2 seniors have 2 weeks to explore Czech Republic

Czechia has three historical regions: Bohemia, Moravia, Czech Silesia.

Czech Silesia is mostly off the radar for non-Czechs, but is a gem for hikers and nature lovers, especially the area where it meets with Poland and Slovakia is very charming and dotted with medieval villages, I was there in April.

Hiking Lysá Hora mountains is popular with locals. Some medieval towns I enjoyed were Příbor (the birthplace of Sigmund Freud) and Štramberk (Gothic castle and half-timbered houses, like a brothers' Grimm fairytale)

When driving in Czech the most important thing for you to understand is the right of way. When you approach a road junction then often there will be a signpost with a yellow square (you have right of way) but approaching the same junction from a different direction you may have a yellow square with a black diagonal line through it (this means you do not have right of way and must yield). When you are in city suburbs or smaller towns it gets a bit more complicated because often there are no signs or road markings. In this case you must yield to any traffic coming from your right.

Thanks to both of you for your input.

You might have more luck reaching out on a more international forum like TripAdvisor, I think most Americans rarely venture far from Prague.

Two weeks exploring the Czech Republic? What a wonderful idea! I agree Prague and Cesky Krumlov gets all the chatter in this forum. I’d loved to see where others have explored. Let me tell you about Karlovy Vary.

Last fall, my friend and I took a three week trip to Poland, Czechia and Austria. I knew we would need a mid trip relaxation break. Now don’t laugh when I tell you I was inspired by Queen Latifah in the movie, Last Holiday because it’s true. She’s given a few weeks to live and decides to blow her nut on a lavish trip to the Grand Hotel Pupp in Karlovy Vary. I did a little looking and found it’s a real hotel in a real spa town with astonishing affordable rates that include a lavish champagne breakfast buffet . Sign me up. We booked three nights. What an incredible hotel in a beautiful town with oodles of history and connections to famous people over the last couple hundred years. The hotel is also featured in James Bond Casino Royale. Karlovy Vary itself is an absolute delight and incredibly beautiful 18th century spa town. Taking the waters, strolling the promenade and scheduling spa treatments are the only must do’s but there’s plenty more for the adventurous. Hiking is phenomenal in the trails all around town. Visit the Becherovka factory (my new favorite digestif). Or grab a bus to nearby Loket, another stunning small village 20 minutes away with probably one of the most approachable and easy to enjoy castles I’ve been to in awhile. The village and castle have a stunning setting and can fill a day. Loket has been used for many film locations including being featured as a stand in for Montenegro in a James Bond film. If you do stay in Karlovy Vary, I would highly recommend the Grand Pupp (it’s pronounced “poop”, heehee) or a hotel in that area of town as opposed to uptown by the train station. It’s crazy quiet at night and wonderful to stroll the riverside.

Pilsen is another close by town that I’ve heard good things about. Home to Pilsner Urquell most notably. How did Karlovy Vary turn out for us? We extended our stay an extra night. It was that good. Now I’m including it again in my itinerary with my husband this September. It’s our mid trip break where we can just enjoy being without any flashy sights, must see museums or a church I have to cross the street to see. I’m booking three nights but have wiggle room in case we decide to stay four….

From what I’ve seen of Poland’s Silesian region, I’d agree with Carlos that Silesia is an under rated hiking enthusiasts nirvana. They just put up that new suspension bridge that spans a huge gorge in that area. I am hoping to to explore Liberec on our upcoming trip. In particular, I want to stay at the Hotel Jested. That probably comes from cutting my teeth watching the Jetsons and my love of unique hotels.

I would recommend two YouTube channels that explore Prague and beyond. They are Honest Guide and Real Prague Guide. Oh, and make sure to eat at Asti in Karlovy Vary if you go. It’s Italian, not Czech, but the food is excellent and they usually have music or something going on in the evening. Cheers!

I second Karlovy Vary. We spent several nights there and loved it. It is a beautiful city architecturally that is located in the mountains, and very, very different from Prague and Cesky Krumlov. It is a more relaxing vacation. Loved going to the spas and exploring this gorgeous city.

We also enjoyed Cesky Krumlov and Telc. Telc was a complete surprise. So beautiful! The square is lined with pastel colored buildings, ponds on either side of the town, and a wonderful castle. It's located in Moravia so could be a base for exploring Moravia. It's small but oh so pretty!

Also liked Kutna Hora and the creepy, weird bone church.

Hello from Wisconsin,

The Czech Republic is so beautiful it is hard to go wrong.

The Brno area is hard to beat for just plain lovely. The rural roads are paved and many have fruit trees lining the shoulders. Evenings in the countryside are outstanding. Olomouc is an old capital of Moravia and not as spiffed up as Brno that we enjoy. Don't miss the Cafe Mahler. Policka is a different looking town as it was settled by Germans, Litomysl has a bow tie square, Telc is where we try to stop each visit to the Republic to eat roast duck and buy CZ hand blown glass, You can go punting on the carp ponds for memories. I do have to give a shout out for Nove Mesto na Morava. We have had many good times in this place. The Pansky Dum is a very reasonably priced hotel. NMNM is a small place with three connecting 'squares'. North of NMNM is a restaurant that offers traditional CZ food. It is on highway 354 and is called Hotel Maršovská rychta.

If you look at a map or the Czech Republic, north of Brno there is a pennisula of Poland sticking down into CZ. Klodzko is the main city. Head north on Highway 33, then turn east at Klodzko and back into CZ is a long day driving, but rewarding. If you make Olomouc a home base it is shorter.

Driving in the Republic. Use your blinker!!! Try to be a more correct, proper driver than normal. Yes, someone has brought up the yellow diamonds. The four land highways are pretty much just like our interstates. Don't hang out in the left lane. It is for passing. Country roads can be very curvy and hilly. Drive as if there is a peloton of bicycles just out of sight. There often are bicyclists.

wayne iNWI

You are all AMAZINGLY generous! Thank you for both your information and time.

We've decided to Stay in Prague the first 5 nights and explore these cities:
Prague
Terezin tour with Pavel (again a tip from this sight)
Flex day
Karlov Vary (by flix bus)
Visit 2 nearby castles

The next 3 nights we'll stay in Cesky Krumlov spending 2 of the 3 days in that city and the 3rd in Tabor

We will spend 4 nights in Brno with day trips to:
Telc
Moravian Fields and possibly Sardice
1/2 day in Olomouc
1 1/2 days in Brno

Last 2 nights in Prague stopping for the day Kutna Hora

How does that sound?