Private Drive: Karlstejn Castle & Kutna Hora from Prague

What your day looks like

Karlstejn Castle Czech King and Roman Emperor Charles IV ordered the construction of Karlstejn Cast in 1348 as a place to store royal treasures, holy relics, and the crown jewels. After its completion in the 14th century, the castle received a Renaissance make-over, and its current neo-Gothic look comes courtesy of a renovation in the 18th century. Today, the castle stands as one of the finest and most fascinating in the Czech Republic for both its impressive architecture and captivating history. The centerpiece is the Chapel of the Holy Cross, said to have been designed by Charles IV himself. The gilded walls are inlaid with countless semi-precious stones, with the 129-panel paintings depicting popes, bishops, knights, and mentors of the Czech Republic. Housed within is a replica of the St. Wenceslas Crown - made of pure gold and studded with emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and pearls. To reach the castle, visitors can enjoy a pleasant walk up the hill, or take a romantic carriage ride. The castle offers a variety of different tours in different languages. Kutna Hora: Its extensive deposits lured a flood of settlers in the Thirteenth Century and by its end, the town was the seat of the Czech national mint and financial center of the country. Today, its wealth lies in a thousand years worth of architectural heritage which, unlike Prague's, can be savored without the pressure of crowds. A daunting prospect perhaps but Kutná Hora's attractions can be found as much in small-scale detail as in the large-scale magnificence of the Fourteenth Century Cathedral of St. Barbara. Stroll along the immaculately-preserved medieval street Ruthardka, or marvel at the Stone Fountain sitting like a giant sandstone crown amid burgher houses. One or two of the larger-scale items shouldn't be missed, however. The Bone Church, or Ossuary, is one such, a Cistercian chapel representing a medieval revolution in interior design: bones and nothing but the bones of the dead, from 'noughts and crosses' floor to chandeliered ceiling. *Optional third party activities such as tours or attraction fees are not included in the price. We can’t guarantee that every attraction will be open for your trip, so we recommend checking the opening hours in advance. *Please note that this experience includes a private driver but it does not include a guide and is not a guided tour.