54aad8049ac89 viennaceskykrumlovandprague2015 1 5 by Go Real Europe

An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Vienna, Český Krumlov, and Prague September 01 – September 12, 2015

ITINERARY OVERVIEW Members of the Travel Group: Jane Example and John Example 1. This is only a summary of your trip! Full-length itineraries include destination information, travel directions, maps, pictures, tips, and other details. 2. Select “Hotels” on your client dashboard to see hotel pictures and descriptions.

Pre-Paid Tours and Activities: • Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City

• Guided Walk in Český Krumlov

• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Castle and the Royal Coronation Route • Guided Excursion to the Medieval Town of Kutná Hora by Train

Pre-Paid Transportation: • Shuttle Service from Vienna to Český Krumlov

• Public Transport Tickets for Vienna and Prague

• Shuttle Service from Český Krumlov to Prague

• Transfer to Prague Airport by Private Car

Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast: • 4 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Vienna

• 5 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague

• 2 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Český Krumlov

Travel Information included in your itinerary: • City Maps of Vienna and Prague • Point to point travel directions

• Free Skype calling to landlines worldwide, and to mobile phones in the U.S. and Canada

• Destination information & travel advice

Total Trip Cost for All Travelers:

N/A e

Please see payment details and travel conditions here.

ITINERARY CONTENTS 1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2 September 02, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter . . .

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3 September 03, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace . Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing . . . . . .

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4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Scenic Voyage from Vienna to Český Krumlov through the Wachau Valley . . . . . . . . . . 10 6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . Guided Walk through Český Krumlov . Český Krumlov Castle . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov . . .

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7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Shuttle Trip from Český Krumlov to Prague with Stop in Hluboká or Other Destination . . 14 Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery . Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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9 September 09, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter . Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town . . . Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague .

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10 September 10, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19 11 September 11, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 Guided Excursion to Kutná Hora by Train . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20 12 September 12, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21 Drop off at Airport, and Departure from Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

DAY 1 Arrive Vienna

September 01, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Arrival in Vienna Airport and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi To Be Determined For your arrival in Vienna we will provide information on the customs and passport procedures. We will also provide advice on whether to order a ﬁxed price taxi or to take a metered taxi, and provide an estimate of the cost and time of the ride to your hotel. For those who prefer to make a pre-arranged transfer, we will provide a link to a website where you can quickly and easily book a reliable transfer. Included: Arrival and transfer advice. Not Included: Taxi fare (about 35 EUR)

Self Guided Visit to Vienna’s Inner City (Innere Stadt) Afternoon TOP SITES: ST. STEPHEN’S CATHEDRAL, THE GRABEN, MOZART HOUSE, CHURCH OF ST. PETER When the Viennese say they are going “into the city”, they are talking about the Inner City (Innere Stadt). The Inner City corresponds to Vienna’s original medieval city, which was once surrounded by defensive walls that stood where the Ringstrasse (Ring Street) now runs. A warren of medieval alleyways crowded into the protected space between the walls, creating a dense network of pedestrian streets that remains to this day. Now these narrow lanes hum with constant excitement as a tremendous assortment of restaurants, cafes, bars, and fashionable shops fill the ground floors of beautiful historic buildings. Among many other historic attractions, the Inner City is home to the magnificent Gothic Cathedral of St. Stephan (Stephansdom), which has become the most lasting and recognized symbol of the city. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 2

September 02, 2015

Vienna

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Walk through Vienna’s Inner City 9:30 - 12:00 PM This tour takes you back in history to explore the Vienna that stood within the old city walls. You will learn about the humble beginnings of Vienna before it became the capital of a great empire and one of the most important cities in Europe. You will discover how Vienna’s early inhabitants lived and how they left their mark on the city and its beautiful Medieval, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture. Your guide will discuss illustrious former residents such as Emperors and Empresses, but will also tell stories of ordinary Viennese who helped to create a great city of trade and commerce. You will also learn about the tragic end of Vienna’s Medieval Jewish community. At the end of your tour, your guide will give you his or her personal recommendations for restaurants in Vienna which capture its sense of history and charm. Included: Private Guided Walking Tour.

Self Guided Visit to the Ringstrasse Afternoon TOP SITES: RING STREET TRAMS, CITY HALL, NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM, ART HISTORY MUSEUM The Ringstrasse, or the Ring Street, surrounds Vienna’s old town where the city walls once stood. The Austro-Hungarian Empire was at the height of its prosperity when the monumental buildings which line the Ringstrasse were built in the late 19th century. In this section of the Ringstrasse, you can see some of the most impressive of these buildings, including the neo-Gothic town hall, which is particularly magniﬁcent when lit up in the evening hours. The large park and square in front of the town hall also serves as one of the city’s favorite gathering places. A visit to the Kunsthistorisches (Art History) Museum or the Naturhistorisches Museum (Natural History) Museum, both of which are both located on the Ringstrasse, is particularly rewarding. Another fun experience is to take a tram ride around the entire length of the Ringstrasse. From the strassenbahn line you can relax and soak in the full richness of the spectacle. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 2 Vienna

September 02, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Spittelberg Quarter Evening One of most enjoyable places for an evening out in Vienna is the Spittleberg quarter. Its narrow lanes are ﬁlled with pleasant traditional restaurants. The Spittelberg Quarter’s history stretches back to the 1600’s, when the Austrian rulers imported artisans and servants from Hungary, Croatia, and other subject lands to help serve the Emperor’s court. Other immigrants were drawn to work in the nearby silk factories. They built charming burgher homes which still line the Spittelberggasse and nearby streets, lending a particular quaint atmosphere to the area. Several streets are fully pedestrianized, making it easy to stroll at leisure. Restaurants also take advantage of the absence of autos to set up tables directly in the street. Throughout the district you can also ﬁnd crafts shops and art galleries. Included: Restaurant recommendations, Travel information on the area

DAY 3 Vienna

September 03, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to Imperial Vienna Morning TOP SITES: SPANISH RIDING SCHOOL, IMPERIAL TREASURY, ALBERTINA MUSEUM, BURGGARTEN, STATE OPERA HOUSE In this area of Vienna you will discover the very heart of the Habsburg Empire that once covered most of central Europe. Much of this district is consumed by the vast Hofburg Palace complex, once home to Austria’s emperors and their administrators. Majestically stunning, the buildings of the Hofburg still evoke awe in the observer even if the Empire they were built for is now long gone. Within the Hofburg you will ﬁnd many of the city’s top attractions, including the nearly 500 year old Spanish Riding School, which stages equestrian performances by the famous Lipizzaner Stallions. You can also visit the imperial apartments, gaze upon the imperial crown and other treasures, or browse through the imperial silver collection. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. For those interested in the Spanish Riding School entry to Morning Exercises costs 14 EUR.

Self Guided Visit to the Karlskirche and Belvedere Palace Afternoon TOP SITES: KARLSKIRCHE (CHARLES’ CHURCH), BELVEDERE PALACES AND GARDEN Southeast of the Ringstrasse you will find two of Vienna’s greatest treasures - the Belvedere Palace and the Karlskirche (St. Charles’s Church). More than just a Viennese treasure, the Belvedere and Karlskirche are actually two of the Europe’s most significant examples of Baroque architecture. The Belvedere is actually two palaces connected by a formal 3-level garden designed in the French style. A visit to the garden offers many delights to the senses with its playful fountains, multi-tiered design, and setting amidst the two elaborate palaces. The palaces now house works of art, including a permanent exhibition which includes the most famous works of Gustav Klimt, such as “The Kiss”. Many consider the Karlskirche second only to St. Peter’s Basilica among baroque churches. What makes a visit to the Karlskirche especially notable is that you can ride an elevator up into the cupola of the church and then climb stairs up to the very top of the church, where you can examine the dome’s magnificent frescoes up close.

DAY 3 Vienna

September 03, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Mapmarked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest inthe area. Not Included: Entry fee to visit the palace (approx. 11 EUR) or church (8 EUR) interiors.

Self Guided Visit to the Wine Village of Grinzing Evening Nothing better symbolizes the Viennese love of “gemütlichkeit” (roughly translated as coziness) than the wine villages and vinyards which hug the gentle slopes beneath the Vienna woods. They are home to wine taverns known as Heurigen. The Viennese come to the Heurigen to while away warm evenings drinking wine, listen to musicians play traditional Viennese tunes (Wienerlieder), and enjoy each other’s conversation and company. The most famous of the wine villages is Grinzing, which is easily reached from the city center by tram. Despite its closeness to the city center, a visit to Grinzing seems to transport you to the countryside, as quaint cottages and cozy old farmhouses create a charming village atmosphere. Included: Directions to Grinzing (including tram tickets), Tips on ordering wine and food. Not Included: The cost of meals and drinks.

DAY 4

September 04, 2015

Vienna

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Visit to the Schönbrunn Palace and Park Morning / Early Afternoon The magnificent Baroque palace of Schönbrunn is most famously associated with the Empress Maria Theresa, who lived here surrounded by her administrators, retainers, and 16 little archdukes and duchesses who also happened to be her children. On your tour of the palace, you will see numerous reminders of Maria Theresa, as well as many of its other past imperial residents. The grounds surrounding the palace form a beautiful park with a mix of formal gardens and woodlands. Throughout the park you will find enchanting fountains and statues. On a rise opposite the palace sits the Gloriette pavilion. From there you can take in a wonderful view - the meticulously groomed green park draws your eye to the graceful yellow Schönbrunn Palace, and then to the red roofs of the city stretched out beyond. If you have kids, you will definitely want to visit the labyrinth and its adjoining playground, although even without kids it can be great fun. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Not Included: Cost of entry into the palace interior (about $15 USD) or labyrinth (about $6 USD). Entry to the park is free.

Visit to the Hundertwasserhaus and the Prater Late Afternoon TOP SITES: Hundertwasserhaus, Wiener Riesenrad (Ferris Wheel), Schweizerhaus The charming and unusual Hundertwasserhaus is one of Austria’s architectural highlights. This extraordinary building was constructed between 1983 and 1985 as an imaginative apartment house and features a roof covered with soil and grass, trees growing from inside the rooms and a colorfully decorated exterior facade. Nearby is the Prater, a large and pleasant public park. There you can ﬁnd a towering ferris wheel called the Wiener Riesenrad, one of Vienna’s symbols and most popular tourist attractions since its construction in 1897. A ﬁfteen minute ride is like a trip back in time with breathtaking views over the roofs of the city. The Riesenrad is a part of a famous amusement park, which houses also carousels, swings, roller coasters, ghost trains and a number of coffee houses and restaurants, such as the Schweizerhaus. This traditional restaurant has arguably the most beautiful beer garden in the city. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Not Included: Cost of a ride on the Wiener Riesenrad (8 EUR), cost of a ride on the Liliputbahn (2.20 EUR), cost of meals and drinks at the Schweizerhaus.

DAY 5 Vienna to Český Krumlov

September 05, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Hip Vienna: Self Guided visit to the Naschmarkt and Museum Quarter Morning TOP SITES: NASCHMARKT, LEOPOLD MUSEUM, THE MUSEUM QUARTER The Naschmarkt is a long narrow market which has occupied this area since the 1500’s. The market is over a kilometer long and is filled with a delightful variety of booths and small shops selling cheeses, meats, fresh fruits & vegetables, spices, and other exotic foods from around the world. You can also find souvenirs and other interesting tidbits. If you need a break from shopping, a number of nice sit-down cafes and restaurants are located within the market. On Saturdays the market is extended even further by a huge flea market. In the flea market you will find paintings, beer steins, heirlooms, and other great finds to make your friends back home jealous. Near the market you will find perhaps the most fun spot in all of Vienna - the Museumsquartier. Once home to the Imperial Stables, the Museumsquartier is now home to several museums. In typical Viennese fashion, the courtyard of the Museumsquartier has been transformed into an open air entertainment district. A delightful mix of unpretentious cafes and bars attracts visitors to the Museumsquartier long after the museums have all closed. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

Scenic Voyage from Vienna to Český Krumlov through the Wachau Valley 1:00 PM In this incredibly scenic journey to Český Krumlov you will experience the most beautiful stretch of the Danube River. You will be picked up from your hotel in Vienna and drive to the town of Krems on the Danube River. This is the beginning of the Wachau Valley, a 22 mile stretch of river which cuts through a landscape of dramatic hills covered in vineyards and forests. You will stop in the picturesque town of Durnstein, where Richard the Lionhearted was held captive, and then travel on to the castle Aggstein, which is perched on the top of a cliff overlooking the valley. From there you will continue on to Melk, where one of Europe’s most impressive baroque abbeys is located. Leaving the valley behind, you will then travel through the wilderness of the Šumava mountains separating Austria and the Czech Republic. Once over the border, you can stop in the town of Rožmberk to see its castle, haunted by a lady dressed in white. 10

DAY 5 Vienna to Český Krumlov

September 05, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Included: Shuttle service, including stops in Durnstein, Castle Aggstein, Melk, and Castle Rožmberk (two hours of total wait time, to be split between these destinations as you choose)

DAY 6

September 06, 2015

Český Krumlov

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Walk through Český Krumlov 9:30 - 11:00 AM Thousands of tourists from around the world ﬂock to Český Krumlov to wander its narrow cobblestone lanes, visit its beautiful castle, and admire its splendid Medieval and Renaissance architecture. But most of them leave without ever understanding the town’s rich historical background or discovering its hidden secrets. With this tour you will avoid this sad fate and have a good time in the process. You’ll learn why there are dozens of ﬁve pedaled roses carved into buildings spread throughout the town, hear local legends which still echo today, and visit often missed sites such as the Renaissance town hall, the former town brewery, and the old orphanage and hospital. Included: 90-minute Private Guided Walking Tour

Český Krumlov Castle Late Morning / Early Afternoon Český Krumlov was ruled by the powerful Rožmberk family during the Middle Ages and Renaissance periods. As rivals to the Czech King, the Rožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to have a castle which could compete with Prague Castle in its magnificence, so they poured tremendous wealth and effort into building the castle. During their long residence in the castle they conducted major renovations in the Gothic, High Gothic, and Renaissance styles. The resulting structure still dominates Český Krumlov today.The castle progresses uphill through a series of five beautifully decorated courtyards, with carvings, colorful sgraffito decorations, and fountains. The castle’s perfectly preserved Baroque theater, built in 1767, is open for tours from May to October. With still intact stage machinery, backdrops, and sets, it offers a unique and wonderful glimpse into the world of the 18th century. While at the castle you can also visit the resident bears who live in the moat (don’t worry, it’s a moat complete with trees and a swimming pool). Above the castle you will discover its beautiful gardens. Maybe the best part of a visit to the gardens is the walk up to them, as you are rewarded with beautiful views of the town. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. Not included: Tours within the castle interiors - approximately $10 USD. Note on winter closings: Castle interiors other than the Castle Museum and Tower are closed from November to March, however the castle courtyards can still be explored throughout the year.

DAY 6 Český Krumlov

September 06, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov Late Afternoon Český Krumlov is the crown jewel of Southern Bohemia and its pictureperfect setting makes it a magnet for tourists and photographers from around the world. As the base of the powerful Rožmberk family from the 14th-16th centuries, it attracted great wealth, resulting in an abundance of medieval and Renaissance architecture delightfully huddled together between the twisting loops of the Vltava River. As rivals to the Czech King, the Rožmberks wanted Český Krumlov to compare with Prague in its magniﬁcence. The ﬁve-petalled rose from their family crest can still be seen on buildings throughout the town. Krumlov’s beauty is only enhanced by it setting amidst green hills and its stunning castle perched on a rocky ledge above the town. Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 7

September 07, 2015

Český Krumlov to Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Shuttle Trip from Český Krumlov to Prague with Stop in Hluboká or Other Destination 9:00 AM A shuttle service will pick you up directly from your hotel and take you to Prague. Your scenic journey to Prague will include a little over three hours of driving, but it will also include a stop in the palace of Hluboká, which is perhaps the most fascinating chateau in all of Central Europe. It is directly surrounded by exquisite formal gardens, which form part of a much larger park setting. Its romantic shimmering white architecture has inspired thousands of Czech girls to dream of a wedding there. Unfortunately, on the day of your trip, the interiors of the palace will be closed, but it is also possible to stop in several other locations instead of Hluboká, such as the Zvíkov castle ruins, or the town of České Budějovice or Tábor. Included: Shuttle Transfer Not Included: Tour of the Palace Interior

Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town Afternoon TOP SITES: OLD TOWN HALL & CLOCK TOWER, KARLOVA STREET, CHURCH OF OUR LADY OF TYN A visit to Old Town (Staré Město) transports you to an entirely different era. A labyrinth of twisting cobblestone lanes and alleys surround Old Town Square, which has been Prague’s municipal center since the Middle Ages. The Square is lined by magniﬁcent churches and imposing Renaissance palaces. Most notable are the Old Town Hall, with its famed astronomical clock drawing large crowds at the turn of each hour, and the Tyn Church, with a multitude of spires that seem to sprout like leaves from its towers. As you wander through the Old Town, you will discover numerous other delights, including several beautiful churches, a plentiful supply of cozy cafes and pubs, and an outdoor market dating back to the Middle Ages. You could explore for days in this charming district and still not uncover all of its hidden wonders. Included:Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 8 Prague

September 08, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Walking Tour of the Royal Route and Prague Castle 9:30 - 12:30 PM On this charming guided walk you will explore the Prague Castle, the largest castle complex in all of Europe. To reach the castle you will trace the Royal Coronation Route and cross the Charles Bridge, whose “speaking stones” reveal the amazing and often cruel history that has occurred there. You will pass through the enchanting Little Quarter, and take a tram up the hill to the nearly eleven hundred year old Prague Castle. Your tour will then take you through the castle courtyards and into the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral in the center of the castle complex. The tour ends up with a spectacular panoramic view of the city of a hundred spires. Included: 3-hour Private Guided Walking Tour, Entry into part of St. Vitus Cathedral. Not Included: Entry into the palace interior.

Self Guided Tour of Prague Castle, Hradčany, and Strahov Monastery Early Afternoon TOP SITES: ST. VITUS CATHEDRAL, GOLDEN LANE, LOBKOWICZ PALACE, STRAHOV MONASTERY, LORETO Prague Castle is the most visited destination in Prague, and for good reason. The castle’s history stretches back over a 1000 years, and it has served as the seat of government for Bohemian kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. It is now the seat of government of the Czech Republic, so you will encounter military honor guards rigidly standing guard at the castle entrances. The castle sits impressively perched on a hill overlooking the city, providing a breathtaking and romantic view. The castle is actually an entire complex of palaces, churches, and fortiﬁcations representing almost every architectural period of the last millennium, including the dramatic St. Vitus Cathedral, the historical seat of Prague’s archbishop. In the castle’s surrounding neighborhood, known as Hradčany, you will discover beautiful gardens, a dazzlingly restored monastery, and more. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 8

September 08, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s Little Quarter Late Afternoon TOP SITES: CHARLES BRIDGE, NERUDOVA STREET, ST. NICHOLAS CHURCH, WALLENSTEIN PALACE AND GARDENS The Little Quarter is a quaint yet lively quarter of Prague tightly nestled on the slope and river bank beneath the Prague Castle. While it may be small, the Little Quarter played an important role in Prague’s history. It is ﬁlled with the homes of medieval and renaissance nobility who wanted to live as closely as possible to the castle. Picturesque side streets, beautiful churches, and impressive Baroque architecture all abound within the Little Quarter. The Little Quarter is connected to the rest of the city by the Charles Bridge, the city’s most well-known icon. No trip to Prague is complete without a visit to the bridge. You will also ﬁnd the peaceful island of Kampa Park, which is a pleasant place for a stroll and offers a great chance to take in a view of Prague from the river bank. Nearby, the Wallenstein Palace Gardens offer a peaceful yet fascinating retreat from the city bustle. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. A map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 9

September 09, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Tour of the Old Jewish Quarter Morning TOP SITES: JEWISH CEMETERY, OLD-NEW SYNAGOGUE, SPANISH SYNAGOGUE, CONVENT OF ST. AGNES Some of Prague’s earliest residents were Jewish, and their long history in the city endowed it with a rich heritage of Jewish culture. Medieval church prohibitions against money-lending resulted in the Jews playing an important role in ﬁnancing Bohemian kings and nobility, and thus an important role in the city’s economy. The Jewish ghetto, now known as the Jewish Quarter, was created in the twelfth century, as Jews were forced by decree to live separately from Christians and close to Old Town Square. Despite continued severe persecution, which sometimes escalated to murderous mob attacks on the ghetto, the Jewish community in Prague prospered over the long term. Sadly, only a small minority of Prague’s Jews survived the Nazi occupation, and today’s Jewish community is only a shadow of its former self. They left behind, however, a lasting legacy for you to explore, including synagogues, architecture, and a fascinating cemetery. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

Self Guided Tour of Prague’s New Town Afternoon TOP SITES: WENCESLAS SQUARE, MUNICIPAL HOUSE, SHOPPING ON NA PŘIKOPĚ STREET Despite being nearly 700 years old, the New Town (Nové Město) is the youngest of the original ﬁve independent towns that made up Medieval Prague. In one sense however, the New Town is new. In the late 19th century much of the New Town was demolished and rebuilt, giving it a distinctly different look and feel than the Old Town. Today, the heart of New Town is still one of the three original central markets around which it was planned - Wenceslas Square (Vaclavské Náměstí). The square, which could also be described as a wide boulevard, is the commercial center of Prague, and is busy nearly 24-hours a day. In the New Town you will ﬁnd a great variety of shops, restaurants, nightspots, and pubs, as well as churches, cultural sites, museums. You can also visit one of the world’s most beautiful art-nouveau buildings the Municipal House. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area. 17

DAY 9

September 09, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Concert or Other Cultural Event in Prague Evening A trip to a concert or other performance in the Czech Republic is a treat on many levels. Czech musicians, dancers, and actors are some of the worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best, and are the product of a long-lasting national obsession with the arts. In fact, prior to Czech independence, the arts were one of the only outlets available to express Czech national pride and identity, which is one reason why today Prague has more theater and concert seats per resident than any other city in the world. With so much of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pride and wealth poured into their concert venues, the exquisite details of the performance halls and foyers will make the experience even more special and rewarding. A Prague concert guide with information on choosing a performance and reserving tickets is provided to Go Real Europe clients. Concert is not included. At your request, we can help you select a performance and puchase tickets for you. A 4% transaction fee and a $17 USD booking fee is added to the cost of the tickets (applied per travel party, not per person). In cases where the ticket must be picked up at a ticket oďŹ&#x192;ce in advance and mailed to you, there is an additional $50 fee.

DAY 10

September 10, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn Morning / Early Afternoon Karlštejn, i.e. Charles’ Stone Castle, is the most famous castle in the Czech Republic. The fairy-tale perfect castle was founded by King Charles IV in 1348 to guard his royal treasures. It’s massive towers and walls are spread out over a series of rocky peaks above the Berounka River and commands striking views of the surrounding hills. The castle is located about 45 minutes from Prague, and is reached by a train trip through a scenic river valley. From the train station you take a winding path up a hill, which is lined by shops, restaurants, and stands selling traditional Czech snacks, making the trip to the castle half the fun. Included: Detailed travel directions for a stress free train trip to Karlštejn Castle. Not Included: Round trip train fare (about $8), tour of castle interior (about $8-16).

Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad Late Afternoon The castle of Vyšehrad was the seat of Bohemia’s kings from the 11th to the 12th centuries. The castle was founded in the 900’s AD and holds a strategic position on a hill overlooking the Vltava River and the city of Prague. Today its park-like grounds create a great place to get away from the crowds and experience Czech history in a natural setting. In the 17th century Vyšehrad became an important center for the armies of the Habsburg Empire, and they built ramparts, walls, and gates around the fortress. Today walking along the ramparts affords wonderful views of the city and river, and you also have the option to descend beneath the ramparts to the huge cavernous halls were the troops assembled. The fortress also contains a beautiful cemetery with an art-nouveau arcade. Many Czech national heroes are buried here, such as the composer Dvořák. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Map marked with attractions, restaurants, and other points of interest in the area.

DAY 11

September 11, 2015

Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Guided Excursion to Kutná Hora by Train Morning / Afternoon On this full day guided excursion you will discover the charming Bohemian town of Kutná Hora. Your guide will pick you up from your hotel, and after an hour long train ride through the pretty countryside, you will begin exploring the medieval town. Due to nearby silver mines, Kutná Hora was rich and powerful during the the Middle Ages. It was even declared a Royal town, meaning that the Bohemian King directly controlled the town. The town spent much of its wealth on beautiful buildings, many of which still exist today, and which have earned the town the status of a UNESCO World Cultural site. Your visit will include stops at the incredible Gothic church of St. Barbara, the Royal Mint, and if you choose, the famous “Bone Church”. Formally known as the Church of All Saints, the interior of the “Bone Church” is decorated with the bones of thousands of victims of a plague epidemic and the Hussite Wars. Another fascinating but hair raising option is to descend into the narrow shafts of the Medieval silver mines. Included: PrivateGuide Services, Transportation, Entry into St. Barbara’s Church and the Bone Church. Not Included: Entry into the Silver Mines or other sites, Lunch

DAY 12

September 12, 2015

Depart Prague

Drop off at Airport, and Departure from Prague To Be Determined A car service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) and deliver you to the Prague Airport for your ďŹ&#x201A;ight departure. This is a private transfer just for your travel party, and you will not need to pay the driver for the transfer, as it is already included in the cost of the itinerary. Included: Private transfer by car to the Prague Airport