Uncover History in Czech Republic

There is no place quite like Prague, and that’s where you’ll begin and end your week in the Czech Republic. Once you land, take the train to Prague Central Station, and it will be just a short jaunt from there to your hotel. Drop off your bags and then experience the sights and sounds of the city!

Get to know the city by walking around its heart, Old Town Square. You’ll find plenty going on here, so keep your camera at the ready! Admire the Prague Orloj, a 15th Century astronomical clock, and be sure to stay until the top of the hour to watch some of the accompanying pieces go into action. 

Grab dinner, but be sure to take a stroll along the Charles Bridge to see a magnificent sunset. The Charles Bridge is one of the most stunning sights Prague has to offer, and you definitely want to see at least one sunset on this historic bridge.

One of the simplest ways your group can make an impact while in the Czech Republic is to assist people with their English skills. As a native English speaker, you can help non-native speakers with nuance, context and language. Working with your new friends at Angloville, you’ll imbue them with English skills that will advance their careers, and you’ll get to have incredible conversations with many new friends.

Before nightfall, your group will head to one of the oldest parts of the city, Vysehrad. You’ll discover the remains of a castle that date back to the 10th century, and a tour guide will tell you about the role this building played in Prague’s early history. Make sure to walk along the walls and gaze at the beautiful panorama of the city you can find here.

Today, you’ll be working with Jahoda to help young children that are going through hard times in Prague 14, representing one of the populations of Prague that needs assistance the most. There are lots of disadvantaged youth here that could use a helping hand. 

You’ll spend the latter part of your last full day in Prague touring the Prague Castle, which is one of the largest castle complexes in Europe, so there is a lot to take in. St. Vitus Cathedral is a must for anyone that loves gothic architecture, and there are multiple palaces to lose yourself in throughout this area. 

Wave goodbye to the capital and take the train to Plzen. Plzen is home to a wondrous synagogue that was built in the 19th century, and this is one of the largest you will find in Europe. Take a tour and discover the sad history of this building.

However, the synagogue is not the reason why most people know Plzen. The city is the birthplace of pilsner beer, and the Pilsner Urquell Brewery is just a short walk from the center of the city. There have been minimal changes to the recipe since 1842, so take a drink and be sure to lock eyes when you say, “Na zdraví.” Otherwise, it’s seven years of bad luck!

Český Krumlov isn’t a big city, but it boasts one of the most spectacular panoramic views you will find in Europe. The entire city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992, and your group will be stunned into silence by its beauty.

Head to the Český Krumlov Castle after arriving and marvel at how the city’s landscape was built around the bend of the Vltava River. The castle is pretty extraordinary for a town of this size, and these are likely to be your group’s favorite pictures during your time in the Czech Republic.

Your group will take an early morning train from Cesky Krumlov to Brno for your penultimate day in the Czech Republic. After dropping off your things at the hotel in Brno, you’ll be taken to Moravian Karst for your last volunteering project of the trip.

Moravian Karst is home to a vast network of caverns and gorges, and local workers need your help in keeping the area clean. You’ll take a tour of the site and learn about historic Kulna Cave. Neanderthal wall carvings were discovered here midway through the 20th century, and a guide will tell you of their importance in helping change the perception scientists have about Neanderthals. Afterward, you’ll help clean up the trash and litter that spoil the natural beauty of this extraordinary place.

Before leaving Brno, your group will take a tour of Nuclear Shelter 10-Z. This underground hotel was originally a bomb shelter and was converted into a nuclear shelter during the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia. A lot of its original trappings have been kept, so your group can better experience the Cold War feel. 

Following a delicious goodbye lunch, you will head back to Prague by train and venture to the airport from there. Prior to leaning back in your chair and falling asleep after a long, action-packed week, gaze out of the window to take one last look at beautiful Prague.