Recommended by TripAdvisor travelers, DK Eyewitness, Michelin, Fodor´s, Luxury Travel Magazine
Discover Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad), one of the most captivating spa towns in Europe. This popular west Bohemia spa town sometimes referred to as Carlsbad or Karlsbad is noted for its 13 curative thermal springs and approximately 300 smaller springs. Take a stroll along its elegant colonnades. Taste its hot mineral springs. The Moser Glassworks are sure to amaze as you see how the world famous Bohemia crystal is made. There will be also enough time for a traditional Czech lunch, souvenir shopping or spa treatment in the mineral water of this stunning town.
“We had a great day trip from Prague to Karlovy Vary, a spa town in Western Bohemia. Our guide 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
1.5 hours Tour of the Moser Glassworks
2 hours Tour of Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad)
1 hour Lunch at a traditional Czech restaurant
1.5 hours Souvenir shopping or spa treatment
2 hours Karlovy Vary (Carlsbad) to Prague transfer
This is a private tour, so the itinerary can be adjusted as you wish.
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.
Marvel at Karlovy Vary’s historical center with five colonnades, and savor the hot springs. The best known spring is the biggest and hottest one, named Vridlo – the Sprudel. It spouts its curative water to a height of 12 meters at 2,000 liters of mineral water per minute. If you like you can go swimming in Karlovy Vary’s Thermal Hotel public swimming pool, which is built into the cliff above the city. The swimming pool water composition is one-third Karlovy Vary hot spring water and two-thirds fresh drinking water.
Another option is booking a spa treatment at the Castle Spa which features a pool with thermal water, unique to the Czech Republic. Various types of massages are offered, including classicial massages and underwater massages. Thermal water baths, electrotherapy, inhalations, Kneipp hydrotherapy, and oxygen therapy are possible, too. If you decide for 2-hour spa treatment we will help you make a reservation at the Castle Spa.
Please chose 1 major and 1 minor procedure here.
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, students pay CZK 70.
The Hot Spring water from the underground colonnade is supplied to the spa hotels, which are using it both for bathing, as well as for drinking cures. The old section of the thermal underground is open to the tours of Hot Spring Underground. Apart from the underground vents, you can also see the process of petrifying the Karlovy Vary (Karlsbad) souvenirs and rare minerals. The hot spring colonnade is under reconstruction and so the underground is temporarily closed for visitors.
Admission fees and opening times: Open Tue-Sun: 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Closed in winter: November – April. Entrance fee: 160 CZK / person.
On the way from/to Karlovy Vary, we will stop at the Krušovice Brewery to sample this tasty beer. The prestigious brewery hails from the 16th century. The brewery flourished under the ownership of Holy Roman Emperor Rudolf II, who took control of it as of 1583. Krušovice is famous for not only its 10` and 12` beers but also for its dark beer and for the labels Mušketýr and Malvaz.
You may also consider booking a similar tour:
Brewery Excursion (Pilsen) & Crystal Glassworks (Carlsbad) in one day
Once back in Prague, we also recommend your our popular Prague Beer Tour.
| Location | 130 km / 2 hour drive northwest of Prague (direction Germany - Cologne) |
| Sights to See | Karlovy Vary - historical center |
| Interiors | Carlsbad Colonnades with hot mineral springs, Becherovka Museum, Hot Spring Underground |
| Included | Car / van / coach, driver-guide, fuel, toll roads, parking fees |
| Excluded | Entrance fees, food and drinks |
| 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 | Low |
| Language | All tours are in English, but exceptions can be made in advance. |
