Czech Republic tours & holidays
Looking for a modern-day medieval adventure? Look no further
Combine a landscape straight from the pages of a storybook, cuisine made to warm the soul, centuries of beer expertise and a history that permeates every cobblestone, and you’ve found yourself in the Czech Republic. With over 2000 castles, keeps, and ruins, this nation is also a historical haven of architectural styles. From Prague, the home of the spires and a city to rival Paris, move to the Bohemian town of Cesky Krumlov or the ornate city of Olomouc and you’ll understand why this country has been fought over again and again.
4.8
Czech Republic at a glance
CAPITAL CITY
Prague (1.3 million)
POPULATION
10.87 million
CURRENCY
CZK
LANGUAGE
Czech
TIME ZONE
(GMT+01:00) Belgrade, Bratislava, Budapest, Ljubljana, Prague
CALLING CODE
+420
ELECTRICITY
Type C (European 2-pin) Type E (French 2-pin, female earth)
Learn more about Czech Republic
Best time to visit
The Czech Republic enjoys a pleasant central European climate, which means the summers are hot and dry, and the winters are often a wonderland of snow-covered cobblestones.
If you’re after the more balmy weather, then June through to August is perfect. Although, this is the high season for tourists, so expect to be darting between the crowds.
The cooler spring months of April and May are usually sun-filled, and you’ll find the attractions less busy.
For those who want to experience the quintessential ‘winter wonderland’, why not head over from December through to February - there’s even a strong chance of a white Christmas.
History and culture
The Czech Republic, informal name Czechia, was first inhabited by the Celts in the 4th century B.C. It was this tribe, known as the Celtic Boii tribe, who first called this region Bohemia. After the Celts, this region was taken over by German then Slavic tribes before eventually becoming part of the Holy Roman Empire. Following this, the Austrian Habsburg Empire was in control until the end of World War I when the independent state of Czechoslovakia was founded. However, in 1993, Czechoslovakia was divided into two: the Czech Republic and the Slovak Republic.
Today, the Czech Republic is a democracy. Czechs make up the majority of the population, with smaller cultural groups both from Czechia and other European countries making up the rest. Throughout the country, you’ll find influences from across Europe seen in the architecture, music and arts.
While the majority of Czechs are atheists, the country widely celebrates the Christian holidays of Easter and Christmas. Other notable events in the year include the Day of Czech Statehood, St. Wenceslas Day and Independence Day.
Geography and environment
Geographically, the Czech Republic is nestled at the core of the central Europe, landlocked between Poland, Slovakia, Austria and Germany. Often referred to as an eastern European country due to its historical communist and Eastern Bloc influences, the Czech people however, are prompt to remind us that this is very much central Europe - and that Prague is in fact further west than Vienna!
The west of the Czech Republic is known as Bohemia and is surrounded by low European mountains that stem from the Alps. The foothills lead into lush rolling plains and beautiful green countryside. In the east, Moravia is blessed with a variety of dramatic landscapes, with hilly countryside punctuated by the famous limestone cave system - the Moravský Kras.
Eating and drinking
The Czech Republic’s cuisine is a fare of hearty, warm meals made from local ingredients. The Czechs consider lunch the most important meal of the day.
Things to try in the Czech Republic
1. Potato soup
Among various other types of soups offered in Czechia, potato soup is one of the most common. A thick soup often combined with other vegetables and herbs, potato soup is often served as a starter or main course.
2. Pork roast with dumplings
Main dishes are often meat-based, accompanied by a side of dumplings, bread, rice, cabbage or potato. The most popular meats are pork and chicken.
3. Czech Beef Goulash
While goulash is technically Hungarian, this is the Czech’s favourite beef variety. Slow-braised beef and onions are cooked slowly to make a delicious meal of beef and gravy-like broth. Also served commonly served with bread or dumplings.
4. Potato pancakes
Made with shredded, raw potatoes, garlic, flour, egg, milk and marjoram, these simple yet delicious fried pancakes are a Czech staple.
5. Beer
The Czechs are known for their pivo (beer), having invented the original pilsner in the town of Pilsen. However, there are plenty of other kinds found all around Czechia, with hundreds of breweries creating an array of colours, flavours and degrees.
Money matters
The official currency of the Czech Republic is the Czech crown (CZK).
Major credit cards are usually accepted by large shops, hotels and restaurants, although smaller vendors and market stalls often only accept cash. Be sure to carry multiple methods of payment as credit cards aren't always an option everywhere in the Czech Republic.
ATMs are easily found in large cities and airports, although they are less common in rural and remote areas. When travelling out of the city, be prepared by having enough cash, as ATMs aren't always available.
Czech Republic travel FAQs
Travellers from most nationalities need a visa to enter the Czech Republic. For more information, please visit the Government of the Czech Republic’s website or the Essential Trip Information.
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements can change at any time, so it's important that you check for the latest information.
You can check the entry requirements for your nationality on your government's foreign travel advisories, consular websites or on our visa and entry requirements page.
Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of their adventure. Your leader will record your travel insurance details on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of healthcare around the world, travel insurance is an essential and necessary part of every journey.
Learn more about travel insurance
A tip of 5-10% is expected for good service in the restaurants and cafes of the Czech Republic, particularly in well-frequented tourist areas like Cesky Krumlov and Prague.
The Czech Republic sits in the centre of Europe and experiences four seasons, with hot weather in the summer and snow in the winter. Depending on what time of year you are visiting, you may need to pack heavier winter clothing and shoes suited to walk around snowy areas.
Generally, if you’re visiting outside in winter, light and comfortable clothing suitable for long days of walking is best. Make sure you have a good pair of walking shoes and a rain jacket just in case.
Tap water is considered safe to drink in the Czech Republic. For environmental reasons, try to avoid bottled water. Ask your leader where filtered water can be found as some hotels provide this.
In most areas of the Czech Republic, the internet is strong and accessible. Wi-fi is usually available in restaurants, cafes and hotels. In some rural and remote areas, you may not have internet.
Mobile phone coverage is generally very good in the Czech Republic. Ensure you have global roaming activated with your carrier if you wish to use your phone.
The Czech Republic's cities usually have flushable toilets. Sometimes you may have to pay a small fee when visiting public toilets.
The Czech Republic is known as a typically safe destination for LGBTQIA+ travellers as homosexuality is legal and local attitudes are generally open-minded.
If you are travelling solo on an Intrepid group trip, you will share accommodation with a passenger of the same gender as per your passport information. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll arrange the rooming configuration accordingly. A single supplement is available on some tours for travellers who do not wish to share a room.
We take the health and safety of our travellers seriously and take every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and inclusive for everyone. When you travel with us, you have access to our global support network and local on‑ground leadership, and you can rest easy knowing we have a zero-tolerance policy on discrimination.
We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure. The World Health Organisation also provides useful health information.
Travelling from Australia?
Go to: Smart Traveller
From Canada?
Go to: Canada Travel Information
From the UK?
Go to: UK Foreign Travel Advice
From New Zealand?
Go to: Safe Travel
From the US?
Go to: US Department of State
We believe travel should be accessible to everyone. Although some destinations and itineraries may be more accessible than others, we'll do our best to accommodate your needs, make reasonable adjustments where possible or guide you toward the most suitable trips. Get in touch with our friendly adventure consultants to chat about your options.
Our Tailor-Made team can also help you plan a customised trip just for you.
Yes, all Intrepid trips support The Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partners Eden Reforestation Projects and World Bicycle Relief. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made.
World Bicycle Relief provides people in low-income communities with bicycles to mobilise school kids, health workers and farmers in far-out areas – giving them access to vital education, healthcare and income. Donations help provide Buffalo Bicycles to those who need them most, specifically designed to withstand the rugged terrain and harsh environment of rural regions.
Czech Republic tour reviews
Filter by rating
Berlin to Budapest
Berlin to Budapest
Berlin to Budapest
Berlin to Budapest
Real Central Europe