Private Driver Day Trip to Hluboká Castle
A white fairy-tale castle perched above the Vltava River, built by the Schwarzenbergs in the image of Windsor Castle in England. One of the most beautiful and visited castles in the country. No transfers, no parking hassles, no waiting. Fixed price from Prague or directly from the airport.
Why this destination
A castle straight out of a storybook
Hluboká sits on a rocky promontory above the Vltava River, about nine kilometers north of České Budějovice. Originally a 13th-century Gothic watchtower, its dazzling white appearance today is the work of the Schwarzenberg family. Between 1840 and 1871, they had it completely rebuilt in Tudor neo-Gothic style, modeled after England's royal Windsor Castle — the design came from Viennese architect Franz Beer.
The result is a romantic castle with hundreds of battlements, oriel windows, and turrets, surrounded by an English-style park. Inside, you'll find richly decorated interiors and the famous library with a coffered ceiling, an armory, and the former winter riding hall now houses the Alšova jihočeská galerie. It’s no wonder Hluboká is one of the most visited castles in the country.
From Prague, it’s roughly 150 kilometers by car, and the drive on the D3 highway takes about two hours. With a private driver, there’s no need to switch from train to bus or watch the clock — you leave when you want, the driver drops you right at the castle, and the same car takes you back in the evening. Along the way, you can stop in České Budějovice or at the Ohrada hunting lodge.
What to see at Hluboká
The places people come here for
The grounds are mostly walkable, and everything is within easy reach. You can comfortably tour the castle, visit the Alšova Gallery, and stroll through the park all in one day.
The castle exterior and main tower
This dazzling white structure with hundreds of battlements, oriel windows, and turrets looks like England’s Windsor Castle transplanted to South Bohemia. The main tower rises 52 meters and takes 245 steps to climb. The castle is most beautiful in the evening light, when its facade turns a golden hue.
In front of the castle are manicured gardens with trimmed hedges and benches — a lovely spot for your first photos.
The castle interiors
A guided tour takes you through grand halls filled with wood carvings, leather wallpapers, and Brussels tapestries. The highlight is the library with its coffered ceiling. You’ll also see the armory, a neo-Gothic chapel with the late Gothic Netolice Ark, and the authentic castle kitchen.
On the corridors, you’ll be surprised by an extensive collection of antlers — a classic reminder of the Schwarzenberg family hunts.
Alšova South Bohemian Gallery
Housed in the castle’s former winter riding hall, the Alšova South Bohemian Gallery boasts one of the country’s largest collections of Gothic and Baroque art. The riding hall itself is a sight to behold.
It’s the perfect complement to a castle tour — and a welcome refuge from the rain.
English Park & Orangery
The castle is surrounded by a sprawling English-style park with statues, mature trees, and an orangery. Winding paths lead all the way to the Vltava River and the Hluboká Dam, a site of European ecological importance.
Strolling through the park is free — a refreshing counterpoint to touring the interiors.
Ohrada Hunting Lodge
A Baroque hunting lodge just outside Hluboká, home to the Museum of Forestry, Hunting, and Fishing. A great stop on the way or after your castle visit.
Hluboká Zoo
Right next to Ohrada, this zoo focuses on European wildlife. Perfect if you’re traveling with kids — easy to combine with the castle.
České Budějovice
Just nine kilometres away. The vast Přemysl Otakar II Square, the Black Tower, and the Budvar brewery — a natural extension to your trip.
Vltava River & Weirs
Below the castle you can walk along the Vltava River and out to the Hluboká weir. A peaceful stroll through riverside greenery.
Castle Gardens
The manicured gardens and orangery right next to the castle are open to the public and offer the best views of the white façade.
In Hluboká and České Budějovice you can try carp, South Bohemian specialities, and authentic Budvar straight from the source.
Day Trip Idea
What your day could look like
A suggested itinerary — your driver will always adapt to you. You can stop in České Budějovice or at the Ohrada château along the way or at the end.
Realistic Day Budget
What a day like this costs — no hidden items
Why go with a private driver
Comfort and peace of mind
No transfers, no waiting at train stations, no surprises at the end. Just tell us your time and group size.
- Fixed price upfront — you’ll see it when you book, and it won’t change due to traffic or delays.
- Your own private car — no sharing with strangers, no detours or waiting around.
- 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, the driver will wait; we track arrivals.
- Child seats — available on request at no extra charge, just let us know the children’s ages.
- Your day, your way — we wait at the destination and stop along the route as you wish. Return trip included on request.
One-way price
Fixed price for a one-way trip. Return journey, waiting time, and full-day excursions are added according to the pricing below.
Book this trip →How pricing works
Clear trip pricing
The base price covers your ride to the destination. Return trip and extra waiting time are added using simple rules — so you always know what you're paying for upfront.
| Option (sedan, 1–4 pax) | Price |
|---|---|
One-way transfer — trip there Prague → Hluboká. Driver drops you off and returns empty. |
5,292 CZK |
Return trip with up to 2 hours waiting Trip there + 2 h waiting included + return trip (+50%). 5,292 + 2,646. |
7,938 CZK |
Return trip with 6 hours waiting Return base (7,938) + 4 extra hours × 400 CZK (1,600). |
9,538 CZK |
Full-day trip — driver available ~9 hours Return base 7,938 + ~3 h extra program × 400 (1,200). Custom quote on request. |
~ 9,138 CZK |
Minivan (5–8 pax): same calculation, higher base — one-way 7,350 CZK. · Prices shown are indicative examples; we'll confirm your exact fixed price at booking based on date, group size, and itinerary.
Practical info
Before you go
When to go
The castle is at its most beautiful from spring through autumn, when the gardens are in bloom. High season can get busy — mornings are quieter. In winter it’s open on a limited schedule.
Tours
The interiors are only accessible with a guide and are offered in several circuits. In season, it’s best to come in the morning or check availability ahead of time.
Pedestrian area
The castle and park are largely pedestrian-only. With a private driver, parking is not your concern — they’ll drop you as close as possible and pick you up at an agreed spot.
What to try
South Bohemian specialties, carp, and the real Budweiser Budvar in České Budějovice. There are plenty of restaurants and cafés around the castle.
What to bring
Comfortable shoes for strolling through the park and climbing the tower (245 steps), layers of clothing, and your camera.
How much time
Half a day is enough for the castle and park. If you add the Aleš South Bohemian Gallery, lunch, and a stop in České Budějovice, set aside a full day.
Frequently asked questions
Your most common questions
How far is Hluboká from Prague and how long does the trip take?
It’s about 150 km south of Prague via the D3 motorway. The drive takes roughly two hours, depending on traffic. With a private driver, you go direct — 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) with a name sign. We track your flight, so if it’s delayed, your driver will wait.
Will the driver wait for us and take us back to Prague?
Yes. We offer a full-day trip with waiting time on site as well as a classic return transfer at a pre-arranged time. We’ll fine-tune the option and price when you book, based on your itinerary.
Is the price really final?
Yes. You’ll know the price upfront, and it’s fixed — it doesn’t change with traffic, jams, or detours. No meter, no surprise charges at the end.
What can you do at Hluboká in a day?
Take a guided tour of the castle, visit the Aleš South Bohemian Gallery, stroll through the English park, and climb the tower for the view. You can also add the zoo, Ohrada, or České Budějovice.
Is the trip suitable for families with children?
Yes, we provide child seats on request at no extra charge. Kids love the fairy-tale castle, the tower, and the nearby Hluboká Zoo.
Can the trip be combined with another stop?
Absolutely. Popular combos include České Budějovice, the Ohrada hunting lodge, or the zoo. Just let the driver know — they’ll be happy to adjust the itinerary.
We’ll tailor a trip to Hluboká just for you
Just tell us the date, number of people, and pickup time — we’ll confirm the fixed price and itinerary right away.
Book this trip → +420 776 508 777