After
a hydrofoil boat whisks us from Budapest to Bratislava, we begin our
exploration of Moravia. Villagers clad in heavy wool layered skirts, with bright scarves wrapping their
heads, harvest grapes. Nearby wooden windmills creak in the breeze. We walk
under the granite peaks of the Bile Karpaty Mountains through Kuzelov and Mala
Vrbka. Ripe apples hang heavy on the tree as we journey through gently
curving hillsides. We stop to rest or picnic in the shade of ancient oaks and
lindens. Our home for three nights is a converted fortress in Cejkovice.
Mountain
ridges, forests and fields lead us to the wine cellars in private homes. We are
offered local vintages from the proprietor’s stock, sometimes traveling through
underground stone tunnels from vintner to vintner.
We
travel to Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and home of Krmlov
Castle. It is the second largest castle in the Czech Republic, and famous for
its collection of baroque antiques and artifacts, and grandiose gardens. Open
air museums in Straznice and evening folk-dancing galas are the prelude for our
visits to Buklov Castle and Lednice Chateau.
Small
homes in brightly-colored jackets of blue, green and yellow paint cluster
around the central plaza in Telc. The Plaza is also the center of village life and women can
be seen crocheting handmade lace, while other locals exchange news. The castles, monasteries, and museums
of Trebon are our final destination before a grand finale in the Czech
Republic’s social, intellectual and cultural center, Prague. One of Prague’s
finest small hotels hosts our tour of opera houses, historic bridges, and the
cobbled streets where history was made.
Days/Nights: 10D/9N (shorter options available)
Meeting
Location: Budapest, Hungry
Ending
Location: Prague, Czech Republic
Comfort
notes: 3 star small hotels and Bed and Breakfasts
Pre-Tour:
Budapest (1D/2N)