Litomyšl Chateau Day Trip with Private Driver
A Renaissance arcaded chateau whose facade is covered with thousands of sgraffito "love letters" — one of the most beautiful of its kind in Central Europe. Inside, an original chateau theatre survives; nearby, the birthplace of composer Bedřich Smetana. No transfers, no parking, no waiting. Fixed price from Prague or direct from the airport.
Why go here
A chateau covered in love letters
Litomyšl lies in eastern Bohemia, roughly 155 kilometres from Prague. Its Renaissance chateau was built between 1568 and 1581 by Vratislav of Pernštejn, with Italian masters working on the construction. The result is an elegant arcaded chateau whose facade is covered with around eight thousand sgraffito love letters — and no two are exactly alike.
The chateau is one of the best-preserved Renaissance residences in the country. Besides the arcaded courtyard, you'll find a rare chateau theatre from the late 18th century with its original stage sets. In the chateau brewery, in the year 1824 — the year composer Bedřich Smetana was born. It’s his legacy that inspired the famous opera festival Smetana’s Litomyšl. The château has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1999.
From Prague, it’s about 155 kilometers by car, and the drive takes roughly two hours. With a private driver, you leave whenever you like — he’ll drop you right at the château, and the same car will bring you back in the evening. On the way, you can stop in Polička or Pardubice.
What to see in Litomyšl
The places people come here for
The château grounds and historic town are walkable, and everything is close by. The château, the theatre, and a stroll under the arcades — you can do it all in a single day.
Sgraffito façade
The château’s exterior is covered with around eight thousand sgraffito panels — tiny carved rectangles, each one different. Up close, it’s a fascinating piece of handiwork by Renaissance masters.
The façade looks best in the angled afternoon light, when the sgraffito casts shadows.
Arcaded courtyard
The heart of the château is a three-story arcaded courtyard in the Italian style — airy, elegant, and exceptionally well preserved. It’s one of the most beautiful Renaissance courtyards in the country.
A guided tour of the interiors takes you through state rooms and the library.
Château theatre
The château’s crown jewel is a Neoclassical château theatre from the late 18th century, with original sets and stage machinery still intact. Only a handful of such theatres survive in Europe.
It’s included in the tour circuits and will transport you back in time.
Smetana's Birthplace & the Town
In the castle brewery, Bedřich Smetana was born in 1824. The composer's legacy lives on through the Smetana's Litomyšl festival. The elongated Jiráskovo Square with its arcades is one of the most beautiful in Bohemia.
Also worth a visit is the Portmoneum — a house decorated with paintings by Josef Váchal.
Smetana's Litomyšl
An international open-air opera festival held in the castle courtyard — one of the oldest and most prestigious in the country.
Castle Theatre
A rare, preserved Neoclassical theatre with original stage sets from the late 18th century.
Portmoneum
A house filled with the bizarre paintings and furniture of Josef Váchal — a unique artistic landmark just off the square.
Jiráskovo Square
A long, elongated square lined with burgher houses featuring arcades. The heart of the historic town.
Piarist Church
The Baroque Church of the Finding of the Holy Cross, right next to the castle, completes the skyline of the complex.
Nearby Polička
The birthplace of Bohuslav Martinů, with well-preserved town walls. A great stop if you want to extend your trip.
Day-trip idea
What your day could look like
A sample itinerary — your driver will always adapt to you. You can stop in Polička or Pardubice along the way.
Realistic day budget
What a day like this costs — no hidden fees
Why go with a private driver
Comfort and peace of mind
No transfers, no waiting at stations, no surprises at the end. Just tell us the time and number of people.
- Fixed price upfront — you'll know it when you book, and it won't change due to traffic or delays.
- Private car just for you — no sharing with strangers, no detours or waiting.
- Pickup anywhere — from your hotel, apartment, or right at the arrivals hall of Václav Havel Airport (PRG).
- Free flight monitoring — if your flight is delayed, your driver will wait; we track arrivals.
- Child seats — available on request at no extra charge, just let us know the children's ages.
- The whole day your way — return trip and waiting time included, stops along the route as agreed.
Price – one way
Fixed price for a one-way trip. The return journey, waiting time, and full-day trip are added according to the pricing below.
Book this trip →How the price is calculated
Clear trip pricing
The base is the price for the journey to your destination. The return trip and any longer waiting time are added using simple rules — you always know exactly what you're paying for.
| Option (sedan, 1–4 people) | Price |
|---|---|
One-way transfer — trip there Prague → Litomyšl. Your driver drops you off and returns empty. |
5,580 CZK |
Round trip with up to 2 hours waiting Trip there + 2 h waiting included + return trip (+50 %). 5,580 + 2,790. |
8,370 CZK |
Round trip with 6 hours waiting Round trip (8,370) + 4 hours over the limit × 400 CZK (1,600). |
9,970 CZK |
Full-day trip — driver available ~9 hours Round trip base 8,370 + ~3 h of program over the limit × 400 (1,200). Tailored custom quote. |
~ 9,570 CZK |
Minivan (5–8 people): same calculation, higher base fare — trip there 7,750 CZK. · Prices shown are indicative examples; we'll confirm the exact fixed price when you book, based on the date, number of people, and itinerary.
Practical info
Before you go
When to visit
Litomyšl is lovely year-round. In June, the Smetana's Litomyšl festival brings the town to life. Spring and autumn are quieter.
Tours
The castle interiors and theatre are only accessible with a guide on several circuits. In season, come in the morning or check availability in advance.
Walkable centre
The castle grounds and the square are pedestrian-friendly and close together. With a private driver, parking isn't your concern — they'll drop you as close as possible.
What to try
East Bohemian cuisine and local specialties at the patisseries. Jirásek Square has plenty of cafés and restaurants.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes for cobblestones, layers of clothing, and a camera. The sgraffito facade and arcades are a dream for photos.
How much time
Half a day is enough for the castle with the theatre and the square. Add Portmoneum, lunch, and a stroll, and plan for a full day.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your Top Questions Answered
How far is Litomyšl from Prague and how long does the trip take?
It’s about 155 km east of Prague, in Eastern Bohemia. The drive takes roughly two hours. With a private driver, you travel directly — no transfers, no waiting.
Can you pick us up directly at the airport?
Yes. We’ll meet you in the arrivals hall at Václav Havel Airport (PRG) holding a name sign. We track your flight, so if it’s delayed, your driver will wait.
Will the driver wait and take us back to Prague?
Yes. We offer a full-day trip with waiting time on site, as well as a standard return transfer at a pre-arranged time. We’ll tailor the option and price to your itinerary when you book.
Is the price really final?
Yes. You’ll know the price upfront, and it’s fixed — unaffected by traffic, jams, or detours. No meter, no surprise charges at the end.
What can we do in Litomyšl for a day?
Explore the Renaissance château with its arcaded courtyard and theatre, admire the sgraffito façade, stroll under the arcades of the main square, and visit Portmoneum. You can also add on Polička or Pardubice.
Is the trip suitable for families with children?
Yes, we provide child seats on request at no extra cost. The château, courtyard, and square are easy to navigate and comfortable with a stroller.
Can we combine the trip with another stop?
Absolutely. Popular combos include Polička or Pardubice. Just let your driver know — they’ll be happy to adjust the itinerary.
Let Us Tailor Your Litomyšl Day Trip
Tell us your date, group size, and preferred time — we’ll confirm the fixed price and itinerary right away.
Book Your Trip → +420 776 508 777