There is something particularly rewarding about discovering Central Europe on foot. Between Prague and Krakow, trails lead through forests, meadows and mountain landscapes, while historic towns, Renaissance palaces and medieval fortresses reveal centuries of art, architecture and cultural exchange.
Adding another dimension to the journey is our tour leader, Jaroslava Baconová. Born just outside Prague and a scholar of Czech language and literature, Jaroslava brings a deeply personal understanding of the region. For her, history and literature are inseparable from the lives of the people who experienced them. As we travel, her stories and insights help us look beyond the monuments to better understand the people, ideas and events that shaped the landscapes through which we walk.
Our Prague to Krakow Walking Tour crosses Czechia, Slovakia, and Poland, combining satisfying days on the trail with visits to three remarkable UNESCO World Heritage sites.
Litomyšl Castle: Renaissance Elegance
Litomyšl Castle, Czech Republic
Set amid the Czech countryside, Litomyšl Castle is one of the country’s great Renaissance treasures. Its graceful arcaded courtyard and elaborate sgraffito façades immediately command attention, while richly decorated Baroque interiors reveal another chapter in the castle’s long history.
There is time to look closely at the craftsmanship and architectural details that make Litomyšl so distinctive before continuing into the surrounding historic town, where Renaissance and Baroque buildings create an appealing setting for a leisurely wander.
Levoča and Spiš Castle: Medieval Slovakia
Town of Levoča
As we travel east into Slovakia, the landscape becomes increasingly mountainous and some of the journey’s most memorable combinations of walking and history come into view.
The beautifully preserved town of Levoča is rich in medieval and Renaissance architecture. Inside the Church of St. James is an extraordinary Late Gothic altarpiece by Master Paul, one of the great artistic treasures of the region.
Nearby, the immense ruins of Spiš Castle rise dramatically above the countryside. Dating to the 11th century, this sprawling fortress is among Central Europe’s most impressive medieval sites. The Gothic Church of the Holy Spirit in nearby Žehra adds another layer to this remarkable historic landscape.
Spiš Castle in Žehra
Experiencing these places on foot changes the perspective. Forest paths, open meadows and mountain views become part of their story, allowing us to appreciate not simply the monuments themselves, but their relationship with the landscape that surrounds them. Along the way, Jaroslava provides the cultural and historical context that connects what we see with the generations who have lived here.
Krakow: A City Made for Walking
Aerial view of Krakow
Our journey concludes in Krakow, where centuries of history unfold along cobbled streets and lively squares. Its UNESCO-listed historic centre encompasses the medieval Old Town, Wawel Hill and the historic Jewish district of Kazimierz.
With our guide, we discover Wawel Castle, historic churches and the atmospheric streets of Kazimierz. There is also time to explore independently, perhaps lingering over an architectural detail, settling into a café or simply enjoying the rhythms of one of Poland’s most engaging cities.
A Journey Through History, One Step at a Time
The great pleasure of this journey lies in the way everything comes together. Renaissance palaces and medieval fortresses are interspersed with mountain trails, forests, riverside paths, meadows and small towns.
Rather than simply travelling from one celebrated site to the next, we experience the landscape between them. Walking gives us time to notice the details and understand the geography; Jaroslava’s insights help us make connections between the places we encounter and the people whose lives and stories have shaped them.
Join Jaroslava in 2027 for a walking journey from Prague to Krakow through the landscapes, stories and cultural heritage of Czechia, Slovakia and Poland.
