suzski

I am *considering* renting a car for one day and doing a DIY (for the freedom it allows) instead of taking a tour to Cesky Krumlov. My husband and I have rented cars abroad before but have not been to the Czech Republic. We WILL have someone who speaks fluent German and Italian with us. Any pros or cons on this? And sadly, yes, we will only have the one day.

Thanks in advance.

Andrew

I drove for several days in Czech Republic and have driven in several European countries, and I don't know any German or Italian or Czech. Why are you worried about it? I was even stopped by the cops (random stop), showed them my passport and IDP, then I was able to drive on. No language knowledge required.

I don't think you need a car for a day trip to Cesky Krumov - why not take a bus? (A train requires a connection and perhaps a longer walk into town, as I recall.) If you drive, you have to park the car. Are you planning to see more than the town itself? It's very walk-able, easy to see by yourselves.

If you had more time, I'd suggest seeing more than Cesky Krumlov. There are several neat little towns in Southern Bohemia. With a day trip, though, I'd probably take the bus to CK and spend the whole day there.

suzski

Andrew, yes, I'm planning on more than Cesky Krumlov...I wanted to also stop at Karlstejn Castle and make a quick stop at a glass factory (if one is on the route). Understand this is a LONG day but we are seasoned travelers used to this kind of thing.

And I only commented that we would have someone knowledgeable with the language in case that makes a difference....we've not had that luck before.

And, we'll be driving to/from Prague.

Andrew

I guess I'd figure out if there's a glass factory you can work into your day, then do a guesstimate of how much time you'd be driving doing in a day, how much time you'd have at various places, etc., what time you have to get the car back by (or can you drop it after hours? Probably can). If you think it's worth it, then do it. I had no trouble driving in Czech Republic, and if you have driven in Europe before it should be routine. Of course, you probably realize that the cheapest car rentals will be manual transmission in Europe?

You may need an International Driving Permit. I got one in 2012, and I seem to think one is required for a foreigner to drive in Czech Republic, but double check on that.

suzski

Okay, awesome. We've got the International Driving Permit so that's good. I really just don't like being "constricted" by the timetables and think that this will probably be our best bet...even though it will be a bit of a whirlwind. However, I am a travel agent and, although this is a pleasure trip, I am using it to gather info for future tours, etc., for clients.

fourfortravel

Driving around the Czech Republic is easy; we do it all the time (in our personal vehicle) on day and weekend trips from Vienna. Though I speak German, there is enough English spoken in the larger cities for there to be little difficulties moving about.

Don't forget your vignette, and perhaps some road snacks; the options along the major autostrada are lean, and on the secondary roads, next to nothing.

Your route makes for a long day trip; bear in mind road construction will add time to your plans.

Along your route there are interesting castles (Hrad) and palaces (Zamek), time permitting: Konopiste, Huboka nad Vlatava,and Zvikov come to mind.

Have fun! The Czech Republic is a magnificent country.