Prague and Český Krumlov
Duration : 7 days
Route : Prague (4 nights) → Plzeň (Pilsner visit) → Český Krumlov (2 nights) → return Prague (flight)
Custom travel to Czechia
At the heart of Central Europe, Czechia packs a thousand years of history, castles, and the art of living. Prague, 'the city of a hundred spires', unfurls its Charles Bridge, astronomical clock, and the world's largest ancient castle, while Český Krumlov wraps its medieval old town in a bend of the Vltava. It's also the cradle of modern beer — lager was born in Plzeň in 1842 — and a country of spa towns like Karlovy Vary, fascinating ossuaries in Kutná Hora, and vineyards in Moravia. Compact, safe, and less than two hours' flight from Paris, Czechia is ideal for a stay blending UNESCO cities, Bohemian countryside, and convivial tables. It's a destination I design bespoke, between heritage, gastronomy, and gentle living.
Highlights
- UNESCO Prague: Charles Bridge, astronomical clock, Hradčany Castle
- UNESCO Český Krumlov and its castle on the Vltava
- UNESCO Kutná Hora: Sedlec ossuary and Saint Barbara cathedral
- Czech beer: Pilsner Urquell (1842) and Budvar, world's #1 per capita
- Karlovy Vary and the Bohemian spa triangle
- Moravia: vineyards, Lednice-Valtice, and Brno
Sample itineraries
Grand tour of Bohemia
Duration : 10 days
Route : Prague (4 nights) → Kutná Hora (day trip) → Karlovy Vary (2 nights, spa) → Plzeň → Český Krumlov (2 nights) → České Budějovice (Budvar) → return Prague
Bohemia and Moravia: cities, wines, and castles
Duration : 11 days
Route : Prague (4 nights) → Český Krumlov (2 nights) → Telč (Renaissance) → Lednice-Valtice (1 night) → South Moravian vineyards (2 nights) → Brno (1 night) → return Prague
When to go
Czechia is best visited in spring (May-June) and early autumn (September-October): mild climate, gardens in bloom or autumn colors, and reasonable crowds. Summer (July-August) is hot and very busy in Prague and Český Krumlov — book early. December turns the capital into a fairytale set with its Christmas markets and, sometimes, snow on the old town roofs: a magical season despite the cold. January-February are quiet and cold, perfect for the Karlovy Vary spas and museums, with gentler prices. In Moravia, September coincides with the harvest and the wine festivals (burčák).
- Spring (April – June) — Prague, gardens, Český Krumlov
- Summer (July – August) — Festivals, terraces, Bohemian Switzerland
- Autumn (September – October) — Moravian wines, autumn colors
- Winter (November – March) — Prague Christmas markets, spas
Practical information
Czechia is one of Europe's safest countries. The main vigilance concerns pickpockets in Prague's tourist areas (Charles Bridge, metro, Old Town Square) and the rip-off exchange offices downtown — prefer ATMs or reputable agencies. The currency is the Czech crown (CZK), not the euro, though some shops accept it at an unfavorable rate; pay in crowns, ideally by card. No visa for French citizens (EU, Schengen), an ID card or passport suffices. No specific vaccines required. Tap water is drinkable. Customary tipping: about 10% in restaurants. Outlets are French-type (230 V), no adapter needed.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time for a Czechia trip?
May-June and September-October are ideal (mild climate, reasonable crowds). December is magical for the Prague Christmas markets. Summer is hot but very busy; winter, quiet and cold, is perfect for the spas.
How long for a Czechia trip?
Minimum 6-7 days for Prague and Český Krumlov. 10 days for the grand Bohemia tour (Karlovy Vary, Kutná Hora, Plzeň). 11-12 days to add Moravia and its vineyards.
What budget for a custom Czechia trip?
As a guideline, €1,400-€2,100 per person for 6-8 days in comfort, excluding flights. For an upscale trip with palace hotels: €2,400-€4,500 and up. Paris-Prague flights: €150-€350.
Do I need a visa for Czechia?
No visa for French citizens. Czechia is a member of the EU (2004) and the Schengen area (2007); a valid ID card or passport suffices.
Is the euro used in Czechia?
No: the currency is the Czech crown (CZK, about 25 CZK to €1). Some shops accept euros but at an unfavorable rate. Pay in crowns, ideally by card, which is widely accepted.
How to get around Czechia?
The train is excellent (Pendolino, RegioJet, Leo Express) to connect Prague to other cities. Prague is best on foot and by metro/tram. A car is useful for the South Bohemian countryside, Moravia, and Bohemian Switzerland.
Is Czechia suitable for a first Central Europe trip?
Absolutely. Very safe, compact, 1 h 45 from Paris, with no time difference and inexpensive, it's one of the most accessible destinations to discover Central Europe, ideal as a couple, family, or with friends.
Can I combine Czechia with other countries?
Yes, easily by train: Vienna (4 h), Dresden (2 h), Berlin (4 h), Bratislava (4 h), or Krakow (1 h flight). Czechia is an ideal starting point for a Central Europe trip.
What must I taste in Czechia?
Svíčková (cream beef with knedlíky), guláš, a draft Pilsner Urquell in a hospoda, Karlovy Vary's Becherovka, and the white wines of South Moravia.