Ceske Budejovice is a marvel of narrow alleys, winding lanes, and cobblestone streets creating a welcoming atmosphere enhanced by the sleepy canal. Home to one of Europe’s largest plazas, the city is picturesque and idyllic beneath the glowing sign of the historic Budvar beer factory. Your Workation representative will meet you at the airport and lead you to your accommodations during your time in the city. You can check your amenities to see how Workation supports your ability to succeed while in the Czech Republic. 

Take a walk to get acquainted with Ceske Budejovice by visiting King Premysl Otakar II Square, where arcades shaped by Baroque houses and the grand town hall develop an opulent atmosphere beneath the looming facade of the Cathedral of St. Nicholas. 

Focus: On arriving in Ceske Budejovice, take your time in your new accommodations to focus on your breath and observe the sensations in your body. This can help calm the mind, reduce stress, and ease you into your new surroundings. 

Suggestion: If you like beer, you can taste the slightly bitter Českobudějovické pivo to welcome yourself to the Czech Republic with the malty taste and pale color of the local beer.

With your first full day in Ceske Budejovice, you can tour the city for an exciting way to learn about the history, heritage, and present-day culture. A guide will help you get better acquainted with the city and introduce you to the important monuments through their meaningful connection with local history. 

As you make your way down the long stretch of street leading away from the main square, you can walk down Krajinska Street, known for its variety of architecture including the Art Nouveau palace and atmospheric porticos lending a more medieval atmosphere. By the riverfront, you can see how the Dominican monastery reflects in the serene water before you climb to the top of Rabenstein Tower for a great look at the surrounding rooftops with foundations from the 14th century. 

Focus: During your tour, you can practice mindful waking by focusing on the sensation of your feet touching the ground as you move. This can help you feel more grounded and connected to your surroundings as you get familiarized with the city. 

Suggestion: If you visit the Cathedral of St. Nicholas, you can enjoy the Baroque embellishments and fascinating history spanning more than 700 years. 

You have another day to explore and experience the beauty of Ceske Budejovice. You may find cafes floating on the Vlatava River or ride a bike through the countryside to find a microbrewery waiting on the outskirts of the forest. Ceske Budejovice is a great center for food and beer, representing its indelible connection to Bohemia and the greater Czech Republic. 

Participating in a food tour can give you better ideas on the local flavors and favorites as you sample the amazing food demonstrating the city’s historic connection to fruit growing, with a selection of lush, sweet, and acidic options you can sample that also lend their delicious flavors to small batches of local beer. Enjoy the aroma and distinctive flavor of the celebrated blue cheese with its marbled interior or have your first glass of the crips, refreshing Budvar. 

Focus: As you explore the tastes of the city, pay close attention to the smells, flavors, and texture of your food. This can help you appreciate your meal more fully and avoid overeating, while also giving you plenty of memories to recall after returning home.

Suggestion: Traditional beer lovers can enjoy the South Bohemia Beer Trail for a more intimate and intricate tasting of local beers.

As you begin your first day of work during your Czech Republic Workation package, you can put in place a ritual that will help kick-start your focus. A ritual is the combination of routine and intention, which can help you start or stop work no matter where you are in the world. At the end of the workday, disconnect from the computer and travel to Cesky Krumlov to explore the chambers and courtyards of the storybook castle complex. 

The Vltava River weaves around the hillside supporting Cesky Krumlov town and the stunning castle consisting of 40 Gothic structures and five courtyards. With elements dating back to the 14th century, you can walk through time as you witness Baroque furnishings, Renaissance decor, the prestigious figure of the 13th-century tower soaring high above the colorful gardens.

Focus: Practice staying aware of your body, especially when sitting for long periods during work. Starting at your toes, focus your attention on each part of your body and observe any sensations or tension to increase body awareness and promote relaxation.

Suggestion: When touring the castle grounds, pay attention to the tapestries and paintings, as well as the nearby Cloak Bridge.

You have another opportunity to put your ritual into place in the morning. It could be practicing mindful breathing to prepare for focus or simply grabbing a Turkish coffee at a local cafe to enjoy the atmosphere before starting your day. At the end of work, you can disconnect from your projects. Your Workation representative will meet you at your accommodations and take you to Hluboka Castle before reaching Telc.

Hluboka Castle is a Neo-Gothic jewel steeped in romanticism and resembling the grandeur of English royalty. The castle’s foundations began in the 13th century and you can enter the palace to visit a number of the 140 rooms to view coffered ceilings and crystal chandeliers. Much of the kitchen equipment is preserved from the 19th century. Once in Telc, relax at your new accommodations and enjoy the evening. 

Focus: Focus on how your body is feeling during work and when traveling to Telc. Bring your attention to your body and notice any sensations, thoughts, or emotions that arise. This practice can help you become more present at the moment and increase self-awareness.

Suggestion:  For a great introduction to Telc, you can have dinner in the main square where restaurants, cafes, and shops offer a fantastic atmosphere. 

In the morning you can grab an early coffee and notice the beauty of Telc in the light. The cafes often emit aromas of roasted beans and freshly baked pastries wafting among the vibrantly painted facades of the historic center. By putting in place a ritual earlier, you are able to dive into work in your new accommodations in Telc without missing a beat. When you are done, you can explore the town. A guide could introduce you to the town in a more meaningful way. 

One of the most famous images of the city is the Painted Ladies in namesti Zacharias z Hradce Square. The colorful collection of Renaissance and Baroque homes becomes a gorgeous display of the past in long rows of ornate embellishments showing the historic wealth and ostentation of the community. You may even locate the nearby Renaissance frescoes decorating the homes of families first discovered in the 1950s. 

Focus: Practice active listening and focus on the present moment during your tours. What information stands out to you? What do you recall long after your tour is complete? 

Suggestion: Look for signifiers on the Painted Ladies, like coats of arms, that may tell you which families lived inside.

By now you may have settled into your ritual making it much easier to start your day and disconnect from work by the end of your projects. For a great way to discover more of Telc, you can take the underground tour, exploring the nearly 500 feet of tunnels showcasing the wealth of history with every step. 

A guided tour will lead you along the various channels assisted by multimedia presentations. Listen to the acoustics as you walk through the tunnel, which may explain the different time periods by how they constructed the floors. View the historic maps and interact with the tunnels. 

If you prefer to stay above ground, you can climb to the top of the city’s symbols by reaching the panoramic view from the st. James towers hovering over the town square. The view of the long row of colorful houses may look different from above, especially when surrounded by the encroaching streets. 

Focus: Pay attention to sounds during your day and what stands out to you. Do you hear the water or listen to the breeze? You may find joy in the task of walking just by paying attention to the different sensations around you. 

Suggestion: The watch tower is another place for a great view over Telc if you prefer to have St. James Cathedral as part of your panorama. 

Your last day of work during the week demonstrates the success of your Czech Republic Workation package. Employ your routine once more to engage and disengage from work when you are ready. For even more separation between work and exploration, you can visit the Church of the Mother of God to follow the charming path around the pond. 

The peaceful atmosphere can separate your work week from your weekend as you notice the cows grazing in the meadow or the fish leaping from the water. You can continue to Telc Castle for another fantastic representation of the Czech Republic’s elegance and the local prestige shown inside the medieval Gothic castle built around the 16th century. 

Focus: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding, especially during difficult moments. Perhaps you didn’t get as much done during the week as you anticipated or didn’t explore as much as you had hoped. By treating yourself with kindness and understanding, you can reduce self-criticism and increase self-acceptance.

Suggestion: Take advantage of the garden path and castle walls at Telc Castle for a great perspective on broader Moravia. 

You have another full day to explore the Czech Republic your way, which can take you to the fabulous REnaissance city of  Jindrichuv Hradec, where hundreds of years of history emerge as a crossroads for trade and international commerce. Aristocrats developed the city along the whims of generational trends with the Renaissance leaving the most significant impact on the architecture inspired by Mediterranean light opening to the rolling hills of South Bohemia. 

If you visit the chateau, you can hear the legend of the White Lady, whose husband cursed her when she would not forgive his grievances of their unhappy marriage as he lay dying. As the castle looms large in the present, the historic city center has a magical atmosphere featuring colorful houses and a Baroque statue of the holy Trinity. You can continue to the town of Tabor, where it’s easy to become enchanted with the panoramic views, colorful architecture, and sounds of the rushing river reaching around the castle tower. 

Focus: Cultivate feelings of kindness and compassion towards yourself and others as you explore outside of Telc. It could be as simple as taking the day slowly and enjoying your surroundings in a meaningful, intentional way. 

Suggestion: When in Tabor, don’t miss the monastery at its interesting Baroque features

In the morning, it will be difficult not to revisit Hradec Square to enjoy the view of the colorful buildings and the smells of coffee with pastries coming from the cafes. You may want to walk around Marion’s column once more to view the tower of stone surrounded by angels as a farewell to town. 

Your Workation representative will meet you at your accommodations and take you to the airport for your departure flight. Instead of returning directly home, you can extend your Workation in the Czech Republic or by visiting another country, now that you have put your ritual in place to get you ready for the workday.

Focus: Focus on things you’re grateful for, no matter how small, such as the time you spent on your Czech Republic Workation, the experiences you had, or even as simple as the morning smell of coffee. Doing this in the morning can help you cultivate a positive outlook on your day and increase you happiness.

Suggestion:  The closest airport to Telc is Brno. Find out how easy it is to fly from your home airport to Brno rather than Prague.