In Nový Bor, the experience is about as real as it gets—no tourist traps, just a working glass hut where the furnaces are always running. You'll get to step onto the workshop floor and actually handle the pipe yourself. Under the guidance of the local glassmakers, you'll try your hand at blowing or shaping your own piece of glass to see exactly how much skill goes into every curve. It’s a chance to get a bit of "creative heat" on your face and see why this region’s craftsmanship has been world-famous for centuries.

Just a short drive away, you'll find Panská skála, often called the "Stone Organ Pipes." It’s a massive natural monument made of vertical basalt columns that look almost too symmetrical to be real. You can climb right up onto the pillars for a great view of the surrounding countryside or just walk around the base by the water. It’s a quick but impressive stop that shows off the stranger, volcanic side of Northern Bohemia’s landscape.

For lunch, we head to a local favorite in Arnultovice. It’s a lovely spot that is genuinely famous in the region for its kitchen and authentic atmosphere. You’ll get a proper taste of typical Czech cuisine—hearty, flavorful, and prepared with high-quality ingredients. Your choice of a main course and a drink is fully included, so you can just sit back and enjoy the flavors of Northern Bohemia.

We also visit the Rock Castle in Sloup, a massive sandstone block that towers over the valley. It’s a fascinating place where the rooms and staircases were carved directly into the cliffside centuries ago. You can explore the ancient hermit cells, the rock-cut chapel, and the terraces that offer some of the best views in the region. It doesn't feel like a typical "museum" castle; it’s more of an atmospheric labyrinth that really lets you feel the history of the Bohemian countryside.

Next comes a relaxed hike through the pine forests of Sloup. It’s a very easy walk of just a few kilometers that connects some of the area’s hidden gems, including the hand-carved rooms of Samuel’s Cave and the unique Forest Theatre built directly into the sandstone cliffs. We’ll also climb up to the Na Stráži lookout for the best views over the castle and the Lusatian Mountains. The path is easy-going and often lined with wild blueberries, so you can enjoy a bit of forest snacking as we walk.

Our final stop is the peaceful Modlivý důl, a hidden valley known for its rock-cut chapel carved into a sheer sandstone wall. It’s a quiet, spiritual place with a unique atmosphere, tucked away in the forest far from the typical tourist routes. The walk there is short and easy, leading you through a beautiful gorge to see the intricate Gothic-style arches and the altar carved directly into the stone. It’s the perfect, calm way to wrap up the day before we begin our drive back to Prague.