54bea79baffbe pragueandsalzburg2015 1 20 by Go Real Europe

An Adventure in Europe Specially created for Jane Example and John Example Itinerary Preview Prague and Salzburg 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 • Sound of Music Guided Bus Tour

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

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

• Public Transport Tickets for Prague

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 Salzburg

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 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Drop off at Florenc Bus Station, and Departure from Prague . Bus and Rail Journey to Salzburg . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Arrival in Salzburg and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town) . . . . . . . . . . .

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11 11 11 11 11

6 September 06, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Sound of Music Guided Bus Excursion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 7 September 07, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Self Guided Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg . . . . Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg . . . . . . . Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian Beer Hall . . .

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14 14 14 15

8 September 08, 2015 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Salzburg Airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 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 Salzburg

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Drop off at Florenc Bus Station, and Departure from Prague 7:30 AM A car service will pick you up from the (Hotel T.B.D.) and deliver you to the Florenc bus station, where you will catch your bus.

Bus and Rail Journey to Salzburg 08:20 – 12:15 by Bus and 12:58 – 14:08 by Rail Your scenic journey to Salzburg will consist of two parts. The ﬁrst is a nearly four hour bus trip from Prague to Linz, Austria through the beautiful countryside of Bohemia and northern Austria. The second part of the journey is a 70-minute train journey from Linz to Salzburg, where on clear days you can enjoy a view of the Alps in the distance. The itinerary includes bus tickets and train tickets and seat reservations. Both the bus and train are comfortable and modern, and the train is even equipped with well-functioning wi-ﬁ. You will receive detailed instructions for the voyage, as well as a translation and explanation of your tickets. Included: Tickets, seat reservations (in an open seating system), and detailed travel information.

Arrival in Salzburg and Transfer to Hotel by Public Taxi 2:22 PM Upon arrival in Salzburg, you will exit the rail station and proceed to the taxi stand where you will ﬁnd taxis waiting for arriving passengers. Taxis in Salzburg are generally reliable and honest, and are less expensive than using a pre-arranged pick up service for your transfer to the Hotel. Detailed arrival information and instructions for taking a taxi are provided in the Full Length itinerary with purchase of an itinerary. Included: Arrival information and instructions. TAXI FARE IS NOT INCLUDED

Self Guided Visit to the Altstadt (Old Town) Afternoon Filled with narrow lanes, elegant squares, and an abundance of ornate

DAY 5 Prague to Salzburg

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

baroque architecture, Salzburg is certainly one of Europe’s most beautiful towns. Although its growth was initially fueled by salt from nearby mines (Salzburg means salt mountain), the town is now associated with music, Catholic churches, and baroque architecture. For Americans, it was made famous by the movie Sound of Music, but most Austrians remain completely unaware of the movie. An independent bishopric until becoming part of Austria in 1816, Salzburg has always had a keen sense of local identity. Ironically however, its charm, hospitality, cultural heritage, and the beauty of its natural surroundings have made it into a symbol of Austria as a whole. The Altstadt is where Mozart was born and music continues to be closely associated with it. It possesses an amazing wealth of Baroque buildings due to the fact that during the 17th and 18th centuries its bishop rulers focused on beautifying and enriching their town, and attempted to stay out of the foreign conflicts that often surrounded them on all sides. A series of squares runs through the town, and you will find that all the squares are dominated by a beautiful church. Throughout the Altstadt you will find markets, pleasant shops, and cozy restaurants. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area.

DAY 6

September 06, 2015

Salzburg

(Hotel T.B.D.)

Sound of Music Guided Bus Excursion 9:00 - 1:00 PM In this approximately 4 hour tour by motor coach you will relive the most magical moments from the Sound of Music while taking in the breathtaking beauty of Salzburg’s surroundings, including the landscape which inspired Julie Andrews to burst into song at the beginning of the movie. As you enjoy the tour, you will relax and listen to the original Sound of Music soundtrack, perhaps even singing along a bit. On the tour you will see the places where the movie was ﬁlmed, and will also learn how these places tie into Salzburg’s history. Notable spots you will visit include the Mirabell Gardens, where Maria and the children sang “Do-Re-Mi”, the Leopoldskron Palace which served as the von Trapp family home, the pavillion where Maria and the Captain fell in love, Maria’s abbey, and the wedding church. You will also see the picturesque lake district. Included: Cost of the guided bus excursion. THIS IS NOT A PRIVATE TOUR

Self Guided Visit to the Neustadt and Mirabell Palace Gardens Afternoon TOP SITES: MIRABELL PALACE AND GARDENS, LINZERGASSE (STREET), ST. SEBASTIAN’S CEMETERY On the right bank of Salzach river lies the Neustadt, or New Town in English. Although it may be slightly newer than the Altstadt, it still boasts hundreds of years of history in it’s winding and narrow Medieval lanes. The Mirabell Palace, a Baroque masterpiece built in 1606 by the Prince Archbishop of Salzburg for his concubine, is the most famous site in the Neustadt. As impressive as the palace and its interior are, the elaborate gardens surrounding the palace are more famous than the palace itself. In the gardens you will ﬁnd statues of pegasus, unicorns, lions and other exotic animals, a dwarf garden, grand staircases, and other picturesque spots. Sound of Music fans may remember the garden from the movie, as this is where several parts of the “Do-Re-Me” song were ﬁlmed. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area.

DAY 7 Salzburg

September 07, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Self Guided Excursion to the Peak of the Untersberg Morning The nearly 6,000 foot high Untersberg is Salzburg’s nearest Alpine Mountain, and a visit to its peak is the perfect way to experience the Alps without traveling too far. Don’t worry, there’s no need to bring your climbing gear. You can take a bus from Salzburg to the base of the mountain, and then take an exhilarating cable lift ride all the way to the limestone summit. There you will ﬁnd a stupendous view of the Alps spread out before you, and if you feel like wandering a bit, a network of rocky trails spreads out from the summit. If you aren’t in the mood for a hike, you can just enjoy the view some more and have a meal or a drink in a mountain top restaurant. Included: Detailed travel directions and information for an easy and stress free trip. Not Included: Local bus fare (2.30 EUR), Lift tickets (21 EUR).

Self Guided Visit to the Fortress Hohensalzburg Early Afternoon The Festung Hohensalzburg (roughly translated as the High Salzburg Fortress) dominates Salzburg, appearing simultaneously formidable and enticing. From one side of the fortress you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the city, and from the other a beautiful view of the nearby Alps. A fortress has been located at this location since Roman times, although the current fortress dates its history back to the 11th century A.D. In the Renaissance the fortress was enlarged and its exterior has remained mostly unchanged since then. The state rooms of the fortress are richly decorated with intricate Gothic wood-carvings and Renaissance ornamental paintings. In addition to touring the fortress state rooms, you can also visit the Fortress Museum, a Marionette Museum, the torture Chamber, an observation tower, and more. An audio tour is available which covers many of these sites. The fortress was never taken by force, even though it was not for a lack of trying. Luckily for you, today you can easily reach the fortress by a steep funicular railway that leaves from Salzburg’s Altstadt. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the sites and history of the fortress. Not Included: Cost of entry (8.00 EUR - 11.30 EUR)

DAY 7 Salzburg

September 07, 2015 (Hotel T.B.D.)

Visit to the Mönchsberg and the Augustinian Beer Hall Late Afternoon Although tiny in comparison to the mountains of the nearby Alps, the Mönchsberg (Monk’s Mountain) dominates the Altstadt. While the highest portion of the mountain is occupied by the Fortress Hohensalzburg, the rest of the mountain is covered by idyllic forests and pastures, romantic homes, and castle ruins. A stroll through this enchanting landscape also affords numerous beautiful views of Salzburg’s Altstadt below. Perhaps best of all, it can all be enjoyed away from the crowds of the city. At the foot of the Mönchsberg, in the village-like neighborhood of Mülln, lies Austria’s largest beer hall. Since 1621 it has served the famously delicious brew of the Augustinian monks. Although it attracts many visitors, it remains a favorite among locals. Even if you don’t drink beer, it is still a great way to try some traditional Austrian cuisine and mingle with locals in a wonderfully authentic atmosphere. Included: Travel directions, tips, and information on the area. Not Included: Beer or meal in the beer hall.

DAY 8

September 08, 2015

Depart Salzburg

Self-Arranged Taxi Transfer to the Salzburg Airport To Be Determined Salzburg 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 three hours prior to departure, you should have plenty of time to catch your ďŹ&#x201A;ight. If you are leaving during rush hour, you may want to budget an extra ďŹ fteen minutes or so. Not Included: Taxi fare