The Czech Republic: Independent Breweries and World Heritage Sites

Next Departure: August 29 - September 8, 2013
Departs every year in Septmeber

Though the cold war is long over and the Velvet Revolution has made its mark, a small war is still going on today in the Czech Republic. A beer war. The biggest of the big brewing conglomerates have been absorbing smaller Czech breweries for the last two decades, and unfortunately you can taste the impact. On this trip we concentrate on micro- and independent breweries in historic locations throughout Czech Bohemia and a bit of Moravia. We begin and end in bustling Prague - where we'll explore some of the city's many highlights - beer and otherwise. Great beer in great locations along with fine, well-located hotels, lots of included meals, brewery visits, a Czech microbrew tasting, and good companions aboard the "beer bus" make this a great beer adventure.

Daily Itinerary*:

Day 1, Thursday - Travel Day

Depart the US, bound for Prague, Czech Republic.

Day 2, Friday

Upon arrival in Prague, transfer to our hotel in the center of this historic city. After time to settle in, we'll gather in the hotel lobby for a welcome beer and walking tour of the city that will end in a brewpub for our welcome dinner.

Day 3, Saturday

Today well drive west to the town of Zatec (Saaz) for its annual hops festival. We'll have a tour of the brewery taste some fresh beer and then enjoy a day of many local beers and regional music and food. Return to Prague this evening.

Day 4, Sunday

Today is free to enjoy and explore the many splendors of the Czech capital, until late afternoon when we board the SC Pendolino fast train bound for Olomouc, our home for two nights. Upon arrival we'll transfer to the hotel, check-in and regather for a brewpub dinner in this festive Czech city.

Day 5, Monday

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a guided city tour with a local guide, including a visit to the local brewery. Afternoon and evening are free to explore. A pub crawl tonight should spontaneously ferment.

Day 6, Tuesday

This morning we leave Olomouc bound for the beautiful town of Telc. Along the way we'll make a slightly illogical detour to Cerna Hora and Dalesice to see their famous cellars. We'll eat lunch and taste their beers in their tasting rooms. Continue to historic Telc -- whose entire town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its traditional architecture and design -- our home for the night. This evening we'll have a guided walk with a local guide and seek out the local beer Zacharias.

Day 7, Wednesday

The morning is free to stroll around lovely Telc, until we depart for Trebon and the Regent Brewery -- a classic example of an independent Czech brewery. We will tour the brewery and enjoy a tasting with lunch of regional Czech fare. We'll continue to another UNESCO site - Cesky Krumlov for two nights. Upon arrival, we'll have a local guide show us around the town's many attractions.

Day 8, Thursday

Today is free to enjoy this fairytale-like medieval town. This evening we'll visit the Austrian owned Eggenberg brewery - a part of Cesky Krumlov throughout the ages. After a tour and tasting we'll enjoy dinner in the brewery restaurant.

Day 9, Friday

Board the bus to visit yet another beautiful UNESCO site - Holasovice a living example of Rural Bohemian Baroque tradition. After lunch, we'll continue to Zvikov Castle Brewery to spend the night on their guesthouse, adjacent to the gothic Zvikov Castle – perched on a promontory at the confluence of the Otava and Vlatava rivers. We'll tour the brewery, explore the castle and enjoy a Czech dinner and hospitality.

Day 10, Saturday

Return to Prague today. The afternoon is free for shopping and or pub crawling. Tonight we'll celebrate the trip with a Farewell dinner in a Prague brewery.

Day 11, Sunday - Alas, time to go home.

Alas we must leave beer heaven. Airport transfers are easily arranged for out bound flights.

	Beer Highlights & Brewery Visits Overnight stays in: Prague, university town Olomouc , beautiful Telc, medieval Cesky Krumlov, and adjacent to Zvikov Castle. Brewery/Tasting Room visits to: U Fleku, Zatec, Cerna Hora, Dalesice, Regent, Eggenberg, and Zvikov -- plus other rewarding beer exploring UNESCO World Heritage sites - preserved for posterity, offer historical insight and outstanding photo ops; they're also close to great beer. Our Beer Bus - a traveling tasting room of local products and flavors of all types Good folks to travel with and share the adventure!
	Overnight Stays* 2 nights in Prague 2 nights in Olomouc 1 night in Telc 2 nights Cesky Krumlov 1 night Zvikov 1 night Prague
	Included Tours City Tours: in Prague, Olomouc, Telc, and Csesky Krumlov
	Included Meals 9 Breakfasts 4 Lunches 3 Dinners
	Trip Price (Land-only, Based on double occupancy) $2795 per person Single Room add $485
	Arrival & Departure Trip Begins & Ends in Prague, Czech Republic

Please Note:

The overall style of the trip is best suited for somewhat adventurous, beer-loving travelers who want the camaraderie and structure of a tour, as well as the opportunity to explore independently. Planned events and excursions will, for the most part, be informal. Guided touring is generally the exception, though travelers can always rely on the support and assistance of the trip leader.

* Please note also:

This itinerary is subject to change based on brewery or hotel availability, force majeur, acts of dieties, common sense or bad weather, etc. Smaller breweries, as well as the Trappists, are often unable to commit to hosting groups until a couple of weeks before we arrive. Substitutions, when necessary, will be as good or better than what we replaced. And, don't worry, the beer is always good!