Independent travel is gradually becoming fashionable among Russians. Many more than once went to the resorts of hot countries, planning a trip only on their own. As it turned out, this is not at all difficult, and there is much more impression from such an adventure than from a usually tour package with a lot of imposed services. One of the most popular routes for our compatriots is Europe, and the Czech Republic is the most attractive country. This attractiveness is explained by the comparative cheapness, all-weather season and unusual medieval beauties that are found in any Czech city at almost every step. A trip to the Czech Republic can turn into a great honeymoon or Christmas vacation, and planning all this is quite simple and without involving travel agencies. Interested in how? You will find all the answers to the questions in this article.
Czech Republic: Historic Monuments & Wellness Spas
A tourist trip to the Czech Republic can give you a lot of pleasant experiences, in different seasons it appears in completely different guises and like a gem plays its facets. Holidays in this country will definitely appeal to the whole family, everyone will find something special for themselves - excellent Czech cuisine, delicious live beer from local breweries, ancient castles and healing mineral springs.
Depending on how you are ready to penetrate the spirit of the Czech Republic, this country will be revealed to you. Of course, it is best to see several different cities, but if you do not have such an opportunity, then choose Prague. She retained that special medieval character, for which tourists come here.
Karlovy Vary will also be an excellent choice, this resort is famous all over the world for its healing waters. Of course, many tourist packages include an excursion to this city, but you can truly get acquainted with it only on your own. Therefore, if we convinced you that a trip to the Czech Republic is easy and simple, then let's start planning for the upcoming trip. Where does it all begin?
What do you need to travel to the Czech Republic?
If you are not a very experienced tourist, then remember that the key to a successful trip is a detailed preparation for it. Without this, it is difficult to expect that everything will turn out well, because in a foreign country it is quite difficult to sharply change your plans or hope for luck - everything must be carefully prepared and planned.
What do you need to travel to the Czech Republic? First of all, an excellent plan, which should take into account all the nuances of the upcoming trip. We can say that the plan is conditionally divided into two large parts:
The first part, of course, is the most extensive. It includes the following items:
- determination of the budget of the trip;
- choice of season;
- route compilation;
- hotel reservation;
- buying tickets to the Czech Republic;
- getting a visa.
Usually the entire list can be completed in one to two months. During this period of time, you will have the opportunity to prepare perfectly, draw up all the documents and go to the preparation of the excursion program.
Do not think that upon arrival you will decide where you would like to go. Your budget directly depends on how often you plan to visit museums and other popular tourist places. After all, a trip to the Czech Republic on its own leaves tourists a fairly wide selection of attractions that you can visit. The main thing is not to get involved and correctly calculate your strength. Otherwise, you will not be happy with the long-awaited trip to the Czech Republic. The reviews that tourists leave on various Internet portals always contain useful information that allows you to choose the most interesting historical monuments and places of the country.
Travel budget: how much money is needed?
A trip to the Czech Republic alone will cost our compatriots much cheaper than buying a travel package. Therefore, you can safely proceed to the formation of a travel budget, without worrying that you don’t have enough money for something. The Czech Republic is considered the cheapest country in Europe, which is the reason for its incredible attractiveness for tourists from all over the world.
The most expensive items of expenses will be the cost of travel, accommodation and meals. Depending on the choice of transport to the Czech Republic (we will discuss this later), the cost of the journey will vary from fifteen to thirty thousand rubles.
The average hotel room in Prague costs three thousand rubles for two, and meals will cost about two to three thousand rubles per day. Thus, a trip for two for a period of ten days will cost the family about eighty thousand rubles. It is also necessary to add a certain amount for the tour and the purchase of souvenirs. For a rich excursion program, thousands of rubles a day will be enough for you.
Of course, we took far from the lowest prices as a basis. If you wish and with some luck, a trip to the Czech Republic can cost you much cheaper. But it’s better to always lay the amount with some margin in the expense item, so you will feel much more confident in a foreign country.
Czech Republic: the best time of the year to travel
So, you have a trip to the Czech Republic. What you need to know in order not to be mistaken with the choice of the season? When is the best time to come to the Czech Republic? In fact, the answers to these questions are extremely simple. We will help you determine your travel dates.
The best time for walking around Prague and not only is spring. Since mid-April, a stable positive temperature has been established in the country, usually the thermometer does not drop below twenty degrees Celsius. Orchards and numerous jasmine bushes begin to bloom. Cities are literally immersed in a sweet dope, and walks turn into a real refined pleasure.
You can come to the Czech Republic in the summer, but for many tourists it becomes quite difficult to wander through the cities under the scorching sun. Especially since you have to walk a lot.
Until November, Czech autumn pleases tourists with excellent weather and magnificent views. Surprisingly, the autumn trip to the Czech Republic attracts a lot of couples in love, falling under the charm of ancient cities on the eve of winter.
In winter, the country becomes quite uncomfortable, it often rains and cold winds blow. The only exceptions are Christmas days, when Prague and other cities shine with festive lights, and the falling snow resembles a revived fairy tale story. In the remaining winter months, the Czech Republic looks gloomy and harsh, but to many travelers it is at this time that it seems the most attractive. It manifests harsh medieval features that best emphasize the history of the country.
Acquaintance with the Czech Republic: where are we going?
The Czech Republic is not a very big country, so here you can see the main attractions in a few days. And for this it is worth visiting several cities, because it is impossible to form an opinion about the country in only one Prague, where tourists usually tend to first of all.
So, let's look at the most important tourist destinations in the Czech Republic:
- Prague
This city is praised by poets and artists, its ancient beauty makes you forget about everything in the world. Therefore, it is difficult to imagine that a trip to the Czech Republic can do without exploring this amazing city.
If time permits you, set aside four to five days for a tour of Prague. This will be enough to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the city. Most often, tourists walk along it on foot, because literally every lane and house in Prague is a historical monument. Particularly significant distances can be reached by public transport, it works here around the clock and runs strictly on schedule.
2. Karlovy Vary
For former Soviet citizens, this resort is associated with something incredibly European. Almost all tourists want to visit here, but there is basically nothing to see in this city. Literally one day is enough for you to appreciate the old mansions, modern luxury hotels and taste the healing mineral water. It is also worth a visit to the medieval castle and the Geyser Colonnade, and lovers of exotic can afford to sip the famous "Bechterewka", which is sold everywhere.
3. Cesky Krumlov
Tourist groups rarely get to this town, but believe me - this is worth doing. An independent traveler can afford to make a trip from Prague with transfers to literally end up in the past.
Only fourteen thousand people live in the town itself, but it is truly unique. The fact is that Krumlov looks exactly like in the Middle Ages. Each of its streets, as if descended from illustrations or films about medieval Europe. You will not see such beauty anywhere else in the country.
4. Brno
This city is quite large for the Czech Republic and very noisy, but it is worth going here for local delicacies, a variety of beers and for exploring ancient churches, of which there are a great many in Brno.
Keep in mind that the number of cafes in the city and all the goodies that are sold there can significantly harm your figure. Many return from this town a couple of kilograms more than before traveling. And it’s not always about food, it’s simply impossible to refuse beer in Brno. It is sold on every corner, and breweries offer tourists to go to their own museums and taste a variety of beers. But do not pay more than two euros for it - this is the most affordable price in the Czech Republic.
Lovers of skiing will find their application in the Czech Republic. The country has many comfortable and well-equipped resorts. You can go, for example, to Harrachov or Pets.
If your goal is to improve your health, then in Mariánské Lázně and Podebrady you will be happy to be accepted and an individual healing program will be drawn up. But keep in mind that in this case the cost of rest will increase significantly.
Travel to the Czech Republic by car or bus
As we have already specified, you can get to the Czech Republic in various ways. Many inexperienced tourists think that the best option is a trip to the Czech Republic by car or bus. But in fact, this option has too many "buts."
First of all, keep in mind that the journey from Moscow will take about twenty hours and this is at best! Some travelers said that they got to Prague for about fifty hours (of course, this included stops and overnight stays). Imagine that you have to spend in an uncomfortable position for at least a day. This is not only inconvenient, but also dangerous to health, because in the process of long sitting, swelling forms and the work of many internal organs is disrupted.
In addition, the gasoline spent on the trip puts it in the category of quite expensive. Is it worth it to choose an expensive, long and inconvenient route at the same time? We think not. Therefore, focus on other modes of transportation.
Train: an alternative way to travel
A trip to the Czech Republic by train is possible only from Moscow and St. Petersburg. Experienced travelers say that in spring and summer a similar option is also available to residents of Yekaterinburg.
Despite the fact that the Moscow-Prague railway connection is one of the oldest, it, alas, is not the fastest and most convenient. You will have to get about a day, and for many tourists this is a rather unpleasant moment. The cost of a one-way ticket for one person varies within four hundred dollars, which is clearly not cheaper than air travel.
One of the advantages of a train trip is the picturesque scenery outside the window, but if you are not a fan of such paintings, refuse such a tiring journey.
Flight to the Czech Republic
The most convenient trip to the Czech Republic from Moscow will be by air. In just five hours, you will already be standing at the airport in Prague or Karlovy Vary in anticipation of the upcoming adventures.
Two airlines deserve attention on this route:
The cost of a round-trip flight varies within nine thousand rubles. Most often, tourists choose direct flights, but you can stop on transit. They will be significantly cheaper. Keep in mind that the early purchase of airline tickets saves you about ten to fifteen percent of the amount. You will definitely find this money how to spend in the Czech Republic.
Accommodation: the nuances of choosing a hotel
In order to apply for a trip to the Czech Republic, you will need a reservation from the hotel. Therefore, before collecting paper for a visa, you should choose and book a hotel room.
Here, as in any other business, it has its own nuances and features. Keep in mind that in the Czech Republic you will have to walk a lot - you will leave the hotel early in the morning and return only by night. Thanks to this, you should not choose an expensive hotel complex with a host of additional services; you will need a rather small room with a clean bed and a bathroom in a good area. And there are plenty of such hotels in the Czech Republic.
If we are talking about housing in Prague, then do not look for a hotel in the center. This trick is far from known to all tourists. The fact is that the city has excellent public transport and is quite safe at any time of the day, so even at night you will quickly get to your hotel. And the cost of living will be significantly lower than in advertised hotels in the center of Prague.
Few people know that Prague is divided into areas under numbers. The following areas are most acceptable for tourists: 1, 2, 3 and 6. But even in this case, you should check the map before booking, some areas are quite large and your hotel may be on the very outskirts of the city.
You should not look for a hostel in Prague and the Czech Republic as a whole. Here, such a stay is very disadvantageous for tourists. For example, an average hotel room costs forty dollars, and a room for ten in a hostel is thirty-five dollars. Comparison will obviously not be in favor of the latter.
Features of the visa regime
What documents are needed to travel to the Czech Republic? Take care of your health insurance first. Recently, it can be issued not only at the offices of various companies, but also via the Internet. This greatly simplifies the process, but do not forget that your policy should cover about thirty thousand euros.
To travel to the Czech Republic, you need a visa, its registration is quite typical for Schengen. But for those who are faced with such actions for the first time, this process can cause some difficulties.
Documents for travel to the Czech Republic must be collected three months before the proposed trip. In this case, you will have the opportunity to prepare well for your visit to the visa center. A package of documents for a visa looks quite standard:
- international passport;
- tickets and hotel reservation;
- income statement;
- bank statement;
- medical insurance;
- profile.
All these papers can be taken to the visa center or the Consular Section (it all depends on which city you live in). For many Russians, it is the visa issue that is the most difficult when they decide whether they can afford an independent trip to the Czech Republic. A visa costs thirty-five euros and another thousand rubles will need to be paid for the services of a visa center. Nothing complicated, right? In ten working days, and in many cases even earlier, you will have a passport with a stamp on it.
Food in the Czech Republic
Even if you go on an independent trip for the first time and are very worried about food in an unfamiliar country, the Czech Republic will not cause you absolutely no trouble finding cafes and restaurants. There are a huge number of them in each city of the country, but only national breweries will give you a complete picture of Czech cuisine. Here these are special places where people come to relax, chat, try new beers and, of course, eat delicious food.
Dishes in such establishments are distinguished by their exceptional taste and inexpensive price. For example, a dinner for two with a few glasses of beer, soup and a pork knee will cost you about a thousand rubles. After such a lunch or dinner, you definitely will not want to eat in the next ten hours.The secret lies precisely in the pig knee, a national Czech dish that even a hungry company cannot always overpower. Therefore, it is usually ordered one on the whole table. Basically, food in the Czech Republic is quite oily, but surprisingly tasty. This applies to snacks, meat dishes and desserts. The latter are distinguished by some special sophistication that you will not find anywhere else.
The Czech Republic is a great country to start independent travels. She will give you invaluable experience and a lot of unforgettable experiences. But this is exactly what tourists expect from their trips, right?