ČESKÝ KRUMLOV IN ONE DAY

Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague

A Czech Renaissance jewel inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 — in a single day, without train logistics. A Mercedes with private driver waits at your hotel at 8 AM and reaches Český Krumlov in 2h30 via the D3/E55 motorway. Along the way: the state castle (the second largest in Czechia after Prague Castle), Plášťový most (Cloak Bridge), the Latrán district and the Vltava meander.

  • Mercedes E-Class or V-Class with chauffeur — 10h
  • UNESCO 1992: castle, Cloak Bridge, Latrán, Vltava meander
  • ~170 km from Prague via D3/E55 motorway (2h30 drive)
  • Hotel pickup and return in Prague
Plan Your Visit

We confirm availability within 2 hours

10h Tour duration
~170 km From Prague (D3/E55)
UNESCO 1992 World Heritage Site
Door-to-door Pickup & return

ABOUT THIS TOUR

Český Krumlov in one day — without transfers and rushing

Český Krumlov lies 170 kilometres from Prague — the train takes 3 hours with a change in České Budějovice, the bus is similar. A day that was supposed to be a stroll through a Renaissance UNESCO town turns into a rigid timetable of stations and connections.

We propose a different model. A Mercedes with a private driver is at your disposal for 10 hours. We pick you up at your hotel at 8 AM and reach Český Krumlov in 2h30 via the D3/E55 motorway. The rest of the day is yours: the state castle of Český Krumlov (the second largest in Czechia after Prague Castle), Plášťový most arching over the town, the Latrán district with its timber gables, lunch in the historic centre, an afternoon castle tour with the Cloak Hall and the Bear Moat.

Then there is Eggenberg — a brewery operating without interruption since the 14th century, the birthplace of Egon Schiele's mother and a walk along the Vltava meander that loops the old town three times. At 4 PM we head back, and by 6:30 PM we are at your Prague hotel — no tickets, no transfers, no stress.

HOW IT WORKS

From enquiry to end of day in 4 steps

01

Submit the enquiry

Tell us your date, group size, Prague hotel and preferences (castle ticket, guide, Eggenberg, lunch). We respond within 2 hours.

02

Receive your day plan

We send a detailed itinerary along with confirmation of castle tickets, the booked guide and lunch — if added to the package.

03

Hotel pickup at 8 AM

A Mercedes E-Class or V-Class arrives at your hotel. Suited driver, glass-bottled water, USB-C charging and WiFi on board.

04

10 hours in Český Krumlov

Český Krumlov by 10:30 AM, lunch in the centre, afternoon by your choice (castle tour or Eggenberg), back at your Prague hotel by 6:30 PM. The driver waits and adapts to your pace.

INCLUDED

What is in the package

Mercedes E-Class or V-Class

Business class for up to 3 guests (E-Class) or spacious V-Class for up to 6. Suited driver familiar with the Prague-Český Krumlov route.

10 hours at your disposal

A full day, 8 AM — 6:30 PM. The plan can be shifted — earlier start or later finish on request.

Fuel, D3/E55 motorway, parking

All road tolls, the D3/E55 motorway via České Budějovice, parking in Český Krumlov — included in the package.

Water, USB-C, WiFi

Glass-bottled water, USB-C chargers for every passenger, fast in-car WiFi for the full 340 km round trip.

Driver waiting

The driver waits below the castle walls throughout your visit — ready to drive you to lunch or Eggenberg, parked near Latrán.

Driver recommendations

The best approach to Plášťový most, less crowded sections of Latrán, the viewpoint over the Vltava meander.

Concierge support

Help booking castle tickets, the guide, Eggenberg and lunch — we coordinate every detail before departure.

COMPARISON

Why a private Český Krumlov tour

RECOMMENDED

Our package

Transport Mercedes E/V-Class, private driver
Travel time ~2h30 on D3/E55 motorway
Pickup From your Prague hotel
Luggage Safe in the vehicle
Lunch Reservation in the historic centre
Castle Ticket and guide in the package
Eggenberg Tour available as add-on
Return Direct to your hotel by 6:30 PM

Train / bus

Transport Train with change in Č. Budějovice
Travel time 3-3.5h by train + change
Pickup Praha hl. n. or Florenc
Luggage Your responsibility
Lunch Restaurant near the station
Castle Logistics on you
Eggenberg Possible, but on foot
Return Last train ~7:30 PM

Group tour

Transport Bus, 30+ people
Travel time 3h, but with stops
Pickup City meeting point
Luggage In the bus hold
Lunch Tourist restaurant with the group
Castle Standard group route
Eggenberg Skipped
Return Fixed schedule

YOUR DAY

Sample itinerary (8 AM — 6:30 PM)

8:00 AM

Pickup at your Prague hotel

Mercedes arrives at your hotel. Driver greets you, you go through the day plan together.

8 — 10:30 AM

Drive on the D3/E55 motorway

~170 km on the D3/E55 via České Budějovice. Comfortable seats, water, WiFi. Views of the Šumava mountains along the way.

10:30 AM — 1 PM

Castle + Cloak Bridge + Latrán

Walk through the Latrán district, Plášťový most arching over the town, approach to the state castle (the second largest in Czechia), views of the Vltava meander.

1 — 2:30 PM

Lunch in the historic centre

Restaurant Cikán in Renaissance interiors or Galerie Café — Czech cuisine, palačinky, dumplings, local beers. Reservation recommended.

2:30 — 3:30 PM

Castle tour — Cloak Hall, Bear Moat

Castle interiors of the Eggenberg and Schwarzenberg families: the Cloak Hall with Renaissance frescoes, the castle chapel, the Bear Moat with real bears, the 1766 Baroque castle theatre.

3:30 — 4 PM

Cloak Bridge and the Vltava meander

Walk on Plášťový most — a 5-tier viaduct from the 17th century connecting the castle to the theatre. View of the Vltava meander, the birthplace of Egon Schiele's mother.

4 — 4:30 PM

Eggenberg Brewery (optional)

A brewery operating without interruption since the 14th century — short visit, Eggenberg lager tasting, brewery shop. Alternative: walk along the Sadová colonnade.

4 — 6:30 PM

Return to Prague

Mercedes returns the same way on the D3/E55. Sunset over the Šumava on the way. By 6:30 PM, back at your Prague hotel.

VEHICLES & PRICING

Vehicle matched to your group

The rate is per vehicle, not per person. E-Class for up to 3 guests, V-Class for up to 6. The larger the group, the lower the cost per person.

Mercedes E-Class

Mercedes E-Class

Up to 3 guests

850 EUR

price per vehicle

e.g. 2 guests = 850 EUR total

  • Business class
  • Leather seats
  • WiFi & USB-C
  • Water & snacks
Couples and small groups
BEST VALUE
Mercedes V-Class

Mercedes V-Class

Up to 6 guests

1 040 EUR

price per vehicle

e.g. 5 guests = 1 040 EUR total

  • Spacious interior
  • Leather seats
  • WiFi & USB-C
  • Water & snacks
Families and larger groups

The base price covers 10 hours with driver, fuel, the D3/E55 motorway and parking in Český Krumlov. Optional extras (castle ticket, guide, Eggenberg, lunch, boat) are quoted separately based on the configuration you choose.

PRACTICAL INFORMATION

What to know before the tour

UNESCO 1992

Český Krumlov was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1992 — a historic centre with Renaissance and Baroque architecture, a state castle from the 13th-18th centuries, the Vltava meander. The second largest castle in Czechia after Prague Castle.

Best time of year

Český Krumlov is beautiful year-round. Spring and early autumn (April-June, September-October) offer optimal weather for walks. Summer is very crowded (June-August); winter requires warm clothing, but the Renaissance town in the snow has a unique charm.

Castle tickets

Castle entry with various routes: Tour I (Renaissance/Baroque), Tour II (Schwarzenbergs), Bear Moat, Baroque theatre. Prices 250-300 CZK per guest (~12-14 EUR). Online booking recommended in season. Tours only available with a guide.

Eggenberg Brewery

Eggenberg brewery, brewing without interruption since the 14th century — one of the oldest in Czechia. Brewery tour with tasting 30-45 minutes, ~35 EUR per guest. Eggenberg lager also served in local restaurants.

Egon Schiele

Český Krumlov is the birthplace of Egon Schiele's mother and a frequent inspiration for the Austrian Expressionist. Egon Schiele Art Centrum in the centre — a collection of works, temporary exhibitions, entry ~140 CZK.

Cloak Bridge

Plášťový most — a 5-tier castle viaduct from the 17th century, connecting the castle to the Baroque theatre. View of the Vltava meander and the Renaissance roofs. The most photographed feature of the castle.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How long does the Český Krumlov tour last?

The standard tour runs 10 hours — from 8 AM to 6:30 PM. The plan can be adjusted: an earlier start (e.g. 7 AM) or later finish (up to 7:30 PM) are arranged individually. The drive from Prague is ~2h30 each way on the D3/E55 motorway.

What does the tour include?

Mercedes E-Class or V-Class with private driver for 10 hours, fuel, D3/E55 motorway tolls, parking in Český Krumlov, driver waiting, water and USB-C charging on board. Castle ticket, guide, Eggenberg, lunch and the meander boat trip are optional extras and quoted separately.

How far is Prague from Český Krumlov?

About 170 kilometres on the D3/E55 motorway via České Budějovice. Drive time ~2h30, slightly longer in rush hour. The route is scenic, crossing the Šumava mountains.

Is the castle ticket included in the price?

No — it is optional. Entry to Český Krumlov castle costs ~250-300 CZK (12-14 EUR) per guest depending on the tour. We book tickets on your behalf in advance. Tours I and II are only available with a castle guide.

Is lunch included?

No — lunch is an add-on. We book a table at a restaurant in the historic centre (Restaurant Cikán, Galerie Café) between 1 and 2:30 PM, lunch itself is ~60-110 EUR per guest. Czech cuisine in Renaissance interiors.

Is the Eggenberg tour included?

No — it is optional. The Eggenberg brewery tour with tasting is ~35 EUR per guest. 30-45 minutes of brewing history since the 14th century, Eggenberg lager tasting, brewery shop with beer to take home.

Can I choose between the castle and Eggenberg?

Of course. The plan is a starting point, not a fixed schedule. The afternoon can be spent on a full castle tour or on Eggenberg + a walk through Latrán. Decide before the tour or on site.

Where do you pick us up?

From any hotel or apartment in Prague. Most often hotels in the Old Town, Mala Strana, Vinohrady and New Town — the driver reaches every address within the city.

Which car will we get?

Mercedes E-Class (up to 3 guests, business class) or V-Class (up to 6 guests, spacious interior). All vehicles are air-conditioned and equipped with leather seats, WiFi, USB-C and glass-bottled water. With a 340 km round trip, comfort is the priority.

Can we start earlier than 8 AM?

Yes. The standard start is 8 AM, but a shift to 7 AM is possible — particularly useful if you want an empty Český Krumlov at sunrise and full access to the first castle tour slots.

Are children welcome?

Of course. The V-Class fits a family with two children and luggage. Child seats are provided free of charge — please specify type and age in the enquiry form. Český Krumlov with kids: the bears in the Bear Moat, a boat trip on the meander, ice cream in the historic centre.

Do I need a passport?

No — Czechia is in the Schengen Area and the EU. An ID card is enough; we recommend keeping it on you, but routine border checks are not in place.

Can we add another town along the way?

A short stop in České Budějovice (the main square, the Budvar brewery) is possible within the 10 hours. Larger detours require an extra 2-3 hours and a separate quote.

What if the weather is bad?

We adapt the plan. A rainy day means more time inside the castle interiors, a longer lunch, Eggenberg instead of the meander walk. The driver pulls up to every entrance — wet dashes are kept to a minimum. Plášťový most has partially covered sections.

How do we book?

Send the enquiry form with your preferred date, group size, Prague hotel and any add-ons (castle, guide, Eggenberg, lunch, boat). We respond within 2 hours with availability and a full quote.

Can we cancel?

Yes — free cancellation up to 48 hours before the tour. Shorter notice may incur fees for booked castle tickets (some tours require advance payment) or the restaurant table.

TESTIMONIALS

What our guests say

We took the day trip to Český Krumlov on a whim. V-Class from Prague, castle ticket with guide booked by the driver, afternoon at Eggenberg. Plášťový most and the view over the Vltava meander — photographs you would never get from a tour bus.

Catherine & James M. London

Tour I through the Eggenberg castle interiors was something else. 2:30 PM, an empty Cloak Hall with Renaissance frescoes, an English-speaking guide, the Bear Moat with three bears. The driver waited under the walls, drove us to Eggenberg for a beer. Flawless.

Daniel R. Manchester

Český Krumlov with two kids — it seemed risky. Turned out the bears in the Bear Moat were a hit, the boat trip on the meander a second one, and the Renaissance lanes of Latrán an attraction in themselves. Mercedes E-Class, patient driver, the kids slept on the way back.

The Anderson family Chicago

Never the train with a change in České Budějovice again. 3.5 hours each way plus the change — in a private Mercedes everything was faster and more comfortable. The driver knew the best parking spots near Latrán, showed us a café with a castle view that's not in the guidebooks.

Robert K. Dublin

TRUST

Experience you can rely on

VIP Transfers is a licensed passenger transport operator established in 2017. Over 5,000 completed transfers, a 5.0 Google rating. The Prague-Český Krumlov route runs regularly — our drivers know the D3/E55 motorway, the parking spots near Latrán and the castle tour times by heart.

CONTACT

Plan your day in Český Krumlov

Have questions? Need help with the date, hotel or castle tour? Write or call — we are happy to put together a plan that fits exactly what you have in mind.

BOOK YOUR DAY

Český Krumlov Day Trip from Prague

Mercedes E/V-Class door-to-door, 10 hours, UNESCO 1992: castle + Cloak Bridge + Latrán + Vltava meander + Eggenberg. Availability confirmed within 2 hours.