One of the most impressive place in our country came to its origin already before the middle of 13th Century as the seat of Lords of Vítek, soon the domain passed into the hands of the most influential noble family of Bohemian kingdom – Lords of Rožmberk. The name of Český Krumlov sources from the tightly crooked meander of the Vltava river - from originally German Krumme Aue - crooked meadow. For most of Rožmberks´ history – throughout 13th – beginning of 17th Centuries - they were after kings the second most important family in our country. As at the beginning there were five brothers, each of them received a coat-of-arms with a five-petalled rose, in different color combination, the color of which symbolized each particular dominion. The town was established essentially in three stages. As the first was founded the castle for the protection of their inhabitants, being dated back to 1240, next in two stages the city down below the castle was developed – the first part was built spontaneous below the Krumlov castle, called Latrán and settled mostly by people who had some administrative connection with the castle. The second part of the town was founded as a typical settlement on a "green meadow", i.e. in a place where no previous settlement had been – called Parkán. The town subsequently took shape as a typical colonization ground plan with a quadratic square in the center with streets from its corners leading to the town walls. Since the very beginning of the town, both Czech and German nationalities were represented, occasionally even Italian.

The city experienced its highest fame on the turn of 16th and 17th Centuries, when where here in charge last two members of Rožmberks – Willam and his brother Petr Vok. The first mentioned was even the chancellor of Bohemian kingdom, which means the second most important man in realm. It was under govern of Rožmberks when the landscape was modified – meadows changed into prosperous ponds (manmade lakes for fish industry), breweries, forestry – all this wealth was then reflected into monumental and imposing architecture of the place. The nature (the tall rock cliffs jutting out over the Vltava river) and creative spirit worked here in harmony. From Rožmberks remained in the city deep trace of Italian Renaissance style. If you want to find out what Renaissance means, come to join us to Český Krumlov. The Rožmberks´ descendents in 17th Century became as the first Eggembergs and starting from 18th Century inherited Krumlov Schwarzenbergs. Besides specific Rožmberks´red and gold five-petalled rose you can see in every step also Schwarzenbergs´ typical blue and white strips.

Český Krumlov is real gem of architecture in Czech landscapes, somehow due to communist isolation – located until 1989 very close to borders of “Czechoslovak enemies – Western Germany and Austria” for long time laid undiscovered – until the fall of “Berliner wall”, when we “returned back to Europe”, then visitors of far past found their way again to Český Krumlov and soon after that the place was also inscribed into the list of UNESCO.

During the excursion – you will get larger explanation of the guide about our country in the bus, guided service in Český Krumlov, entrance to the castle, sightseeing tour, 3-course lunch, free time for shopping. The bus journey each way requires at least 2,5 hours, walking ability required.