Itinerary

For more details on the itinerary, check the "Prague in 7 Days" tour information page on the Rick Steves website. And of course, check out the day by day photos and commentary on this website. But here is the week at a glance:

Day 1: Welcome to Prague
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!

Day 2: Prague of Kings and Nobles
We awoke to a gorgeous day today! After breakfast, we hopped aboard the tram and headed up to Castle Hill, where the majestic St. Vitus Cathedral dominates the city skyline. We also visited the Prague Castle, the Basilica of St. George, the whimsical Golden Lane and the Strahov Monastery with its fascinating & beautiful Baroque library. The views from the castle area are truly spectacular and showcase this "golden city of a hundred spires".

Day 3: Prague of Prophets and Radicals
Prague's delightful Staré Město (Old Town) was brought to life this morning as Katka described the personalities and history of the area. Some of the sights we saw included the astronomical clock, Bethlehem chapel, Charles University and the many beautiful and historic buildings and statues sprinkled throughout. In the afternoon we took in the Art Nouveau Mucha Museum in the New Town (Nové Město).

Day 4: Jewish Prague & the Velvet Revolution
A fascinating day of sightseeing today. In the morning we toured the Jewish Town of Prague, with a truly interesting and poignant collection of Jewish heritage sights. In the afternoon we took a walk back in time to the fall of the Iron Curtain that took place in Wenceslas Square in 1989.  This period of time is known as the "Velvet Revolution". In the evening we went to a performance of "Faust" at one of Prague's famous (and somewhat absurd) Black Light Theatres.

Day 5: Kutná Hora and the Silver Age
We boarded a comfy private bus this morning that whisked us through the beautiful Czech countryside to a town that had its heyday over 500 years ago - Kutná Hora. The town was once one of the richest towns in Europe because of its silver mines and coin mintage. Those days are gone, but there are still many sights to see, including a silver mine tour, St. Barbora's Cathedral and the provocative Sedlec Bone Church. My kids & I went to an optional Folklore Show in the evening featuring traditional Czech food, drink, music and dance -- touristy and wonderful!

Day 6: Prague Neighborhoods
Today we took a trip into the suburbs of Prague to visit the beautiful Troja Chateau's gallery, wine tasting cellar, and Botanical Gardens. In the evening, we had our memorable farewell dinner together at the upscale David Restaurant near the American Embassy in Lesser Town. The Prague Castle Orchestra ("the world's smallest orchestra!") came to entertain us. Very enjoyable!

Day 7: Tour Over After Breakfast
The tour ended after breakfast this morning, with some folks staying on in Prague, others heading home, and still others off to Austria or other destinations In Europe.