Wilderness Travel 2017 Catalog of Adventures

Czech Castles & Country Walks ENCHANTING HIKES, CESKY KRUMLOV, AND GLORIOUS PRAGUE

The Czech Republic is a walker’s paradise, and our enchanting journey leads you on hikes through thriving vineyards, past 13th century monasteries, and to massive stone castles that reign over the sylvan countryside. The nation’s medieval heritage is remarkably intact in places like Telc, which we’ll encounter when we walk through the arched town gates at the end of a lovely hike, and Slavonice, whose burgher houses are decorated with colorful sgraffiti . In beguiling Cesky Krumlov, a World Heritage Site whose castle towers above stately 15th century

mansions, we’ll explore backstage at its perfectly intact Baroque theater before ending our journey in Prague. Our Trip Leaders are spirited Czech natives who share their country’s heritage, culture, and cuisine with great style.

Days 1-2 Vienna, Austria / Moravia, Czech Republic / Palava We meet in Vienna, then hike across the border into

DAN HELLER

the Czech Republic’s Moravian wine country. Grand castles dot the countryside of the Czech Republic and provide dramatic beginning and ending points for many of our hikes, including one through the Palava Highlands Nature Reserve, with its limestone outcrops and beech forests. Days 3-4 Telc Castle / Slavonice From 14th century Castle Rostejn, a Gothic apparition that seems to rise straight up from the rock outcrop, our hike across fields brightened by poppies ends with a walk through the gates of medieval Telc, a World Heritage Site with an exquisitely intact town square. Another hike brings us through verdant forests (you may encounter mushroom gatherers!) to Slavonice, where sgraffiti adorns the facades of its ancient buildings. Days 5-7 Cesky Krumlov / Sumava / Rozmberk Crossing into southern Bohemia, we head to Cesky Krumlov, a vision from medieval times with its dreamy pink-and-green castle, and we enjoy a private backstage tour of its Baroque theater set in the castle complex. In the Sumava Forest, our trail leads from serene Vyssi Brod, a 13th century Cistercian monastery and pilgrimage site, across sun-splashed fields to the castle- town of Rozmberk. Days 8-9 Prague In Prague, the jewel of Bohemia, our walking tour leads through the Old Town, where 600 years of glorious architecture is on display, and into the ancient Jewish ghetto, with its haunting graveyard and Europe’s oldest active synagogue. Depart on Day 9, or extend your stay in this beautiful city. ON OUR WEBSITE GREAT CARPATHIAN TRAVERSE Join our five-country hiking and cultural adventure through Ukraine, Romania, Hungary, Slovakia, and Poland. Aug 27-Sep 10, 2017. From $5495.

Our journey pairs delightful hikes with the Czech Republic’s magnificent architectural heritage. PHOTO: PIETRO CANALI

DETAILS • 9-day trip begins in

HIGHLIGHTS • Delightful countryside walks between hilltop castles • Perfectly preserved Renaissance town of Telc • Baroque city of Cesky Krumlov, a World Heritage Site of labyrinthine alleys • Exquisite Prague, with its incomparable architecture, lively cafés—and excellent Pilsners!

TRIP COST $3995 (11-15 members) $4395 (6-10 members) Single supplement: $390

Vienna, Austria, and ends in Prague, Czech Republic • 8 nights 3- and 4-star hotels and country inns • All meals included except 1 dinner

TRIP LEVEL 1 2 + 3 4 5 6 7

A mix of easy to moderate walks and hikes, 2-5 hours a day, van support

DATES May 11-19, 2017 Jun 1-9 Sep 7-15 Sep 21-29

BRIAN MCGILLOWAY

COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $500 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 55