Embark on a 10-day photography tour through the Czech Republic, featuring visits to five UNESCO Heritage sites. Capture the historic allure of Prague, the gothic grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral, and the charming streets of Český Krumlov. Witness breathtaking sunrises and explore vineyard-laden hills in South Moravia. This journey promises a blend of architectural wonders and picturesque landscapes, creating an unforgettable photographic adventure.
Embark on a photographer’s dream journey through the Czech Republic, a tour meticulously crafted to capture the essence of its rich culture and heritage. Over ten days, immerse yourself in various photographic genres, from architectural marvels to the natural splendor of landscapes.
Start your adventure in the heart of Prague, one of the most beautiful and unspoiled cities in Europe, capturing the ethereal beauty of sunrise over the Charles Bridge and the timeless elegance of the Old Town Square. Marvel at the gothic intricacies of St. Vitus Cathedral and the Astronomical Clock, where history is etched in every detail. This tour isn’t just about capturing sights; it’s about photographing the soul of Czech history.
As the journey unfolds, we’ll explore the UNESCO-listed wonders of Český Krumlov and Telč, where Renaissance architecture provides a backdrop for stunning street and architectural photography. In Třebíč, the St. Procopius Basilica stands as a testament to artistic and religious heritage, offering unique photographic opportunities.
Moving to the serene landscapes of South Moravia, sometimes referred to as Moravian Tuscany, the tour embraces nature and rural photography, with scenes of vineyard-laden hills and the iconic ‘Wave’ viewpoint. These locations are carefully selected for their visual appeal and cultural significance, allowing photographers to focus on capturing picturesque landscapes with their lenses.
The tour is tailored for photographers, ensuring ample time for guided shoots and personal exploration. Experience intimate photo shoots, like a private session in the glasswork workshop, Strahov Library, or Municipal House, and capture the 270-year-old candle-lit ambiance of a traditional wine cellar.
Every day on the Czechia photo tour brings a balance of iconic sights, hidden gems, and photo opportunities, from the grandeur of chateaus to the quaint charm of cobblestone streets and rural windmills. Culminating in Prague with a particular focus on its Jewish Quarter and the poetic landscape of the Vrtba Garden, this tour promises a comprehensive photographic exploration of the Czech Republic’s diverse cultural tapestry.
Join us on an unforgettable photography journey and bring home great images you’ll be proud of!
On the Czech Republic photo tour, we will regularly take advantage of soft light and shoot at sunrise and sunset. In addition to that, we have an interesting photographic program in place for the mid-day. You will also have the opportunity to learn how to make your images pop during our post-processing sessions.
If you cancel:
An additional cancellation fee of 150 EUR applies to cover the payment fees and our service fee.
Below, you find the carefully designed day-by-day itinerary. The plan can be adjusted to accommodate the group’s pace and weather conditions.
On May 8, begin your Czech photographic adventure with a smooth airport transfer to your hotel, conveniently located steps away from the iconic Charles Bridge in Prague, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Settle into the heart of Czech culture and history, preparing for the days of exploration ahead.
Your evening starts with a welcome dinner, an ideal opportunity to mingle with fellow photography enthusiasts, discuss the upcoming itinerary, and soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the magical city of Prague. This relaxed evening sets the tone for your journey through the rich tapestry of Czech heritage and picturesque landscapes.
Rise early for a mesmerizing sunrise shoot at the famous Charles Bridge, capturing the first light over the Vltava River against Prague’s historic skyline. After breakfast, explore the Old Town, photographing the architectural wonders of the Old Town Square and the Old Town Bridge Tower.
Enjoy a traditional Czech lunch at a restaurant in the heart of Prague, followed by an afternoon filled with photographic marvels, including the Astronomical Clock and panoramic views from the Old Town Hall Tower.
Your day culminates with a sunset and blue hour session at Charles Bridge, capturing Prague’s transformation under the evening sky.
After breakfast, we’ll explore the grand Prague Castle area, featuring the magnificent St. Vitus Cathedral and its interior, a perfect subject for architectural photography. We will also practice the intentional camera movement (ICM) technique. You’ll have the rest of the morning free to explore other parts of the Prague Castle complex on your own.
After that, enjoy a private shoot in the Strahov Monastery with its stunning Baroque library halls. This is an unparalleled experience for any photographer.
Savor lunch at a historic restaurant near Strahov Monastery and then enjoy a free afternoon that you can use for resting or exploring the city on your own.
The day ends with a sunset shoot from Letna Park, offering stunning views of Prague’s skyline and many bridges. You’ll quickly understand why Prague is called “the city of a hundred spires” and why millions of tourists visit the city every year.
Begin your day leisurely with no scheduled sunrise shoot. After breakfast, depart for Hluboká, capturing the elegance of Hluboká Chateau. Renowned as one of the most beautiful chateaus in the Czech Republic, this romantic castle boasts striking neo-Gothic architecture, providing a picturesque setting for photography.
Continue to the gem of South Bohemia – Cesky Krumlov, another UNESCO World Heritage site known for its beautifully preserved medieval architecture. After hotel check-in right in the heart of the historic center, seize the opportunity to photograph Český Krumlov’s enchanting streets and castle during the golden and blue hours, showcasing the town’s fairytale-like ambiance.
Awake before dawn to capture Český Krumlov’s surreal beauty at sunrise, where the soft morning light bathes the cobblestone streets and facades of medieval houses in a golden glow, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
After this enchanting start and hearty breakfast, depart for South Moravia. En route, visit Třebíč to pay a visit and photograph the UNESCO-listed St. Procopius Basilica, a gem of Romanesque-Gothic architecture with its remarkable frescoes and intricate stonework, offering a unique blend of art and history for your lens.
Post-lunch, continue the drive to the picturesque landscapes full of lines in South Moravia. We check in at a cozy family-run accommodation in the region’s heart so you can taste rural life in the Moravian countryside.
At sunset, you will shoot at ‘The Wave,’ a location that presents the rolling hills in their full, breathtaking splendor. You’ll seek interesting compositions with your telephoto lens.
Embrace the early morning light with a sunrise shoot at a charming chapel surrounded by colorful, wavy green fields, capturing the tranquil beauty of the region as the day begins.
After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive to Mikulov, where a short hike to Svatý kopeček unveils panoramic vistas perfect for landscape photography.
Enjoy lunch in the historic town of Lednice, then proceed to the Lednice Chateau, part of the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape. This fairy-tale castle, surrounded by lush gardens and serene ponds, presents a stunning example of neo-Gothic architecture. The abundance of birds in the park will also provide wildlife photography opportunities.
The day’s photographic journey ends with a sunset session at the Kunkovice windmill, an idyllic rural setting that captures the timeless essence of the Czech countryside.
Begin Day 7 with a sunrise shoot amidst the picturesque landscapes of South Moravia. You will capture the delicate beauty of a cherry tree set in a realm of patterns of vineyards as the first light of the day paints the scene in warm hues. This serene morning offers a peaceful moment to appreciate the region’s natural splendor.
After breakfast, the day continues with a blend of relaxation and post-processing time, allowing you to refine your captures.
After lunch, we can discuss the photography business, and run a feedback session. There will be time to edit your images or rest in a garden with a glass of refreshing frizzante.
Depending on the group’s preference, the day may also include an optional afternoon shoot in another photogenic location in Moravia.
As the evening unfolds, delve into the atmospheric charm of a 270-year-old candle-lit wine cellar, a perfect setting for capturing evocative and moody shots. You also get to do another wine tasting of award-winning wines with a local professional sommelier.
Day 8 begins leisurely without a sunrise shoot, allowing for a relaxed breakfast. You can photograph the traditional hobbit-like wine cellars, capturing their rustic charm and historical significance.
Next, embark on a journey from the lovely region of South Moravia to Telč, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. In the medieval town of Telč, you can photograph the picturesque town square lined with traditional houses with attractive gables and the reflective pond with Telč Castle in the background, a perfect example of Renaissance architecture and scenic beauty.
After lunch in Telč, drive to the Vltava River Bend viewpoint Máj. It’s arguably the prettiest Bohemian viewpoint of the Vltava River. Here, you’ll be greeted with stunning views of the surrounding landscape, ideal for capturing the sunset in its full glory.
The day concludes with a return drive to Prague, preparing for the final leg of your photographic adventure in this enchanting city.
The day begins with a journey to a small town near Prague, where you’ll visit a renowned glasswork workshop. Capture the intricate art of glassblowing and the vibrant colors of the glass pieces, offering a unique glimpse into this traditional Czech craft. I prepared an unforgettable experience for you there, so be ready for a surprise.
Then, head to the elegant UNESCO-listed spa town of Karlovy Vary, known for its ornate colonnades and thermal springs. Spend the afternoon, sunset, and blue hour photographing the grandeur of this historic town, which has splendid architecture and natural hot springs.
The day’s journey concludes with a drive back to Prague, offering time to reflect on the rich cultural experiences captured through your lens.
After breakfast, explore the Spanish Synagogue, renowned for its stunning Moorish interior and beautifully detailed decor. It offers a remarkable opportunity for capturing the interplay of light and intricate design elements. Then, you can explore the rest of the Jewish Quarter at your own pace.
In the early afternoon, we’ll embark on a private photo tour of the Municipal House with its visually striking Smetana Hall, a prime example of Art Nouveau architecture.
Later, visit the serene Vrtba Garden in Malá Strana, capturing its Baroque landscaping and city views.
The day concludes with a sunset and blue hour shoot at the Dancing House. This striking building, designed by Frank Gehry, is known for its deconstructivist, post-modern architecture. Its unique, fluid design mimics a dancing couple, providing a dynamic and modern contrast to Prague’s historical backdrop.
The tour concludes with a farewell dinner, a fitting end to your journey through Prague’s diverse architectural landscape.
Your photographic journey through the Czech Republic concludes on Day 11, May 18. After a final breakfast at your hotel, enjoy some leisure time to reflect on the incredible experiences and images you’ve captured.
Check out from your hotel by 10:00 am and take a moment to bid farewell to the city that has been your canvas for the past ten days. We’ll arrange a smooth airport transfer to ensure a hassle-free journey back to the airport, allowing you to relax and reminisce about the unforgettable moments and stunning sights you’ve encountered in the center of Europe.
As you depart, carry with you not just photographs but memories and stories that will continue to inspire long after this journey ends.
Please note the itinerary is subject to change. We will do our best, so you have an enjoyable experience and can get the best pictures possible, even if it means changing the plan.
We will also run post-processing sessions in Adobe Lightroom Classic CC to provide another benefit from this photo tour. We will work on your images from the tour and unlock their full potential.
Jan will take you on a journey from unattractive and flat photos to vibrant, appealing, professional-looking pictures that will sell well.
In a short time, you’ll understand why editing your photos is important and how to do it efficiently.
For post-processing sessions, we’ll use the time for rest and do it in small groups of two participants.
Upon request, we can also discuss various topics such as the photography business, digital asset management, backup workflow, the basics of Photoshop, or anything else that interests you.
You will fly to Prague Václav Havel International Airport (PRG). It would be best if you arrived early in the afternoon to make it in time for our dinner at 6:00 pm. We will arrange your transportation to the hotel upon arrival and before departure.
We will use taxis in Prague to reach locations further from the hotel.
Outside of Prague, we will use a comfortable personal estate vehicle, allowing for ample space and comfort during the tour. The tour leader will drive the car.
In Prague and Český Krumlov, you will stay at comfortable 4-star hotels in the historic city center, only steps away from the principal attractions, so you don’t have to cut down on precious sleep.
In South Moravia, you will spend three nights in cozy rooms in a family-run guest house in a quaint Moravian village to get a taste of life in the countryside.
Jan carefully arranges the lodging, featuring cozy, spacious rooms and offering a fantastic experience so you feel comfortable and can rest well.
All accommodations serve hearty breakfast.
Hotels serve delicious breakfasts. We’ll have lunch on the way based on our plan for the day. We’ll typically have dinners before the evening shoots; on a couple of days, the dinner will be faster, so we don’t sacrifice the shooting time in optimal light.
You’ll always have access to complimentary bottles of water in our car.
This tour’s difficulty is easy, so anybody with a regular physique should be fine. Most shooting locations require just a 5-15 minute walk.
Expect to walk between 10,000 and 15,000 steps daily.
In Prague, we will walk about 6 km (4 miles) daily on cobbled streets. One tower we will ascend doesn’t have a lift, so you’ll have to walk 138 steps up or rest in the meantime.
The town of Český Krumlov is very compact, but to reach the viewpoints, you walk a little uphill occasionally; the same goes for the Hluboká Castle. But again, if you are used to walking, you’ll be fine.
In Mikulov, we take a 20-minute hike with 123 meters (400 ft) of elevation gain to reach a splendid town vista.
Reaching the Vltava River Bend’s marvelous viewpoint will take about 25 minutes (61 meters / 200 ft of elevation gain); getting to the prime shooting spot requires a 2-minute walk on uneven terrain and holding onto rocks. You don’t have to do it if you don’t feel like it; Jan will help you the best he can so you can make it.
A basic fitness level is recommended, as some days might involve consecutive short walks or hikes to reach prime shooting spots.
The drives between locations are designed for comfort, with scheduled breaks to ensure participants are energized.
You can also take our self-assessment quiz that indicates whether our photo tours are a good fit for you. Get your personalized report now.
This Czech Republic tour suits all photography levels – from beginners to seasoned pros. It will help if you know the basics of exposure and composition and are comfortable handling your camera. Terms like aperture, shutter speed, ISO, depth of field, bracketing, or self-timer should be in your vocabulary.
If you’re a complete beginner with a passion for photography and need clarification on whether to visit the Czech Republic with Jan, get in touch, please.
You can also take our self-assessment quiz that indicates whether our photo tours are a good fit for you. Get your personalized report now.
Jan is an award-winning landscape and travel photographer born and raised in Prague. Jan has run photography tours in Prague with his Johnny’s Prague Photo Tours for nine years, acclaimed with several international tourism awards, e.g., Photography Tour Operator of the Year, Best Photography Tour Services in Prague, Tour Company of the Year, and others. His work has resulted in 250+ five-star reviews on Tripadvisor over the last decade. You’ll be in good hands. On multi-day tours with Jan, you’ll benefit from learning to understand composition and exposure, learning new photographic techniques, and embracing the mindset of a travel photographer.
"Jan is an outstanding photographer and tour organizer. I had the privilege of taking his 10-day photography tour of the Czech Republic in May 2024.
A skilled and passionate photographer, Jan went above and beyond to ensure that the group members had opportunities to improve their photography skills through an enjoyable tour.
Jan has the ability to explain photography concepts and adapt his instruction to group members with various levels of photography knowledge. He also provided excellent guidance on composition and post-processing of images. I especially appreciated Jan’s friendliness, patience, good humour, and interesting conversations on a broad range of topics.
The itinerary was well-balanced, with a mix of cityscapes and rural landscapes, as well as some down time to do post-processing of images or just to relax. It was particularly helpful that Jan took us to photo shoot vantage points that would have been hard to find on our own. While every day provided incredible new sights, the highlight for me was photographing landscapes in south Moravia and learning about the local culture.
My photography skills have improved dramatically as a result of this tour and I highly recommend Jan to anyone looking to improve their photography skills through Shuttermoon’s travel photography tours.
I am grateful for Jan’s dedication to photography, his support of my learning journey, and am hopeful to continue to explore travel photography with him again in the future."
"Just returned from a tour of the Czech Republic with Shuttermoon. Jan did a fabulous job with this trip. His attention to detail and pre departure communication made sure that all my questions were answered. The itinerary was packed and a bit of a whirlwind but so enjoyable. Having been to Prague previously, I was excited to see other parts of the country and the tour did not disappoint. The itinerary was varied and each day presented something different to experience – both from a photography and cultural experience standpoint.
From a photography perspective I appreciated Jan helping me move out of my comfort zone and photograph subjects that I do not usually photograph. Needless to say, I learned a lot along the way that will help me become a better photographer – both in the field and post production. With his help I have a lot of “keeper” photos from the trip and increased confidence in my skills.
I would have no reservations recommending Jan and Shuttermoon tours and look forward to joining another tour in the near future."
"Even for a non-photographer this was a great trip. I got to see parts of the Czech Republic that the average traveler would not get to get. In addition the restaurants chosen for meals very good. I also learned some photography techniques to use with a cell phone. Highly recommended trip."
During our photo tour across various regions of the Czech Republic, expect a spring climate with moderate temperatures and a possibility of rain.
Early mornings can be cool, with temperatures around 10-12°C (50-54°F), while daytime temperatures typically range from 18-22°C (64-72°F). In the evening, temperatures may drop slightly, so it’s advisable to be prepared with layers.
Given the likelihood of occasional showers, carrying a waterproof jacket and protection for your camera gear is recommended (a simple shower cap from your hotel bathroom will do).
Comfortable walking shoes are essential for exploring the cities and countryside. Also, consider bringing a hat and sunscreen for daytime outdoor photography sessions.
Sunrises are approximately at 5:20 am, and sunsets are around 8:40 pm on these dates. The morning blue hour is between 4:40 and 4:56 am; in the evening, it’s between 9:03 and 9:1931 pm.
The Czech Republic Photo Tour is operated by We Travel the World s.r.o., identification number (ID): 08351864, head office address: gen. Píky 300/12a, Řepčín, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic; registered at the Regional Court in Ostrava under file no. C 79254. You can review their Terms of Use.
Yes, non-photographers are also welcome, and Jan designed the tour for their enjoyment. The tour price for non-photographers is the same as for photographers.
Take our self-assessment quiz to find out. After answering mostly Yes/No questions that cover areas such as photography, fitness, and comfort levels, you will receive a personalized report showing whether our tours are suitable for you.
Answer 28 questions and receive a personalized report that will help you understand your strengths and areas for improvement.
The average time to complete is 15 minutes.
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