Head to Eastern Europe to explore the incredible history, architecture, countryside and indomitable spirit of the Czech Republic. This is the country that gave us Skoda cars, Bata Shoes and Bohemian glass and boasts no less than 12 UNESCO world heritage sites. There’s the beautiful historic centre of Prague with amazing Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture. The town of Český Krumlov has a huge Castle dating back to 1240. And the Villa Tugendhat in Brno is one of the pioneering prototypes of modern architecture in Europe.
2018 sees the Czech Republic celebrate the 100th anniversary of the formation of Czechoslovakia. The focus of the celebrations is on the early years of the newly created state - the inter war years between 1918 and 1938 were particularly vibrant. Czechoslovakia was one of the centres of Europe at the time with flourishing modern architecture, art, design and more. Nowadays there are museums, monuments and homes where you can immerse yourself in this fascinating time period through paintings, sculptures, furniture and other artifacts.
The Czech Republic calls itself “the Land of Stories” and there are fascinating tales surrounding the establishment of the new country and the lifestyle at the time. There are symbols of the New Republic – for instance you can visit the great columned Hall in Prague Castle, created to welcome official visitors to the infant Czechoslovakia. There are also stories of the pride in which the old traditions were held at the time, exemplified in the Wallachian Open Air Museum created in 1925 that celebrates the Wallachian rural culture.
You can recreate the elegant, refined city lifestyle of the 1920’s and 30’s which was characterized by pulsing cafes, lavish spa towns, and sports such as organized hiking (which was invented by the Czechs). The development of spa treatments complimented the Nordic skiing experience, both of which can still be enjoyed today. And the famous Prague cafés prosper as they did in the days when great men like Albert Einstein and Franz Kafka discussed their ideas with friends.
There is much to discover about Czech invention – Czech ingenuity gave us Bata Shoes and you can visit fascinating museums celebrating the success of the Skoda and Tatra automotive brands. This is also the country that gave us the famous Czech pils beer. You can visit České Budějovice (its German name is Budweis) to tour the brewery and taste the “Beer of Kings”. The brewery’s own water supply comes from 300-metre deep artesian wells and they have their own first-rate brewing yeast. Visit the museum and the “Hop and Beer Temple” to learn about the famous Zatec Hops that help create the unique flavour of the beer.
Some people claim that the Czech Republic is the castle capital of the world. Given its location in the centre of Europe, armies from all sides wanted to pass through what is today the Czech Republic. This prompted the building of a lot of castles – possibly as many as 2,000, depending upon how you define a castle. Whichever way you look at it, the Czech Republic has plenty of wonderful and ancient fortresses to explore.
Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It was lovingly restored by the newly formed Czech Republic in the 1920’s and early 1930’s as a mark of civic pride.
Český Krumlov is a small town in southern Bohemia in the Czech Republic. It has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, mainly for its fine architecture in gothic, renaissance, and baroque style, constructed between the 13th through the 17th centuries. The charming streets are filled with cafés, shops, galleries and pubs and the historic centre of this beautiful Bohemian town is dominated by Český Krumlov Castle.
Hluboká Castle is considered one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. Some people call it an historic chateau (hence the discussion about the number of actual castles in the Czech Republic). In the second half of the 13th century, a Gothic castle was built at the site. During its history, the castle was rebuilt several times. It was first expanded during the Renaissance period, then rebuilt into a Baroque castle in the beginning of the 18th century. It reached its current appearance during the 19th century, when Johann Adolf II von Schwarzenberg ordered the reconstruction of the castle in the romantic style of England's Windsor Castle.
To explore the fascinating landmarks and hidden gems of the Czech Republic, consult your Travel Agent about the tours available with the Globus Family of Brands. Prague can be visited on independent city breaks with Monograms. The Czech capital can also be a pre or post stay cruise stay associated with a Danube River Cruise with Avalon Waterways. And Globus and Cosmos provide escorted motor coach itineraries that combine the Czech Republic with other European countries.
The capital of the Czech Republic, Prague, isn’t as big as London or Paris – but it is a unique and fascinating European city. Prague has a very old and interesting history, yet it has also embraced modern times with elegance and wit. The Charles Bridge in Prague was built in the 15th century, and it is said to be haunted! The bridge spans the graceful River Vltava and provides wonderful views of the city. If you want to make sure you come back to Prague, touch the St John of Nepomuk statue on the Charles Bridge (he was martyred by being thrown from the bridge into the river). It's supposed to bring good luck, so it seems like those ghosts are friendly!
Prague is blessed with some of the most incredible “must see” architecture in Europe. Start with the old town square - the historic heart and navigational centre of the city’s UNESCO-listed Old Town. A feast of architectural wonders, the medieval square is ringed with grandiose Romanesque, baroque, and Gothic style buildings, including some of Prague’s most photographed monuments.
The square is presided over by the Lady Before Tyn Cathedral, the central Jan Hus statue and the Old Town Hall with its Astronomical Clock tower – one of the most iconic landmarks of Prague, dating back to the early 15th century. The clock is famous for "The Walk of the Apostles", a clockwork hourly show of figures of the Apostles and other moving sculptures—notably a figure of Death (represented by a skeleton) striking the time; and a calendar dial with medallions representing the months. According to local legend, the city will suffer if the clock is neglected and its good operation is placed in jeopardy.
Near the old town square are attractions such as Wenceslas Square, the Charles Bridge, the Jewish Quarter and the Castle. Prague Castle is the largest castle in the world according to the Guinness Book of World Records. It is also a symbol of the new republic of Czechoslovakia that was formed in 1918 and the establishment of Czechoslovakia prompted its refurbishment shortly afterwards.
Jože Plečnik, professor of the Academy of Art, Architecture and Design and a world-famous architect of Slovenian descent, was entrusted with the 10 years’ work of reconstruction. Plečnik adapted the Castle and its surrounding gardens to meld historical architecture with elements of a modernity. In addition to modifications of the Castle, Plečnik also built the unmistakable Church of the Most Sacred Heart of Our Lord in Vinohrady, the construction of which was inspired by symbolism of Noah's Ark.
Culture vultures will seek out the Lobkowicz Palace, which is home to one of the city’s finest art collections. It has the distinction of being the only privately-owned building in the sprawling Prague Castle complex. The grand Prague State Opera house is one of the city’s most exquisite buildings, and now fully restored with opulent interiors that blend elegant white and gold décor with plush red velvet and glittering chandeliers. You can attend performances during the Prague State Opera season between September and June.
Three towers tell the story of how Prague melds the old and the new and in addition provide spectacular views of the city. The Old Town Bridge Tower is an impressive Gothic structure guarding one end of Charles Bridge, heralding entrance to the Old Town. It was completed in 1380. Climb the 138 steps inside the tower to reach the gallery, for a bird's-eye view over the old city.
Petrin Tower is a TV tower that looks like a mini Eiffel Tower located on Petrin Hill in Prague. It was built in 1891 for the Jubilee Exhibition. The tower is 200 feet tall, but because Petrin Hill is 1,043 feet high, the top of the tower is about the same height as the top of the real Eiffel Tower in Paris. You can reach the top by climbing 299 stairs.
The Žižkov television tower is over 700 feet high. Built during the communist era, it was once considered one of the ugliest buildings in the world. In 2000, Czech sculptor and artist David Černý attached giant crawling babies onto the side of the tower. Now one of the most spectacular sites in Prague, as well as the highest structure, the tower provides panoramic views of the city from over 300 feet off the ground.
No visit to Prague is complete without sampling its exciting cafes and pubs. Czech cuisine even has a whole category of foods: “beer snacks”, or “snacks that go well with beer”. They can be found on the menu of virtually every pub in Prague and consist of a piece of meat and a condiment. The classics include Prague ham with horseradish cream.
Other traditional Czech dishes not to be missed are:
- Steak tartare
- Czech soup, Kulajda (pronounced “ku-lay-dah”): a creamy potato soup with mushrooms, dill, vinegar and a poached egg on top.
- Weiner sausages
- Delicious, juicy duck filled with dumplings and sauerkraut
- Veal schnitzel with potato salad
- Goulash - the Czech version is a thicker stew, served with dumplings
Prague is a great destination for a city break or as part of a longer European itinerary. Its wonderfully preserved architecture and sense of history blends with a lively modern way of life to ensure a fascinating and fun visit.
It is the 100th anniversary of the formation of Czechoslovakia in 1918. Though they are now two separate countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia are jointly celebrating this landmark. There will be a joint exhibition – on the Czech side presented by the National Museum as well as a whole program of festivals and special events.
Here are just a few highlights from the exciting calendar in the Czech Republic:
Prague Spring International Music Festival: Czekoslovakian story through music
10 May - 4 June, 2018 in Prague.
www.festival.cz
Traditional festival since 1946 celebrating its 73 anniversary with 50 concerts from classical music, jazz music in 15 locations in Prague. Artists coming from 19 countries including Vienner Symphoniker with Daniel Barenboim, Toronto Symphony Orchestra, Orchestre de Paris.Opening concert by Czech Philharmonics and closing by Slovak Philharmonc Bratislava. Programme of the best of music in last 100 years and a special composer competition
Dvořák´s Praha
7 - 21 September, 2018 in Prague.
www.dvorakovapraha.cz
Prague celebrates musical genius and the world’s best-known Czech composer Antonín Dvořák. Concerts will take place in the Dvořák Hall at the Rudolfinum, in the Cathedral of St. Vitus at Prague Castle, in the concert hall of the Prague Conservatory, and also at Prague Crossroads. Programme of Suk, Martinů, Janáček - Suk symphony which was first concert played by Czech Philharmonics after 1918.
Bohemia JazzFest 2018
July 9 - 17, 2018. Regions: Prague, South Bohemia, Liberec South Moravia and Plzeň.
www.bohemiajazzfest.cz
Top 5 cultural event in the country based on the ministery of culture. 8 cities historic squares get lively with jazz, funk, latin and world music connected to architecture. All concerts are divided into 3 time sessions. The festival is reuniting Central European artistis to show consistency of nations together.
Mezinárodní hudební festival Český Krumlov 2017
20 July - 11 August, 2018 in Český Krumlov.
www.festivalkrumlov.cz
4 weeks long summer music festival taking place since 1992 in this fairytale town of South Bohemia, registered as a heritage site by UNESCO. The venues include interesting places in the proximity and in particular the unique areas of the Castle and Château of Český Krumlov. Closing concert dedicated to the 100th anniversary with presence of national artists with the slovakian world-famous Lučnica dance & music band and Czech modern folkloric band Čechomor. Tasting of traditional regional products from both countries is included in the event.
Smetana´s Litomyšl 2018
14 June - 7 July, 2018 in Litomyšl.
www.smetanovalitomysl.cz
The most famous native of Litomyšl, composer Bedřich Smetana, is celebrated every summer with a big music festival. Celebrating this year its 60th anniversary, it is the second oldest music festival in the country and it attracts about 30,000 people every year. The main program consists of opera productions, concert versions of operas, gala concerts, oratorios, cantatas and songbook evenings, but the varied program also offers room for ballet, church and promenade concerts or forms that overlap other genres. The center of festival events is the magnificent Litomyšl Renaissance château with a covered courtyard and unique theatre, registered as a UNESCO site. Idea of foundation of the festival took place during First Republic. Special world premiere will take place on the 5 June, 2018.
Concentus Moraviae: International Music Festival of 13 Towns
1 - 27 June, 2018 in South Moravia region and Vysočina.
www.concentus-moraviae.cz
37 concerts in 20 cities in the country. The festival offers an ideal combination – linking musical experiences with visits to the picturesque towns of South Moravia and Vysočina. Special parade of costumed velocipedists (ancient bikes) or special concerts at Vila Tugendhat.
Colours of Ostrava
18 - 21 July, 2018 in Ostrava.
www.colours.cz
Top 10 best European music festival as rated by The Guardian - since 2013 located in famous Lower Vitkovice. The festival offers more than 150 bands covering jazz, world music, rock, pop and alternative. The festival includes a splendid supporting program full of films, discussions, workshops and theatre performances.
Royal Silvering of Kutná Hora
June 23 - 24, 2018 in Kutná Hora.
www.stribreni.cz
This colorful and lighthearted Gothic festival symbolically opens the tourist season in Kutná Hora, which is registered as a UNESCO site. Czech King Václav IV arrives in the city with Queen Žofia of Bavaria and officials and courtiers. The park under the Wallachian Court and the Gothic streets of the historic center come alive with the color of the Middle Ages.
Chodské slavnosti - Vavřinecká pouť 2018
10 - 12 August, 2018 in Plzeňský kraj.
www.chodskeslavnosti.cz
Chodsko is the centre of the Chodsko region where the tradition of bagpipe music, folk dances and customs is kept alive. The Chodsko Folk Festival, held since 1955, is one of the oldest folk festivals in the Czech Republic.
Spring and fall porcelain celebrations
4 - 6 May, 2018 and 7 - 9 Sept, 2018 in Karlovy Vary.
www.thun.cz
Two weekends dedicated to the celebration of famous porcelain are busy with live music and folkloric performances. Underlines the long tradition of original Czech creators : (Thun - 224 years, Moser - 161 years, Becherovka - 211 years of tradition. Karlovy Vary has a tradition in the city since 1350).
International Film Festival in Karlovy Vary
29 June - 7 July, 2018 in Karlovy Vary
www.kviff.com
Each year the festival presents the premieres of more than 200 new films from around the world. The festival includes a variety of film and social celebrities, thousands of film fans, concerts, ceremonies, parties, press conferences and dozens of accompanying events. The center of the festival is the Hotel Thermal, but screenings are held virtually throughout the city.
Fresh Festival
Plzeň 19 - 20 May, 2018
Liberec 26 - 27 May, 2018
České Budějovice 9 - 10 June, 2018
Pardubice 16 - 17 June, 2018
www.freshfestival.cz
4 cities festival featuring cuisine, microbreweries, wineries and local specialities.
Dočesná - Žatec Beer Festival
31 August -1 Sept, 2018 in Žatec.
www.docesna.cz
Participate in the hops and beer festival with the longest 60 years tradition in the Czech Republic. The Dočesná is a traditional climatic event in the historic center of the royal city of Žatec. The admission is free. Visitors can expect a rich cultural program of music, games, records, fun and above all tasting some of the more than 40 beers from 20 breweries!
Znojmo Historic Vintage
14 - 16 Sept, 2018 in Znojmo.
www.znojemskevinobrani.cz
The celebration recalls the year 1327 when Czech King John of Luxembourg and his wife Elisabeth of Bohemia and the royal court arrived in Znojmo. 550 costumed persons with : theatre performances, concerts, fireworks, jousting tournaments, historic marketplace with demonstrations of crafts, and a military camp.
Garden Food Festival
Olomouc:12-13 May
Ostrava: 2-3 June
Zlín: 1-2 Sept, 2018
www.gardenfoodfestival.cz
Lovers of traditional cuisine, gastronomic explorers and fans of local specialties like Loštické (Olomouc) smelly cheese, as well as demanding gourmets seeking an experience for their taste buds, can head to Smetana Park in the center of historic Olomouc for the Garden Food Festival.
Designblok, Prague Design and Fashion Week 2018
25 - 29 October, 2018 in Prague.
www.designblok.cz
The event celebrating 20th anniversary attracts more than 55 000 people who see more than 300 creators exhibits mainly from Central Europe. Connection between nowaday creators and 100 years tradtion. Presentation of traditional Czech brands: Ton, Moser, Preciosa. Special exhbition of successful Czech brands and designers throughout time.
The Globus Family of Brands bring an unmatched breadth of product to help you explore the Czech Republic. The Parent company is an icon of the Travel World with more than 90 years of experience. Nowadays there is a network of more than 32 offices around the world, serviced by a group of more than 5,000 professionals. Combined the brands carry over 500,000 passengers a year, making the organization the leading operator of guided vacations worldwide. The Globus Family of Brands offers 480 vacations across 6 continents and 77 countries.
Escorted Tours with Globus and Cosmos
Globus and Cosmos offer escorted motor coach tours, so you can discover Europe hassle free. No worries, no planning, no dealing with bookings – everything is taken care of for you. No navigation, no driving and no baggage handling – relax in your motor coach and enjoy great views of Europe from your large window and high vantage point.
Every journey tells a story on a Globus fully escorted tour - great hotels, amazing food, incredible sightseeing, and above all, memories galore! Cosmos provides savvy, value-minded travellers with a great mix of included excursions and free time - and value. There are seven itineraries with Globus that include the Czech Republic and a further seven with Cosmos
This 9-day tour takes you to Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and the Czech Republic.
Day 6 and 7 of the tour include both Český Krumlov and Hluboká castles in Southern Bohemia. Then you carry on to Prague and tour the castle as part of your two night stay in the capital.
This Globus tour stays one night at a “local favourite” hotel in Hluboká that demonstrates how Globus seeks out great hotels in the best locations, with a local flavour where possible. Hotel Stekl is perfectly located - Hluboka Castle is just a 2 minutes’ walk away. A delightful family run 44 room hotel set in this Bohemian paradise, the romantic castle style building offers modern Czech cuisine in the restaurant whilst drinks can be enjoyed in the English Club style setting of the bar lounge, complete with chesterfield sofas and an open fireplace.
River Cruises with Avalon
River cruising is an elegant and delightful way to see Europe. No packing and unpacking and the vineyards and villages of Europe glide past the window of your small, intimate ship. Then you stop right in the heart of some of the great cities in Europe and just walk down the gangplank and you are right there! Avalon Waterways sets the standard in river and small-ship cruising – and you can extend several of their Danube River Cruises to include a pre or post stay in Prague.
Cruise along the Danube River through Hungary, Slovakia, Austria, and Germany.
On Day 8 disembark in Deggendorf in Bavaria, Germany and travel by coach to Prague.
Enjoy a day in Prague with guided sightseeing on Day 9.
This time you start your vacation in Prague.
Enjoy a day in Prague with guided sightseeing and a further full day at leisure.
On day 4 travel by motorcoach to Nuremberg to join your river cruise ship. Carry on to visit Germany, Austria and your journey ends in Budapest Hungary.
This 9-day cruise is very popular as it visits the famous Christmas Markets of Europe.
Starts in Prague with sightseeing and a visit to the Christmas Market. Day 3 you transfer by motorcoach to join your river cruise ship in Nuremberg.
Visit Christmas markets in Nuremberg, Regensburg and Passau in Germany.
Independent City Breaks with Monograms
Monograms is ideal for independent travellers. It offers all-in-one packages that cover all details, including hotels, transportation, sightseeing, and the services of a professional host. Monograms can send you on a city break to Prague, or you can combine it with other European cities.
With a local host, included sightseeing city tour, 4-star hotel with breakfast and baggage handling included.
With Monograms there are many opportunities to customize your vacation:
- optional excursions like “horse carriage ride and dinner cruise”
- upgrade your hotel
- stay more nights
- book your flights and transfers with Monograms
- add on another European city: Budapest, Vienna or Berlin.
Speak to your Travel Agent about the many ways to explore the Czech Republic with the Globus Family of Brands.
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