54b3eb03960fd pragueandberlin2015 1 9 by Go Real Europe

An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Prague and Berlin September 01 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; September 08, 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 Walking Tour of the Prague Castle and the Royal Coronation Route

Pre-Paid Transportation: • 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague to Berlin

• Public Transport Tickets for Prague

• 2nd Class Train Tickets from Prague to Berlin

• Private Transfer to the Rail Station in Prague

• Private Transfer from Airport to Hotel

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

• 3 nights in the (Hotel T.B.D.) in Berlin

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:

N/A e

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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4 4 4

6 6 7

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station . . . . . . . . . . Rail Journey to Berlin with a Stop in Dresden . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival at Berlin Main Train Station and transfer to Hotel by Taxi . .

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6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie . . .

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11 11 11

12 12 12

7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Berlin Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

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 Prague to Berlin

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

Private Transfer to the Prague Main Train Station 7:30 AM A private transfer service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) and deliver you to the Prague Main Train Station (Praha hl.n). Your itinerary will provide detailed information on navigating the train station and ﬁnding your train, making the whole process simple and stress free. Included: Private transfer to the train station, Instructions on ﬁnding your train.

Rail Journey to Berlin with a Stop in Dresden 08:29 – 10:45 by Rail and 19:04 – 21:15 by Rail Tickets and seat reservations for this rail journey are included in the purchase of the itinerary package. Detailed directions and instructions that make the trip easy and stress free are also included in the Full Itinerary. The itinerary will also tell you which sights to look out for on your journey through three scenic regions - Bohemia, Saxony, and Brandenburg. As an added bonus, we will purchase tickets for the Prague to Dresden and Dresden to Berlin legs separately, meaning you will several hours to explore the enchanting Saxon capital of Dresden. The city had a long history as a royal residence of the Kings of Saxony, who were prince electors of the Holy Roman Empire. They transformed their home over the centuries into a splendid architectural jewel. Because of its fascinating baroque and rococo city center, Dresden was often called “Florence on the Elbe”. Included: Tickets, seat reservations, and detailed information on your train journey. Detailed travel information about Dresden is also provided.

Arrival at Berlin Main Train Station and transfer to Hotel by Taxi 9:15 PM Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so this is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. If you are picked up one hour prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your train. MORE DETAILED DEPARTURE INFORMATION FOR MAKING YOUR WAY FROM THE TAXI STAND TO THE DEPARTURE PLATFORM IS PROVIDED WITH THE PURCHASE OF AN ITINERARY PACKAGE

DAY 6

September 06, 2015

Berlin

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Dorotheenstadt (Berlin Mitte) Morning The Dorotheenstadt lies in the historic heart of the city and the political center of Germany. The Reichstag, the building which houses the German Parliament, is located here. It is topped by a egg-shaped glass dome which is open to the public. You can look down on the debating lawmakers beneath, or look out upon beautiful views of the city. You will encounter the city’s most iconic image, the Brandenburg Gate. Once the main entrance to Berlin, then later a symbol of its division, it is now a symbol of the city and nation’s reuniﬁcation. At nearly 200 foot tall it is an impressive site to behold. The gate leads into the Unter den Linden. This tree-lined boulevard is Berlin’s central axis and is crowded with important and historic buildings. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

Self Guided Visit to the Tiergarten Early Afternoon Once the hunting ground of the Prussian dukes and kings, the Tiergarten is Berlin’s most famous and expansive park. It is a wonderful escape from urban stress located in the very center of the city. You will discover beautiful forests, ﬁelds, and ponds, all easily reached through an extensive and well maintained network of trails. In the center of the park lies the Victory Column. Built as a memorial to Prussian victories in the 19th century, it is now a visitor favorite. A 285-step climb leads up to a viewing platform with unobstructed views of the park and the city. Germany’s oldest zoo is also located in the Tiergarten, and is well worth a visit. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

Self Guided Visit to Potsdamer Platz and Checkpoint Charlie Late Afternoon Potsdamer Platz is one of Berlin’s hippest new areas. Historically it was one of the most important commercial and entertainment centers of Berlin, but it was completely leveled during World War II. It was then bisected by the Berlin Wall during the Cold War, becoming a lifeless 12

DAY 6

September 06, 2015

Berlin

(Hotel T.B.D.)

area. When the wall came down, Potsdamer Platz became a symbol of the reunited Berlin, and a tremendous amount of investment went into its rebuilding. Today you can find restaurants, shopping malls, bars, and other establishments that constantly attract locals to the area. A highlight is the Sony Center, a complex of entertainment, shopping, and office buildings surrounding a plaza covered by a unique, tentlike roof. About half a mile from the Potsdamer Platz you will find Checkpoint Charlie, a poignant reminder of the Cold War. Along the way you will see remnants of the Berlin Wall, and although it is not well signed, the WWII command bunker where Hitler met his end is also located here. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

DAY 7

September 07, 2015

Berlin

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Visit to the Museum Island and Alexanderplatz Morning In the middle of the Spree River lies one of the world’s most impressive collections of museums - Berlin’s Museum Island. This UNESCO World Heritage site is home to ﬁve museums. A must for any history lover is the Pergamon Museum. It holds a spectacular collection of ancient and classical art and architecture, including whole reconstructed buildings! To the east of the Museum Island lies the Alexanderplatz. This square was once the center of East Berlin, and was rebuilt in the 1960’s as a showcase of Communist urban planning and architecture. Towering above the Alexanderplatz is the Fernsehturm, a 1,200 foot tall television tower provides incredible panoramic views of the city. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

Stroll along the Kurfürstendamm and to the Memorial Church Afternoon In the 1920’s the elegant, tree-line boulevard known as the Kurfürstendamm was the center of Berlin’s nightlife and leisure scene, attracting writers, ﬁlm stars, and artists. Once Berlin was divided by Communism the Kurfürstendamm became the commercial heart of West Berlin; the city’s own Champs-Élysées. Even after the fall of the Berlin Wall, it remains a favorite destination for Berliners for shopping, dining, and cafés, and in some ways is still the true center of Berlin. At the east end of the Kurfürstendamm, you will discover a chilling reminder of the destructiveness of war. The Kaiser-Wilhelm-Gadächtnis-Kirche, is a former church originally built as a memorial to the Kaiser Wilhelm I. The church was mostly destroyed in World War II, and what remains now is the tower, jaggedly shorn of its upper reaches. Nearby you will also discover the famous KaDeWe, the gigantic department store which served as a symbol of Western market capitalism during the Cold War. Berlin is not a “full service” Go Real Europe destination. Itineraries only provide a brief summary of attractions and very basic travel directions in Berlin.

DAY 8

September 08, 2015

Depart Berlin

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to Berlin Airport To Be Determined Berlin taxis are generally reliable and honest, so taking a taxi is cheaper than a pre-arranged transfer. Your hotel will be happy to arrange a pick up for you. If you are picked up about 3 hours before your departure time, you should arrive at the airport with a little over two hours to spare. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra ďŹ fteen minutes or so. Included: Advice on taking a taxi to the airport. Not included: Cost of Taxi Fare