Independent Breweries of the
Czech Republic
September
11 - 21, 2008
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. We begin and end in bustling
Prague - where we'll explore some of the city's many highlights
- beer and otherwise. First stop is Chodovar Plana after a requisite
visit to the world renowned brewery of Pilsner Urquel. Spend
2 nights in Nachod, with its castle and proximity to Krakonos
Brewery. Next it's all aboard the beer bus, bound for Telc -
a UNESCO World Heritage site. We'll detour a bit on the way
to visit the Zeliv Abbey Brewery for a thorough sampling. After
our time in Telc, we move on to Cesky Krumlov - a remarkably
well preserved medieval city with its own historic brewery.
Return to Prague for the last two nights, with a last brewery
visit along the way. Great beer in great locations along with
fine, well-located hotels, lots of included meals, brewery visits,
and good companions aboard the "beer bus" make this
a great beer (and cultural) adventure.
Daily
Itinerary:
Thursday,
September 11 - Depart the US, bound for Prague, Czech Republic.
Friday,
September 12 - Upon arrival in Prague, you will be met at
the airport and 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 walking tour of the city that will end in a brewpub for
our welcome dinner.
 Overnight
in Prague.
Saturday,
September 13 - This morning we travel west into the main hops
growing region of the Czech Republic. Our beer bus will take us
the the odd-brewery-out of the tour, the massive Pilsner Urquell,
for a tour and lunch with a sampling of their original unfiltered,
unpasteurized beer. Well sated on Czech dumplings and beer we'll
move on to Chodovar Plana, home of the famous beer baths. The
beer baths are optional, dinner tonight is in the lagering cellars
beneath the brewery; we'll be spending the evening at this hotel
.
Overnight in Chodovar.
Sunday,
September 14 - This morning
we travel to Nachod, across the northern part of the country and
just a few kilometers from the Polish border. Along the way, we'll
stop at a medieval brewery in Detenice for lunch and a sampling
of their local beers. Upon arrival in Nachod, the evening is free
to enjoy this authentic Czech town.
Overnight
in Nachod.
Monday,
September 15 - This morning after breakfast, after breakfast,
we visit the Krakonos Brewery in the center of the mountain town
-- Trutnov. After the tour we'll stop for lunch before returning
to Nachod. The city-owned brewers of the Primator beers will be
our host this afternoon. The evening is free to explore this typical
Czech town and its castle.
Overnight
in Nachod.
Tuesday,
September 16 - Today we're bound for the beautiful town
of Telc whose entire town center is a UNESCO World Heritage
Site for its traditional architecture and design -- our home
for the night. On the way to Telc we will stop at the Zeliv
Abbey for a sampling of their unique ales. After a short walking
tour, dinner and exploration is on your own in Telc.
Overnight
in Telc.
Wednesday,
September 17 - This morning is free to sleep in or enjoy
Telc, with its picturesque houses and interesting chateau. After
lunch we'll travel to Trebon, a city surrounded by its manually
excavated ponds and streams; and also home to the excellent
Regent brewery. A tour and thorough sampling await. Continue
to Cesky Krumlov after our visit and check in to our hotel in
the center of town. Upon arrival, we'll have a local guide show
us around the town's many attractions. The evening is free.
Overnight
in Cesky Krumlov.
Thursday,
September 18 - A full free day to enjoy a city that seems
lifted out of a fairy tale. This evening we'll visit the Austrian
owned Eggenberg brewery - a part of Cesky Krumlov throughout
the ages. After a tour and tasting, enjoy dinner at the brewery
or at one of the many fine restaurants in Cesky Krumlov.
Overnight
in Cesky Krumlov.
Friday,
September 19 - Return to Prague today. Along the way
we'll stop for a local beer and local lunch. The evening
is free to enjoy Prague.
Overnight
in Prague.
Saturday,
September 20 - A full free day to enjoy Prague. Farewell
dinner in Prague this evening.
Overnight
in Prague.
Sunday,
September 21 - Alas we must leave beer heaven. Airport transfers
are easily arranged for out bound flights.
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Beer & Trip
Highlights
Brewery/Tasting
Room visits to U Flecku, Pilsner Urquel, Chodovar, Detenice,
Krakonos, Nachod, Zeliv Abbey, Regent, and more -- 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.
City
Tours in Prague,Telc, and Cesky Krumlov
Many
included meals with breakfast each day.
Our
Beer Bus - a traveling tasting room of local products and flavors
of all types
Good
Vine Park folks to travel with and share the adventure!
Land
Cost
$2350
per
person, double occupancy
$385
single
room supplement
Trip
Price Includes
9 nights accommodation in fine,
centrally located hotels, travel by private coach, brewery visits,
beer tasting, entrance fees and tours as outlined in the itinerary,
all breakfasts, 4 lunches, 3 dinners, and trip leadership.
Airfare
is not included in the trip price.
The
trip begins on Friday in the hotel lobby in Prague.
Travel
Details
Air
Travel is not included. Travelers are encouraged to use mileage
awards, travel outside group dates, or visit other European cities
while abroad to make the most out of the trip.
Please
confirm the trip's operation before purchasing air tickets.
The
trip officially begins at the first hotel, specific details
including a map to the hotel, regional information and a detailed
will be included with your trip documents, which you'll receive
2 - 3 weeks before the trip.
How
we get around: For all included excursions and visits, transportation
will be included as well. Within the cities, we will rely on walking
and public transportation. Travel between cities will be done
in our private motor coach and/or by rail.
For Registration and Policies & Details: Click
Here. |
