YOUR ITINERARY:
PragueDay 1
- On your arrival at Prague airport, meeting with your individual guide and transfer to your hotel.
- "From Strahov Monastery to Prague Castle" — a half day introductory tour around the city
We
begin our walk at the Strahov Monastery, founded in 1140 by the Premonstratensian
order. The frescoes on the ceilings and walls of its two libraries superbly
set off an impressive collection of manuscripts dating from the 9th
century. After sampling a beer from the monastery’s brewery, it
is on to Loretanske Square and the Loreta – home of the Lesser
Order of Capuchin Brothers. The edifice offers an extravagantly-detailed
18th century façade, the tower of magical bells tourists all
over the world flock to hear, and within the cloister walls, the 17th
century Santa Casa, home to one of Europe’s legendary Black Madonnas.
Leaving the square, we make our way along the winding street known as
Nový Svet (the New World) – a true slice of medieval town
life that remains one of Prague’s best-kept secrets. This historic
gem captivates the spirit with its quiet, romantic atmosphere. Our final
stop brings us to the grand structure known the world over as Prague
Castle and the towering Gothic cathedral of Saint Vitus. Situated high
above the Vltava River, the resplendent Prague Castle served for centuries
as the residence of emperors and Czech kings; today the President of
the Czech Republic calls it home. Within the castle’s monumental
walls lies legendary Golden Lane, a miniscule alley lined with tiny
cottages, where medieval alchemists labored to uncover the ancient secret
of the philosopher’s stone…- Lunch in the Czech restaurant "Celnice"
Boasting
a bright ground floor dining room with clean tables, high ceilings,
and huge plate glass windows drinking in tons of light, “Celnice“
is just about as inauthentically sterile as a Czech pub gets. Plus,
this is a Pilsner Urquell pub pouring some of the country's best beer,
unpasteurized, from giant tanks. The menu is equally split between Czech
hits like smoked pork knuckle, sauerkraut and dumplings, and more feminine
dishes like mixed salads with marinated salmon. Somewhat incongruously,
one of Prague's most stylish DJ bars is situated downstairs, along with
a sushi bar that's a whole lot better than you'd imagine it should be.
Prague — KrivoklatDay 2
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Full day excursion to the oldest hunting castle of Czech kings - Krivoklat
Krivoklat,
the oldest hunting castle of Czech kings, dates from the 11th century
Premyslid dynasty. It is easily one of the most intriguing Gothic castles
in Central Europe, situated west of Prague on the rocky crags of the
Beroun River. The future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles IV,
whiled away his childhood years here. In the 16th century, Krivoklat
held some of the royal treasury and, oddly, at the same time also served
as a prison for some of Bohemia’s most heinous criminals and disgraced
aristocrats. The notorious 16th century charlatan, Edward Kelley, spent
time here. He had attempted to swindle the Emperor Rudolf II into believing
he had uncovered the secret of the philosopher stone, and got caught
out. Krivoklat’s many impressive offerings include fully-equipped
torture chambers; outstanding interiors such as the vast 13th century
Gothic reception hall, the Silver Room, the Knights Hall; a late Gothic
collection of paintings and sculptures; and the Royal Library with more
than 53,000 manuscripts and books.- Diner in the Mexican restaurant "Azteca"
-
This nice, cozy, restaurant provides tasty Tex-Mex dining in a pleasant atmosphere that lends itself to relaxed conversation and a nice evening for two. Great foods in the stylish surroundings as well as a large number of cocktails make this place a perfect find!
PragueDay 3
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Join our included half day excursion "From New Town to the Old Town Square"
Wenceslas
Square is a long, huge, bustling boulevard of shops, bars, theatres
and passageways. It is the one place in Prague that never seems to sleep.
Yet, the square also has a weighty air about it. Here many of the great
events in modern Czech history have unfolded. The boots of Nazi soldiers
marched along its cobbled avenue in 1939. The caterpillar tracks of
Soviet tanks thundered through in 1968. Here in 1918 Tomas Masaryk declared
the First Republic and, in 1989, thousands of demonstrators gathered
on Wenceslas Square to usher in the “Velvet Revolution”
and send Communism packing. This walk takes us along its broad avenue,
punctuated with grand buildings in an array of architectural styles
– from Empire and Art Nouveau to Cubism and Constructivism. We
move on to The Powder Tower, one of the medieval gateways to Old Town.
We stop at the Neoclassical Estates Theatre, where Mozart first premiered
Don Giovanni, and the venerable Karolinum, the oldest of the many buildings
today known as Charles University, founded in 1348 by the Holy Roman
Emperor, Charles IV. Finally, we visit the sights of Old Town Square,
dominated by the massive Jan Hus Monument at its center…- Lunch in the Irish pub "Molly Malone's"
Molly
Malone's is a little bit of Ireland in a quiet corner of Prague. It
is a traditional Irish pub with a casual atmosphere offering a warm
and heartful welcome. Whether you are looking for a decent pint or some
wholesome Irish food then Molly's is the place for you. You can sample
here a legendary Guinness, and watch as the bartender draws a shamrock
in the thick head. Or quaff a heady Cider, whose lightness has deceived
many of us. Or go for the ‘water of life’ – whisky,
the classic blend of Irish elegance. The combination of the food and
drink not to mention the roaring fire in the winter will cast a spell
on you and have you returning again and again.
PragueDay 4
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Free time to further explore at your own pace.
- Dinner in the French restaurant "La Perle de Prague"
Delicious
Parisian cooking awaits you at the top of the curvaceous "Fred
and Ginger" building that has been recognized by “Time”
magazine as the best design project of 1996. This is the famous “Dancing
house”. Its daring, curvy outlines led its architects, Vlado Milunc
and the American Frank O. Gehry, to initially name it after the legendary
dancing duo. The interior of the main room is washed with soft tones
of lilac and sea green. A fantastic view of Prague Castle and a panoramic
view of the city can be seen from the restaurant’s windows. Apart
of this, the Parisian-style haute cuisine is known as one of the best
in Prague. During the summer you can have lunch or just order a cup
of coffee in its beautiful terrace.- Opera evening at Prague National Theatre
The
monumental National Theatre, on the banks of the Vltava River at the
western end of Narodni Street, is the pride of the Czech nation. The
entire Czech population funded the original construction of this neo-Renaissance
structure, with its massive sculptured horses leaping and rearing over
the parapet below its gold-topped dome. Just after completion in 1881,
it suffered a disastrous fire and, again, the Czech nation funded its
reconstruction, completed in 1883. The declaration, “From the
Nation, To the Nation” displayed above the theatre stage, commemorates
their pride and generosity. Architect Joseph Zitek designed the impressive
edifice, and the interior artwork, sculptures and ornamentation are
a veritable roll call of the Czech artists of the National Revival,
all of whom donated their work. The standing repertoire includes classic
Czech operas such as Bedrich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, and
Rusalka by Antonin Dvorak.
PragueDay 5
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Enjoy a half day visit to "The Ancient Fortress of Vyšehrad"
Vyšehrad,
the ancient fortress high on a bluff above the Vltava River, has a distinct
aura of mystery surrounding it. It is the stuff of fairy tales, grand
opera and myth, and although its stone foundations are real enough,
its historical roots lie shrouded in the mists of time. The oldest chronicles
tell us that here on this bluff the legendary Czech princess Libuše
founded the city and declared it would be called “Prague”
– from the Czech word, prah for “threshold”. Libuše
was also a prophetess, and she predicted a great glory for the city
that would “reach to the stars…” The ancient chronicles
further tell us that early in the 12th century the residence of the
Czech kings was transferred from Prague Castle to the ancient citadel
of Vyšehrad – but no one really knows why. We will travel
back in time along the high bluffs of Vyšehrad, following its thousand
year-old ramparts and crumbling red brick walls. As we explore the ruins
of its palaces and stone wells and eerie caves, perhaps the stones will
reveal to us their secrets…- Lunch in the Italian restaurant "Coliseum"
-
One
of the best Prague’s pizzerias, Coliseum knows the secret of
the dish: good ingredients prepared simply: pizzas have a wonderfully
thin, crisp crust, and the pasta with Gorgonzola sauce will have you
blessing Italian cows. You can watch your pizza cook in the timber-heated
pizza oven or choose from the steaks, fish, pasta and salads. The
professional service and rich menu make this a popular spot for an
informal lunch or dinner.
Prague — MelnikDay 6
- Breakfast at the hotel.
- Full day excursion "The Wine cellars of Melnik"
Situated
north of Prague on the Labe River, the small town of Melnik has a history
going back over a thousand years, and holds a unique place in Czech
history. Originally the site was a possession of Bohemia’s earliest
queen, Ludmila, and for many centuries afterwards, it served as a refuge
for widowed queens and princesses. Vineyards first appeared in the 14th
century. Today the area’s unique climate and the traditional techniques
employed by local wine-makers produce the high-quality wines for which
Melnik is justly famous. In 1753 Ludmila’s castle passed into
the possession of the ancient Lobkovitz family. The family’s 18th
century renovations – and the much-needed restoration carried
out by the Lobkovitz heir after the fall of Communism – produced
the gorgeous Renaissance chateau visitors see today. Its interiors show
off a priceless art collection, and its extensive wine cellars boast
an impressive wine archive. We will visit the cellars and sample the
splendid local wines.- Dinner in the Indian restaurant "Rasoi"
-
Dinner at the Indian restaurant Rasoi is an amazing journey into the fascinating world of Indian cuisine. Let yourself be tempted by its exotic aromas and tastes. To an ordinary European, these dishes might seem too spicy and extraordinary, but once you tuck in, you will end up a devotee of this provocative cuisine.
PragueDay 7
- Breakfast at the hotel. Free to relax.
- Lunch in the oldest Prague brewery "U Fleku"
A
building which has served a pub to countless generations for more than
400 years, eight spaces, each with its particular charm and character
and folk brass bands playing everywhere… You can sit on a timber
chair which is 150 years older than you and order a branded old Czech
goulash with dumplings, the recipe of which is kept in a secret for
long centuries. This was also the watering hole of the world famous
Czech writer, Bohumil Hrabal. No wonder – take this opportunity
to drink a pint of U Fleku’s exclusive local-brewed dark beer.
Then you will know where the author of Closely Watched Trains and Larks
on a String got his inspiration! It’s also a great place to strike
up a conversation about the history of the brewery business –
you’ll find the place full of “experts” on the subject!- Transfer to the airport with your guide, departure.