Like any road route organized in the Czech Republic, the trip can begin by renting a vehicle at the airport, but you can also consider enjoying the Czech capital beforehand. We have already told you about Prague on many occasions, so we suggest you check the essential visits in this article. And now, take out the map to mark the route through the regions (or do it online) and define the trip at your own pace, sleeping in those places that you most want to visit at night. Are you ready to get to know the historical kingdom of Moravia?
Day 1. Prague - Olomouc (280 km)
Olomouc is probably one of the most beautiful and unknown cities in Central Europe. Its old town is considered the second most monumental in the Czech Republic after Prague and its main historical element, the Holy Trinity Column, has been recognized as a World Heritage Site by Unesco. Even if Olomouc is your first stop and you are eager to continue driving, it is advisable to spend at least a day and a half here. A stroll through its squares, fountains and St. Wenceslas Cathedral, as well as a visit to some of its most famous restaurants and cafes, is a good start. The experiences will continue the next day, so take it easy.
Day 2. Olomouc and excursion to Bouzov (33 km)
Sunrise in this city allows you to discover it early in the morning, with hardly any tourists, and get to know its tourist landmarks in the greatest intimacy. Do not miss the astronomical clock, located in the Town Hall building, which is different from the one in Prague. The figures, originally Christian, were replaced in communist times by other workers representing different professions. If you climb the tower of the Town Hall, the views will delight you.
Culture lovers will also enjoy visiting the Museum of Art (which includes the Olomouc Archdiocesan Museum and the Museum of Modern Art) and the Archbishop's Palace. Music lovers, on the other hand, should not miss the opportunity to attend an organ concert in the Church of St. Mauro (with a little luck one of them will coincide). If you prefer the pleasures of good food, you will also find quality restaurants and, in addition, the cured cheeses of Olomouc, the Olomoucké tvarůžky, are an institution and have their own designation of origin!
An interesting excursion from Olomouc is Bouzov Castle, whose interior houses numerous works of art and curiosities. The former home of the Teutonic Knights was confiscated by the Nazis during World War II and was part of the castles of the SS Black Order. If the exterior image is enchanting when you arrive from the road, the visit is no slouch either.
Day 3. Olomouc - Kroměříž - Brno (117 km)
After the first two days in Olomouc, we recommend you to continue on your way to Brno, making a previous stop in Kroměříž, about 60 km away. In this beautiful city it is essential to have a Černý orel beer in its main square, taste the Yesterka chocolate and visit the Archbishop's Palace or, what is the same, the summer residence of the archbishops of Olomouc. Reserve at least half a day because this place offers several interesting experiences.
Among them, visit the impressive art gallery of the palace with original canvases of the great masters of painting, and the collections of scores and numismatics. In addition to enjoying its ostentatious interiors - the Throne Room and the Council Room are impressive - it is advisable to stroll through the gardens, which are inscribed on the exclusive UNESCO List. And, of course, a tasting of "mass wines" in the Archbishop's Cellars. These wines, natural and well valued, have a tradition of more than 750 years.
After this beautiful day, you only have to drive 60 kilometers to reach Brno, the capital of South Moravia, a perfect city to enjoy the Moravian night.
Day 4. Brno
Brno, the second most populous city in the Czech Republic, is a vibrant place that surprises not only for its history and number of monuments but also for its lively atmosphere, cultural life and leisure offer. This city is undoubtedly an ideal base camp to stay and organize several excursions from here. The first day can be spent strolling through the historic center of Brno, delving into history through the subway galleries, browsing in its many squares and visiting the Cathedral of St. Peter and Paul to find out why the bells ring at twelve o'clock at eleven o'clock. Another visit that we consider a must in Brno is the famous Villa Tugendhat, in functionalist style and protected by Unesco.
Sightseeing in the capital of South Moravia should be combined with the pleasure offered by gastronomy and leisure. Do not settle for a quick drink and enjoy the national and international cuisine offered by its restaurants, bistros or modern cafes. And, of course, after dinner you have to continue with the fun in bars, pubs and nightclubs. Remember that it is a university city, there are many students who are studying their Erasmus in the city, and the atmosphere is very relaxed.
As last recommendations, we mention three: climb the hill of Špilberk to enter the castle and admire the views from the top; visit the ossuary of Brno, the second largest in Europe; and attend an opera or ballet show at the National Theater.
Day 5. Brno - Moravian Karst - Brno (66 km)
Once you have taken the pulse of Brno, it's time to get to know one of the most amazing landscapes in the Czech Republic: the Moravian Karst, located just 38 kilometers away. The experience of touring caves, subway rivers, gorges or even flying over the area is unforgettable. Do not miss the Punkva caves, which have a mixed itinerary that runs on foot through the interior of the grotto and allows you to appreciate beautiful karst formations, and a second part sailing by boat on the subway river. Those who do not suffer from vertigo will also enjoy admiring the deep chasms of the place from the cable car.
Day 6. Brno - Lednice - Valtice (68 km)
Another perfect excursion in Moravia is to the so-called Lednice - Valtice Site, which is protected by Unesco and is less than an hour's drive from Brno. There, palaces, romantic buildings, gardens and bucolic corners await you. For its beauty, its monumental wealth and seductive natural environment it is known as the European Garden. In addition to visiting the most representative rooms of the Lednice palace, it is advisable to enter its greenhouse, which has an iron structure and glass enclosures. Inside, tropical and subtropical plants are grown in an environment that takes you to the Amazon jungle.
If you are traveling with the family, another very entertaining activity is to sail along the Dyje River branch to the Minaret, a tower that can be climbed to observe the views from 60 meters high. The return trip can be done on foot or by carriage to interact with this beautiful landscape in which there is no shortage of a pond covered with water lilies, forests with giant trees and meadows where you feel like lying down to look at the sky.
It is not necessary to drive much further, only about eight kilometers, to reach Valtice. Just observing the surrounding vineyards before arriving and knowing its high local wine production, it is perfectly understandable why it is considered the wine capital. If you are interested in wine tourism, the centenary cellars of the baroque palace of Valtice are a must-see. It also hosts every year the National Wine Fair, the best place to taste and get a good overview of the famous Moravian wines.
Day 7. Brno - Mikulov - Prague (262 km)
For the last day of the route we have booked a visit to the town of Mikulov, even it could be scheduled for the day before because it is only 14 kilometers from Valtice. This historic town, which is immersed in a beautiful landscape of vineyards and whitish-colored rocks, looks like something out of a romantic postcard. Despite its secluded size, it holds secrets worth discovering, such as the majestic Tomb of the Lords of Ditrichštejn, whose chapel houses an image of a black virgin. From the terrace of the tomb, moreover, you can admire a magnificent panoramic view. And if you like the view, continue the walk to the Holy Hill, one of the oldest pilgrimage sites in the country and from where you also get nice views of Mikulov.
As remembering the Jewish past of this enclave is also part of the cultural experiences, it is advisable to visit the synagogue, the Jewish cemetery and even taste dishes of Jewish influence in the Tanzberg restaurant. If you want to get to know the traditional Czech cuisine, there is no lack of hearty menus and live musical performances in the wine cellars.
After this visit, the trip comes to an end. If the return flight is from Prague, you will have 262 kilometers to go, and if it is from Vienna, about 88 kilometers. Whichever airport you leave from, you will leave with your retina imbued with beauty.
