Flag CZECH REPUBLIC

Highlights

  • Dramatic unspoiled mountain landscapes
  • Picture-postcard villages of unspoiled timber-framed houses
  • Saxon Switzerland spa towns and magnificent Dresden
  • Tour of Kamenice Gorge and Ajeto Glassworks

We meet in beautiful Prague and head out into an unspoiled landscape of picture postcard villages with old, timber-framed houses and painted wooden churches. Dramatic mountain landscapes frame amazing views and we take advantage of trams and narrow gauge railways to help us climb some of the steeper inclines! Our route takes us deep into the heart of "Saxon Switzerland", a wilderness area of great beauty with wild forests, sandstone plateaus and rocky gorges. It is one of the last untouched areas of natural forest in Europe and is home to a range of rare animal and bird species such as otters and eagle owls. Dresden is our goal and, when we reach the city, we have a full day to explore the baroque splendor of its magnificently restored center.

Sunday Overnight: Hotel Jitrava

Meet in Prague for a guided tour of this beautiful city, then drive north to our Jitrava hotel.

Monday Overnight: Hotel Jitrava

Hike along the border with Poland, enjoying endless views of open countryside before driving to the former mining village of Krystofovo dol (Christopher's Valley) where we visit a unique painted wooden church and timber-framed houses. After lunch, we drive to the top of Jested mountain to continue our walk.

Tuesday Overnight: Hotel Altes Kurhaus

Follow forest trails to the fascinating Ajeto Glassworks in Lindava, where glass has been produced for over 500 years. We lunch in a traditional inn and then walk up to the top of Hvozd, basking in the amazing views before descending to our perfectly situated wellness hotel.

Wednesday Overnight: Hotel Altes Kurhaus

Today we're off to Oybin, for a tour of the castle and church, before continuing to the charming village of Jonsdorf for lunch. We'll then go up to Waltersdorf, to enjoy the beautiful views from the highest point in the Zittau mountains, and the wonderful traditional houses there.

Thursday Overnight: Hotel Elbresidenz

Drive west to 'Czech Switzerland' and hike to scenic Pravcicka Gate, the longest natural sandstone arch in Europe. In the afternoon, we'll hike into the valley to the river, and board a small boat that takes us right into the Kamenice gorge. What a ride! After, we'll return to Germany, and make our way to the oldest spa town of Saxon Switzerland, Bad Schandau.

Friday Overnight: Hotel Elbresidenz

Walk in the beautiful Kirnitzschtal, stopping at a memorial to honor the famous German poet and philosopher, Johann Schiller. After a hearty lunch at a converted farm, our walk continues to Lichtenhainer Wasserfall where we catch the narrow-gauge tram into town.

Saturday Overnight: Gewandhaus Dresden

Depart for Dresden with a detour to visit the famous hilltop fortress at Knigstein. Once in Dresden we'll tour the lovely old city, then have the rest of the afternoon is free. Farewell Dinner tonight.

Sunday

Departure at your leisure.
Moderate-Energetic
"The guides are very well-chosen and make connections we haven't had with other companies".

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Terrain: Forest paths, open country and meadows. Some hill walking. Rock steps with railings. 7-12 miles of walking per day.

TRIP DETAILS

7 nights, 8 days from
$4,395.00
per person, Double Occupancy
(Single Supplement $655.00)
Our Wayfarers friends' Price is $4,175.00

Dates

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Arrival: Prague
Departure: Dresden
Prague to Dresden Map

Hotels - Where we stay

Hotel Jitrava

Hotel Jitrava

The all-suite Hotel Jitrava has a unique setting with beautiful views and a superb location within easy reach of several outstanding golf courses and hiking trails. The hotel is exceptional for its amenities which are the best in the region. Each suite is individually designed and equipped with air conditioning, TV, phone, hair dryer, safe and garden view. WiFi is available in some rooms and, in others, the hotel will lend guests an internet cable. A pioneer in promoting local specialties, the restaurant features organic lamb meat from the hotel's own breeders and game from private hunters. All herbs and produce are home-grown and the menu features the freshest seasonal ingredients. Spa facilities include a Finnish sauna, an infrared sauna, hot tub and a range of massages are available.

Hotel Altes Kurhaus

Hotel Altes Kurhaus

Located in the spa region of the Zittau Mountains, this friendly, cozy hotel offers comfort and peaceful surroundings. All bedrooms are equipped with ensuite bathroom with shower or bath, hairdryer, telephone, satellite TV, safe, WiFi internet access, mini-bar and coffee-tea station. Chef, Andre Bach, uses only fresh ingredients with an emphasis on locally sourced produce to create delicious meals. The hotel's Wellness area is accessible by lift and includes an indoor swimming pool and sauna.

Hotel Elbresidenz

Hotel Elbresidenz

Set in an impressive range of elegant riverside buildings dating from the 17th century, this charming hotel has been recently fully and sympathetically restored around a series of courtyards. The guest rooms overlook an atrium, the River Elbe or the market square of this historic thermal spa town in Saxon Switzerland. Each room offers free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV, hairdryer, safe and minibar. The hotels spa offers a choice of luxury treatments. Diners in the two restaurants can enjoy breathtaking views of the river while they enjoy regional and international cuisine or the sumptuous breakfast buffet.

Gewandhaus Dresden

Gewandhaus Dresden

Located in the historic heart of the city, this is one of Dresden's premier hotels and is an ideal city centre retreat. It is named after the German word for 'weaver' as it occupies the former home of the weavers guild, Cloth Hall. Bedroom amenities include a marble bathroom, large bed, hair dryer, coffee and tea facilities, fax/PC connections, WiFi Internet access, climate control, mini bar, safe, TV and radio.Guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful indoor swimming pool, sauna and fitness room in the on-site wellness center.

Start planning your trip

What Is Included in the Price of My Vacation

  • Full-time services of two staff - a Walk Leader and Walk Manager
  • A backup vehicle for resting walkers and moving luggage
  • Comprehensive Travel Information Package and Reading List
  • Diverse itineraries with an emphasis on history, geography, culture, peoples, flora and fauna
  • Demonstrations, wine tasting, admissions to museums and historic sites
  • All ground transfers (ferries, cable cars, trains, etc.)
  • Maps and unique souvenirs to commemorate your trip
  • First-class accommodations with cultural and historical interest
  • All meals - with choices - (Special dietary requirements? No problem!)
  • Wine with dinner
  • On-trail snacks and refreshments
  • All gratuities at hotels and restaurants