Resort Svatá Kateřina: A Place to Slow Down

The programme began at Resort Svatá Kateřina, set in a quiet natural area surrounded by forests. The resort focuses on rest, wellbeing and a balanced lifestyle, offering an ideal setting for visitors looking to take a break from daily stress.

Guests were introduced to the resort’s concept, which combines modern wellness with elements inspired by Ayurveda. The spa includes a wide range of treatments, as well as sauna and relaxation areas designed for longer stays and retreats.

The surrounding area offers many options for outdoor activities such as walking, cycling, and horse riding. The resort also places strong emphasis on its cuisine, offering fresh and balanced meals prepared from quality ingredients.

From Telč’s UNESCO Heritage to Roštejn Castle

The second day took the group to Telč, one of the most well-preserved historic towns in Czechia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its main square, lined with Renaissance houses and arcades, is one of the most recognisable in the country. The visit included the Telč Chateau, originally a Gothic castle later rebuilt in Renaissance style, and its gardens, together with time to walk through the historic centre.

The day ended with a visit to Roštejn Castle, a late Gothic castle set deep in the forest. Historically used as a hunting residence, it reflects the long hunting tradition in the Czech lands, which continues to this day. Surrounded by nature, the castle is connected to popular walking and cycling routes.

Jewish and Christian Heritage Side by Side

Another key stop was Třebíč, a UNESCO-listed town known for its unique combination of Jewish and Christian heritage. Participants walked through the Jewish Quarter, visited the synagogue and original mikveh, and continued to one of the most well-preserved cemeteries in Europe, learning about the history of the local Jewish community. The visit then moved to the Christian part of the town, where the group explored the impressive Basilica of St. Procopius.

Žďár Hills and Orea Resort Devět Skal

The journey continued into the protected landscape area of the Žďár Hills, known for its forests, ponds, and clean environment. Accommodation was arranged at Orea Resort Devět Skal, set by a lake in the middle of a natural landscape. The resort is well suited for families with children, offering facilities such as a kids’ playroom, gaming room, outdoor playgrounds, and a range of sports activities for all ages. Guests can make full use of the surrounding nature, with opportunities for swimming, cycling, and walking, or simply relaxing by the water. The resort also provides wellness services and a rich culinary offer, with a wide selection of meals suitable for children, prepared from quality ingredients.

Smaller Towns and Local Experiences

On the final day, the group travelled to the small town of Polná, where they explored the Jewish Quarter, including the synagogue, mikveh and rabbi’s house. During the visit, they also learned about the story of Leopold Hilsner, a case that drew significant attention at the end of the 19th century and reflected the rising issue of anti-Semitism at the time.

The programme then continued to the magnificent Church of the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, where a local organist demonstrated the impressive historic organ with its 1,400 pipes.

The next stop took the group to the chateau in Světlá nad Sázavou, where they toured its historic interiors, including a children’s exhibition, a glass exhibition, and newly renovated rooms now available for visitors. Lunch was served at the chateau, which was owned in the early 20th century by the Jewish industrialist Richard Morawetz. His family lived there until emigrating before the Second World War, and their story remains part of the site’s history. Today, the beautifully restored site is managed by the Galant family.

Near Lipnice nad Sázavou, participants visited a striking open-air monument carved into a former granite quarry. Created by local sculptor Radomír Dvořák, it features a large ear, eyes and a mouth, symbolising listening, watching and speaking. Together, they reflect the atmosphere of surveillance and fear during the communist period, when people were often monitored and encouraged to inform on one another.

The trip concluded with dinner at a traditional Czech restaurant associated with Jaroslav Hašek, where he wrote much of The Good Soldier Švejk. The book, originally written in Czech and later translated into many languages, including Hebrew, remains one of the best-known works of Czech literature. During dinner, Hašek’s great-grandson, who now runs the restaurant, joined the group and shared stories about his grandfather, providing a memorable end to the four-day trip.

Presenting Vysočina to Israeli Travellers

The trip offered Israeli journalists and influencers a direct experience of the Vysočina region and its unique combination of nature, culture and relaxed travel. It highlighted the region as an attractive destination beyond Prague and provided participants with valuable insights to share with Israeli audiences.

The Embassy of the Czech Republic in Tel Aviv continues to support similar initiatives to promote Czech regions and strengthen tourism cooperation between Czechia and Israel.