Cesky Krumlov Day Trip from Prague with Castle Walk & Old Town

Summary

Cesky Krumlov castle courtyards, riverside lunch and old town strolls from Prague

You’ll travel from Prague to Český Krumlov with pickup included, walk through all five castle courtyards with a local guide, enjoy lunch by the river, and have free time to explore winding Old Town streets on your own terms. Expect moments of laughter, unexpected views, and a pace that lets you actually feel the place—not just see it.

What’s the experience like?

“You know, this hill isn’t as bad as it looks,” Filip grinned at us as we eyed the path up to Český Krumlov Castle. He was right, but I still felt my legs wake up after two hours in the van from Prague. The drive itself was easy—fields sliding by, that soft Czech morning light you only notice when you’re not rushing anywhere. Our group was small enough that nobody got lost in the shuffle, and Filip kept tossing out stories about villages we passed (I’m pretty sure he made up at least one about a haunted mill).

The first thing I noticed walking into Cesky Krumlov was this faint smell of wood smoke—someone nearby must’ve been starting a fire for lunch. The castle is huge (second biggest in the country, Filip said), but it doesn’t feel showy or cold. We wandered through all five courtyards while he pointed out odd details: faded coats of arms, a statue missing its nose, a spot where he swears you get the best photo if you lean just so (I tried; jury’s out). There were school kids running past us, their laughter echoing off the old stone. For some reason that made the place feel more alive than any museum tour I’ve done.

After climbing down toward the river—my knees definitely noticed that part—we crossed this little bridge into town. Lunch was in a medieval-looking restaurant with heavy wooden tables and soup that tasted like something my grandma would make if she lived here (I forgot what it’s called; Filip tried to teach me but I probably butchered it). He gave us tips on what to see next and then left us free to wander. I spent most of my time just watching people along the Vltava, trying to decide if I wanted another coffee or just sit there doing nothing for a bit.

I still think about how quiet it felt in some corners of Český Krumlov’s Old Town—even with tourists around. Something about those crooked streets and faded pastel houses makes you want to slow down. We met back at the car park later (nobody got lost), tired but kind of happy-tired. The ride back to Prague felt shorter somehow, maybe because everyone was dozing or swapping photos. Not everything went perfectly—I dropped my map in the river—but honestly, that just made it stick in my memory more.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Full day tour to Cesky Krumlov

• Pick up in Prague city centre
• Drive 2 hours to Cesky Krumlov
• Park at main car park
• Climb hill to castle
• Tour all 5 castle courtyards
• Walk down to river and cross bridge
• Lunch in medieval restaurant
• Free time to explore Old Town
• Meet at car park
• Drive back to Prague

Top questions

How long does the Cesky Krumlov day trip from Prague take?

The tour typically lasts a full day including about 2 hours each way driving between Prague and Cesky Krumlov.

Is hotel pickup included for this Cesky Krumlov tour?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included for addresses within central Prague.

How much walking is involved during the tour?

You’ll walk approximately 4 km throughout Cesky Krumlov during guided and free time segments.

Do we visit inside Cesky Krumlov Castle?

No interiors are visited; you’ll walk through all five castle courtyards but not inside rooms or halls.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

You can join for lunch at a medieval restaurant by the river or use your free time to eat elsewhere—it’s flexible.

Are guides local on this Cesky Krumlov tour?

Your guide is local and shares stories as you explore both castle grounds and town streets together.

Can I bring service animals on this tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on this trip.

Is there free time during the visit?

You’ll have free time after lunch to explore Cesky Krumlov’s Old Town at your own pace before meeting back at the car park.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in central Prague, private transportation by air-conditioned van for up to eight people, guided walks through all five castle courtyards in Cesky Krumlov with plenty of stories along the way, plus flexible free time to wander or shop in Old Town before heading back together.