage list. You may spend the evening as you wish.

Day 4: Prague

After breakfast you leave České Budějovice and reach the Czech capital, Prague, around midday. An unusual city tour awaits you here. In a playful way, you will discover Prague's Old Town and its most important sights on a culinary walk. Among other things, you will see Old Town Square, the Town Hall with the Astronomical Clock, the Jewish Quarter, the famous Charles Bridge and the Powder Tower. Along the way, you will repeatedly sample delicious bites that leave you wanting more. Evening at leisure. (2 nights at the Grand Hotel Bohemia).

Day 5: Prague Castle and Lesser Town

The day begins with a visit to the imposing Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the castle district (Hradčany). It is the largest enclosed castle complex in the world. At its centre stands the Gothic St Vitus Cathedral, an architectural masterpiece, before you continue to the notorious Dalibor Tower, which once served as a prison. Finally, you step into the medieval idyll of Golden Lane, where tiny, colourful little houses bring the legends of alchemists and goldsmiths to life. From midday you have plenty of free time to explore the Czech capital as you please. How about visiting Petřín Tower, something of a counterpart to the Eiffel Tower in Paris? From here you have a wonderful view over the whole of Prague. The observation tower stands on Petřín Hill in the Lesser Town district. You can reach the tower on foot via a climb of about 45 minutes through the beautiful park, or by funicular. In the evening, a Mozart dinner awaits you. It consists of a dinner, various arias and excerpts from the most famous operas sung as duets. Truly a fitting finale that will resonate for a long time. Overnight in Prague.

Day 6: Journey home

After eventful days full of enjoyment, culture and traditions, you begin your journey home to Switzerland today. Lunch stop on your own en route in Bavaria, before you reach your departure points again in the evening.