Czech Grand Canyon - Konepruss caves - Karlstejn castle

Route: Prague - Czech Grand Canyon - Konepruss caves - Karlstejn castle - Prague
Duration: 7 h
Firstly we will visit to the "Czech Grand Canyon" which is located in one of the most beautiful parts of Czechia called Bohemian Karst. This partially flooded elongated trench is the country’s most photogenic “natural” attraction to be conceived by human activities. It is 800 metres long, 200 metres wide and 100 metres deep, with a lake at the bottom. In the past, this was an important site of limestone mining. There are also other quarries nearby, one being Little America and another being Mexico. The quarries are connected with each other by long tunnels. Next we will visit one of the most famous natural sights of the Czech Republic are the Konepruss caves which were discovered in 1950 and made accessible for the public in 1959. The caves originate in 400-million-year-old Devon calcite rocks, consist of three levels to be found 70 m under the ground-level, and over 2 km long. The accessible part is 620 m long. The caves are a true wonder of nature. Here you can see a variety of color shades. The walls of the cave are covered with fancy patterns. In the caves you can see the real kingdoms of stalactites and stalagmites, which will not leave anyone indifferent. Scientists claim that the caves were formed 25 million years ago under the influence of moisture on limestone. You can see here and semi-precious stones – opals. Here they can be found on the walls or right under the feet of tourists.  During our wisit you will see the Golden Horse site – a neptunic vein, the Lazzero Spallanzani Cave , the Christmas Cave, the Swan, the Pipes ,  Mares Chamber where on the wall opposite to the staircase, there is a jagged curtain – the most beautiful decoration in this particular cavern. Next we will visit to the Kukla Dome via a long, descending staircase until we reach the area in front of the Letošník Abyss, the Prošek Dome, the largest cavern in the Konepruss Caves and more. Next we will visit to one of the most picturesque Gothic castles in the Czech Republic - Karlstejn castle which is one of the most famous castles in the Czech Republic. Built between 1348 to 1355 by Charles IV, King of Bohemia and Holy Roman Emperor the Castle served as a depository for the safekeeping of royal and Empire coronation jewels, relics of saints and an archive of state documents. As is apparent from the name of this castle, ‘Karlstein’ (Charles’ Stone), this was not going to be just an ordinary castle. Its three-level construction in accord with the Christian gnostic teaching is an expression of the medieval understanding of the Universe. For the most part, the castle’s very precious frescoes were preserved. Charles IV therefore realized his audacious dream. The Chapel of the Holy Cross was built as a safe location for the regalia of the Kingdom of Bohemia and the Holy Roman Empire, as well as for the holy relics that Charles eagerly collected. But it was also the place where the members of his secret knightly Order of the Golden Buckle held their meetings. The Holy Cross chapel in the upper part of the keep is an exceptionally beautiful example of Medieval art – paintings representing ‘the army or holy patrons’, created by Charles’ court painter Theodoric of Prague, continue to astonish viewers with their originality, even six centuries later. The semi-precious stones and gold used for wall decorations in this exceptional space contribute to Karlštejn’s powerful impression. During visit inside of the castle  you will see the historic interiors of the Imperial Palace and St. Mary’s Tower, all equipped with furniture and artifacts from the 14th through the 19th century, the Throne Room, as well as the Imperial bedroom of King Charles IV and more.After free time we return to Prague.
Price: per person