Sunday May 26th: Drive to Cesky Krumlov

Our journey began with a drive through the beautiful countryside from Hallstatt, heading towards the Czech Republic. We crossed the Danube River, passing through picturesque Austrian farmland and rolling hills dotted with forests and pastures.

Entering the Czech Republic at Guglwald, we drove towards Lake Vltava, traveling through the developing resort region — a year-round family getaway with amenities for both summer and winter. Whistler 20 years ago.

After a 45-minute drive, we arrived at the fortified city of Cesky Krumlov. The massif walls took us by surprise. Parking was easy to find, and we headed in with back packs to yet another pedestrian-only village. Towering palace cliffs and a huge archway welcomed us, leading us over a bridge and into winding cobblestone streets.

Our accommodation at Hotel Dvorak was grand, thanks to TP, our planner extraordinaire. The room on the top floor overlooked the river and the palace, providing stunning views. After unpacking, we set out for a tour of the old Krumlov brewery museum, ending with the new brewery where we enjoyed tasting the local brew.

We then strolled through the village and had dinner at a medieval-themed restaurant called Zum Salzbaron. The food, cooked by a red-sock-clad chef over a large wood-burning fireplace, was entertaining and  delish. After dinner, we took a walk along the river away from the tour bus crowds and relaxed on a patio, enjoying the tranquility of the now peaceful town.