Rick Steves Tours Prague at Night
 

Did You Know?

Even though the Czech Republic joined the European Union in 2004, it has not yet made the transition to using the Euro for its currency. One U.S. dollar is worth approximately 18 Czech crowns. The Czech crown is also known as koruna or Kč.
 
 
 
"One of the gladdest moments of human life, methinks, is the departure upon a distant journey into unknown lands. Shaking off with one mighty effort the fetters of habit, the leaden weight of routine, the cloak of many cares and the slavery of home, man feels once more happy."
 
~Sir Richard Burton~
 
 
 

Graffiti Wall

Take advantage of one of the most entertaining travel resources out there. Visit the European travel forums at the Graffiti Wall on the Rick Steves website. You can be a forum lurker like me - or you can choose to participate in the lively discussions. It's great!

Rick Steves' Europe Through The Back Door
 
 

Legend of Šemik

One of the legends surrounding the castle of Vyšehrad is that of the Bohemian squire Horymir and his beautiful white steed Šemík. Horymir was sentenced to death at the castle and was asked for his last wish. He requested one last ride around the castle grounds on his loyal horse. His wish was granted and Horymir mounted Šemík. They leaped from the high cliff where the castle is located into the Vltava River below. The man and his horse made it to the other side of the river, thus saving Horymir from death... although Šemík himself died as  a result of the jump. Legend has it that the noble Šemík is sleeping in the Vyšehrad rock, ready to awaken if his help is needed again.

 

Day 1

Sunday, September 23: Welcome to Prague

The day at a glance: After arriving at our home base for the week, the lovely Hotel Metamorphis, we met up with our tour group for the first time in the afternoon. Then we took a tram to the Vyšehrad Castle and enjoyed a tour of the Castle district and the National Cemetery. After the tour, we had our first taste of traditional Czech food at U Šemíka restaurant. Yum!

 
Metamorphis Hotel Home sweet home for the week, the Hotel Metamorphis. Great location behind the Tyn Church in the Ungelt Courtyard in Old Town.
Our room
 
St Peter & Paul Church At Vyšehrad The Vyšehrad Castle complex is the home of Bohemia's first ruling dynasty and home to many Czech legends. We toured the castle grounds, including the St Peter and Paul Church, St Martin's Rotunda and the National Cemetery. Beautiful views of the Prague Castle and Vltava River can be seen from Vyšehrad Castle. National Cemetery at Vyšehrad
Dustin & Heather Overlooking the Vltava River
 

Video Clip (00:25)
Katka describes the origins of the National Cemetery at the Vyšehrad Castle
View from Vyšehrad  View of Prague Castle from Vyšehrad Castle
 
St Martin's Rotunda at Vyšehrad       Amy at Vyšehrad
St Martin's Rotunda on the left is the oldest building in Prague, dating back to around the year 1100. Above is a picture of Amy enjoying the Vyšehrad tour. More pictures from Vyšehrad below, including one of the tombstone for Czech composer Antonin Dvorak. Composer Bedrich Smetana and painter Alfons Mucha are also buried here.
 
Pam at Vyšehrad Gate Decorated With Skull & Cross at Cemetery Slavin at Vyšehrad Dvorak's Tombstone at Vyšehrad
 
Charles Bridge at Night

Don't miss a stroll across the Charles Bridge at night!