Brno – A Lively City Full of Surprises

The delegation’s journey started in Brno, Czechia’s second-largest city, easily accessible to Israeli travelers thanks to direct flights from Tel Aviv to nearby Vienna. Brno welcomed the visitors with a mix of history, student energy, and culinary experiences.

Highlights included the Old Town Hall, the mysterious Ossuary at the Church of St. James – the second-largest underground ossuary in Europe – and the unique Žlutý kopec water tanks, an underground complex originally built in the 19th century to secure water supplies.

The group also enjoyed the city’s renowned gastronomy: classic Czech flavors at Lokál u Caipla, modern fine dining at Kohout na víně, and an evening at the vibrant cocktail bar Super Panda Circus, famous for its playful themed menus. Accommodation was provided at the historic Grand Palace Hotel, a five-star landmark in the city center.

South Moravia – Nature, Wine, and Castles

The next days were devoted to South Moravia, a region famous for its vineyards, romantic castles, and breathtaking nature.

One of the highlights was the Moravian Karst, Central Europe’s largest karst landscape, featuring dramatic caves and the spectacular Macocha Abyss, plunging 138 meters deep. The group visited stalactite caves such as Punkevní and Kateřinská, including a boat ride on an underground river – an unforgettable adventure.

Cultural heritage was also part of the program, with a stop in Boskovice, a town preserving one of the best collections of Jewish monuments in Czechia, reflecting the deep historical ties between Czech and Jewish culture.

Another highlight was the UNESCO-listed Lednice-Valtice Cultural Landscape, where the group toured the fairytale-like Lednice Chateau and its extensive gardens, followed by a scenic boat trip along the Dyje River.

In the wine town of Mikulov, participants discovered local Moravian wines, enjoyed a tasting at Winery Reisten, and dined at Restaurant Templ, which also offers Israeli-inspired cuisine and even kosher wines. As one influencer put it: “South Moravia is a hidden paradise of vineyards, castles, and small towns – it feels authentic, green, and full of surprises.”

Prague – A Perfect Finale

Although the trip focused on South Moravia, the delegation also spent time in Prague, starting with visits to the world-renowned Prague Zoo. On the final day, the group toured Prague Castle, Charles Bridge, and the historic Jewish Quarter (Josefov), the DOX Centre for Contemporary Art, concluding with a traditional lunch at 5th District by King Solomon.

A Fresh View of Czechia for Israeli Travelers

This press trip successfully showcased Czechia as more than just Prague. The Israeli journalists and influencers discovered a country of contrasts: lively cities like Brno, peaceful land capes, rich Jewish heritage, world-class wine, and unique cultural treasures.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tel Aviv and CzechTourism hope that the mission will inspire more Israeli travelers to explore Czechia off the beaten path. With easy access via Vienna and a growing interest in authentic and less-crowded destinations, South Moravia and Brno may soon become the new favorites of Israeli tourists.