The Ultimate Travel Companion
December 23, 2016
Malta Travel Guide
January 8, 2017
One of the countries that we have more recently fallen in love with is the Czech Republic (soon to be known as Czechia). We spent 5 days (far too short) in the Czech Republic and had the awesome opportunity to collaborate with the Czech Tourism Board. Based on the experiences we had with the tourism board and the things we found adventuring through Prague on our own, we decided to come up with a list of 5 things to do in the Czech Republic.
5 things to do in the Czech Republic
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Off-road Safari in North Bohemia
Our time with Off-road Safari CZ was honestly one of the coolest things we have done while traveling. We met with our guide, Martin, who runs the company and helps guide the tours through the northern areas of the Czech Republic.
We spent a rainy afternoon in his 4×4 vehicle off-roading, panning for garnets (the Czech Republic’s infamous black stone), and eating at one of the most local restaurants we have ever seen. Martin ran everything for us, and even ordered as the individuals running the restaurant spoke no English. Oh – and we were the only people in the entire restaurant. You could say we got the local treatment!
Check out Off-road Safari on Facebook and follow them on Instagram (button above).
Even if you don’t plan to be in the Czech Republic anytime soon, Martin shares a ton of gorgeous pictures on his Instagram site as he is an incredibly talented photographer.
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PilsenJoy
If you’re spending more than just a day or 2 in Prague, it is imperative that you visit the Czech town of Pilsen. Pilsen is about a 90-minute train ride from Prague and is the Mecca of beer. The train should cost about $9 return.
Pilsner Urquell is essentially the fountain of youth for the Czech People and it is incredibly evident when you tour the Pilsner Urquell factory with PilsenJoy. Some people like beer. Others love beer. The Czech people absolutely adore their beer. Pilsner Urquell is the nucleus of Pilsen and moreover the Czech Republic.
Our tour guide and owner of PilsenJoy, Tomas, met us at the Pilsen railway station and gave us an intimate, local, experience in Pilsen. Not only did we have a wonderful tour of the brewery, but also the opportunity to climb the cathedral bell tower, visit a local market, and meet a few of Tomas’ friends. This made the experience feel more like hanging out with friends in a foreign country than being on a tour.
Check out PilsenJoy on Facebook.
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Prague Castle
Less adventurous than the previous 2 things, but nonetheless a breathtaking experience. The Prague Castle is an absolute must for anyone visiting Prague. Honestly, you would be hard pressed to visit Prague and not at least see the castle (it sits high up on the hill across the Charles Bridge).
The Prague Castle is an architectural masterpiece and the surrounding vista is the perfect place to watch the sunset over Prague. You can take the trolley up the hill or you can also walk up to the castle. If you walk, be sure to be careful as the staircase can be quite slippery.
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Dinner at CottoCrudo – Four Seasons Prague
CottoCrudo is one of the more unique restaurants at which we have had the pleasure of dining. Four Seasons has a reputation for culinary excellence as well as culinary experimentation. CottoCrudo is a mix of both.
Cotto and crudo are Italian words meaning cooked and raw, respectively. As one might imagine, the menu is segmented into areas with cooked and raw choices. And, no, we don’t just mean cooked and raw prosciutto (although the prosciutto plate is fantastic).
Don’t expect traditional Italian food when you eat at CottoCrudo. Expect a modern twist on traditional plates.
Executive Chef Leonardo Di Clemente knocked it out of the park with his work at CottoCrudo. We can’t wait to dine here again and eat everything on the menu that we didn’t have a chance to try.
Must try: Beef Rossini variation with truffle dauphinoise potato and Montepulciano red wine sauce. This plate came with bone marrow, foie gras, and the most tender beef we have ever had.
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Prague Old Town Square
It’s almost imperative to visit the center and the old town anytime you visit a new city (especially those in Europe). The Prague Old Town Square is no exception as it is one of the most prominent attractions in all of the Czech Republic.
At the center of the square is the famous Prague Astronomical Clock. Now we know what you’re thinking if you’ve never been to Prague…..”A clock? Why do we care about a clock?” This isn’t just any clock. In the middle ages this clock was considered a world wonder. This clock has been a treasure of Prague for over 600 years.
We are firm believers that if someone said something exceptionally well before, there is no reason to try to rephrase it. In the words of the Czech Tourism board, “[The clock] still amazes people with its procession of Apostles, moving statues and visualization of time like no other instrument in the world.”
For accommodation in Prague, Czech out Miss Sophie’s and Mosaic House.
