Zvikov & Orlik Castle & Vltava River Cruise

Day Trip from Prague to Two Medieval Castles + Vltava River Cruise

Do you, your partner or your children enjoy exploring fairytale-like castles? Come along on this unique day trip day from Prague and experience two medieval castles and a boat trip in one day! Enjoy great views of vertical rocks and steep gorges on both banks as you sail from the Orlik to the Zvikov Castle along the Vltava River.

Orlik Castle

The meaning of the name Orlík stems from the word “young eagle” (Czech: Orel). It is often suggested that this castle would have resembled an eagle perched upon the rocky outcrop above a turn in the River. Orlík was established as a royal castle beside a ford across the River Vltava in the second half of the 13th century, probably by Přemysl Otakar II, although in the Middle Ages it came into the hands of noble families and its ownership changed many times. In 1717 it was inherited by the Schwarzenberg’s. The most famous member of the family was Field Marshal Karl Philipp, Prince of Schwarzenberg, who was victorious over Napoleon in the Battle of Leipzig in 1813. The Early Gothic-style castle of Orlík was confiscated by the Communist Regime after 1948, but in the 1990s was reverted to the Schwarzenberg noble family. We will join a guided tour of this castle which lasts 1 hour.

Boat Trip along the Vltava River

Before boarding of a ship that will bring us to the next Zvikov castle, you can admire peacocks in the gardens of the Orlik Castle. During the 45 min. boat trip you can have a drink and enjoy rocks and gorges along the Vltava river as you sell to the next Zvikov castle.

River Cruise Schedule
April-June: weekend only
July-September: Monday – Sunday
September-October: weekend only

In case there will be no boats operating on the day of your trip we will drive you to the second castle by car/van.

Zvikov Castle

The unique natural setting of the headland on the confluence of the Vltava and Otava Rivers, which was only accessible along a narrow isthmus and whose rocky side walls were almost vertical, made it an ideal building site from the defense point of view. This advantage was used for the first time by the Celts who built there one of their fortified settlements of the urban type, called oppida. The excellent defense advantage was also exploited by the last kings of the Premyslide dynasty who founded there one of the most important and stately Bohemian royal castles. The first written report on the Zvikov castle comes from 1234. The castle Chapel of St.Wenceslas on the first floor of the southern wing is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful spaces of early Bohemian Gothic. At this castle, we will have the chance to explore the different courtyards and rooms by ourselves for as long as we wish.

Lunch at a Brewery

After the visit to the Zvikov Castle, we will have lunch at a local brewery and then we will drive you back to your hotel in Prague.