Great Itinerary

Great Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival, Prague Castle

On the first day -- particularly if your plane lands early -- get yourself situated in your hotel and shoot for at least one great site before hitting the sack. That site has got to be Prague Castle, whose grounds contain the towering St. Vitus's Cathedral and the Golden Lane, a row of minuscule cottages built along one of the Castle's walls. Later relax in the nearby Royal Gardens. Take a leisurely stroll down through Malá Strana to the Charles Bridge before returning to your hotel.

Day 2: Josefov & Staré Mesto (Old Town)

On the second day, hit Josefov, the Jewish Quarter, in the morning before the crowds. Then walk over to Old Town Square, to see the Astronomical Clock and the Gothic Church of Our Lady before Týn. If you have time afterward, explore the streets that radiate from the square to Wenceslas Square.

Day 3: Malá Strana

On the third day walk across the baroque, statue-adorned Charles Bridge on your way to Malá Strana, home to numerous embassies and palaces; the bridge is less busy early in the morning. In the Church of Our Lady Victorious be sure to catch the odd effigy of the Holy Infant of Prague, a wax doll dressed in ceremonial garb.

Day 4: Day Trip to Kutná Hora

For an easy day trip, visit the well-preserved medieval mining town of Kutná Hora, whose rich deposits of silver put it on the map in the 13th century. The St. Barbara Church, built with the miners' donations and named after their patron saint, has many colorful murals depicting mining scenes; outside, the Gothic structure's three tent-shape spires rise above lines of buttresses. Be sure to save time either before or after Kutná Hora to visit the suburb of Sedlec to see the eerie Bone Church. If castles are more your thing, substitute a quick visit to Karlstejn or Konopiste.

Day 5: Ceský Krumlov

Take a trip to southern Bohemia to soak up the Renaissance charm of Ceský Krumlov, which is surely one of the most beautiful cities in this part of the world. Built around loops of the Vltava River, the town is listed as second in importance on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, behind only Venice. Plan on spending the night here.

Day 6: Karlovy Vary

Make your way back to Ceské Budejovice and then westward in the direction of Plzen and eventually to Karlovy Vary. If you have got the time, make a pit stop to tour the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Plzen. If you want to drink, it might be wise to plan an overnight here. Otherwise, continue on to the lovely spa town of Karlovy Vary. This is the king of Bohemia's spa resorts with winding hillside walks and cooling pools for taking a dip. Check out the historic city center and don't pass up a romantic dinner at the Embassy restaurant atop one of the bridges over the tiny Tepla river. Plan on spending the night.

Day 7: Return to Prague

Complete any unfinished itinerary from previous days, or go exploring in a new neighborhood: Nové Mesto, Vysehrad, or Vinohrady. In the evening treat yourself to a fine performance at the National Theater or the Rudolfinum, to end your trip on a high note.