Remember to pencil in a couple of day trips from Prague even though there is plenty to do in the Czech capital city. These day trips from Prague will round out your Czech travel experience. Many of these excursions are available from tour agencies, but you'll also be able to take some of these day trips simply by arranging for transportation to and from your destination - an hour or two on the bus or train and a little planning will reward you with castle tours, a day at the spa, or a historical excursion.
Karlstein Castle
A.M. Despain © 2006
Karlstein Castle is a popular day trip from Prague. Guided tours leave every hour and take visitors through various halls, chapels, and the former castle prison. Also visit the souvenir shop and the wax displays of Czech historical figures.
Plzen Brewery Museum
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Visit the town famous for the original pilsner beer. The town itself is small and charming, but the Plzen Brewery Museum will give visitors a firsthand look at how this Czech beer has been made over the centuries.
Kutna Hora
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Kutna Hora is one of Czech Republic's UNESCO World Heritage sites. Once the site of silver mines and the seat of Czech royalty, Kutna Hora is home to several examples of Gothic church architecture that later influenced architecture throughout Europe.
Cesky Krumlov
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A Cesky Krumlov day trip is a Prague visitor favorite. An UNESCO World Heritage site, Cesky Krumlov has an historic old town complete with castle and baroque theater. Cesky Krumlov is also a cultural center with lots of activities and events to entertain tourists.
Karlovy Vary
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Karlovy Vary is a Bohemian spa town with a picturesque layout. Karlovy Vary's rich history means there is plenty to see, especially for those who enjoy photography. This Czech town also hosts a film festival and has served as a set for more than one Hollywood film.
Terezin Memorial
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Terezin was the site of a major Nazi concentration camp in Central Europe during WWII. It is now a memorial to Holocaust victims who perished there, with the same gravity as Auschwitz-Birkenau in Poland, where many of Terezin's prisoners were deported to.
Krivoklat Castle
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Krivoklat Castle, nestled within a picturesque nature preserve, was initially used as a hunting lodge. Later turned into a prison, Krivoklat still has torture chambers on its guided tour. This 13th century castle has had many updates after devastating fires and will be of interest to both history and architecture buffs.
Konopiste Castle
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Explore this castle, neighboring villages, castle ruins, and even a cave when you visit Konopiste.
Nelahozeves Castle and Village
This small Czech village is home to Nelahozeves Castle, a French-style chateau that still contains many of the works of art collected by the family who owned the castle. See works by Peter Paul Rubens and Diego Velazquez.Nelahozeves Website (Czech Only): www.nelahozeves.cz
Turnov
This city, famous for its glass works, has lots of historic buildings, including a chateau, churches, and an art center in an Art Nouveau architectural style.Turnov Website: www.turnov.cz
