TRAVEL: Czech Republic - A Self-Drive Day by Day Itinerary

There's something very childlike and magical about Europe.

Two weeks ago, I landed in another of my dream holiday destination - Czech Republic. It was a 12.5 hours flight from Singapore to Munich, and another 1hour transit flight from Munich to Prague.

From there, we took a self-drive tour from:
Kutna Hora - Tabor - Jindrichuv Hradec - Cesky Krumlov-Kasperske Hory - Klatovy - Plzen and back to Prague.

Map of Czech Republic. Prague. Cesky Krumlov, Kutna Hora. Klatovy. Plzen

Map of Czech Republic. Self-Drive Holiday.

Before you leave the airport, here're some tips on currency exchange:

1. There are no money changers in Singapore that supply Czech Crowns (Korunas)

2. Prepare a debit card or credit card. Upon arrival at Czech Airport, withdraw Czech Crowns using these ATM machines.

Judging by the queue, it seems there are no korunas anywhere else in the world as well.

3. The exchange rate from the ATM machines are pretty favourable, at S$1 to ~ 17 CZK. You won't know the rate on the spot and will only find out upon receiving the bills from your local banks such as DBS when you are back in Singapore.

4. These ATM machines charge an admin fee of a few dollars every time you withdraw. So, try to withdraw an accurate amount at one go.

5. Go prepared with Euros too. They accept Euros in town. However, the rate determined by the locals may not be that favourable.

6. The money changers in town is slightly more unfavourable.

** The above may change according to the latest exchange rates.

Here's our day-to-day-itinerary:

1. Day 1 - Jun 4 - Sat

We landed in Prague on Saturday morning and drove to Kutna Hora. It was a very tiring trip. We slept for a while before heading to Dacicky (recommended by Lonely Planet) for dinner.

1.1 Accommodation: Pension Bed and Breakfast | $73/night

1.2 Town: Kutna Hora | UNESCO Cultural Heritage List

A rich source of silver from 13th to 18th century, Kutna Hora is the second most important town in Bohemia, after Prague.

1.3 Dinner: Dacicky | Kutna Hora

2. Day 2 - Jun 5 - Sun

2.1 : Highlights 1: Bone Church

Touted as one of the 5 most haunted places on Earth in one of You Tube's videos, the Bone Church is a memorial site; a final resting place of 40,000 people.

The cemetery was considerably extended during one of the great epidemics of the 14th century which saw 30,000 deceased buried there. The Hussite war contributed to another 10,000. The bones were decorated and re-arranged in the 16th century.

Tip: At the entrance, do not just buy one ticket entrance to Bone Church. You can purchase 3 tickets to 3 nearby cathedrals and churches at a discounted rate.

2.2 : Highlights 2: St Barbara's Cathedral

Kutna Hora's wealth funded many beautiful buildings, including St. Barbara's Cathedral.

St Barbara's Cathedral

3. Day 3 - Jun 6 - Mon

3.1 Town: Tabor and Jindrichuv Hradec

3.2 Highlights - Tabor Underground

3.3 Lunch: Budvarka | Tabor

3.4 Accomodation:
Cyklopenzion | Jindrichuv Hradec

3.5 Dinner:
Cernej Ptak | Jindrichuv Hradec

On Day 3, we tried to visit Cesky Sternberg Castle on the way to Tabor, but it is closed every Monday.

Cesky Sternberg Castle

Do check out their website stated in the photo below for the operating hours across the year:

3.1 Town: Tabor

The town of Tabor was founded in 1420. After it was alleviated to a royal town in status, the privilege to brew beer was given to Tabor in 1437. What's amazing about this town is not about its surface beauty. But rather, what lies underground.

3.2 Highlights - Tabor Underground

Tabor

On the surface, Tabor looks like any ordinary town. However, any unsuspecting person wouldn't have known that there is a huge underground tunnel that is used for hiding away from the enemies. The underground cave stretches all the way from the tower on the left of the above photo to the right.

Tabor Underground was built after World War II, in 1946-1947. The construction of the cellars started earlier when the town was built, in 1420. The constant temperature of 7-8 degree Celsius makes it an excellent place for storing wine.

3.3 Lunch: Budvarka | Tabor

Lunch at Budvarka in Tabor was good. The average cost of a main dish is less than S$20. Pretty reasonable.

3.4 Accommodation:

Cyklopenzion | Jindrichuv Hradec | S$93/night

We moved on from the town of Tabor to Jindrichuv Hradec. The Bed and Breakfast is called Cycklopenzion. I was amazed at the level of passion the owner has for cycling. According to the manager of the place, the owner and his son will go to Tour de France every year. Judging by the wall pictures, it seems that the culture of cycling has passed down from the generations.

Cyklopenzion is both highly rated by Trip Advisor and Google Map Reviews.

Breakfast spread. They cook scrambled eggs or sunny side ups on the spot for guests.

3.5 Dinner:
Cernej Ptak | Jindrichuv Hradec

This restaurant is recommended by the locals as well as The Lonely Planet. It has a nice little garden in their backyard. Enjoy your dinner under the sunlight even when it's 8pm cos it's summer!

A grilled beef steak costs 185 crowns. About S$11.

However, side dishes such as salad are offered separately at extra charges.

A cup of caffe latte costs 40 CZK. About S$2.40.

4. Day 4 - Jun 7 - Tue

4.1 Town:
Jindrichuv Hradec and Cesky Krumlov

4.2 Highlights - Cervena Lhota

4.3 Lunch:
Restaurant Bohemia | Cesky Krumlov

4.4
Accommodation:
Penzion Rosa | Cesky Krumlov

Before we set off from Jindrichuv Hradec to Cesky Krumlov, we explored the town and visited a lovely red castle called Cervena Lhota.

4.1 Town: Jindrichuv Hradec

Jindrichuv Hrade

4.2 Highlights - Cervena Lhota

Cervena Lhota is a very unique castle. It is not only lovely in its design with an eye-catching red colour, the castle is also situated on an island surrounded by river. From afar, it looks like a 3D jigsaw puzzle.

Cervena Lhota

4.3 Lunch: Restaurant Bohemia | Cesky Krumlov

I was pretty tired of pork knee at that point in time and decided to try something different. This is potato pancake with pork and sour cabbage. Do not be fooled by the tiny size in the picture. The serving is huge. Something different and worth a try. This restaurant also has the best English-speaking staff.

4.4 Accommodation:

Penzion Rosa | Cesky Krumlov | $57-$90/night

Penzion Rosa is situated just slightly at the fringe of Cesky Krumlov, the second most visited city after Prague. You will see why in while. The rates at Penzion Rosa is hence, not as expensive as those situated right smack in the center. It is within really short walking distance.

5. Day 5 - Jun 8 - Wed

5.1 Town: Cesky Krumlov

5.2 Highlights: Cesky Krumlov Castle

5.3 Lunch:
KRCMA V Satlavske | Cesky Krumlov

5.1 Town: Cesky Krumlov

Cesky Krumlov is a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic. Old Cesky Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Construction of the town and castle began around 1240.

I can see why Cesky Krumlov is such as popular destination among tourists because it is a beautiful island. The surrounding shops give the town a vibrant and cultural feel. Once you are at the top of the tower looking down, you will marvel at how Mother Nature is able to create something so perfect.

5.2 Highlights - Cesky Krumlov Castle

The state castle of Cesky Krumlov, with its architectural standard, cultural tradition, and expanse, ranks among the most important historic sights in central Europe. It was included into the list of UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Monuments in 1992. Book a tour into the castle. You will be amazed by the stories (including that of a poor white lady, if you happen to see her) and the interiors and furnitures used by the people of those era.

5.3 Lunch:

KRCMA V Satlavske | Cesky Krumlov

Europe's serving portion is huge. If you are not sure you can finish, order to share. This lunch for 3 was 24.60 Euros. Very reasonable. I had the best ribs of my life here at the restaurant and strongly recommend it.

After late lunch, it's time for some sweet desserts and taking a walk down this lovely town.

Speaking of street desserts, there is one that you must try. This was recommended to me by a friend who had been to Czech Republic. This pastry is called Trdelnik. The dough is freshly baked on the spot. We chose Cinnamon flavour with vanilla ice-cream.

The bread was piping hot, with a hint of cinnamon, caramelised sweetness because it was baked over hot charcoal. Nothing tasted more heavenly in the summer sun and cool airy streets of Cesky Crumlov when eaten together with the cold vanilla ice-cream.

Try it after a meal. :)