Czech Republic

Why Choose an Escorted Holiday to the Czech Republic?

Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe, full stop. The fact that it survived the Second World War largely intact - Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture all standing together across the old town and castle district - means you are walking through centuries of history in a single afternoon. But knowing what you are looking at, and why it matters, is what turns a pleasant stroll into a properly absorbing experience.

Beyond Prague, the Czech Republic has a depth that most visitors never reach. Český Krumlov, a Renaissance castle town in southern Bohemia, is one of the most perfectly preserved medieval towns anywhere in the world. The spa towns of western Bohemia - Karlovy Vary above all - have a faded Imperial elegance that is quite unlike anything else. And Czech beer culture, which is deeply serious and genuinely world-class, is part of the fabric of daily life here in a way that deserves proper respect. An escorted tour lets you engage with all of this without the logistical effort of navigating a country where English is less universally spoken outside the main cities.

Indian-Friendly Features on Our Czech Republic Tours

• Indian dinners included on most multi-day tours, with Indian restaurants available in Prague
• Vegetarian options available throughout and confirmed in advance
• No beef or pork compulsory in any included meals
• Midlands, Leicester and London pick-up points for all UK departures
• Excellent value compared to western European destinations at a similar standard of sightseeing

Best Time to Visit the Czech Republic

April and May are excellent for Prague: mild temperatures, spring blossoms and fewer visitors than the summer peak. The Old Town Square and Charles Bridge are noticeably more enjoyable before the July crowds arrive.

June to August is high season. Prague can feel very busy in July, though our itineraries are structured around early morning starts to beat the worst of the crowds.

September and October are arguably the best months: warm enough for comfortable walking, the summer visitors gone and the Bohemian countryside turning gold.

December brings one of the best Christmas markets in Europe to Prague's Old Town Square, with a crib scene, food stalls and carol singing around the famous Astronomical Clock.

Popular Destinations Within the Czech Republic

Prague - the old town, the Charles Bridge, Prague Castle and St Vitus Cathedral, the Jewish Quarter (Josefov), the astronomical clock on Old Town Square. One of Europe's most complete historic city centres, intact because it escaped the 20th century's worst destruction.

Český Krumlov - a small Renaissance town in southern Bohemia, built in a loop of the Vltava river below one of the largest castle complexes in central Europe. A UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the genuine surprises of the region.

Karlovy Vary - the most famous of the Bohemian spa towns, with grand colonnaded buildings along the Teplá river and a history of treating Europe's aristocracy since the 14th century. The setting is extraordinary.

Kutná Hora - a medieval silver-mining town an hour from Prague, home to the Sedlec Ossuary (the bone church) and a stunning Gothic cathedral that was once one of the most important religious buildings in central Europe.

Brno - the second city of the Czech Republic, with a fine castle, a Modernist architectural heritage and a university atmosphere that makes it livelier than its under-the-radar reputation suggests.

Practical Information

• Currency: Czech Koruna (CZK). The Czech Republic does not use the Euro.
• Language: Czech; English spoken in Prague tourist areas and hotels
• Time zone: Central European Time (GMT+1 in winter, GMT+2 in summer)
• Electricity: Type E plugs (230V). A European adapter is needed for UK devices.
• Tipping: Included in your Star Tours holiday price
• India bookings: Call our India line free on 1800 123 181 181 (10am-7pm)
• ABTA & ATOL: All our Czech Republic holidays are fully protected