Prague, a Medieval Jewel

From Saxony to Prague

We leave Saxony to reach Prague, about a couple of hours by car. Return of the car at the airport, and continuation to the hotel by public transport.

Charles Bridge, Old Town and

Visits: The Old Town, the Jewish Quarter, Charles Bridge

The heart of Prague's historic centre is the Old Town Square. The square has been magnificently restored and is a good starting point to begin your visit to Prague. You find the Gothic spires of the Church of Týn rising above the square, the statue of the reformer Jan Hus and, on the opposite side, the astronomical clock on the Old Town Hall. Climb to the top of the town hall tower and you will enjoy a magnificent view of the square and also beyond. Walk along the streets that lead off the square, the big Parížská, the charming Týnská that leads to Ungelt, the always busy Melantrichova that will take you to Wenceslas Square... Go down along Celetná to the Powder Tower, one of the historic gates of the Old Town. Connected to the tower you will find the Municipal House, the most prestigious Art Nouveau building in Prague. The Jewish Quarter is not far from the Old Town Square.

The Jewish Museum administers the following places: the Maislova synagoga, the Pinkasova synagoga, the Spanish synagogue, the old Jewish cemetery, the Klausova synagoga and the Ceremonial Hall. The Old New Synagogue is the oldest functioning synagogue in Central Europe.

It is recommended to cross Charles Bridge during your first day because afterwards you will probably want to have time to do it again. The suggestion is to cross it also at night to enjoy the splendid view of the illuminated Castle. During the day it is possible to climb the towers located on both sides of the Bridge, in particular, we recommend the tower on the Old Town side.

Castle District, Malastrana

The morning is a good time to visit the Castle district (Hradcany) and then continue to the Lesser Quarter (Malá Strana). Take tram 22 or 23 from Malostranské námestí and get off at Pohorelec. You will thus find yourself above the Castle and from there you can go down towards the Lesser Quarter. Start your visit with the Strahov monastery. A pleasant route to follow, after visiting Strahov, is the one that will take you to the entrance of the Castle area going down along the Loretánská to Hradcanské námestí (Castle Square). Along the way you can stop at the Loreto shrine. On the hill you will not find a single castle but a series of buildings, some churches and a hundred years of history. Before crossing the entrance of the castle, head to your right to enjoy a beautiful view of Prague from above.

After exploring the castle area, cross its gardens or take the Nerudova down to Malostranské námestí, the heart of the Lesser Quarter. Spend some time on Kampa Island which is right next to Charles Bridge. Cross the park and enjoy the view of the bridge and the river. Spend the rest of the day strolling through the picturesque streets of the Lesser Quarter. In the afternoon you can take a boat trip on the Vltava.

Karlstejn

In the morning excursion by train to Karlstejn Castle, the most famous and visited castle in the Czech Republic, set in a fairy-tale landscape surrounded by forest. Built in Gothic style at the wish of Charles IV, it was to be the tangible symbol of his political and religious power. Among the various buildings that make up the Castle, the Great Tower stands out on the highest point, where the imperial jewels are kept. Return to Prague and in the afternoon, by funicular, reach the top of Petřín hill and enjoy the grand panorama, then stroll through the rose garden and the mirror maze, guaranteed fun for children.