Trips and Excursions

The best way to learn about Central Europe is to go out and see it. UPCES arranges 4 trips each semester in the Czech Republic and its neighboring countries.

UPCES trips are designed for students to experience the cultural diversity of the region. Students learn about the history of each city and their contemporary cultures, politics, and economies. All trips include transportation, guided tours, entrance fees, accommodation, cultural activities, and free time.

Weekend Trip to Krakow

Each semester includes a 3-night trip to Krakow, Poland, a major cultural city in Central Europe. This trip introduces students to Central Europe outside of Prague and provides an expanded understanding of the region’s culture and history.

Highlights of the weekend trip include:  
 
  • Walking tours of the historic districts
  • Entry to famous city museums, monuments, and/or historic buildings
  • Side-trip outside of the city to visit Auschwitz and Birkenau
  • Accommodation in the city center
 
 
 

Day Trip to Český Krumlov

UPCES students also visit the picturesque castle town of Český Krumlov. This town, situated on a bend in the Vltava River in Southern Bohemia, is best known for its beautiful Baroque castle, well-preserved historic center, and enchanted atmosphere.

Highlights of the Český Krumlov trip include:
 
  • Guided tour of the city's historic Old Town, including the St. Vitus Church, Palace Gardens, Eggenberg Pivovar, and Castle Bridge
  • Visit and tour of the second-largest castle in the Czech Republic, the famous Renaissance Rooms and  Schwarzenberg Baroque Suite
 

Day Trip to Litoměřice

Another UPCES day trip is to the Bohemian town of Litoměřice, located in Northwest Czech Republic in the region of the Czech Central Mountains. This is one of the oldest Czech towns, nestled in perhaps the most beautiful region in the country.

Highlights of the Litoměřice trip include:      
  
  • Tour of the city's Old Town and historic areas
  • Visit and tour of the Ploskovice Castle
  • Lunch in a historic restaurant
  • Wine tasting in Velké Žernosek vineyard
 

Day Trip to Kutná Hora

UPCES often offers a day-trip to Kutná Hora, a former silver-mining town which was at one time among the richest towns in the Czech kingdom. The variety of well-preserved architectural monuments reflect its ancient fame and wealth. 

Highlights of the Kutná Hora trip include:
 
  • Guided tour of the city's historic medieval center
  • Visit to the unique and beautiful Cathedral of St. Barbara
  • Excursion to the famous "Bone Church," a chapel decorated with over 40,000 human bones
 

   

Day Trip to Karlovy Vary

Karlovy Vary is a historic spa town which lies directly west of Prague. The town hosts the massive Karlovy Vary film festival every year and attracts many celebrities to its famous hotel, the Grandhotel Pupp. It also houses thermal hot springs that many people drink from and bathe in.

Highlights of the Karlovy Vary day trip:
 
  • Excursion to the Moser Crystal Factory
  • Guided tour of historic Karlovy Vary
  • A visit to Becherplatz museum and restaurant
 

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