Vienna to Brno and Prague: Private day trip

At the first sign of summer, the city transforms itself into a scene of lively street cafes, outdoor restaurants and street performers that make any visit that bit more memorable. The compact nature of the city means that restaurants, malls, museums, and galleries are all close at hand and the center can easily be viewed on foot or by taking a ride on one of the many trams that run both through and around the city center. Experience the delightful mix of cultures that make up Brno, a city that went unknown to most travelers for so long but emerged from the shadow of Prague in the 1990s. Take a tip from the locals and ‘look up’ when taking a stroll through the center in order to truly appreciate the beauty of the architecture where functionalist and gothic often combine to create the perfect blend of old and new.

According to legend, Prague was founded in the 8th century when the duchess Libuše stood atop a rocky cliff overlooking the Vltava and prophesied: "I see a great city whose glory will touch the stars!". In the 14th century, Charles IV Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia personally elevated Prague into an imperial capital. Charles himself designed the layout of Nové Město, laid the first stone of the Charles Bridge, and founded Charles University. Over the following centuries, Prague experienced its fair share of ups and downs, not to mention a few defenestrations, but was spared the devastation that befell many European cities. Every visitor’s first stop should be the Old Town Square, for the beautiful Baroque buildings lining it, and the famed astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall. From here, you can easily reach the world famous Charles Bridge, and make your way up to expansive castle complex.