54aad972635c9 pragueandceskykrumlov2015 1 5 by Go Real Europe

An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Prague and Český Krumlov September 01 – September 07, 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: • Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower

• Guided Walk in Český Krumlov

• Guided Walking Tour of the Prague Castle and the Royal Coronation Route

• Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery or Palace Tour

Pre-Paid Transportation: • Bus Tickets from Prague to Český Krumlov • Bus Tickets from Český Krumlov to Prague

• Private Transfer to the Bus Station in Prague • Private Transfer from the Bus Station in Prague to Your Hotel

• Public Transport Tickets for Prague • Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel

• Transfer to Prague Airport by Private Car

Pre-Paid Hotels, including Daily Breakfast: • 5 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Prague

• 1 night in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Český Krumlov

Travel Information included in your itinerary: • City Maps of 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:

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Please see payment details and travel conditions here.

ITINERARY CONTENTS 1 September 01, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to Hotel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to Prague’s Old Town . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower . .

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2 September 02, 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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3 September 03, 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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8 8 9

4 September 04, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Self-Guided Excursion to Castle Karlštejn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 Self Guided Stroll through the Fortress of Vyšehrad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5 September 05, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departure from Prague . Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in Český Krumlov . . . . . . . Guided Walk through Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Český Krumlov Castle . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery or Palace Tour . Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Bus Station . . . . . . . . . . Bus Journey from Český Krumlov to Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Transfer from the Bus Station to Your Hotel . . . . . . .

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11 11 11 11 12 12

14 14 14 15

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Drop off at Airport, and Departure from Prague . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

DAY 1

September 01, 2015

Arrive Prague

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Arrival in Prague, Private Transfer to Hotel To Be Determined We will schedule a pick up for your ﬂight’s arrival time. You will be met in the terminal by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. Most of the drivers we use are ex-pats who will give you good Prague tips during your ride to the hotel. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride will be included in your itinerary package. Included: Private Transfer to your hotel. Information on passport control, customs, and other arrival info.

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.

Vltava River Cruise and City Overview from the Old Town Hall Tower 5:00 - 6:30 PM This tour begins with an ascent to the tower of the Prague Old Town Hall by elevator. From there you will have a panoramic view of Prague’s historic center. Your breath will be taken away as you admire the sight of the expansive Old Town Square below you and gaze down at the 4

DAY 1 Arrive Prague

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

surrounding red rooftops and the maze of tiny streets. The guide will orientate you to the city’s geography and give you a brief introduction to its history. After descending the tower the guide lead you on a hidden route through the courtyards of a former monastery to reach the Charles Bridge. From there you will board a small boat for a short cruise on the Vltava. There is perhaps no better way to get a true sense of Prague’s beauty than from a boat making its way down the Vltava River. Beautiful buildings crowd the river’s edge, a series of stately bridges cross it, and the imposing Prague castle and pretty forested hills rise above it. As you enjoy a complimentary drink, you will have an opportunity to relax and soak it all in, appreciating magical Prague at its grandest. Included: Guide services, entry and elevator tickets for Old Town Hall Tower, short boat cruise in center of Prague (<1hr). Not Included: Long boat cruise, dinner cruise.

DAY 2 Prague

September 02, 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 2

September 02, 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 3

September 03, 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. 8

DAY 3

September 03, 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 4

September 04, 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 5

September 05, 2015

Prague to Český Krumlov

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Drop off at Na Knížecí Bus Station, and Departure from Prague 8:10 AM A car service will pick you up from the and deliver you to the Na Knížecí bus station, where you will catch your bus.

Bus Trip from Prague to Český Krumlov 09:00 – 11:55 by Bus Tickets and seat reservations will be included with the purchase of your itinerary for this approximately 3 hour trip on a comfortable, modern bus. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress free will also be provided in your full itinerary. The bus is equipped with bathroom and wi-ﬁ internet access, and you will be offered refreshments during the trip. Included: Bus tickets, seat reservations, and detailed directions for a stress free trip.

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Hotel in Český Krumlov 11:55 AM You will take a very short taxi ride to your hotel from the bus station. If you prefer you can also walk, most of our featured hotels are only a short distance from the bus station. Details on how to call a taxi and how much to pay are provided with your full itinerary. Walking directions are also included for those who prefer to go by foot. Included: Information on ordering and taking a taxi. TAXI FARE IS NOT INCLUDED.

Guided Walk through Český Krumlov 1:30 - 3:00 PM 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 11

DAY 5 Prague to Český Krumlov

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

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 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.

Self Guided Tour of Český Krumlov Evening 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 12

DAY 5 Prague to Český Krumlov

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

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 6 Český Krumlov to Prague

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

Guided Excursion to Třeboň, including Brewery or Palace Tour Morning / Afternoon On this guided excursion you will discover the charming town of Třeboň. Třeboň lies within a natural landscape thoroughly shaped by the hands of men, but which is so beautiful and unique that the UN designated it as a Biosphere Reserve. Since the Middle Ages inhabitants of the area supported themselves with fish farming by creating lakes out of the original marshes and woods. The town has a long history as the economic and administrative center of the area, and the complex and efficiently run system of fish farms brought a great deal of wealth and pride to the town. This is reflected in its beautiful town square, a Gothic church and abbbey, and a charming Renaissance palace. After exploring the town you can take a tour of the palace or of the town’s historic but still functioning brewery. Those taking the brewery tour will have a chance to taste some authentic Czech micro-brew, and perhaps enjoy some more in the brewery’s beer garden, which is a favorite gathering place of the locals. Important Note #1: If you would like to do the brewery tour, please inform us well in advance, otherwise it may be impossible to arrange. Important Note #2: If visiting between November and March, the palace will be closed. Included: Transportation and from Třeboň, Private Guided Tour of the town, and guided tour of either the palace or brewery. Not included: Food and beverages.

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Bus Station 6:20 PM You will take a very short taxi ride from your hotel to the bus station. If you prefer you can also walk, as most of our featured hotels in Český Krumlov are only a short distance from the bus station. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a taxi for you, but details on how to call a taxi and how much to pay are also provided with your full itinerary. Included: Instructions on taking a taxi to the bus station. TAXI FARE IS NOT INCLUDED.

Bus Journey from Český Krumlov to Prague 19:00 – 21:55 by Bus Tickets and seat reservations will be included with the purchase of 14

DAY 6 Český Krumlov to Prague

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

your itinerary for this approximately 3 hour trip on a luxury bus. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress free will also be provided in your full itinerary. The comfortable bus is equipped with bathroom and wi-ﬁ internet access, and you will be offered refreshments during the trip. The bus travels all the way to Prague, so you will not need to switch buses during the trip. Included: Bus tickets, seat reservations, and detailed directions for a stress free trip.

Private Transfer from the Bus Station to Your Hotel 9:55 PM We will schedule a pick up for your bus arrival time. You will be met next to the station by an English speaking driver holding a sign with your name on it. The drivers can give you good Prague tips during your ride to the hotel. The ride is for your party only - you will not be sharing a vehicle. The cost of the ride is included in your package, and you will not have to pay the driver. Included: Private Transfer to Your Hotel

DAY 7

September 07, 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