Czech Republic - Footloose in the Lusetian Mountains

8 days Self-Guided, 2 people or more, Seasonal weekly departures

There is so much more to the Czech Republic than the beautiful historic city of Prague. On this trip you have the opportunity to visit one of the little known rural areas of natural beauty, ideal for walking without any crowds. Located in North Bohemia, the Lusetian Mountains have been a state protected area since 1976, and much loved by local artists. The walking is never too strenuous and distances not too great, the peaks are easily climbed and will reward you with far-reaching views into neighbouring Germany and Poland.

The well marked routes are through forests of ancient trees, areas of rare botanical species, past bizarre sandstone formations and through small towns and villages containing well preserved architecture, baroque churches and mediaeval castles. Staying in family run guest houses, your bags are transported for you each day enabling you to walk at your own relaxed pace. There are plenty of opportunities for sampling local food and drink, including the many renowned Czech beers, creating an ideal walking trip for those who enjoy a slower pace of life whilst exploring somewhere different.

If you want to experience the traditional side of this country, where there is still rural charm in abundance, then this is the trip for you. There is very definitely life beyond Prague.

Day 1. Outbound

Fly to Prague and transfer to Jablonne v Podjestsdi, one of the oldest towns in North Bohemia.

Days 2 and 3. Walk to Travnik

Start your walking into the Luzicke Hory (Lusetian Mountains), passing through small rural villages, ascending Hvozd (749 metres) and Luz (792 metres) and visiting ancient castle ruins and rock caves.

Day 4. Kytlice

Walk to your cosy family run guesthouse in the village of Kytlice, a true Bohemian haunt for Czech actors and artists. En-route you pass the ruins of a 14th century castle and walk through ancient oak forests, ascending the peak of Klic at 759 metres.

Days 5 and 6. Czech Saxon Switzerland

The next two days' walking start with a short train ride before continuing your route through the mountains taking in two further peaks, Jedlova (774 metres) and Studenec (736 metres). Finally you pass into the area known as Czech Saxon Switzerland, named for its meadows and chalets reminiscent of the Swiss Alps.

Day 7. Krasna Lipa

Walk through dramatic sandstone formations and gorges caused by years of erosion of the cliffs littering the countryside of this area. There are a couple of refreshment stops where you can mark your final day's walk with samples of the local beers and spirits. Arriving at Krasna Lipa you will find a beautifully restored 250 year old pension where you will be able to enjoy your final night and celebrate with a well earned dinner of traditional produce.

Day 8. Homeward

Day 8. Homeward Transfer back to Prague and the airport for your flight back to the UK.

Why not extend?

Of course it is easy to arrange extra days at the beginning or end of this trip in Prague to explore this justifiably famous city.