Alexei Novak

Alexei Novak – First encounter with the Czech Republic in 2005 My acquaintance with the Czech Republic began with an unexpected inheritance – a distant relative left me a small house in a picturesque village near Brno. I planned to quickly process the documents and sell the property, but fate had other plans. When I first stepped over the threshold of this ancient house with its tiled roof, a strange feeling came over me, as if I had returned home. Apple trees bloomed in the garden, neighbors brought homemade bread and told stories about my ancestor – a Czech musician. Deciding to stay for a few months, I hardly noticed how they turned into almost 20 years of life between Prague and the towns of Moravia, where I constantly discover new facets of this country. The Czech Republic is multifaceted. Behind the postcard views of Prague and the famous beer lies a deep culture that often remains unnoticed by ordinary tourists. Those who find an approach to the locals discover a completely different country – not the one shown in guidebooks. Over these years I have conducted hundreds of tours to little-known corners of the Czech Republic and written two books on Czech cuisine and traditions. I've had the opportunity to consult for historical films shot in the Czech Republic and create an educational program about Czech culture. I help tourists in difficult situations and share my knowledge with everyone who wants to see the real Czech Republic – a country where every stone breathes history, and every mug of beer can be the beginning of an amazing friendship.

Photos of Krumlov

Prague

Český Krumlov

How to get to Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov is located 174 km south of Prague near the border with Austria.

There are a few ways to get to Český Krumlov. First of all you can rent a car in Prague. Although this option is more expensive it has an obvious advantage. On your way you will have a possibility to visit other places including the Hluboká Castle (Hluboká nad Vltavou) regarded as one of the most beautiful castles in the Czech Republic. It is located 34 km from Krumlov. If you are not afraid of late night driving you can stay in Krumlov until late and enjoy its wonderful night atmosphere.

The second way to get from Prague to Krumlov is to take a comfortable Student Agency’s direct shuttle bus. There are a lot of disputes arising on the Internet about whether you need to book the tickets in advance or not. Judging from what I saw it is recommended to buy advance tickets. When we were going to Krumlov it was May 3 and it wasn’t a peak season but the bus was overcrowded.

Click here to learn more about creating a personal itinerary

The trip takes about 3 hours and the one-way ticket costs 200 CZK. On this website you can find bus and train schedules and book tickets. http://jizdnirady.idnes.cz/vlakyautobusymhdvse/spojeni/

Another way to get to Krumlov is by train. But there are no direct trains from Prague to Krumlov, so you have to change at Ceske Budejovice. Besides, they say that the Krumlov railway station is located quite far from the town centre.

Ceske Budejovice railway station

As for us, we chose the fourth way which is least well-known. It was me who created the route and we liked it very much. We went to Ceske Budejovice by train. The trains were far from modern but rather comfortable and empty. On our way we had an opportunity to enjoy various spectacular views such as fields, forests and villages that looked as if stuck in the past.

Spectacular view from train

Old cottage in the middle of nowhere

In Ceske Budejovice we got off the train, crossed the street and moved up to the bus station. As the trip was thoroughly planned we got on the bus to Krumlov after a short wait. The bus station in Krumlov is located just five minutes walking distance from the old town.

Click here to create a personal itinerary for Czechia

The whole trip including the waiting time took about 4 hours and cost us around 200 CZK. If you choose this way I recommend you to plan it in advance.

What we propose

Emma Heidi

Itinerary Expert

Let us create the perfect itinerary for you!

Start your journey to the place you have always dreamed of visiting by calling us. We will plan a customized itinerary for you, taking into account all your wishes, dreams and needs.

Contact us today, and before you know it, travel experts will create the perfect itinerary for you, including all the must-haves on your trip, with a meticulous level of planning.

Our service will save you a lot of time planning the route before the trip, ensuring peace and quiet during the trip.

Exactly tailored to your needs and desires, as well as the travel style you are looking for.

Our experts have in-depth knowledge and experience to prepare the perfect itinerary that you will not find in any ordinary travel guide.

We will provide you with all the information: from car rental to public transportation, hotels, restaurants, attractions and main places. This will make your trip perfect.