Touring The Czech Republic
The stunning Czech capital of Prague now has a well-earned reputation as one of Europe's most popular city-break destinations. However, other regions of the Czech Republic, such as Moravia and Bohemia also have a lot to offer visiting music groups, either as a separate tour, or in combination with a stay in Prague. Český Krumlov, now a UNESCO world heritage site is located in Southern Bohemia, a region famous for its charming chateaux and historic towns. Moravia is home to the lovely city of Brno as well as some of the Czech Republic's most beautiful scenery and wine-producing areas. Visitors to Western Bohemia are greeted by the impressive spa towns of Karlovy Vary, Mariánské Lázně and Jáchymov, which are ideal destinations for symphony orchestras, owing to the popularity of the spa concert halls.
Czech composers such as Smetana, Janáček and Dvořák have richly contributed to the history of music in the Czech Republic, as well as preserved many Czech folk music traditions within their compositions.
We suggest that you stay in Prague, Karlovy Vary, České Budějovice or Brno You might like to combine your stay in the Czech Republic with Germany, Austria, or Slovakia
Visiting Prague
Set in a picturesque valley on the River Vltava, Prague is renowned as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The most impressive parts of the city are the Gothic Old Town and the Castle District which lie on opposite sides of the Vltava, joined by the famous Charles Bridge, one of seventeen bridges spanning the river. The Castle District is raised dramatically above the river and here you will find the towering Gothic edifice of St Vitus Cathedral. Visitors very often end their tour in the Old Town Square where the quirky Astronomical Clock sounds the hour.
There are plenty of activities to choose from in Prague, such as a visit to the Opera, the entertaining Krizik Fountain displays, the Marionette Theatre (operas acted out by puppeteers), a dinner cruise on the river and fascinating guided tours of the city and the Jewish Quarter.
Excursions from the city include Karŝtejn Castle, the former silver mining town of Kutná Hora and the former Jewish ghetto created by the Nazis at Terezin.
Concert venues in and around Prague
- Outdoor Venues:
- Prague Old Town Square
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- St Nicholas's Church, the church of St Salvador, the Brevnov Monastery, St Vitus Cathedral (all in Prague)
- Other Indoor Venues:
- Poděbrady Spa Concert Hall, Sue Ryder Retirement Home in Prague
Visiting Western Bohemia
This region is best known for its many spa towns and hot springs, the largest and oldest of which is Karlovy Vary, which has twelve hot springs, allegedly discovered by Charles IV. The town is surrounded by rolling wooded hills and to this day retains its beauty within its grand boulevards and peaceful colonnades. During the 19th Century many famous people, including Beethoven, Chopin, Goethe and Bismarck came to take the waters at Karlovy Vary, which are still used today to treat illnesses and metabolic disorders.
Other spa towns in the region, such as Mariánské Lázně and Františkovy Lázně are also worth a visit, as is a half day visit to the fairy-tale hill top castle town of Loket.
Visitors travelling between Western Bohemia and Prague by road will pass through Plzeň, home to the famous Pilsner Urquell Brewery, where beer has been brewed for 700 years. Visitors can gain insight from a brewery tour followed by lunch and beer at the restaurant.
Concert venues in Western Bohemia
- Outdoor Venues:
- The Spa Colonnades in Karlovy Vary and Mariánské Lázně, Loket Amphitheatre or Castle Courtyard, Klášterec Castle Courtyard
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- The Evangelic Church in Mariánské Lázně St Bartholemew's Chuch in Plzeň
- Other Indoor Venues:
- The House of Culture in Jachymov, Františkovy Lázně Theatre, Manetin Chateau, Tachov Riding School
Visiting Southern Bohemia
České Budějovice, home to the Budvar Brewery, was founded in 1256 and is the capital of the region known as Southern Bohemia. The centre of the Old Town is a shining example of a well preserved medieval town centre which is so common throughout Southern Bohemia.
Visitors to Southern Bohemia will almost undoubtedly find themselves in the UNESCO designated town of České Krumlov, which is one of the most exquisite towns in central Europe. Dramatically located on a tight bend in the river, surrounded by pine forested hill-sides, České Krumlov is a mass of brightly coloured houses, courtyards, fortifications and gateways. You can visit the chateau and castle tower by crossing the dry moat, (which now houses real live bears which you can view from above), as well visit the Egon Schiele collection at the 15th century town brewery.
Concert venues in Southern Bohemia
- Outdoor Venues:
- Jindřichuv Hradec (castle) Courtyard
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- Veseli nad Luznici Church
- Other Indoor Venues:
- The Monastery Hall at Nové Hrady, Třeboň Theatre
Visiting Moravia
Visitors to Moravia will probably find themselves staying in Brno, the Czech Republic's second city and the capital of the region of Moravia. Brno's centre is compact and manageable, with attractive shopping streets, parks and restaurants, making it an ideal base for a touring group. Brno Cathedral sits on top of the hill, above the quiet, attractive Petrov district; and you can also visit the Špilberk Fortress to the West of the town. Janáček moved to Brno aged eleven and spent most of his life here as a chorister, then a teacher and choirmaster at the Augustin Monastery, before founding the Brno Conservatoire and Organ School in 1882.
Wine-tasting, chateaux visits and visits to historic towns are usual activities for visitors to Moravia. One popular attraction is the university town of Olomouc, a well-preserved old town with sloping cobbled streets and Baroque fountains. About an hour's drive north of Brno, you will find one of the Czech Republic's natural wonders, the Machoca Abyss, which leads to an extensive cave-system. A half-day tour of the caves combines different forms of transport, including cable-car, eco-train and subterranean boat on the underground River Punkva.
Concert venues in Moravia
- Outdoor Venues:
- Formal Gardens at Kroměřiž
- Churches and Cathedrals:
- Chateau Lednice, Jaroměřice nad Rokytnou Chateau and Basilica
- Other Indoor Venues:
- The Archbishop's Palace, The Hall of Mirrors in Kroměřiž, Dvorana Hall in Trenčianske Teplice
