Wilderness-Travel-2017-Catalog

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COMBINE ANY TWO EUROPE TRIPS FOR A $500 PER PERSON DISCOUNT! 55
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
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.
Our journey pairs delightful hikes with the Czech Republic’s magnificent architectural heritage.
PHOTO: PIETRO CANALI
DAN HELLER
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!
DETAILS
• 9-day trip begins in
Vienna, Austria, and ends
in Prague, Czech Republic
• 8 nights 3- and 4-star
hotels and country inns
• All meals included except
1 dinner
DATES
May 11-19, 2017
Jun 1-9
Sep 7-15
Sep 21-29
TRIP COST
$3995 (11-15 members)
$4395 (6-10 members)
Single supplement: $390
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
BRIAN MCGILLOWAY