Itinerary Details
MT Sobek: Czech Republic & Austria Prague to Salzburg Hiking
Day 1 Arrive in Prague & the Stroll the Medieval Old Town
30-minute private airport transfer
On arrival in the Czech Republic, your MT Sobek guide will meet you at Prague Airport for a transfer to your hotel. This afternoon, wander amidst majestic landmarks including the awe-inspiring Hradcany Castle, the sublime St. Vitus Cathedral, and the iconic Charles Bridge. Explore the enchanting medieval architecture of Prague's historic center, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, immersing yourself in its timeless charm. In the evening, come together with your fellow travelers and guide for a delightful welcome dinner, marking the beginning of your unforgettable journey.
Accommodation: Hotel Adria
(D)
Day 2 Discover Bohemian Paradise & Marvel at Ancient Castles
2-hour private transfer
4-5 hours/8 miles hiking with 1,542' of elevation gain
Start the day with a scenic drive through picturesque rolling hills, verdant forests, and charming villages as you head towards Bohemian Paradise. See the topography transform into more rugged terrain with dramatic rocky outcrops and spectacular sandstone formations. Continue into Hruba Skala, marked by a striking medieval castle perched atop a rocky cliff. From here, hike a loop trail that winds through dense forest and expansive meadows, encountering some of the area's famed geologic wonders along the way. Reaching storied Valdstejn Castle, a medieval fortress considered to be the oldest in the region, explore architecture dating back to the 13th century and take in a breathtaking view of the surrounding countryside before taking the return route to Hruba Skala for a well-earned dinner.
Accommodation: EA Chateau Hotel
(B, L, D)
Day 3 Explore Bohemian Paradise Trails & Historic Kutna Hora
2-hour private transfer
4 hours/7.5 miles hiking with 755' of elevation gain
Following a hearty breakfast, embark on a second hike through the beautiful Bohemian Paradise, traversing forested hills on a scenic journey to Kost Castle, a majestic example of Gothic architecture surrounded by three lakes. Climb the castle towers for panoramic views of the area. Drive to Kutna Hora, a historical gem of a town renowned for its pivotal role as a prominent silver mining center during the Middle Ages. Rising to become a royal city in the 14th century, its opulent buildings symbolize the prosperity fueled by mining. This afternoon, visit the Czech Museum of Silver where you'll gain insights into the profound influence that mining has had, shaping the cultural and economic landscape of Kutna Hora.
Accommodation: Hotel U Kata
(B, L, D)
Day 4 Follow the Way of St. James & Explore Kutna Hora
4 hours/8 miles hiking with 420' of elevation gain
Today's journey unfolds with a drive to the charming village of St. Katerina, where you begin an enchanting hike along the Way of St. James, a part of the renowned pilgrimage route, the Camino de Santiago. Meander through picturesque landscapes to the Empire-style Kacina Chateau, where you'll have the opportunity to explore its classicist library and admire the elegant chateau theater. Continue your journey to the jaw-dropping Baroque ossuary at the Cathedral of Our Lady at Sedlec and discover a Gothic gem, the Cathedral of St. Barbara. This afternoon you have the option to join your guide on a tour of the stunning architecture and cobbled streets of the UNESCO-listed historical center of Kutna Hora before dinner.
Accommodation: Hotel U Kata
(B, L, D)
Day 5 Roam Rural Holasovice Village & Mt. Klet Summit
3-hour private transfer
3-4 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,988' of elevation loss
Today traverse fertile plains, undulating hills, a patchwork of agricultural fields, and storybook villages as you drive towards Holasovice, a veritable treasure, protected by UNESCO and steeped in medieval history. Here, you'll amble amidst captivating farmhouses and barns, surrounded by vegetable gardens and bountiful orchards. Continue to Holubov, where you'll board a cable car for an exhilarating ride to the summit of Mt. Klet (3,566'), the highest peak in the Blansky Forest. After soaking in splendid views, begin your descent on foot through spruce and pine forest, passing quaint villages and excellent views along the route. Reaching the cobblestone streets of Cesky Krumlov, check in to your hotel for the next two nights.
Accommodation: Hotel Ruze
(B, L, D)
Day 6 Explore Cesky Krumlov
1-1.5 hours/2 miles hiking with 469' of elevation gain
Wake in a town nestled onto the banks of the Vltava River and centered around its crown jewel, a majestic 13th-century castle. Explore its ornate interiors including a fairy-tale Baroque theater. Tred the cobbled streets, meticulously laid out according to medieval blueprints, exploring more of its UNESCO-listed highlights. This afternoon, take a short hike to a Baroque-period pilgrimage site on Krizova Hora (Cross Mountain) for spellbinding panoramas of Cesky Krumlov's steeples, towers, and terracotta rooftops against the backdrop of the surrounding landscape. Return to town where the evening beckons with opportunities to savor a delectable dinner at your leisure amidst Cesky Krumlov's historic charms.
Accommodation: Hotel Ruze
(B, L)
Day 7 Cross into Austria for a Castle & a Climb
2-hour private transfer
3-3.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,864' of elevation gain
Begin your day by travelling across the border into Austria to the town of Gmunden, which sits at the edge of the shimmering shores of Lake Traunsee. On arrival, visit magical Schloss Ort, a medieval castle on a small island encircled by the expansive waters of the lake. Explore its historic corridors and rich history. After lunch, embark on a more challenging adventure, as you climb forested trails towards the summit of Mt. Grunberg. At the top you will discover a 128-foot spiraling walkway soaring above the forest canopy. Ascend and be rewarded with awe-inspiring 360-degree views, offering panoramic vistas of the charming town, the glistening lake, and the majestic landscapes beyond.
Accommodation: Hotel Schwan
(B, L, D)
Day 8 Views Above Hallstatt Village & Arrive in Salzburg
1.5-hour private transfer
3-3.5 hours/5 miles hiking with 1,345' of elevation gain
Rise for a morning transfer to Obertraun cable car station where you'll board for a fun ride with sensational scenery to heights surpassing 6,560 feet. At the top step out onto the Five Fingers viewing platform, the most iconic overlook in the Austrian Alps. From this lofty vantage point, look out over the Dachstein Range and Hallstatt village, sitting on the shores of Hallstattersee Lake. Return by cable car to Obertraun and drive 15 minutes to Hallstatt village where you'll gear up for the last hike of the trip, a lovely loop from Hallstatt to Welterbeblick. Here, suspended 1,181 feet above the waters of Hallstattersee Lake, the Skywalk beckons dauntless adventurers to step out to the edge for unparallelled views. Summon your courage for this unforgettable experience! Conclude your day with a transfer to Salzburg, where a delicious farewell dinner awaits, along with the opportunity to reflect on your incredible adventures.
Accommodation: Hotel Scherer
(B, L, D)
Day 9 Explore Salzburg & Depart
After breakfast, enjoy a walking tour of the UNESCO-protected historic city center of Salzburg. Immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of this enchanting locale, largely influenced by Italian Baroque architects Vincenzo Scamozzi and Santini Solari. Transfer to the airport for flights home or on to your next destination.
Accommodation: Hotel Scherer
(B)
