Part 3: A 10-Day Czechia Road Trip Itinerary Taking You Through Fairytale Towns, Castles, Spa Towns, And Wine Country — Beyond Just Prague.
- tailormadetravels
- 7 days ago
- 6 min read
Prague, Czechia
Where your trip begins and your step count explodes.
We kicked off our Czech road trip in Prague, the city of spires, beer, and more history per square meter than seems entirely reasonable. Our home base was Hotel Černý Slon, a charming boutique stay tucked just off Old Town Square in a building that predates Canada by several centuries. It’s quiet, central, and yes, walkable from the train station (if you packed light or enjoy cobblestone cardio).
Looking for Prague hotel alternatives?
Try Týn Yard Residence, another 4-star option right by the main square.
What to Do & See in Prague
There is so much to see, but let’s start in Old Town, where every corner feels like it’s auditioning for a period drama. Don’t miss the Astronomical Clock, it's best to show up on the hour for the medieval mechanical show (and about 200 camera phones). From there, stroll across Charles Bridge, ideally early in the day to dodge the crowds.
Across the river, venture up to endless stairs to explore Prague Castle — we went with the self-guided ticket, a solid choice, though a proper guide would’ve helped us connect the dots a bit faster. Afterward, get pleasantly lost in Malá Strana’s winding streets. Pop into any pub (seriously, it’s hard to go wrong here) and enjoy a beer that probably costs less than your bottled water.
Still have energy? Add a Vltava River cruise to your itinerary (on our “next time” list), or climb the Old Town Hall Tower for some stunning city views. Also flagged for next time: the historic monasteries and a classical music concert in one of the chapels near Old Town.
Karlovy Vary: Czechia’s Most Famous Spa Town
Come for the healing waters, stay because your legs are jelly from all the spa time.
From the buzz of Prague, we detoured into the land of slow living: Karlovy Vary, Czechia’s premier spa town, where even the rivers seem to glide at half-speed.
We stayed at Spa Resort Sanssouci, which felt like a 1950s-era hotel, was just a 15-minute stroll from the center along a tree-lined path that looked like it was made for leisurely afternoons and unhurried conversations. While the room decor gave off vintage Eastern European vibes, the award-winning spa facilities are truly world-class. We're talking 50+ health professionals, including physicians, physiotherapists, nurses, and massage therapists, ready to recalibrate your very soul. We opted for the mineral pools, saunas, and thermal baths — low effort, high reward.
If you prefer something more private and luxurious, Villa Julius a Emma offers boutique serenity just next door to Spa Resort Sanssouci. Or if you prefer to be in town, go full Bond villain at Grandhotel Pupp (yes, Casino Royale was filmed there). We popped in for afternoon tea, and I may or may not have channelled my inner Vesper Lynd in the elevator. It’s that kind of place.
Another top-tier choice is Spa Hotel Imperial, perched high above the town with views as pampering as the treatments inside (or so I’m told).
What to Do & See
Spa towns aren’t built for rushing. Start with a leisurely walk down the main promenade of Karlovy Vary, flanked by historic colonnades, bubbling mineral springs, and enough spa shops to rehydrate your skin and deplete your wallet. Not into facials and mud wraps? No problem, Karlovy Vary is also a gateway to Czechia’s forest spas, otherwise know as hiking.
Lace up for one of the town’s 180+ km of scenic routes. We took the Diana Lookout Tower and Deer Leap trails.
Bonus: you can ride the funicular up and hike down, landing conveniently back in town where celebratory pints await. A “forest spa” might not be listed in the brochures, but it should be.
Hluboká nad Vltavou & Český Krumlov
From spa jellyfish to storybook royalty in under two hours.
After our time soaking in mineral pools like vacationing sea creatures, it was time to don our metaphorical tiaras and head to Hluboká nad Vltavou, where the castle looks like it was plucked straight from a Disney storyboard, if Disney had a thing for Czech Baroque Gothic Revival.
We stayed at Hotel Štekl, (pictured above) a castle-adjacent property that manages to be both regal and cozy. The rooms are grand, the views sweeping, and yes, there’s even more spa pampering if you haven’t quite had your fill. Honestly, this is where you come to channel your inner Rapunzel (preferably without the hair-related drama).
If Hotel Štekl is booked, head straight to Český Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site that feels like it’s been preserved under a glass dome. Consider staying at the charming Garni Hotel Castle Bridge, the historic Hotel Krčínův Dům, or the cozy Guest House Olšakovský for a more budget-conscious stay.
What to Do & See
In Hluboká nad Vltavou, don’t miss the castle tour, it’s the town’s main event. Later, grab a bottle of local South Bohemian wine and relax in the castle gardens at sunset.
In Český Krumlov, visit the State Castle and Château, feed the bears, then wander the cobblestone streets with a free walking tour to discover how every building has at least three historical footnotes. Wrap it all up with a canoe float down the Vltava River through Maleček Rafting & Canoe, where you’ll paddle past medieval towers, rustic pop-up wooden bars selling beer, and the occasional duck that have clearly seen some things.
Mikulov (with detours to Třeboň & Telč)
Where wine meets wellness, and castles meet countryside.
On the way to Mikulov, we stopped in two charming towns:
Třeboň: A spa town known for its peat mud baths. Check out treatments at Hotel Zlatá Hvězda, right in the town square. Třeboň also boasts an extensive network of artificial lakes for fish farming, originally created in the 13th century and still operational today.
Telč: Yet another UNESCO-listed town with a stunning Renaissance square. Great spot for a mid-day coffee.
Arriving in Mikulov, we found a quieter charm and a perfect base for South Moravia. We stayed at Pension Baltazar, a 3-star guesthouse with views of the Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček) above us and the Moravian valley below. Next door: the equally charming Boutique Hotel Templ.
What to Do & See in Mikulov
Hike Holy Hill: From bed to summit in 40 minutes. A gentle hike with panoramic views of South Moravia.
Day Trips from Mikulov:
Lednice Castle: ~20 minutes by car
Château Valtice: ~12 minutes by car
Reistna Kolonnade: ~15 minutes, near Valtice, with sweeping views over the vineyards
This road trip through Czechia easily ranks among our favourite travel experiences. It was a perfect mix of castles, countryside, spa days, and storybook towns that felt worlds away from the usual tourist trail. The further from Prague we went, the bigger the adventure became! Prague might draw the crowds, but the real magic happens when you venture off the beaten path and you find yourself winding through Bohemian country roads, stumbling upon hilltop castles, and soaking in spa towns you’ve never heard of but won’t soon forget.
If you’ve ever considered visiting Czechia (or hadn’t until now), take this as your sign to go. And if you want help crafting a route that fits your style, I’d love to build a custom itinerary just for you.
Have you been to Czechia and ventured outside the city limits of Prague? What was your favourite place to visit? Leave your list of favourites in the comments below.
🇨🇿 10-Day Czechia Road Trip Itinerary
1–3 Days: Prague
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Hotel Černý Slon - Old Town (4 ⭐️ )
💡 Alternative Accommodations: Týn Yard Residence - Old Town (4 ⭐️ )
Top Things to Do:
Explore Old Town Square & Astronomical Clock
Cross Charles Bridge at sunrise/sunset (both are magical)
Visit Prague Castle & St. Vitus Cathedral
Enjoy a Vltava River cruise or a viewpoint from Letná Park
Grab drinks in Malá Strana or hidden courtyards in New Town
2 Days: Karlovy Vary
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Spa Resort Sanssouci (4 ⭐️ )
💡 Alternative Luxury Options: Grandhotel Pupp (5 ⭐️ ) or Spa Hotel Imperial (5 ⭐️ )
Top Things to Do:
Stroll the colonnades and drink from the mineral springs
Take a spa day: mineral bath, sauna, massage or book a whole
Ride the funicular to Diana Tower, hike back down
Forest hikes: Deer Leap or Goethe's Lookout
Coffee or cocktails at Grandhotel Pupp
2-3 Days: Hluboká nad Vltavou & Český Krumlov
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Hluboká: Hotel Štekl (4 ⭐️ )
💡 Alternative Accommodations in Český Krumlov:
Garni Hotel Castle Bridge (4 ⭐️), or
Hotel Krčínův Dům (4 ⭐️) a great alternative
Top Things to Do:
Hluboká nad Vltavou:
Tour the romantic Hluboká Castle
Stroll castle gardens or nearby lake
Český Krumlov:
Visit Český Krumlov Castle & Tower
Raft the Vltava River
Explore the UNESCO-listed old town
Sunset views from the hill above the castle
2 Days: Mikulov (via Třeboň & Telč)
🛏️ Where We Stayed: Pension Baltazar (3 ⭐️)
💡 Alternative Accommodations: Boutique Hotel Templ (3 ⭐️)
En Route Highlights:
Třeboň: Spa town with carp ponds & castle square
Telč: UNESCO-listed town with a pastel Renaissance square
Mikulov & Surroundings:
Hike Holy Hill (Svatý Kopeček)
Visit Mikulov Castle & wine museum
Day trips to:
Lednice Castle & gardens
Valtice Chateau and Reistna Colonnade
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