Uncover Czechia, a hidden gem – Sample Itinerary

Visit the heart of Europe: Prague, Czechia. Nestled between East and West, this historic capital seamlessly combines old-world charm with modern innovation. As a booming tech hub, Prague offers a unique blend of global corporate offices and dynamic startups, making it an ideal destination for exploring the intersection of tradition and cutting-edge technology. Experience the city’s vibrant culture while engaging with its thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.

 

* Please note that this is only a sample itinerary for a full-time MBA group. All of our itineraries are tailor-made and can accommodate any academic level and theme. All itineraries are subject to change.

Day 1:  Sat December 9 welcome to Prague
Prague, Czech Republic
Prague, Czech Republic

After the fall of communism in 1989, the Czech Republic established itself as an attractive destination for multinational companies looking to set up a convenient base in Europe. Tucked between West and East, the Czech business culture brings its advantages like a great sense of responsibility and structured approach to work but also has its downsides. These show in complicated bureaucracy or unreliable degree of English proficiency among older generations. More recently, the Czech capital has also proved to earn its position as one of the European tech hot spots, supplying IT companies with a steady stream of well-trained graduates.

arrive Prague
intercity transfers arrive Prague
Own arrangements

Meet ISP Program Manager at the airport.

own arrangements
afternoon transfer to hotel, check-in
transportation transfer to hotel, check-in
bus transfer
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure

Recommended activity: Get out of your hotel room and take a stroll along the riverbank called Náplavka. When the weather is nice, it is a place to be for many locals, as well as expats. You can enjoy an ice cream or a cold drink with a stunning view of the Prague Castle. Or alternatively, you can visit one of the recently renovated cubicles on the waterfront with the lens-like windows which are the largest of their kind in the world. These cubicles are home to cafes, restaurants, bars, and art studios.

Day 2:  Sun December 10 exploring the 'City of a Hundred Spires'
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for city tour
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for city tour
public transport
morning testing the cobblestones of Prague - tour of the Old Town
cultural event testing the cobblestones of Prague - tour of the Old Town

Prague is a place of rich culture and tradition, a place where modern and traditional, new and old constantly meet. Join us on a stroll through the enchanting Medieval Old Town of Prague. Admire the intricate ornamentation of the world-famous Astronomical Clock, check out the iconic Charles Bridge, continue to the Jewish Quarter and learn about the legends and history of this great nation.

public transport/walk
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon a journey through time - Prague Castle excursion
cultural event a journey through time - Prague Castle excursion

Put your most comfortable walking shoes on and get ready to explore the Prague Castle, the largest coherent royal building complex in the world. Discover the treasures of centuries of art and history at the Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, and Prague's ancient symbol, the St. Vitus Cathedral.

public transport/walk
meet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for welcome dinner
public transport
evening welcome dinner in Prague's Medieval Old Town
meals welcome dinner in Prague's Medieval Old Town

There's no better place to get a feel for Prague than in the Old Town, so head to one of the traditional Bohemian restaurants where you will be able to get your first taste of authentic local food in a typically Czech setting.

restaurant
Day 3:  Mon December 11 leaving a lasting legacy
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
public transport
morning a hundred years of Czech history - post-communist heritage and current challenges
visit a hundred years of Czech history - post-communist heritage and current challenges European Centre for Career Education

The Czech history of the previous regime still plays an important role in today's set-up of the country, of people's views, as well as on the business world. Hear a moving story from the last century and learn how it affected lives not only back then but also how it might be affecting the lives of Czechs today. Focus on a few case studies and see how successful you would be when working under the conditions of a communist regime.

presentation, discussion
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
bus half day
afternoon incorporating innovation with a traditional product - a Czech success story
visit incorporating innovation with a traditional product - a Czech success story BL: BENES a LAT

The fall of communism 30 years ago and the transition to a market economy had a major impact on many Czech producers. Some of them failed to survive the tough competition they suddenly faced, others adopted a fresh strategy and stayed at the top. Learn about how a Czech manufacturer managed to reclaim its business after the Second World War and the communist regime, the transition to a market economy following the Velvet Revolution, and how they continue to adapt to changes in the market.

management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure

Recommended activity: Spend an evening at Kino Pilotu, a magical independent movie theatre where they show a selection of Czech and international films in four comfortable screening rooms. There is a beautiful scenic bar right next door where you can discuss the movies or meet Prague-based expats who frequently gather there.

evening peaking behind the iron curtain - nuclear bunker tour
optional cultural event peaking behind the iron curtain - nuclear bunker tour

Embark on a journey underground and discover the nuclear bunker of Prague, a monument to the heydays of the former Soviet Union. After going down on a speed elevator to the depth of 65 meters, you will find yourself inside one of the most restricted military objects of the USSR – Secured Command Post. During your visit you will pass through the secret tunnels, see samples of arming and communication equipment and gain insights to the everyday life of people in the Eastern bloc in the Cold War epoch.

sts pay individually
Day 4:  Tue December 12 made in the Czech Republic
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
transfer to Mladá Boleslav  (duration approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes)
transportation transfer to Mladá Boleslav (duration approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes)
bus full day
morning simply clever - Škoda Volkswagen plant and museum tour
cultural event simply clever - Škoda Volkswagen plant and museum tour

As one of the Czech Republic's most recognizable brands, Škoda has stood the test of time in an ever more competitive global industry. Visit the manufacturing facilities to learn how the production of Czech cars has developed over the 100 years of its history. Follow its evolution from luxury limited editions through simple utility cars to contemporary trendy sedans. Gain insights on today's car manufacturing trends and learn more about the famous Czech brand.

group lunch
meals group lunch
restaurant
afternoon beer business in the 21st century – challenges and opportunities
workshop beer business in the 21st century – challenges and opportunities Budějovický Budvar Brewery

Beer consumption is continuously declining year by year all over the world. Despite the global phenomenon of craft breweries, the volume consumed by customers in both on-trade and off-trade is decreasing, and every year, more and more pubs and restaurants are shutting down. Gastronomy and beer are now undergoing a dramatic transformation. Learn about the specifics of the gastronomy business in the country with the tradition of the highest beer consumption in the world and about the future strategy of the most exported Czech beer brand on the on-trade market. You will establish a virtual pub with all its crucial elements – marketing strategy, portfolio on tap, F&B, and business case in order to save the Czech pub culture.

management presentation, discussion, brainstorming session
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure

Recommended activity: Decompress after a long day at one of Prague's many beautiful green spaces and parks, like the Petřín hill, the Vyšehrad or Grébovka parks. Do as the locals do and set up a picnic or visit one of the city's many "beer gardens" and enjoy panoramic views over Prague.

evening the best brews of Bohemia - craft beer tour
optional cultural event the best brews of Bohemia - craft beer tour

Are you interested in the beer industry? Perhaps you're considering opening a microbrewery or a craft beer shop, or maybe you're just a home-brewer looking for a fun evening. Look no further! Tonight, you'll have the opportunity to learn from the best about the Czech beer industry and culture by visiting an authentic Bohemian brewery and other notable spots. As you tour the Old Town, you'll get to sample a variety of beer types and enjoy some delicious Czech tapas.

sts pay individually
Day 5:  Wed December 13 manufacturing in the digital age
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
transfer to Poděbrady (duration approx. 1 hour)
transportation transfer to Poděbrady (duration approx. 1 hour)
bus full day
morning timeless treasures - the glass industry yesterday, today and tomorrow
visit timeless treasures - the glass industry yesterday, today and tomorrow Crystal Bohemia a.s.

The tradition of Czech glassmaking dates back to the Middle Ages and today, glass artists and designers are combining the age-old Bohemian glassmaking tradition with distinctive contemporary design and innovative techniques. Get to know the incredible art of glass makers and the many aspects of their job. Find out about what it takes to maintain the quality and reputation of the brand on the international market, and the secret of making beautiful and durable glass products.

management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities
transfer to Kutná Hora (duration approx. 45 minutes)
transfer to Kutná Hora (duration approx. 45 minutes)
group lunch
meals group lunch
restaurant
afternoon excursion to Kutná Hora and the Sedlec Ossuary
cultural event excursion to Kutná Hora and the Sedlec Ossuary

Visit the city of Kutná Hora, which grew rich in Medieval times thanks to silver deposits. See its expensive structures - the St. Barbara Cathedral, the historic center, and the Italian Court - and explore the famous Ossuary ("bone church"), a small Roman Catholic chapel estimated to contain the skeletons of between 40,000 and 70,000 people, whose bones have, in many cases, been artistically arranged to form decorations and furnishings for the chapel.

bus/walk
return to Prague (duration approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes)
transportation return to Prague (duration approx. 1 hour, 30 minutes)
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure

Recommended activity: To refill on energy after an intensive day, venture out to explore the booming coffee scene in Prague. Each district in Prague is offering plenty of high-quality coffee shops with coffee sourced directly from the local roasteries. Try some of the places popular by locals: EMA espresso bar, Kavárna co hledá jméno, Instagram-friendly Botanica coffee truck, or one of the many places in the Letná district: Tvaroh, Hrnek, Letka and many others.

Day 6:  Thu December 14 fostering a culture of innovation
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
public transport
morning safeguarding the cyberspace - threats, vulnerabilities and pitfalls
visit safeguarding the cyberspace - threats, vulnerabilities and pitfalls Avast (Gen)

As the world digitizes fast, the increase in opportunities has closely been followed by the growth in security threats. Remote working, has given way to multiple device integration and an exponential growth in external data has resulted in an increasingly dangerous digital landscape. How are cyber threats changing our perceptions of risk? How is cyber crime evolving over time? And how can data breaches and attacks be prevented? Gain useful insights into the constantly changing environment of digital security under the guidance of industry professionals. Participate in interactive discussions to better understand the difficulties and significance of protecting digital ecosystems.

management presentation, discussion, tour of premises
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon bridging the gender divide in IT - empowering women to realize their digital potential
visit bridging the gender divide in IT - empowering women to realize their digital potential Czechitas

Despite national conversations about gender diversity in tech, women are still underrepresented, underpaid, and often discriminated against in the tech industry. Lack of representation for women in the IT industry can be attributed to a wide array of often interrelated factors, and its persistence has follow-on effects in terms of compensation, opportunity, and safety in the workplace. Companies that emphasize equity and inclusion, however, are making inroads when it comes to promoting the careers of women and retaining them. Meet with the representatives of an organization that focuses on increasing the participation of girls and women in the field of information technology and hear their insights on the key to gender equality in the IT sphere.

management presentation, discussion
rest of the day at leisure
rest of the day at leisure

Recommended activity: Explore the artwork of David Černý. When it comes to provocative modern art in Prague, one sculptor reigns supreme: David Černý. Many of the artist’s works dot the streets of Prague, and – to make things even sweeter – are completely free to enjoy. Highlights include Kůň, in the middle of the Lucerna Palace shopping arcade, K, a gigantic rotating metal bust of Prague writer Franz Kafka, located above Národní třída metro station; and Miminka, a series of faceless babies crawling up Žižkov’s TV Tower. You can also find some ground-level miminka (babies) on the small river island of Kampa.

evening Prague on two rails - private sightseeing tram ride
optional cultural event Prague on two rails - private sightseeing tram ride

Hop on a tram in its depot and enjoy a private 1-hour ride on the iconic T3 coupé tram around Prague Castle and many other sights. Sitting comfortably inside, protected from weather conditions, enjoy the best views and city panoramas the 'City of a Hundred Spires' has to offer.

public transport/tram
Day 7:  Fri December 15 laying the foundations of the future
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for visit
public transport
morning towards net zero - lowering the carbon footprint of the consumer goods industry
visit towards net zero - lowering the carbon footprint of the consumer goods industry Procter & Gamble

Did you know that a single diaper may take up to 500 years to decompose? With the threat of environmental catastrophe looming over our heads, consumers are growing more and more conscious of their environmental footprint and want to know whether their favorite brands are manufactured in an ethical and sustainable way. As a result of this, fmcg companies around the world are making serious efforts to address the impact of their production practices and supply chain operations.

management presentation, discussion
lunch: own arrangements
meals lunch: own arrangements
Own arrangements
afternoon sustainable delicacies - innovating in the socially-conscious economy
visit sustainable delicacies - innovating in the socially-conscious economy Steiner & Kovařík - Prague Chocolate

Prague has become a hot bed of start-ups and big companies vying for global attention - but what about the small companies? As social attitudes about corporate social responsibility begin to shift and consumers begin to demand accountability, some Czech companies stand at the forefront of this tide. Let's take some time to chat with them, and learn about their passions and drive to encourage the growth of sustainable economies.

management presentation, discussion, tour of facilities, chocolate making/tasting
meet in hotel lobby, depart for cooking class
transportation meet in hotel lobby, depart for cooking class
public transport
evening Czech cooking class and farewell dinner
meals Czech cooking class and farewell dinner

The best memory you can take with you from the Czech Republic is an unforgettable evening cooking local specialties. Taste local ingredients of the Czech cuisine as you get in teams and learn how to make the best Czech meals from starter to dessert. Enjoy a 3-course dinner prepared by you and your colleagues, and toast to the end of memorable trip to the 'Heart of Europe'.

cooking school
Day 8:  Sat December 16 depart for USA
breakfast
breakfast
hotel
morning check out, transfer to the airport
transportation check out, transfer to the airport
bus transfer
depart for USA
intercity transfers depart for USA
own arrangements