Parks and Gardens of the Czech Republic

Gardens are nature's outposts in a densely populated urban environment, providing us with living documents of cultural history by illustrating the ways in which styles of architecture are reflected in horticulture and garden design.

The Czech Republic has many fine parks and gardens associated with castles, country mansions, universities and even private houses. The topography of Prague has favored the creation of spaces where nature provides a backdrop that enhances the urban landscape. Fine examples are the Royal Garden (est. 1533), The Wallenstein Garden (dominated by a magnificent salla terrena with rich stucco decoration), and the charming baroque Vrtba Garden. (est. 1720).

Another important example is the Pruhonice Botanical Garden and Park, 250 hectares boasting 1200 varieties of trees and shrubs from all parts of the world.

In Moravia we will visit and admire the UNESCO listed gardens in the Lednice-Valtice complex and the 17th century Kromeriz early Baroque Flower Garden in the French style. On the itinerary, too, is the magnificent Buchlovice Chateau´s Italian Garden & English Park, which comprises a very fine display of rare trees and rhododendrons as well as a comprehensive and precious collection of fuchsias.

The Park and Garden Tour can be arranged as a round trip (starting and ending in Prague), or as a one-way trip from Vienna to Prague.