Travel agency Sibkraft (Prague, Czech republic)

There are cities that retain their glory throughout the ages: such is the medieval town of Kutna Hora, due east of Prague. As legend has it, one day in the 13th century a monk from Sedlec monastery was out collecting firewood in the forest, when he stumbled upon some silver nuggets. Laying down his robe as a marker, he hurried home to tell his fellow monks about his fortuitous discovery. The ensuing “silver fever” transformed the city of Kutna Hora into the silver capital of the Middle Ages. During our tour, we’ll go into the depths of an ancient silver mine, and visit the courtyard where Italian silversmiths minted the famous “Prague penny”. We’ll travel down the road a bit to the Sedlec Ossuary for a taste of the truly grotesque. Lovers of the macabre will gape in appreciation at the chapel’s interior: the altar and all its appointments, including a massive chandelier, have been fashioned from over 40 thousand human bones, skulls and all. In addition, we will visit one of Europe’s most beautiful and awe-inspiring Gothic cathedrals, dedicated to Saint Barbara, the patroness of miners.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Kutna Hora (St. Barbara cathedral, Sedlec ossuary, medieval silver mines) — 8 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

    Train ticket — 7 euros / person (your guide's ticket is in additional charge for the group)

Krivoklat, the oldest hunting castle of Czech kings, dates from the 11th century Premyslid dynasty. It is easily one of the most intriguing Gothic castles in Central Europe, situated west of Prague on the rocky crags of the Beroun River. The future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles IV, whiled away his childhood years here. In the 16th century, Krivoklat held some of the royal treasury and, oddly, at the same time also served as a prison for some of Bohemia’s most heinous criminals and disgraced aristocrats. The notorious 16th century charlatan, Edward Kelley, spent time here. He had attempted to swindle the Emperor Rudolf II into believing he had uncovered the secret of the philosopher stone, and got caught out. Krivoklat’s many impressive offerings include fully-equipped torture chambers; outstanding interiors such as the vast 13th century Gothic reception hall, the Silver Room, the Knights Hall; a late Gothic collection of paintings and sculptures; and the Royal Library with more than 53,000 manuscripts and books.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Castle Krivoklat — 8 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

    Train ticket — 8 euros / person (your guide's ticket is in additional charge for the group)

In 1355, the Czech king, Charles IV, was enthroned as Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire. His coronation was a seminal event in the history of the Czech Lands, and forever changed the destiny of Prague. Under the dictates of Charles IV, the provincial city was transformed into the resplendent capitol of Europe, and held the title for the next quarter century. Yet, despite Prague’s rise in stature, the Emperor thought it unwise to store the empire’s vast treasure trove within its confines. Summoning the realm’s most-acclaimed architect, Matthias of Arras, Charles had him design the majestic Karlstejn to house the empire’s riches. The citadel’s forbidding site, with its lofty and secluded air, soon became a mirror of its owner – the reclusive Emperor practically abandoned Prague for the private world of Karlstejn. Renovations have restored its regal, inviolate atmosphere, and today Karlstejn remains, as it has for centuries, the Empire’s treasure chest, as well as a storehouse for priceless Christians relics, Czech royal regalia and the state archives.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Castle Karlštejn — 9 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

    Train ticket — 7 euros / person (your guide's ticket is in additional charge for the group)

One of the most sensational and history-laden Gothic castles in the Czech Republic, Konopište was the residence of Archduke Franz Ferdinand d’Este, whose assassination at Sarajevo in 1914 touched off the First World War. The archduke’s mania was hunting, and the castle’s decorative interiors and corridors were designed to show off his immense collection of hunting trophies and unique weaponry. Many of the exhibits, such as “Shooting Gallery with Moving Targets”, are downright bizarre. Surrounding the castle is a magnificent, sprawling park with a gorgeous rose garden. Strolling through its peaceful grounds, one often encounters peacocks stepping regally about the fine sculptures, fountains and ponds.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Castle Konopište — 7 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

    Train ticket — 8 euros / person (your guide's ticket is in additional charge for the group)

In South Bohemia, at a serpentine bend in the Vltava River, lies the quaint town of Cesky Krumlov. Its original medieval owners, the powerful Rozmberk called it the "City of the Red Rose" after their family crest. Later the city became the property of the Schwarzenberg aristocracy. The huge castle dominates the town’s center, looming over red-tile roofs and the labyrinthine, cobble-stoned streets. The castle offers a wealth of architectural details and 15th century treasures. Picture-postcard houses crowd the hills and the banks of the river that snakes through the heart of the city. Through a courtyard, we find the museum dedicated to Cesky Krumlov’s most famous homeboy, the early 20th century painter, Egon Schiele. In a medieval cellar tavern the servers dress in period costumes. The Germans called the town “Krumme Aue” or “the crooked meadow” – following the twists and turns of its little streets and stone bridges, we understand why. The undulating curves of the Vltava only serve to enhance the city’s appeal. And the curves don’t stop at the river. If it appears to your eye that many of the houses have distinctly odd outlines, well, they do! Medieval builders, who were blissfully unaware of the existence of right angles, constructed many of them.

    Individual English speaking guide (10 hours) — 90 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Castle Ceský Krumlov — 7 euros / person

    Car transfer — 90 euros

Krušovice

On the way to Karlový Vary and Loket, we will stop off at the city famed for its world-class Krušovice beer, brewed here since 1581. Be forewarned: in 1583, when the Emperor Rudolph II stopped in Krušovice to taste the unique flavor of the brew, he ended up buying the brewery for the Royal Crown. Here, in the heart of the Krušny Mountains, amidst the pure spring waters and sweet scented hops of the fields surrounding Krušovice, you will experience what goes into making this fabled brew. Mother Nature and the skills of famed brewers combine to create this unique liquid gold. Our tour ends with a sampling of Krušovice’s three varieties of beer: dark, light and light ležak. Moreover, as at any taste testing, no one will limit your consumption!

Karlovy Vary

In 1358, while out on an Imperial Hunt, Emperor Charles IV spied one of the deer mortally wounded by his party fall at a small spring in the woods. As he rode towards it, the deer roused, lapped at the spring waters and, to his amazement, leapt up and bounded away. The inexplicable curative powers of the spring so impressed the Emperor that he ordered his court architects to build a hunting lodge at its source. This is the legend behind the founding of the spa city, Karlovy Vary, and its city symbol is taken from the little deer “that got away” that day 600 years ago. Since then Karlovy Vary has been known as the cosmopolitan European spa with renowned curative energies – Goethe and Beethoven, as well as a few emperors, took “the cure” here. This graceful, ancient spa, surrounded by forested hills, with a rich history and Belle Epoch architecture, has long been considered one of Europe’s most beautiful cities. A wonderful walking tour around the city center awaits you in Karlovy Vary, where you will have the opportunity to visit the Moser Glass Factory with its famed souvenirs from local porcelain craftsmen.

Loket

The town of Loket sprang up around its unassailable fortress, founded during the Middle Ages on the very borders of the Czech lands by the Premyslids, the first Czech dynasty. Its hoary past speaks of glory and ruin - the vagaries of history. Wandering through this dreamy town, we pass through over a thousand years of history as we travel from the powerful walls of the old fortress to the fairytale Baroque houses rimming its market square.

    Individual English speaking guide (10 hours) — 90 euros

Entrées (non comprises / sur demande):

    Moser Glass Factory — 4 euros / person

    Krušovice Brewery — 6 euros / person

    Castle Loket — 5 euros / person

    Car transfer — 100 euros

Since the hoary days of the 13th century, the ancient Sternberg aristocracy has held title to this massive Gothic castle overlooking the Sazava River. Down through the ages family ancestors have included brave knights, the royally titled, diplomats, scientists, politicians, and a sprinkling of philosophers and historians. During the Communist years, the castle was confiscated by the state and fell into ruin; the elder Sternberg was forced to work as a museum caretaker in his former home. After the 1989 Velvet Revolution, the ancient complex was returned to its former owners and was gradually restored. Today Sternberg boasts a permanent exhibition relating the family’s centuries-old history, an art collection and sumptuous displays of antique porcelains and period furniture. And again, an heir to the Sternberg dynasty lives and works in the home of his ancestors – only this time, willingly.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Castle Ceský Sternberg — 5 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

Situated north of Prague on the Labe River, the small town of Melnik has a history going back over a thousand years, and holds a unique place in Czech history. Originally the site was a possession of Bohemia’s earliest queen, Ludmila, and for many centuries afterwards, it served as a refuge for widowed queens and princesses. Vineyards first appeared in the 14th century. Today the area’s unique climate and the traditional techniques employed by local wine-makers produce the high-quality wines for which Melnik is justly famous.

In 1753 Ludmila’s castle passed into the possession of the ancient Lobkovitz family.The family’s 18th century renovations – and the much-needed restoration carried out by the Lobkovitz heir after the fall of Communism – produced the gorgeous Renaissance chateau visitors see today. Its interiors show off a priceless art collection, and its extensive wine cellars boast an impressive wine archive. We will visit the cellars and sample the splendid local wines.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Castle Melnik — 5 euros / person

    Wine tasting (2 sorts) — 4 euros / person

    Wine tasting (6 sorts) — 7 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

Fortress Terezin was built in the 18th century to serve as the northern fortifications of the Habsburg Empire. It lives on in Czech memory, not for the glorious battles fought there, but as a terrible reminder of the Nazi Occupation. Terezin served as a round-up site for Jewish citizens throughout the country and the rest of Nazi-occupied Europe. Here the people lived in the Ghetto until they were transported east to the Death Camps – or perished. During the Nazi Occupation, 140,000 Jewish people were deported to Terezin, tens of thousands died here from starvation, overcrowding and brutal treatment; there were only 17,500 survivors at war’s end. The Ghetto Museum, established in 1991, suffered some damage from the fierce floods of 2002, but has since been repaired. It presents an extensive exhibition of historical documents, oral histories, films and photographs which enable the visitor to witness the terrible suffering of those who lived and died there.

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Terezin — 6 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros

A fascinating journey awaits you. This outing focuses on the ancient geological history of the Czech Lands – the 400 million year-old Koneprusy Cave System. We are off on an exciting adventure to the center of the earth! The caves have 3 entrance levels; they run 70 meters under the ground and are over 2 kilometers long. As we follow the paths, we uncover the secrets of our earth, pause to learn of past archeological finds and the fossils of the various creatures that have called these caves home over these millions of years. As we pass through the vaulting cave chambers, astonishing formations of stalagmites and stalactites greet our eyes. Their beautiful, otherworldly shapes stir the imagination. Many of them have been given fanciful names, such as “The Swan" and "The Body" and the breathtaking "Eternal Aspiration" – how many can you pick out?

    Individual English speaking guide (5 hours) — 60 euros

Admission fees (not included / optional):

    Koneprusy caves — 5 euros / person

    Car transfer — 60 euros