Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers, DK Eyewitness, Michelin, Fodor´s, Luxury Travel Magazine
Explore two cities and learn about their world famous products in one day: Visit the Moser Crystal Factory in Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) and the Pilsner Urquell Brewery in Pilsen. Sample the hot mineral springs in Karlovy Vary. Enjoy a typical Czech lunch at a microbrewery restaurant that is cut inside a rock along the way to Pilsen. Gaze at the Czech countryside during the journey. The Pilsner Urquell Brewery produces one of the best beers in the world, and you will have the chance to taste the unfiltered beer in the cellars of the brewery.
“We had a great day trip from Prague to Karlovy Vary and Pilsen. Our driver-guide, Mr. George, was really good, very knowledgeable, and creative on the spot when traffic dictated a detour that was hardly noticeable, including the alternate spot for lunch…” Read more testimonials at our Private Prague Guide Day Tours profile at the TripAdvisor.com.
2 hours Prague to Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) transfer
1 hour Tour of the Moser Glassworks
1,5 hours Tour of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
45 minute Transfer to a Microbrewery
1 hour Lunch at the Microbrewery
45 minute Transfer to Pilsen
1.5 hours Tour of the Pilsner Urquell Brewery
1 hour Tour of Pilsen
1 hour Pilsen to Prague transfer
Founded by Holy Roman Emperor and Bohemian King Charles IV in the middle of the 14th century after one of his dogs stumbled upon the Hot Spring, Karlovy Vary is a magnet for famous personalities including writers Johann Wolfgang von Goethe and Franz Kafka as well as Russian Czar Peter the Great and composer Ludwig van Beethoven. Imagine Goethe strolling down the elegant streets. While the spa averaged about 19,000 guests at the end of the 19th century, by 1911 some 71,000 people visited springs here. The world-renowned International Film Festival is held in Karlovy Vary each July.
We will also visit the world famous Moser Glassworks. You will discover how the crystal creations are made and see more than 1,000 exhibits tracing the 150-year history of this trade. Established in 1857, Moser Glassworks first focused on polishing and engraving. By 1904 it had received so much acclaim that the Imperial Court of Austria was a regular customer. During 1908 the glassmakers manufactured their wares for Edward VII.
Admission fees and opening times: Mon-Sun: 9 a.m.-2:30 p.m. (10:30 a.m. – 11:15 a.m. glassworks’ break). During factory holidays July 27 – August 10, Glassworks tours are not available. Note: In case of tropical temperatures the last guided tour at 1:00 p.m. Entrance fee for the Glassworks tour: 120 CZK / person.
Along the way to Pilsen, we will stop at a local microbrewery for lunch. The restaurant Ve Skale, where you can choose from Czech or international dishes, is situated in a unique granite rock formation in brewery cellars that hail from the 12th century. The restaurant also offers its own natural yeast beer draught poured directly from a stock tub of the rock cellar. Another delight is the fascinating brewery museum on the premises.
This tour is a must for beer fans! Pilsen’s history is closely associated with beer. The light “lager beer” was “born” in Pilsen (Plzeň in Czech) during 1842 and became known as “pilsner.” It did not only become famous as a brand, but also as a type of beer. Since it was introduced to the beer world, pilsner has gained worldwide acclaim. How was golden Pilsner beer, Czech light lager, invented? Four years before Pilsner Urquell was invented, 36 barrels of bad beer were spilled out in front of Pilsen’s town hall. The following year the decision to build a new brewery was announced, and the first light “lager beer” was created in Pilsen during 1842.
Admission fees and opening times: Monday to Sunday: 12:45 p.m., 2:15 p.m., 4:15 p.m. Entrance fee for the brewery excursion in English: 190 CZK / person. Photography pass: 100 CZK.
Founded in 1295 by King Wenceslas II, Pilsen was located on a trade route from the German towns of Nuremberg and Regensburg to Prague. In the 14th century Pilsen was the third largest town after Prague and Kutná Hora. In the 16th century, after several fires that had damaged the inner center of the town, Italian architects and builders contributed significantly to the changing character of the city. Pilsen flourished. The 19th century saw major positive developments in the city. The City Brewery was founded in 1842, and the Škoda Works was established in 1859. With the population of 167, 000 inhabitants, Pilsen also holds the distinction of being the seat of the University of West Bohemia and Bishopric.
You may also consider booking similar tours:
Karlovy Vary Day Trip from Prague
Prague to Pilsen: Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour
Once back in Prague, we also recommend your our popular Prague Beer Tour.
| Location | 100 km / 1-2 hour drive west of Prague (direction Germany - Nuremberg) |
| Sights to See | Karlovy Vary - historical center, Karlovy Vary Hot Springs Colonnades, Pilsner Urquell Brewery |
| Interiors | Pilsner Urquell Brewery |
| Availability From-To | All year round |
| Departure Time and Location | We will pick you up at the agreed place and time, most likely at the reception of your hotel in Prague. (To be specified in the request form below) |
| Duration | 10 hours |
| Return Location | We will finish the tour anywhere you wish in Prague. |
| Means of Transportation | Walking and/or Driving - Car, Van, Minibus, Bus |
| Required Walking Ability | Medium |
| Language | All tours are in English, but exceptions can be made in advance. |
