Day Tour to Karlovy Vary

Market Colonnade at Karlovy Vary.

According to legend, the world-famous spa town of Karlovy Vary was discovered in the 14th century by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV while hunting in the surrounding forests. Over the centuries, the healing mineral springs gave rise to one of Europe’s most prestigious spa destinations, whose reputation soon spread far beyond the borders of Bohemia. Karlovy Vary became synonymous with elegance, relaxation, and high society.

Throughout its history, the town has welcomed countless distinguished visitors, including Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, Ludwig van Beethoven, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Giacomo Casanova, and numerous European monarchs, artists, and statesmen. More recently, Karlovy Vary has gained worldwide recognition as the host of the prestigious Karlovy Vary International Film Festival, attracting celebrated filmmakers and movie stars from around the globe every summer.

The true charm of Karlovy Vary lies in slowing down, relaxing, and embracing its unique atmosphere. As we stroll beneath its elegant colonnades and along the picturesque Tepla River, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sample several of the town’s famous thermal mineral springs, renowned for their beneficial effects on digestion and overall well-being.

No visit would be complete without tasting the traditional spa wafers, a favourite local delicacy, or discovering the story behind Becherovka, the town’s famous herbal liqueur that has been produced here for more than two centuries.


Before exploring the elegant streets of Karlovy Vary, we’ll make our first stop at the world-famous Moser Glassworks, one of the Czech Republic’s most prestigious producers of luxury crystal.

Here, you’ll have the opportunity to browse an exquisite collection of handcrafted crystal pieces and, if you wish, join a fascinating guided factory tour to watch skilled master glassmakers transform molten glass into beautiful works of art using traditional techniques that have been perfected over generations.

Glass making at Moser Glasswork.

Your day begins with a 9:00 AM pickup directly from your hotel in Prague. From there, we’ll enjoy a comfortable 1.5-hour drive west through the picturesque Czech countryside before arriving in the world-famous spa town of Karlovy Vary.

Before exploring the town itself, we highly recommend an optional visit to the renowned Moser Glassworks. During the fascinating 30-minute guided factory tour, you’ll witness the exceptional craftsmanship of skilled master glassmakers and discover how the world-famous Bohemian crystal is created – from molten glass to exquisite finished masterpieces.

View from the Mill Colonnade at Karlovy Vary.

Upon arriving in the heart of Karlovy Vary, we’ll begin a leisurely guided walking tour through one of Europe’s most elegant spa towns. As we stroll along its beautiful promenades and historic colonnades, your guide will share fascinating stories about the town’s royal visitors, famous residents, and centuries-old spa traditions.

Our walk will take us past the elegant Elizabeth Spa and the iconic Hotel Thermal, the main venue of the renowned Karlovy Vary International Film Festival. We’ll then continue to the charming Park Colonnade, where you’ll have your first opportunity to taste the town’s famous thermal mineral water straight from one of its natural springs.

From there, we’ll follow the Tepla River through the magnificent Mill Colonnade, home to several of Karlovy Vary’s most celebrated healing springs, before continuing to the picturesque Market Colonnade. Our tour concludes at the impressive Hot Spring Colonnade, where you’ll witness the spectacular Vridlo geyser, whose mineral water reaches temperatures of up to 73°C (163°F) and erupts to a height of nearly 12 metres (39 feet).

Vridlo - the highest and hotest spring at Karlovy Vary.

Passing elegant boutiques, charming cafés, and traditional restaurants along the way, we’ll conclude our walking tour at the legendary Grandhotel Pupp – Karlovy Vary’s most iconic luxury hotel and a filming location featured in the James Bond movie Casino Royale.

If you’d like to add a little more adventure to your day, we can also take the historic funicular up to the Diana Observation Tower. From the top, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views over Karlovy Vary, its surrounding forests, and the picturesque valley in which the town is nestled.

Shop at Moser Glassworks.

You’ll now have approximately 2–3 hours of free time to enjoy Karlovy Vary at your own pace. Relax over a delicious lunch at one of the town’s excellent local restaurants—we’ll be happy to recommend our favourite spots – or browse the elegant boutiques for unique local products, traditional spa wafers, fine Bohemian crystal, or a bottle of the famous Becherovka liqueur.

Or simply do what Karlovy Vary encourages everyone to do: slow down, unwind, and soak up the peaceful atmosphere of one of Europe’s most beautiful spa towns.

At approximately 4:30 PM, we’ll begin our comfortable journey back to Prague, arriving at your hotel around 6:00 PM. We hope you’ll return not only with wonderful photographs and unique souvenirs, but also with lasting memories of a truly relaxing and unforgettable day.


As with all of our private tours, flexibility is one of our greatest strengths. The itinerary above is simply our recommended plan, carefully designed to help you make the most of your day, but every stop is entirely optional.

Would you prefer to skip the Moser Glassworks, spend more time relaxing in the town centre, enjoy a longer coffee break, choose a different restaurant for lunch, or perhaps visit another place that isn’t included in the suggested itinerary? That’s absolutely fine.

We always have a Plan B, C, and D ready, allowing us to tailor the day to your interests and travel style. Since this is your private tour, the itinerary is completely flexible, and we’ll always do our very best to accommodate your wishes whenever reasonably possible.

Whether you’d like to focus on history, architecture, local gastronomy, shopping, or simply enjoying the unique spa atmosphere, we’ll be happy to adapt the day to create an experience that’s perfect for you.

  • Professional & experienced guide with excellent English
  • New & comfy Mercedes V Class van with air conditioning
  • All transportation
  • All parking fees & road tolls
  • Bottled water in the car
  • Admission fees for all sites as they are always optional
  • Your meals & drinks

Absolutely! Since our tours are private and we generally do not need any special arrangements for additional participants, just let us know as soon as you can so we can make sure there is enough bottled water and everything else needed for everyone.

Please keep in mind that last-minute additions may occasionally affect the availability of third-party services that have already been reserved for the original number of guests. While we will always do our best to accommodate everyone, availability at those places is unfortunately something we cannot control.

Of course! We are always happy to assist with arrangements and reservations before or during your stay, as well as to share our personal recommendations.

Whether you are looking for a particular restaurant, activity, attraction, or simply something special to do, just let us know — we are here to help. 😉

Absolutely. On any transfer or multi-day tour, your guide will take care of your luggage for you.

When departing, we will collect your luggage from the hotel reception and load everything into the van. Upon arrival at your new hotel, we will unload it and bring it to the reception for you.

One less thing for you to worry about! 😉

Every restaurant, attraction, activity, or other service we recommend is selected based on our own experience and, above all, on what we believe is best for our clients.

We do have opportunities to receive benefits from some local businesses when we bring our clients there, but this will never influence our recommendations. Our priority is always quality and your experience — not what benefits us.

In other words, we recommend places because we would happily send our own friends there. 😉

Absolutely! All of our guides have extensive knowledge of the restaurants and dining options in the destinations we visit, including places suitable for vegetarians, vegans, and guests with various dietary requirements.

And, of course, if you are a dedicated meat lover, we have plenty of recommendations for you too! 😉

Our tour times are flexible whenever possible.

There may be days when you feel tired, would prefer to return earlier, or on the other hand, you simply want to spend a little more time at a particular location. In either case, just let your guide know and we will do our best to adjust the schedule accordingly.

We always try to be as flexible as possible — after all, you are on vacation, not on a military exercise. 😉

Of course! This is absolutely no problem.

As long as the new drop-off location is within the agreed destination area, we will be happy to take you there.

There is no fixed rule — and it is completely up to you.

If you would like to enjoy lunch together with your guide, simply invite them to join you. If you would rather have some private time and enjoy your meal on your own, that is perfectly fine too.

We are happy either way. 😉


Absolutely! We keep enough umbrellas in the van for everyone, so if the weather suddenly decides to remind us that Central Europe has four seasons, you are covered. 😉

Yes, whenever reasonably possible, your guide will be happy to help.

If you need some local cash for a small purchase, coins for a ticket machine, or simply find yourself somewhere that accepts cash only, just let your guide know. We will do our best to help you exchange a reasonable amount at the current exchange rate and without unnecessary fees.

From the moment you join us in the morning until we drop you off at your evening destination, you are our client — and we want you to feel that way.

Whatever situation may arise during your tour, we will do our best to help, find a solution, and take care of it for you.

And our assistance does not necessarily end when the tour does. If you need advice, a recommendation, or a little help before or after your stay, you are always welcome to contact us.

We like to think of it as coming to visit a good friend in a foreign country — someone who knows the place and is always happy to help. 😉

Tipping practices vary from country to country, and unlike in some parts of the world, tipping is generally not mandatory in Europe.

However, leaving a tip when you are happy with a meal or service is very common and always appreciated. There is no universal percentage, but in restaurants and for many personal services, adding around 10% is generally considered a nice gesture when you have received good service.

And, of course, you should never feel obliged to tip if you are not satisfied with the service.

Ah yes… the famous Autobahn question! 😉

This is one of the questions we hear surprisingly often, and we have to admit that it always makes us smile a little.

The truth is that Autobahn is simply the German word for motorway/freeway. So yes, if our route takes us onto a German motorway, you will be on the Autobahn!

What makes German Autobahns special is that there is no speed limit set in general, although speed limits are posted on many other sections and must always be followed.

And don’t worry – your guide is not planning to turn your transfer into a Formula 1 race. 😉 We drive responsibly, keep to the appropriate lane, and pay particular attention when overtaking.

So yes, you may experience the legendary German Autobahn… but hopefully without needing to hold on to your seats! 😁