Vaclav was extremely knowledgeable about the history of Prague and the Czeck Republic. He was a great guide and we’d recommend him highly to anyone traveling to Prague. Thank you, Patricia and Vaclav!

Jennifer D., Dec, 2024

Dear Vaclav,

It was so very kind of you to take us to Lidice and Osek last Saturday, August 10, 2024. You are an excellent driver and historian and we greatly enjoyed a beautiful afternoon driving to see the Sudetenland Region in and around Lidice and Osek. It was fun even getting lost and driving up the mountain around Osek. What a nice dinner we had at the Stropnik in Osek, too. Authentic Czech cuisine, yummy! Sincerely,

Rosalie L.-V., Aug, 2024

We had a fantastic week with Vaclav in Prague and other locations in Czech Republic. We did walking tour of Old Town, Prague Castle and Strahov Library and we highly recommend adding the library. Food tour in Old Town. Kutna Hora and the bone church. We ended with Cesky Krumlov which was well worth the trip as the place is magical. Vaclav is so knowledgable and made us very comfortable all week. We will highly recommend him to our friends and family.

I wouldn’t change anything about the tours we had with Vaclav and Empire as they were perfect. Thank you for everything!

Jason & Jessica Sh., May, 2024

Vaclav of course, is fabulous. He is blessed with a brilliant memory and knowledge and can share his knowledge with passion and excitement. He is full of fun facts!! After spending a week on a river cruise with highly skilled tour guides from many different countries, I can honestly say Vaclav topped them all. This is the 4th time we have had the pleasure of having Vaclav do personal tours for us and he the utmost professional! I would love to start planning my next European vacation!

Thank you Patricia for planning a wonderful itinerary and making all the arrangements. We had a wonderful time. I only wished you were feeling well enough to join us. Thank you very much, L.

Leslie M., May, 2024

January, 2024

Vaclav, Thank you for a wonderful day and for sharing the rich history of Ceske Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov. We enjoyed the Budvar and your company. Wishing you health and joy in the future, With gratitude, Jan & Ron

Jan & Ron, August, 2023

We loved every minute of our tour with Vaclac, Not only was he very informative but he was just fun!
His knowledge about all the sites enriched every aspect of our trip, not to mention his driving skills…;0)
We have passed your name along to other friends that may be in the area.

Linda L., August, 2023

September 2022
September 2022

“Excellent” for guiding, transport and back office. What was the best: Patricia and Vaclav, you are both the best to work with! It will probably be 2 or 3 years, but I can’t wait to do another tour with you.

Jim Stapel, September, 2022

S Vaškem pracujeme na angličtině více než půl roku.
Každá hodina je jiná a lepší. Díky Vaškovi začala být pro mě díky jeho způsobu výuky angličtina skutečně zajímavá, zábavná a se těší na každou další hodinu. Poprvé vidím skutečný posun!

Mgr. M. P., July, 2020

What was the best: Vaclav was the best! He was recommended by a friend for a tour of Prague. Vaclav is so knowledgeable and passionate about his country’s history that you can’t help but feel apart of it. So charming too. And since I am also Czech, I really appreciated it! I liked the way he conducts his tour by giving you a drive of the area first, then delving into the historical elements. He also speaks 5 languages. And the restaurants we had lunch at were equally wonderful. He and his wife Patricia went out of their way to personalize the experience. 5 stars Vaclav and Patricia!

What to do better: Hard to improve on knowledge, competency and a job well done.

Christine Hanslik, February 21, 2020

What was the best: The tour of the city by car was great, although visiting the pubs on the second tour was also fantastic

What do to better: For the city tour by car, the guide was very detailed about how the landmarks were situated in relationship to each other. That was good information, but we didn’t need as much detail. Just a higher level would have been better. 

Finley Konrad, November 29, 2019

What was the best: You two were amazing! We loved the personal touch, your friendship and your knowledge of the Czech Republic. We all said that we learned so much about the Czech Republic from our conversations with Vaclav. He was so interesting to listen to and we could tell how much he loved telling about the history. We also loved the surprise trip to Utery. That was wonderful because we did not expect that. The hotels you picked out were perfect and all of our destinations were wonderful.

What do to better: The only thing we were sad about is that we did not get to have Patricia join us at more of our Czech meals. But she did introduce us to Aperol Spritz! We would all love to come again someday and possibly visit a few other destinations. Thank you so much for everything!

Kathy Kochan, August 22, 2019

What was the best: Our guide was knowledgeable, energetic, friendly, and tireless. She not only was able to tell us history but current events as well.

What to do better: I can’t think of anything!

Elizabeth Hoffman, July 30, 2019

What was the best: We loved Illena ! She was very knowledgeable and gave us a great overview of history of Prague

What to do better: I think the addition of a microphone for guide and headphones for guests would be great! Prague is very crowded and hard to keep our group of six together!

Peggy Duncan, July 19, 2019

Like_most : The knowledge and passion for the city, truly was apparent. It gave us a great understanding of the history of not only Prague, but the country as a whole. The Visit to the inside at Monastery Library was only one of the exceptional highlights Prague has.

COLIN COPE, March 16, 2019

Like_most : Everything. What_better : Not a thing. We truly enjoyed the entire day form the ride to the tours and the pub tours. We had a great time at lunch also. Thank you aging for a amazing day, we all loved having you with us that day.

Mike Reasoner, March 9, 2019

Patricia and Vaclav couldn’t have been kinder, more considerate or have done a better job in planning and leading on our trip. They made our journey a trip of a lifetime. Děkuji, Děkuji, Děkuji/Thank you very much!

John and Patti Stefl , September 23, 2018

We loved the whole trip. Vaclav was really informative and knowledgeable. He gave us insight into other aspects of history and general life in the Czech Republic. We would have loved to have more time in and around Prague, but at least we have an excuse to return! Thanks too to Patricia for being our chauffeur for three days! You both make a great team. There is no single aspect that we could choose as our favourite activity. Our three-day itinerary was well planned with a perfect mix of history and site-seeing. For a party with ages ranging from teens through to a pensioner, you managed to deliver a great tour for the whole party. Thank you both!

Angela Pearce, April 17, 2018

Patricia and Vaclav are a super combination! Vaclav knows his history and even was able to explain it to our grandchildren, ages 9 through 14. He is always finding new places to take us. Patricia handles all the details, never forgetting a thing. With their van and car they were able to easily handle our group of ten. Thanks to the both of you.

Ann Vojta Cramer, December 1, 2017

Incredibly informative and educational. Amazing knowledge of the area and its history.

Garry & Marci Willis, November 7, 2017

What we like the most: The depth of knowledge that Vaclav brings. He makes history come alive. Vaclav and Patricia are so much fun and enjoyable. You both made Prague an unforgettable experience once again for us. Thank you for sharing your country with us. We hope to see you again.

Carlene Murphy, Tom Mapes, November 3, 2017

We give 5 point of 5 for the transport, guide and back office!

InfoScience, z.s., June 2, 2017

Vaclav is a fantastic guide! To the point and very informative. Excellent! Knows how to deal with pax’ needs

Richard Munning, May 27, 2017

The Anthropoid tour was a powerful experience – seeing the city through they eyes of Vaclav who knows its history as if he himself lived it, stepping inside the church crypt, and then seeing the Anthropoid film directly after impacted me in a deep way. 

Spencer Davis, October 03, 2016

The Czech program was wonderful and Vaclav is just an incredible guide and his wife is very lovely.

Mindy and Solomon, June 07, 2016

Vaclav did an excellent job. He gave good and balanced information with a nice touch of humor.

Rachel Najar / Ger van den Munckhof, May 31, 2016

Hello, Mr. Lojka, I would like thank you for everything. Concerning myself I’d like to tell you , that your comentary on the boat was really amazing. I had a lot fun. Thank you, I hope that we can count on you in next season as well. / Dobrý den, pane magistře, chtěla bych Vám za všechno poděkovat. Za sebe Vám chci napsat, že Váš komentářna lodi byl vážně báječný. Náramně jsem se bavila. Děkuji a doufám, že s námi budete počítat i v příští sezóne.

Klára Foglarová, Summer Session of Prague (knihovníci), May 30, 2016

Our only wish is that we could have spent more time. Vaclav and Patricia please do not change a thing :). We had a great time. What I like the most: The guide having the ability to inform us of the history, the stories, and the patience shown as we traveled with 3 elderly persons. The driving was excellent.

Glenda Blazek, May 17, 2016

We do not really have any idea of how you could make it any better. Arranged for everything we asked to see, and took us many places we had no idea even existed. Because we are old and remember WW2 all of the actual effect it had on the people who lived and died in it was very impressive. To see the country side in Beautiful Austria and Czech Republic was also very nice. Thanks to the good driver that took us safely through all the narrow road and streets. We loved all the nice hotels and good breakfast. “Darling” especially like all the assistance out of the car!! Keep up the good work and we will see you in Fl.

Ted and Corinne Roscoe, May 12, 2016

I like the most Vaclav’s informative history lessons, The friendliness of the staff. After 1 day they seemed as family.

David Blazek, May 02, 2016

Our trip designed by Empire Tours was great. I like the most always the excellent history explanations. The small group is perfect. The driver is soooo good.

Sally, April 27, 2016

I think empire worked with us to correct and adjust everything to make this an unforgettable trip. The walking tours in Prague and the hockey games were the highlight for the group.

Vail international hockey, February 03, 2016

you all were EXCELLENT and super helpful. THANK YOU!!!! Vaclav was SUPER — we learned the history, culture and context of what we were experiencing…. his history lessons were FABULOUS!! The accommodations, the immersion in the area of Domazlice and the overnight stay there ….. all of it was perfect! Vaclav also was extremely important as our interpreter, as our knowledge of Czech was minimal … and he was a lot of fun to be with too! I learned an extraordinary amount about the places and the historical times of my family ancestors … and what it meant for them to leave this beautiful land for Manitowoc, Wisconsin — this trip was the trip of a lifetime…. And Patricia, in the office, was wonderful ….. ALL the details were set up and covered. There was never any worry about not knowing any detail, as Patricia always made sure we knew all the details for all aspects about our trip. THANK YOU!!!

Bert Zipperer and Laurie Frank, December 01, 2015

Vaclav is an excellent guide. We learned so much about the history of Prague, only hope we can retain some of it! Vaclav is professional, knowledgeable, punctual and speaks perfect English. I highly recommend his tours, you will miss so much of beautiful Prague unless you have a fantastic guide. Thank you Vaclav!

Elizabeth Spittler, November 17, 2015

Having everything planned out for me. Breaking the language barrier and suggesting places of interest.

Mark Steeber, November 09, 2015

Nothing could have been better! Vaclav is a truly fantastic guide and a very fun person! He escorted us from Prague to Cesky Krumlov for a one night trip. On the way we stopped at Hluboka Castle – an extra treat that we did not know about! On the way back, we stopped in another small, interesting city. Vaclav has an extensive knowledge of Czech history, which made his tours so interesting and enjoyable! He was also very willing to share his experiences of life in the Czech Republic, so that our tour was both historical and current. Vaclav was an excellent driver and host – he arranged for all of our museum tickets and made sure that we were settled in our hotel. We would not hesitate to recommend Vaclav to any person or group wishing to tour the Czech Republic! 

Linda and Dominic Bruno, October 06, 2015

I give 5 points from 5 for transport, back office and guide services. What I like the most? That guides are knowledgeable.

Merv Lapin, September 15, 2015

Renee Lewin, September 11, 2015

August 07, 2015

The variety of tours and unique places we go that might be out of the scope of other tours. Kitz and Pfeil is especially good at that. I also like staying a beautiful 4 star+ hotels. Makes the trip more comfortable. 

Joanne Leonard, June 30, 2015

going to the Czech Republic was a life long dream of mine. By booking my travels to fulfill my dream with your company was one of the decisions I have made. Everything went smoothly, from the very first day to the last. The Guide and Chauffeur went above and Beyond to make our dream trip perfect. I was very impressed the first day at our hotel, Vaclav called and asked if everything was going ok, and if we needed anything, to do not hesitate to call. And the guided tour thur Prague with him excellent. Answering our many questions, suggesting restaurants, and places to see. I am more than happy with everything about the trip, and would highly, highly recommend them for other people wanting to fulfill their life long Dream. 

Faye Willems, June 25, 2015

We had a wonderful time with Vaclav and would recommend him to all. Empire is very flexible and accommodating. Our tour was comfortable and paced for us. Vaclav is very knowledgeable and enjoys his work. The office was helpful and always got back to us concerning any issues. Thank you Empire. And congratulations to Vaclav and his bride. 

Sy and Carol Dubrinsky , June 24, 2015

We’ve worked with Vaclav for about 20 years and he always provides an excellent tour experience for our groups. I highly recommend him and his company. Vaclav has great skills working with people (as well as organizational skills!)–he tells you what you need to know and then stops and sees where YOU want to go. With his experience and degrees he can answer questions to any depth you want–but also knows that you can only take in so much. Vaclav also has a gift for finding you the unusual experiences so that while you see all the “must sees” on a tour, you also get a feel for everyday life and many things off the beaten tourist track. I look forward to the next group we have with Vaclav. 

Jim Stapel — Kitz & Pfeil True Value – Travel Division , June 03, 2015

Vaclav! He is very knowledgeable! Loved hearing the history of the Prague. It was a wonderful tour. 

Michael Merjanian , May 28, 2015

“Vacaville did a great job giving us the history of Prague. We saw a lot on our tour and then knew where we wanted to revisit or go visit.”

Jim Sterritt, May 25, 2015

A few months ago, we took a trip of a lifetime to the Czech Republic. The first day was spent with our Slovakian family, we had a great visit while walking the streets of Prague, seeing the sights thur people that lived there. We wanted to visit the village my ancestry was from, so We hired Empire Tours to help plan the trip. It was an excellent choice! The owner, Vaclav Lojka took us on a guided tour of Prague. Each day we had a hired driver and a knowledgeable tour guide, they took very good care of us. I would highly recommend Empire Tours if you are planning a trip to the Czech Republic . My family, Larry Willems, Dennis Melnarik, Julie Marie & Lisa Lee had a trip of a life time. Thank You Vaclav Lojka and Empire Tours!!

Faye Willems, December 17, 2014

October 12, 2014

Just want you to know we went with Ivana today she was okay. We think you are the best ever!! Thank you for wonderful memories!!!

Judy Lipsky Horowitz, October 08, 2014