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Do you, your partner or children enjoy exploring fairytale-like castles? Come along this unique day trip day from Prague and experience two mediaval castles and a boat trip in one day! Enjoy great views of vertical rocks and steep gorges on both banks as you sail from the Orlik to the Zvikov Castle along the Vltava River.
The meaning of the name Orlík stems from the word “young eagle” (Czech: Orel). It is often suggested that this castle would have resembled an eagle perched upon the rocky outcrop above a turn in the River. Orlík was established as a royal castle beside a ford across the River Vltava in the second half of the 13th century, probably by Přemysl Otakar II, although in the Middle Ages it came into the hands of noble families and its ownership changed many times. In 1717 it was inherited by the Schwarzenbergs. The most famous member of the family was Field Marshal Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg, who was victorious over Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. The Early Gothic style castle of Orlík was confiscated by the Communist Regime after 1948, but in 1990s was reverted to the Schwarzenberg noble family. We will join a guided tour of this castle which lasts 1 hour.
Berofe boarding of a ship which will bring us to the next Zvikov castle you can edmire peacocks in the gardens of the Orlik Castle. During the 45 min. boat trip you can have a drink and enjoy rocks and gorges along the Vltava river as you sale to the next Zvikov castle.
River Cruise Schedule
April-June: weekend only
July-September: Monday – Sunday
September-October: weekend only
In case there will be no boats operating on the day of your trip we will drive you to the second castle by car/van.
The unique natural setting of the headland on the confuence of the Vltava and Otava Rivers, which was only accessable along a narrow isthums and whose rocky side walls were almost vertical, made it an ideal building site from the defence point of view. This advantage was used for the first time by the Celts who built there one of their fortified settlements of the urban type, called oppida. The excellent defence advantage was also exploited by the last kings of the Premyslide dynasty who founded there one of the most important and stately Bohemian royal castles. The first written report on the Zvikov castle comes from 1234. The castle Chapel of St.Wenceslas on the first floor of the southern wing is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spaces of early Bohemian Gothic. At this castle, we will have the chance to explore the different couryards and rooms by ourselves for as long as we wish.
After the visit of the Zvikov Castle we will have a lunch at a local brewery and then we will drive you back to your hotel in Prague.
| Location | 100 km / 1,5 hour drive south of Prague (direction Austria - Salzburg) |
| Sights to See | Orlik Castle, Zvikov Castle, Vltava River Cruise |
| Interiors | Orlik Castle, Zvikov Castle |
| Included | Car / van, driver-guide, fuel, parking fees |
| Excluded | Entrance fees, boat trip, lunch, souvenirs, meals |
| Availability From-To | from April, to October |
| 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 | 8 hours |
| Return Location | We will finish the tour anywhere you wish in Prague. |
| Means of Transportation | Walking and/or Driving - Car, Van, Minibus, Bus and/or Boat Riding |
| Required Walking Ability | Medium |
| Language | All tours are in English, but exceptions can be made in advance. |
| Additional Info | Orlik Castle entry: 190 CZK / adult, children up to 15 years: 130 CZK, Zvikov Castle entry: 70 CZK / adult, child, student: 40 CZK, senior: 50 CZK, Boat trip: 140 CZK / person, Lunch at a local brewery: approx 150-200 CZK / person |
