A Danube River cruise itinerary is full of medieval cities, castles and gardens. So what makes Cesky Krumlov, a town in the Czech Republic, so special? Its scope and degree of preservation. With a historic center that was deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Cesky Krumlov has been fortunate to avoid bombings, fires and other hazards that decimated similar cities in Bohemia over the years. Thus a walk through the town, bisected by the Vltava River, provides plenty of twisty church spires and tiny alleys, plus an atmospheric 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements.
Cesky Krumlov is usually offered as a full day included or optional excursion on Danube River cruises. While getting there involves 90 minutes on a coach, the architecture and sheer cuteness of the town -- you won't want to miss the surprisingly sophisticated theater inside the castle -- makes it well worth the trip.
Why go to Cesky Krumlov?
Visitors can climb the Cesky Krumlov Castle's bell tower for sprawling views of the town
Pickpocketing is a concern to tourists in busier areas of town
This storybook town boasts a castle with gardens, riverside bars and cafes, and timeless charm
