2024 Fall Heritage tour

 Fall Heritage tour September 5 – 15,   2024

We do all the planning, you just have to pack.         Offering you a trip of a lifetime since 1992.

This extensive – jam packed land only tour starts and ends     in Prague, Czech Republic.  

I suggest you depart the USA on September 3rd  or 4th.   Flying overnight into Prague – arriving the     next day.          The tour officially starts in the afternoon of September 5th. When you arrive early you can  rest from your journey, and the bus will pick everyone up from the same hotel the next morning. Arriving early before the tour starts is a ( smart ) option, OR you can fly in the morning the tour starts if you wish, the tour program start later that afternoon. We have reserved rooms in our Castle district hotel if you want the option to arrive earlier.  ( as a pre-tour option )                    Mark will be doing that.

As a bonus for those who arrive early Mark will take you around exploring….  before the tour 

Almost all tour hotel stays are multi-night, just once we only stay for one night at a hotel. Multi-night stays are a wonderful thing, makes the tour easier.

This tour celebrates many unknown areas of Bohemia and Moravia in the Czech Republic.   Major towns and locations  we visit below on the tour - are in bold print.  Note the 6                UNESCO World heritage sites you will be visiting !

September 5, Thursday

Arrival in Prague, (UNESCO)  transfer to the hotel on your own. All hotel info will be sent to those signed up for tour in August. Our Prague hotel is in the castle district.   Meeting in the hotel lobby, walk to a local restaurant for dinner with the group, after we can stroll to the Prague castle complex.   

*** Normally the tour would start the morning of the first full day. It is highly suggested you arrive the day before, so that night in the hotel and that dinner would be extra cost. However we included that in this years program.   

September 6, Friday

This morning we will load the bus, for great travel experiences, heading East. First stop the medieval town of  Kutná Hora (UNESCO), we will visit the medieval cathedral of St. Barbara, which was started in 1388. We will stroll around the historic center and will have lunch with the group. After lunch we will stop at a new unique museum of traditional costumes ( kroje ). You can see kroj from all regions of the Czech Republic. On our way we will try and have a brief stop at the Austerlitz battlefield (Napoleon 1805). Finally, we will arrive in Uherské Hradiště, check-in to our hotel in the center of everything. This will be the highlight of your tour.   We are attending one of the largest folk festivals in Central Europe “ a wine and harvest festival” Thousands of people in kroje, ( folk costumes ) music, local food, displays, etc.  Dinner will be on your own and you can enjoy the many evening programs of the wine festival.  A lot of people all over singing and dancing. ( this is an unknown event, 99% local people )

September 7, Saturday

Today we spend the day at the festival, you will get a detailed festival program. You can walk to almost everything.  You will be able to see a HUGE parade with many thousands of people dressed in kroje ( traditional costumes). ( right in front of our hotel ) You can enjoy many different programs at multiple locations, all in walking distance or you can use free shuttle bus. Lunch and dinner will be on your own today.         ( food is everywhere )

September 8, Sunday

In the morning you will be able to enjoy the festival program or attend local Sunday morning mass.
Lunch will be out of the town and we will eat all together. After lunch we will move on to visit the medieval castle of Buchlov. Here we will have a guided tour. Not far away from here is very nice museum of pottery, because it is one of the most important local traditional handcrafts in this area, with typical designs. Next stop will be quite unique, because we are going to see an open-air museum describing the era around the 9thcentury, the time of Great Moravia. In the evening we will return to Uherské Hradiště, dinner will be on your own, lots of restaurants to choose from including our hotel.   

September 9, Monday

Today we will change hotel and leave marvelous Moravia, heading Southwest. First stop will be the  magical monastery of Dolní Kounice started in 1183. It is a ruin, but keeps a unique spirit. After this visit we will move on to West and will arrive in Třebíč. Here we will have a lunch on your own. There are many possibilities where to eat. After lunch we will walk together through the historic  Jewish Ghetto which is also a listed UNESCO World heritage site, intact from the middle ages.

After another beautiful drive through the countryside we arrive to the very beautiful renaissance town of Telč. Today this will be your second UNESCO heritage location, the historic square (  totally the same as it was in 1540 )  is just amazing and we can’t miss it. From here we will move to the capital of South Bohemia :  České Budějovice. We will arrive in the evening, so after we will check-in, at our hotel in the historic old town, we will have a dinner with the group. After dinner you will have an option to relax in the hotel, or stroll around the historic center.  

September 10, Tuesday

How better to start the day in the Czech Republic then visit     a brewery? We will do so. Our first visit will be the original Budweiser ( Budvar in Czech )  You will learn about the brewing and then you will be able to taste it. Not far from here is a local pottery workshop producing very typical pottery. We will see how they make it here and also, you will have a chance to buy some beautiful hand made pottery for very reasonable prices. Lunch will be on your own and then we will have a tour at amazing chateau of  Hluboká nad Vltavou. From here we will go to meet with a local puppeteer. This family has had a puppet theater for generations and we will see how they make puppets and their private collection. From here it is just a few minutes ride to a unique museum describing the history of Czech emigrants to United States. For dinner we will stop in another beautiful renaissance town : Třeboň you can join us for a short walk to the city center or wait in the restaurant, where we will have dinner. Afterwards we will return to  České Budějovice. You have the option to stroll around the historic center.  

September 11, Wednesday

This morning we will let you relax a little bit and have some time for your self. So we will have free time in the morning. Because we will stay in the city center, it is very simple to walk to the square, relax or do some shopping. In late morning we will leave by bus again. Our first stop will be another UNESCO heritage landmark, Holašovice village. The village is famous because of the unique architecture. It is called Farmer’s Baroque and is mostly from 19th  century or beginning of 20thcentury and is typical for South Bohemia. They also have a wonderful small local pottery shop. Here we will have a group lunch together. In the afternoon we will go to see the famous Český Krumlov.Before we will do so, we will offer you a relaxing walk in the nature. The walk goes across original Celtic Opidum (village) which was here during the 1stcentury BC. As a bonus we will see a medieval castle. From here we will have just a few minutes ride to reach the fairy tale town of Český Krumlov (UNESCO). Here will do a sightseeing together. Who’ll be interested, can visit local chateau or enjoy this labyrinth of small streets. Early in the evening we will come back to České Budějovice and you’ll be on your own for dinner. Many restaurants to choose from.  

September 12, Thursday

We say goodbye to České Budějovice heading North. Because South Bohemia is a land of ponds, built mostly during the 16th century, we will have a small and easy walk between three ponds. It is a lot of fun to walk and see water all around. Out next stop will be in a small village where is a small (non-used )  farm. Here we will learn a bit of Czech traditions. You will learn to make Czech koláče, ( pastry ) learn some Czech songs, try some simple Czech dances and eat traditional local food. In the afternoon we will visit a unique museum, an original communist military bunker, used as a storage of nuclear weapons during the Cold War. In the evening we will arrive in our hotel, check-in and will have dinner together.  

September 13, Friday

Because we will stay in this hotel just one night, we need to load the bus again, heading West, then Northeast.  Our first stop will be in Plasy. Here is probably the only exposition of historical architectural machinery. You will be able to see how all the castles and bridges had been made. Our next stop will be underground. We will see historical Kaolin mine. The underground corridors are very impressive. For a lunch we will arrive in Plzeň, the capital of West Bohemia. Lunch will be together and then we will walk a bit around the city center. Because this town have been liberated in 1945 by American Army, we will visit the museum of General Patton. And you will see that the communist history after 1948 almost erased all notes about it. Then we will drive directly to Prague and will check-in. For dinner you will be on your own. ( again lots of places to choose from ) 

September 14, Saturday

Today we will spend whole day in Prague. First we will walk downhill to the Prague castle area and then will walk down the hill to Malá Strana. Here you will have lunch time on your own. After we gather again we will continue with the sightseeing and end up at the Old Town Square. Here you will have free time and we will meet again early in the evening and walk to a boat, because our farewell dinner will be a dinner cruise on the Vitava river. ( around and under Charles bridge ) After we land again you can return to the hotel or spend more time in the city.   

September 15, Sunday

The tour ends this morning after breakfast, with a lifetime of wonderful memories and a huge education of Czech heritage. We expect that you will have different flights home in different times.      It would be very simple to ask the front desk to order a cab to take you to the airport. If anyone   would like to stay longer, let us know and we will help you to extend your stay.  

PRICE FOR THIS 11 DAY & 10 NIGHT TOUR IS ONLY : 

$ 3395.00* Per-person double occupancy. 

Single supplement is $650 for a single room during the tour.  

Reserve your space ASAP send your check now ! Final payment due July 15th 

I suggest you let us know ASAP if you want to reserve any hotel rooms before and or after the tour in Prague, we can add that to your tour total price – so you can just arrive and go up to your room.  

*Listed tour price is by personal or bank check, final payment can be made by credit card using Pay-Pal ONLY and 5 % will be added to your total for credit card fees. Make your tour deposit by personal or bank check sent by postal mail.

Tour space is held by a non-refundable deposit of only,            $ 300 per-person. If we cancel the tour you get a full refund,   if you do - no refund.    

Mail in a check for your tour deposit to :                                         Heritage Tours, 13948 Square Lake Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082  

This tour is expected to sell out, do not delay ! Please feel free to contact Mark, with any tour questions you may have by email at : 4cstours@gmail.comor by text at ( 651) 426-1222   ( no calls please, too many spam calls, or text me - and I can call you back ) Tour price is based on double room occupancy. ( most times it’s two beds in a room ) Single supplement price is for a single room, with a single bed. Triple rooms are available too.  

Tour price includes : Hotel rooms with private bath, in small select superior class hotels  ( 4 or 3 star hotels ). Most meals, every breakfast, and most all evening meals, ( which are large, see program for meal list ). 

Professional driver, in a nice large passenger - modern air-conditioned motor coach - ( with LOTS of room to relax and spread out on all those empty seats, this is a real luxury – as most tours will cram you in, every seat is full )  Or a smaller vehicle in case of a smaller group. 

This is a fully guided tour, with a full time licensed local Czech guide. Plus tour host Mark, so really like 2 guides !

You will not be left on your own, with no clue. ( unless you want to ) Your admission to places and events, on the itinerary. Plus lots of entertainment, ( due to our extensive expertise, almost all entertainment we have is exclusive to Heritage Tours ) This is a Land only tour.  

Program is subject to change, tour price based on currency exchange rates as of Feb. 2024. No two tours have ever been the same, each is unique and custom designed around the local calendar of events. No one else will offer a tour like ours, period. We can easily book you additional nights at the hotels – no problem. Tour size is limited, again this is a real luxury, as many of my competitors have 35 to 50 people on one tour. 

Tour space is held by deposit only.  

We add many things to our tour program in Europe and are only satisfied when most people say I am too tired to go on ! We don’t believe in playing games with tour prices, there will be very few extras while you are on our tour. Those very few extras are: a. One meal a day, mostly lunches ( with two BIG meals a day, its not missed by most people) Beverages other than breakfast. b. Car, drivers, translators, for family visits and personal reasons, and additional services done by any genealogical service. c. An occasional evening cultural program, or extra stops at places or events we come across. d. Gratuities during the tour, for the guide and driver  e. Transportation to / from Europe, and transfers to meet the start of the tour, and return to the airport at the end of the tour.

Loads of references available upon request.  

This is a GREAT GENERAL TOUR, each day is plum full of activities, don’t worry you if your not of Czech background. If your interest is just seeing a wonderful part of Europe - enjoying a more in-depth experience, or extensive travelers looking for a better travel experience – all have found our tours a wonderful off the beaten path travel experience ! You will meet many friends as we have over the last 25+ years, it's less like a tour and more like a family outing visiting friends. Don’t miss your chance…………. Join us for the trip of a lifetime in 2024 !  

For more genealogical information please contact the National Genealogical Society I founded: CzechoSlovak Genealogical Society Int. PO Box 16225 St. Paul MN 55116 or visit their web site at: www.cgsi.org or Facebook page ( a not-for-profit, volunteer run society )

Below is another sample tour from the past. 

Fall Czech Heritage tour 2023       CLOSED

sorry you missed this opportunity..... 

Our most maximum Czech heritage tour ever !  

We do all the planning, you just have to pack. 

This extensive – jam packed land only tour starts and ends in Prague, Czech Republic.                     

I suggest you depart the USA on August 29th or 30th. Flying overnight arriving into Prague – arriving the next day. The tour officially starts in the afternoon of August 31st. When you arrive early you can rest from your journey, and the bus will pick everyone up from the same hotel, on the morning of September 1st. Arriving early before the tour starts is a ( smart ) option, you can fly in the morning the tour starts if you wish,  the tour program starts after lunch. .  We have reserved rooms in a hotel in the historic center for this pre-tour option.           

All tour hotel stays are multi-night, NO one nights in any hotel, which is so much more tiring when on a tour.   

This tour celebrates many unknown areas of Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Major towns and locations we visit below on the tour - are in bold print.  Note the many UNESCO World heritage sites you will be visiting !   

August 30, Wednesday

 Depart the USA today on your overnight flight - so you can rest up a bit before we start our VERY busy tour. 

We are arrange hotel rooms ( extra charge ) 

I highly suggest everyone stay in the same per-tour hotel, so we can get a on time, fast start to the tour. 

August 31, Thursday

Tour official starts on this day. 

Afternoon Prague ethnographic museum ?  

In the evening we will go for the tour opening dinner with folk music and dance program. There are several restaurants with similar offer, but usually it is more or less just show for tourist. This restaurant offers nice program in real kroje 

( folk costumes) from different regions. It's a

good quality program, and the meal is very good, this will be   a GREAT start to our tour. 

September 1, Friday

This will be our first full day of the tour and we will be heading South. Our first stop will be a small village, to a restored country house. It's a Czech heritage studio, where you will have a homemade lunch by the ladies of the village. Then they will teach you to make “koláče”, ( traditional Czech pastry ) learn a bit of Czech folk dancing, and some folk songs.  Who’ll be interested can do a little walk around the village. “Koláče” will be done at that time, so we will eat them, have a coffee and get ready for next journey. Our final destination is Domažlice, but we will take a break for dinner in Klatovy.  Domažlice does not have a good hotel so we will stay in hotel about 15 minutes away. When we will arrive in the hotel, check in, and rest from our fall day. 

September 2, Saturday

In the morning we will visit Domažlice. Everything is open in the morning, and closed in the afternoon. You will have free time to walk around and check local shops. Then we will visit the local museum, with a great kroje wedding display. Lunch time you will be on your own, (lots of choices) also, this will be a great possibility for those who have relatives in the area. In the afternoon we will take you to the Kanafas cloth workshop. One of the last cloth weavers in the Czech Republic. They produce very traditional fabric and will be nice to learn a bit about it, and you can buy some. ( at a much cheaper price )  Next will be private Chodsko area kroj museum. In the evening we will have a dinner together and then we will meet with local folk dance group in kroje.
 

September 3, Sunday

We say good by to the Domažlice area going Southeast.      Our first stop today will be a folk pottery workshop. It’s Sunday, so they will open just for us. Then we have a longer drive (about 2 hours) to South Bohemia. Lunch time will be on your own in Hluboká nad Vltavou. Here is several restaurants near to each other so this will be easy. Then we need to walk up to the hill and will have a tour of stunning Hluboká chateau. web site : https://www.zamek-hluboka.cz/en   This is a very impressive place – palace of Schwarzenberg family. Our next stop is the UNESCO heritage landmark – Holašovice village. web site :   https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/861    The layout of this village has not changed since 12th century. Today it's well know because of the unique architecture known as “peasant   baroque”. Our final destination of today is Česke Budějovice - the capital of South Bohemia. We will arrive, check-in and have a optional stroll around the historic square, and maybe stop at a pub ? ( taste the real Budvar pivo – beer )  

September 4, Monday  

( all castles and major sites are closed on Mondays )  Česke Budějovice is a very beautiful and historic city, we will start today with a walking tour of the old town.  Did you know the German name for České Budějovice? is Budweis. This is the home town for original Budweiser beer and we can’t miss it. After the tour in brewery you will be on your own for a lunch. Then next we will go Český Krumlov (UNESCO) and have dinner, then to a small village to meet with local folk dance group. They are not professional dancers – just people from the village, but they love what they do and meeting them will be a lot of fun. Of course we will dance together as well. Then we will return to our hotel in České Budějovice. Again a optional stroll around the historic square, and maybe stop at a pub.  

September 5, Tuesday

Today we will leave South Bohemia and move East to Moravia. We have several great stops on the way.  

First we will stop in Trebon,   A beautiful South Bohemian spa town.  Our next stop will be in Jindřichův Hradec. Here we will visit the Tapestry museum and will have lunch time on your own. Next stop will be in Telč (UNESCO), with it's magical Renaissance square. Tonight we will stay in town of Znojmo. In middle ages very it was a center of Royal Přemysl family for South Moravia. After we will check-in, we will do a short walk in the city center and then will have dinner together. Znojmo is well know for a good wine and here are many possibilities to sit in the winery and relax with glass of wine. 

September 6, Wednesday

We will stay in Znojmo for one more night. So no packing yet. In the morning we will see one of the highlights of the tour – the Mucha Slavic Epic. A very important set of HUGE paintings done by Alphonse Mucha, the most famous Czech artist.    Very near by we have another magical place – the convent of Rosa Coeli from 14th century. This is very epic place and we don’t want to miss it. Lunch will be together in the same town. Then will be time for Kroj. We will stop in Brumovice Kroj workshop. You can make orders as well and they will ship it to you. If there will be something missing, you may find it on Friday during our visit in Blatnice pod Svatým Antonínkem – another kroj workshop. From here we will go for a wine testing into Templar’s vine cellars. We will learn about the history of this place and then will have a chance to taste some of theirs wines. For dinner we will return to Znojmo. Again those who are interested can stroll around, and stop for some wine or beer. 

September 7, Thursday

Today we are leaving Znojmo heading Northeast. 

On our way to Strážnice we will have unexpected stop – reminder of Roman’s military camp. It will be pleasant to stretch legs for a couple of minutes. Just before we will enter Stražnice, we will stop in wine village. It is called Plže and it kind of village built just for wine cellars. It may seems to you like a Hobbit village. For lunch we will stay together and then will have a guided tour of a cloth blueprint factory in Strážnice. Perfect place to learn about blueprint and also to buy some fabric or other products. Because you are fans of Kroj, we will take you to meet with lady who is weaver and weaves traditional fabric. Finally we will arrive in Uherske Hradiště and will check-in. For dinner you’ll be your own. Because we will stay exactly in the city center, this will be not a problem. Or you can eat in the hotel if you want. After we can stroll around the center, and stop for a pivo - beer or wine.  

September 8, Friday

As you wished, we will also visit the kroj workshop in Blatnice pod Sv. Antonínkem. In fact it is close to Strážnice, but on Thursday it will be too late to go there. So it is better to come here again in the morning. From here we will go to medieval  Buchlov castle. This is very serious stone fortress. We will have guided tour here and then will have a lunch together. From it is just few minutes to Velehrad – the pilgrim place, famous from the 9th century already. Today we will admire local breathtaking basilica (church) which belongs to the Jesuit monastic order and is just amazing. Then we will return to the town and let you relax a but, because the festival program will start tonight and will go on and on and on...  

which is the major event of the tour - the largest folk festival in the Czech Republic. Well over 5,000 people in kroje, a HUGE parade - tons of bands and loads of music. A folk market, loads of good food, and wine. In case you need more... a wonderful dance that evening with a 30 piece Moravian brass band !  Stay out enjoy all you want - everything is with-in a short walk. 

September 9, Saturday

Today you’ll be on your own most of the time, at the amazing HUGE folklore festival. We will set up time schedule when you can meet with Mark or Jan our guide if you will need, otherwise enjoy ! . You all will get detailed program of the festival. All important venues are within walking distance.  Late evening program will be in cellar area above the town 

(I recommend to go there, to feel the atmosphere) and you can easily get there by a shuttle bus (free of charge).  

September 10, Sunday

Today we need to check-out from the hotel, heading East. Early morning birds can attend mass in a local church and part of the morning program. Then we will depart for East Bohemia. We have a long drive today and for lunch we will stop in Olomouc. Here you will see also the plague column (UNESCO) from 17th century. Later in the afternoon we will arrive in Hradec Králové and will check-in the hotel, build into a original Baroque military base. Dinner will be together.   After we may go for a pivo - beer ?  

September 11, Monday

Today we will stay in the area of Hradec Králové. First of all we will go to meet an artist who makes very traditional figures from corn husks. You will learn how to make it and then you can try to make some on your own. Then, just few steps away we will see unique mechanical nativity scene. It is more then 100 years old and includes more then 2000 wooden pieces. For a lunch we will stop in Pardubice. We don’t plan to stay for long time, but if you will wish, this could be a possibility to have some free time in the city with shops open. We plan to take you to visit ancient church with wooden covered bridge in front. We are getting close to our last meeting with local dancers. Before we will meet with them, we plan to stop in Chrudim and see local puppet museum. The local exposition includes puppets from different parts of the Czech Republic but also from all around the world. Here you will have time to have a dinner on your own. Then we will go for couple of minutes to Slatiňany to meet with local dancers. Then we will return to Hradec Kralove.( maybe too tired for a beer ? )  

September 12, Tuesday

Checking-out today and heading to Kutná Hora (UNESCO). Here we will visit the cathedral and do sightseeing of the town. For a lunch time you’ll be on your own. The last stop before we will arrive in Prague, will be newly opened massive museum of Kroj in Zbraslavice. Then we will finally arrive in Prague , check-in and will go for dinner cruise. That will be our farewell dinner.  

September 13, Wednesday

The tour ends this morning after breakfast, with a lifetime of wonderful memories and a huge education of Czech heritage. We expect that you will have different flights home in different times. It would be very simple to ask the front desk to order a cab to take you to the airport. If anyone would like to stay longer, let us know and we will help you to extend your stay.  

PRICE FOR THIS 13 DAY & 13 NIGHT TOUR IS ONLY : 

$ 3599.00* Per-person double occupancy. 

Single supplement is $600 for a single room during the tour. Reserve your space ASAP send your check now ! Final payment due Aug.1st.  

I suggest you let us know ASAP if you want to reserve any hotel rooms before and or after the tour in Prague, we can add that to your tour total price – so you can just arrive and go up to your room.                                                         

 *Listed tour price is by personal or bank check, final payment can be made by credit card using Pay-Pal ONLY and 5 % will be added to your total for credit card fees. Make your tour deposit by personal or bank check sent by postal mail. 

Tour space is held by a non-refundable deposit of only, $ 300 per-person. Mail in a check for your tour deposit to :   Heritage Tours, 13948 Square Lake Trail N, Stillwater, MN 55082  

This tour is expected to sell out, do not delay ! Please feel free to contact Mark, with any tour questions you may have by email at : 4cstours@gmail.comor by text at ( 651) 426-1222      ( no calls please, too many spam calls ) Tour price is based on double room occupancy. ( most times it’s two beds in a room ) Single supplement price is for a single room, with a single bed. Triple rooms are available too.   Tour price includes : Hotel rooms with private bath, in small select superior class hotels    ( 4 or 3 star hotels ). Most meals, every breakfast, and most all evening meals, ( which are large, see program for meal list ). Professional driver, in a nice large passenger modern air-conditioned motor coach - ( with LOTS of room to relax and spread out on all those empty seats, this is a real luxury – as most tours will cram you in, every seat is full )  Or a smaller vehicle in case of a smaller group. This is a fully guided tour, with a full time licensed local Czech guide. 

You will not be left on your own, with no clue. ( unless you want to ) Your admission to places and events, on the itinerary. Plus lots of entertainment, ( due to our extensive expertise, almost all entertainment we have is exclusive to Heritage Tours ) This is a Land only tour. 

Program is subject to change, tour price based on currency exchange rates as of  May 2023. No two tours have ever been the same, each is unique and custom designed around the local calendar of events. No one else will offer a tour like ours, period. We can easily book you additional nights at the hotels – no problem. Tour size is limited, again this is a real luxury, as many of my competitors have 35 to 50 people on one tour. Tour space is held by deposit only.  

We add many things to our tour program in Europe and are only satisfied when most people say I am too tired to go on ! We don’t believe in playing games with tour prices, there will be very few extras while you are on our tour. Those very few extras are: a. One meal a day, mostly lunches ( with two BIG meals a day, its not missed by most people) Beverages other than breakfast. b. Car, drivers, translators, for family visits and personal reasons, and additional services done by any genealogical service. c. An occasional evening cultural program, or extra stops at places or events we come across. d. Gratuities during the tour. e. Transportation to / from Europe, and transfers to meet the start of the tour, and return to the airport at the end of the tour.
References available upon request.  

This is a GREAT GENERAL TOUR, each day is plum full of activities, don’t worry you if your not of Czech or Slovak background. If your interest is just seeing a wonderful part of Europe - enjoying a more in-depth experience, or extensive travelers looking for a better travel experience – all have found our tours a wonderful off the beaten path travel experience ! You will meet many friends as we have over the last 25+ years, it's less like a tour and more like a family outing visiting friends. Don’t miss your chance…………. Join us for the trip of a lifetime in 2023 !   

For more genealogical information please contact the National Genealogical Society I founded: CzechoSlovak Genealogical Society Int. PO Box 16225 St. Paul MN 55116 or visit their web site at: www.cgsi.org  or facebook page ( a not-for-profit, volunteer run society ) 

__________________________________________________________________

Best of Bohemia tour 2023      June 6 – 16,  10+ glorious days
Offered by Heritage Tours Inc. email : 4CStours@gmail.com   

We do all the planning, you just have to pack. 

This extensive – jam packed land only tour starts and ends in Prague, Czech Republic.                     

I suggest you depart the USA on Sunday June 4th. Flying overnight arriving into Prague – on Monday June 5th  Which is the day before the tour officially starts, this way you can rest from your journey, and the bus will pick everyone up from the same hotel, on the morning of June 6th. This is an option, you can fly in the morning the tour starts if you wish, but you must be at the hotel by 8:30 AM.  We have reserved rooms in a hotel in the historic center for this pre-tour option.           

All tour hotel stays are multi-night, NO one nights in any hotel, which is so much more tiring.   

This tour celebrates many unknown areas of Bohemia in the Czech Republic. Major towns and locations we visit below on the tour - are in bold print.  Note the many UNESCO World heritage sites you will be visiting !   
 
 
  Sunday June 4  Departure from the USA 

  Monday, June 5   Arrive to Prague  check-in to our pre-tour hotel, exchange money, etc. and take a short nap.   As a bonus for those who arrive this day, Mark will lead a walking tour starting in mid-afternoon.   We will find a nice restaurant for dinner, and hear loads of stories and Prague legends.    

  Tuesday,  June 6 9 AM departure from pre-tour hotel   

First stop in the major museum of Czech folk costumes ( kroje ) in Ostrov

departure for Kutná Hora  

PM stop in Kutná Hora,  lunch time on your own

sightseeing, tour the Gothic cathedral  (UNESCO) started in 1388.    departure to Rychnov nad Kněžnou, check-in,   

dinner with the group in local place

Wednesday, June 7
AM
09:00  departure
tour of Častolovice chateau, and is privately owned by the Countess Diana Phipps Sternberg. https://www.zamek-castolovice.cz/en/exposition/ Next stop is the only Lace museumin the Czech Republic (optional shopping )
lunch time on your own in the museum restaurant meet with                          a local folk artist of traditional products
PM
tour the very unique private handicraft/occupations museum                     ( located in the town Marks grandmother lived in )   https://www.visitczechrepublic.com/en-US/53790f39-9e77-43a1-944b-465063bfad74/place/c-letohrad-museum-of-crafts
arrival in Potštejn castle , walk up to the castle, and tour it.   https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pot%C5%A1tejn 

After have dinner in a local restaurant, then back to  our hotel in      Rychnov nad Kněžnou, optional evening stroll.

Thursday,  June 8 

09:00 AM departure and we say good by to Rychnov nad Kněžnou heading South  

arrival in Litomyšl, tour in the chateau (UNESCO)  walk through the historic town, lunch on your own  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Litomy%C5%A1l  

PM  visit Zelená Hora, unique Pilgrimage Church of  St John of Nepomuk, UNESCO  https://www.amazingczechia.com/sights/zelena-hora/           arrival in České Budějovice, check-in to our hotel in the historic center    dinner with the group, optional walking sightseeing of the historic core  https://www.amazingczechia.com/destinations/ceske-budejovice/     
 

  Friday, June 9  AM 09:00 departure                                                                 tour in Budvar brewery (original Budweiser) taste Czech style breakfast after free time in the city center, lunch on your own ( great garnet shopping )                                                                                                                 PM depart for Český Krumlov (UNESCO) sightseeing of the town,             free time group dinner, after a private performance / show by the           local folk dance group in kroje, take tons of pictures / video                        after, then back to our hotel in České Budějovice 

  Saturday, June 10  AM  09:00 departure                                                        First we have a meeting with a local woodcarver                                          stop at unique cemetery in Albrechtice nad Vltavou ( amazing )           arrival in Písek, walk across historic bridge built about 1270 (UNESCO) sight-seeing  https://www.amazingczechia.com/destinations/pisek/          PM  lunch time on your own  then off to medieval Zvíkov castle-               we will walk outside only ( not much inside )     https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zv%C3%ADkov_Castle                                                                                 stop at local brewery - taste local beer                                                             visit a local farm, learn to make some Czech pastries, learn a Czech folk dance and a Czech song or two. Then the village ladies with make us a home made meal.  After back to our hotel in  České Budějovice  
  
  Sunday, June 11  AM  09:00                                                                  departure and we say goodbye to České Budějovice heading Northwest    First stop in the historic farming village of Holašovice (UNESCO), walk around the village  https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/861                                Next we visit Klatovy, lunch time on your own  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Klatovy                                                                                                           then visit a private pottery workshop ( they will open it just for us )    simple walk in countryside to famous battlefield (1431)  arrival in Domažlice, check-in  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doma%C5%BElice    dinner with the group, and a optional walking tour of the historic core  

  Monday, June 12  AM  09:00 departure                                                         visit to a historic cloth weaving mill– traditional fabrics for sale                 tour a private local kroj exposition ( local Folk costumes )                       return to Domažlice free time in the city, lunch time on your own           PM visit to historical museum at Chodsko castle, climb to Domažlice tower departure for Mrákov meeting with the local people, singing, talking dinner with the group, then back to Domažlice 

  Tuesday, June 13  AM  09:00                                                                departure we say goodbye to Domažlice heading East                               arrival in Plzeň, sightseeing,  https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Plze%C5%88    tour the local museum of Puppets  lunch time on your own                      PM  brief stop at private brewery  visit to a US Military museum            then to Prague, check-in at our city center hotel                                             walk to a local restaurant, dinner with the group 

 
  Wednesday, June 14  09:00                                                                departure for major sightseeing day                                                     visit to Prague Castle  group lunch at Lesser Town Square restaurant       PM Charles Bridge, Old Town Square                                                            dinner cruise at Vltava river, GREAT photo opportunists                         free time in the city after cruise 

  Thursday, June 15  09:00 departure                                                              stop at Lidice  WW II memorial                                                                          brief stop in Lány - grave of Masaryk family ( First President of Czechoslovakia )                                                                                                arrival in Karlovy Vary, shuttle bus to the center, lunch on your own       PM  sightseeing in the city, free time  return to Prague, farewell festive dinner with traditional Czech music and dance  back to our hotel    
  

Friday,  June 16 AM departure to the airport after breakfast,                        and a lifetime of wonderful memories   
 
 

PRICE FOR THIS 11 DAY & 10 NIGHT TOUR IS ONLY : $ 3949.00* Per-person double occupancy. Single supplement is $600 for a single room during the tour. Reserve your space ASAP send your check now ! Final payment due April 18th.  I suggest you let us know ASAP if you want to reserve any hotel rooms before and or after the tour in Prague, we can add that to your tour total price – so you can just arrive and go up to your room.                                                          *Listed tour price is by personal or bank check, final payment can be made by credit card using Pay-Pal ONLY and 5 % will be added to your total for credit card fees. Make your tour deposit by personal or bank check sent by postal mail. Tour space is held by a non-refundable deposit of only, $ 300 per-person. Mail in a check for your tour deposit to :   Heritage Tours, 2101 S. Meridian Rd # 59, Apache Junction, AZ 85120   

This tour is expected to sell out, do not delay ! Please feel free to contact Mark, with any tour questions you may have by email at : 4cstours@gmail.comor by phone at ( 651) 426-1222      ( leave a message, too many spam calls ) Tour price is based on double room occupancy. ( most times it’s two beds in a room ) Single supplement price is for a single room, with a single bed. Triple rooms are available too. Tour price includes : Hotel rooms with private bath, in small select superior class hotels ( 4 or 3 star hotels ). Most meals, every breakfast, and most all evening meals, ( which are large, see program for meal list ). Professional driver, in a nice large passenger modern air-conditioned motor coach - ( with LOTS of room to relax and spread out on all those empty seats, this is a real luxury – as most tours will cram you in, every seat is full ) Or a smaller vehicle in case of a smaller group. This is a fully guided tour, with a full time licensed local Czech guide. You will not be left on your own, with no clue. ( unless you want to ) Your admission to places and events, on the itinerary. Plus lots of entertainment, ( due to our extensive expertise, almost all entertainment we have is exclusive to Heritage Tours ) This is a Land only tour. Program is subject to change, tour price based on currency exchange rates as of  Feb. 2023. No two tours have ever been the same, each is unique and custom designed around the local calendar of events. No one else will offer a tour like ours, period. We can easily book you additional nights at the hotels – no problem. Tour size is limited, again this is a real luxury, as many of my competitors have 35 to 50 people on one tour. Tour space is held by deposit only.  

We add many things to our tour program in Europe and are only satisfied when most people say I am too tired to go on ! We don’t believe in playing games with tour prices, there will be very few extras while you are on our tour. Those very few extras are: a. One meal a day, mostly lunches ( with two BIG meals a day, its not missed by most people) Beverages other than breakfast. b. Car, drivers, translators, for family visits and personal reasons, and additional services done by any genealogical service. c. An occasional evening cultural program, or extra stops at places or events we come across. d. Gratuities during the tour. e. Transportation to / from Europe, and transfers to meet the start of the tour, and return to the airport at the end of the tour.
References available upon request.  

 
This is a GREAT GENERAL TOUR, each day is plum full of activities, don’t worry you if your not of Czech or Slovak background. If your interest is just seeing a wonderful part of Europe - enjoying a more in-depth experience, or extensive travelers looking for a better travel experience – all have found our tours a wonderful off the beaten path travel experience ! You will meet many friends as we have over the last 25+ years, it's less like a tour and more like a family outing visiting friends. Don’t miss your chance…………. Join us for the trip of a lifetime in 2023 !   

For more genealogical information please contact the National Genealogical Society I founded: CzechoSlovak Genealogical Society Int. PO Box 16225 St. Paul MN 55116 or visit their web site at: www.cgsi.org  or facebook page ( a not-for-profit, volunteer run society )