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The spa town of Karlovy Vary lies in a romantic valley of the Tepla River. In addition to its 12 hot mineral springs, the town is known for it's beautiful, unique buildings, many of them designed by 2 renowned Viennese architects.

Just 80 miles west of Prague is Karlsbad, the largest and most famous Bohemian spa. It is also known as Karlovy Vary and was named for Emperor Charles IV, who allegedly happened upon the springs in 1358 while on a hunting expedition. The story goes that the emperor's hound fell into a boiling spring while chasing a stag. The water was tested and found to be medicinal and so Charles ordered that baths be established in the village of Vary.

The town has been rebuilt many times over the years. You can still admire houses designed in the 19th and early 20th centuries, including the finest examples designed by Viennese architects Fellner and Hellmer. Karlovy Vary has played host to an endless list of celebrities including Goethe, Mozart, Beethoven, Brahms, List, Tchaikovsky etc. Karlovy Vary was definitely the place to see and "be seen".

Neglected during the Communist reign, the town leaders have been in the process of restoring the buildings and it has slowly been renovated. In the meantime, it has become a very popular stop for tourists and, as you reach the lovely main street of the older spa area, you begin to see the reason.

You will visit the spa, where you will see the Vøídlo shooting its scalding water to a height of some 40 feet. It is Karlovy Vary's hottest and most dramatic gusher. Built around it is the very modern Vøídlo Colonnade. Walk inside the arcade to watch patients take the famed Karlsbad drinking cure. The waters, which range from 30°F to 72°F, are said to be especially effective against diseases of the digestive and urinary tracts. They're also good for gout.

But the town is known for much more than its hot springs. You will have your choice of visiting the Moser Glass Factory/Museum, the Jan Becher Museum, Becov nad Teplou or letting your guide take you to some out-of the-way places away from the tourist spotlight.

The Moser Glass Factory has a world-class reputation for fine crystal artistry using traditional methods and precision techniques. With styles ranging from classic to contemporary, Moser Glass can be found at royal weddings and gatherings of the political elite.

The Jan Becher company is where the famous herbal liquor, Becherovka is produced. A visit to the museum will inform about this iconic Czech liquor's colorful past and the secrets surrounding its production.

Becov nad Teplou is a unique collection of historic buildings, most notably the Gothic castle, Renaissance palace and Baroque chateau. On exhibit you'll find the reliquary of St. Maurus, one of the most valuable gold relics in the Czech Republic.

Your guide knows this area well and can show you some sites off the beaten track. Discuss with your guide as you move through town if you see something you wish to tour. As admissions are not included, this tour can be flexible.