Prague Literary Retreat
Saturday 14th - Tuesday 17th November 2026
Cobblestones, spires and a native son who gave the world a new adjective; it was easy to pick Prague as our next literary retreat destination.
This is the city that shaped Franz Kafka, and Kafka’s Prague (bureaucratic, dreamlike, a little bit haunted) still lingers in its courtyards and crooked lanes.
Add centuries-old monastic libraries, a baroque astronomical tower and one of Central Europe’s best-loved English-language bookshops, and you’ve got a city built for readers who like their books with a side of atmosphere…
What is a Literary Retreat?
A literary retreat is a book-themed travel experience and guided tour; a curated journey through the world’s most vibrant literary destinations. Expect museum visits, walking tours, bookshop crawls and literary-themed group activities.
(Take a peek at our previous weekend retreats in Edinburgh and Madrid)
Why Prague?
Long before it was a bucket-list photo op, Prague was a city that took its books seriously.
The Strahov Monastery has been guarding its manuscripts since the 12th century, and the Clementinum, once a Jesuit college, has been quietly measuring the weather and the stars since the 1700s while its baroque library racked up 27,000 volumes.
Then came Kafka, born here in 1883, who turned Prague’s narrow streets and opaque institutions into the backdrop for some of the 20th century’s most unsettling fiction — and cemented the city’s reputation as a place where literature and place are inseparable.
Today, that legacy lives alongside a thriving contemporary book scene: bookshops tucked into New Town courtyards, literary cafés that have hosted writers for a century, and creative writing communities still meeting over coffee.
The Itinerary
Our dates are Saturday to Tuesday. This is so we can include visits to key literary attractions that are closed during weekends.
Below is the core program of our retreat. As the time draws nearer, you will receive a full guide and itinerary with timings, incorporating local events (e.g. book launches, performances etc.) which may not be announced yet.
Scheduled Activities
Welcome Dinner: We’ll start as every good story should: gathered around a table, glasses raised, tucking into local food.
Private Literary Walking Tour: An expert local guide leads us through the streets, courtyards and landmarks that shaped Prague’s writers. Kafka’s Prague chief among them, but not the whole story by a long way.
Franz Kafka Museum: A private guided visit to the permanent exhibition inside the Herget Brickworks, The City of K.: Franz Kafka and Prague.
Strahov Library: Visit one of the most beautiful libraries with insider access: our private tour includes entry into the Theological and Philosophical Halls themselves, not just a peek through the doorway like most visitors get.
The Clementinum’s Baroque Library & Astronomical Tower: We’ll climb into the Astronomical Tower for sweeping city views, then pause at the doorway of the Clementinum’s frescoed baroque library.
A Night at the Theatre (or the Philharmonic): We’ll take in either a dramatic performance or an evening of classical music at a special venue, depending on availability.
Bookshops & Literary Cafés: Special stops at Prague’s best English-language bookshops and literary cafés, the kind of places where you could happily lose an entire afternoon (or several).
Creative Writers Workshop: A hands-on creative writing workshop at Prague’s first English-language bookstore.
What’s Included
Join what and when you want to. If you’d prefer to skip an activity or a group meal, that’s absolutely fine. Your time is yours.
- Welcome dinner
- Literary walking tour with an expert guide
- Private guided tour of the Franz Kafka Museum
- Private guided tour of Strahov Library with access to the halls
- Visit to the Baroque library inside the Clementinum Astronomical Tower
- Dramatic or classical music performance
- Special stops at the city's best English-language bookshops and literary cafes
- Creative Writers Group workshop at an English-language bookshop
- Goodie bag
- Optional: Beautiful accommodation in the city centre with breakfast included (see below)
- Other meals not included in the itinerary
- Transport or transfers (airport transfers can be arranged for an extra fee)
- Additional nights accommodation can be booked upon request
Pricing
As host, I have strived to make this retreat the best possible value it can be. There are four options, each outlined below and priced in GBP (£), though you have the option to pay in Euros or US Dollars at checkout, if you prefer.
You can either pay in full at checkout or put down a 20% deposit to secure your place (you will receive an email to settle the remaining balance a month before the retreat start date). Payments are non-refundable, unless the retreat is cancelled by the host.
- 15% Early Bird Discount is available until the end of August
- Return attendees are entitled to a further 10% discount (contact Amy for the coupon code to use at checkout)
- Opt to share a room with another attendee (twin room, same sex only)
- Go for the Itinerary Only option and book your own accommodation instead
- Regular Price £449.99
Itinerary Only
Pay just for the activities and book your own accommodation.
- Regular Price £849.99
Single Occupancy
Private room with a double bed, ensuite bathroom, plus the full itinerary. Breakfast is included.
- Regular Price £1299.99
Double Occupancy (2 People)
Private room with either a double bed or twin beds (please specify), ensuite bathroom, plus the full itinerary. Breakfast is included.
- Regular Price £657.99
Shared Occupancy
Share a twin room with ensuite bathroom with another retreat attendee (same sex only), plus the full itinerary. Breakfast is included.
The Accommodation
Our selected accommodation is perfectly located in the historic town centre, close to Wenceslas Square, and walking distance to many of Prague’s main attractions, making it the perfect base for our retreat.
All rooms are equipped with stylish period furniture and feature anti-allergic bedding. There is free WiFi, a 24-hour front desk, a small gym, a bar and an excellent breakfast, included in your stay (please let us know if you have any dietary requirements in advance).
Your Host
Hi! I’m Amy. the founder of Page Traveller and host of Nomad Book Club!
After 10+ years of running this literary travel blog, 3+ years of working in the travel industry, as well as 15+ years of full-time travelling and living overseas, I decided to set up these retreats to create the exact travel experience that I am always looking for.
Are bookshops the first thing you look for when you arrive in a city? Do you like to read novels set in the places you visit? Are you guilty of overpacking books? Me too!
Any Questions? Feel Free to Reach Out...
Testimonials
“Lovely and Different and Very Interesting”
This is something that I don't think if the group was organised, I would have had the opportunity to go and experience. It was lovely and different and very interesting... Please keep organising the retreats, so we can go to more of them!
- Eve, Edinburgh Retreat
“Discovering the City in a Different Way”
The highlight was discovering a city in a different way, through literature... learning so much about Scotland and meeting a really nice group of people. It's hard to pick one!
- Lourdes, Edinburgh Retreat
“Everything's Been Fantastic”
Thank you very much for putting this together. I'm really glad I stumbled onto your website when I did and that I was able to incorporate it into my travels in Europe... Everything's been fantastic.
- Chris, Edinburgh Retreat
“Highly Recommended”
Exploring Madrid’s literary scene with the Nomad Book Club was a truly enriching experience, and it couldn’t have been curated better. The weekend was thoughtfully planned, with a wonderful mix of book launches, poetry workshops, visits to historic literary sites, exhibitions and relaxed moments like browsing bookshops. Amy created a welcoming and stress-free environment, giving us the freedom to join activities or choose to explore on our own. I left the weekend feeling inspired, fulfilled, and grateful for the conversations and connections formed along the way. Highly recommended for anyone who loves books, travel, and meaningful cultural experiences.
- Sandhya, Madrid Retreat
“Enriching Experiences”
I especially enjoyed the retreat in Madrid, as one of Amy's suggestions was to read a book that included the city we would be visiting. And I ended up wandering around Madrid, marveling at and recognizing places that appeared in the novel I was reading. Visiting amazing bookstores, participating in a poetry workshop, and spending quality time with other literature lovers—experiencing the city in this way—is one of the most enriching experiences I've ever had.
- Laura, Madrid Retreat
“The Itinerary Was Brilliant”
I went on the Madrid Literary Retreat and had a wonderful time. Before the retreat, Amy was super helpful in answering my questions. On arriving, Amy was very welcoming and the accommodation was lovely. The itinerary was brilliant with plenty of activities but also the option to branch off and do your own thing. Overall I had a fantastic time and loved meeting everyone and learning more about Madrid’s literary history.
- Amelia, Madrid Retreat
More Retreats
- 16th May - 26th April 2027
Portugal Literary Retreat
This is a bookish bucket list tour of four of the country’s most literary destinations, starting in Lisbon and ending in Porto, with stops in Óbidos and Coimbra, and all the planning and logistics covered.
DIY Retreat Packs
If you wished you could have joined our Edinburgh retreat, but circumstances prevented you, plan your own literary trip using our new DIY retreat PDF packs (interactive GoogleMaps included)!
Choose between the full literary guide, filled with all the information, research and planning from the Nomad Book Club retreat, or opt for just the bookshop guide with crawl routes.
More destinations coming soon…
