prague - graz

Departure is scheduled for around 6:44 from Prague main station on the most modern ÖBB/ČD train heading to Graz. During the journey, we will travel along the unique Semmering mountain railway, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Upon arrival at Graz main station, a local Czech- or Slovak-speaking guide will welcome us right on the platform. Then we will transfer to the hotel followed by a guided city tour. Graz (Štýrský Hradec) is Austria's second-largest city after Vienna. Its historic center features narrow streets and picturesque courtyards that together create an atmosphere that earned the city another UNESCO listing. Our walk will take us to the Mur River, which flows through the heart of the city. We will visit the main square Hauptplatz, see the richly decorated town hall, and also the famous Landhaus – one of the most important Renaissance buildings in Central Europe with beautiful arcades. We won’t miss the Glokenspiel, a carillon with an astronomical clock, which is one of the popular attractions. Next, we will pass by the mausoleum of Emperor Ferdinand II and finish the tour with a climb up Schloßberg hill, where we will enjoy a stunning view over the entire city. At the top, we will also visit the iconic Uhrturm clock tower, one of Graz’s symbols.

TIP: Near Schloßberg is the world’s longest underground slide. It measures an impressive 170 meters, and you can reach speeds of up to 30 km/h while sliding down it!

graz

After breakfast at the hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to tailor to your interests. We suggest using this time for shopping or visiting sights and museums. Shopping enthusiasts will certainly enjoy the Kastner & Öhler department store, one of the most important retail institutions in the region. Interestingly, this company was the first in Central Europe to introduce fixed prices and built the very first department store in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. The trip also includes a Freizeit-Ticket Styria, valid on weekends and public holidays throughout Styria. With this ticket, you can take free trips to interesting destinations around Graz. One recommended spot is Eggenberg Palace, considered the city’s most significant baroque building. However, please note it is closed to the public from November to March. Another option is the Kunsthaus Graz, a modern art gallery whose futuristic building has become a contemporary symbol of the city. The Murinsel, an artificial island on the Mur River that blends modern architecture with natural scenery, is also worth a visit. For nature lovers, we recommend taking a regional train to the Austrian open-air museum Stübing, the largest of its kind in Austria. This site is also closed during the winter months (November–March). A fascinating spiritual and historical site is Rein Abbey, the oldest continuously operating Cistercian monastery in the world. Adventurous visitors might explore the Lurgrotte Peggau cave, which offers Austria’s longest guided tour route, measuring two kilometers. Another option is a trip to the town of Leoben, where you can enjoy a relaxing day at the luxurious Asia Spa Leoben thermal baths, connected to a hotel. For those wanting to experience local life and taste Styrian specialties, we recommend visiting one of the local markets. On the right bank of the Mur River is the Lendplatz market, while the largest market in Graz is located at Kaiser-Josef-Platz square. Both markets are open Monday to Saturday from 6:00 to 13:00 and offer a wide selection of fresh products and local delicacies. For easy public transport route planning, we recommend using the website: www.verbundlinie.at.

graz - prague

After breakfast at the hotel, you have the option to spend the rest of the morning on your own, exploring the city further. During the warmer months, we recommend enjoying a picnic in one of Graz's popular city parks, such as Augartenpark, Stadtpark, or other green spaces scattered around the city, which offer a peaceful setting for relaxation and views of the city. Departure back to the Czech Republic is scheduled for approximately 14:26.