Prague - Czech it Out!

Prague - Czech it Out!
By Christine Arnold

I did not expect to be so enchanted by Prague -it is almost like a smaller, cleaner version of Paris (and you know how much I love Paris ). This is one of the best-preserved medieval cities in the world and it is amazing. The city is separated into districts, and Prague 1 is the area where tourists will spend the majority of their time—just about everything can be reached on foot.

Each time we stepped into Old Town Square we felt as if we had journeyed back in time 600 or 700 years. As we stood in awe, the dramatic history of Prague permeated the air all around us. With its ancient buildings, churches and the famous Astrological Clock, it is one of the most beautiful historical sights in Europe.

We spent many afternoons sitting in one of the many cafes around the square, sipping a beer or coffee and watching the eclectic mix of locals and tourists enjoying the unique atmosphere. We happened to be in Prague during the ice hockey world championship playoff game between Sweden and the Czech Republic. Along with about 10,000 other people, we drank beer and watched the game one evening on the huge TV screens set up all over Old Town Square. It was a perfect example of the blending of medieval and ultra-modern that defines Prague 's uniqueness and charm.

A stroll across one of the oldest stone bridges in Europe, the statue-lined Charles Bridge, to the other side of the Vltava River will bring you to the medieval Prague Castle complex, the largest in Europe. The castle sits high on a hill overlooking the city and was the seat of Czech kings throughout the ages. It is comprised of many buildings, including the Gothic Saint Vitus Cathedral, several palaces, a monastery, museums & galleries, viewing towers, St. George's Basilica and the Golden Lane.

Following the cobbled streets around the castle, we entered the Mala Strana neighborhood, where we took a tram up to the highest point in the city, complete with a scaled down version of the Eiffel Tower, called Petrin Tower. At the top, a spectacular vista of the city opened up before us.

Our concierge arranged for a private driver to take us west to one of the most famous Czech spa towns, Karlovy Vary, near the German border. We fell in love with its gracious colonnades & picturesque boulevards.

This renowned spa town was built after the discovery of hot mineral springs during the Middle Ages. The invigorating waters are used to treat all kinds of disorders and for general well-being. Each spring is numbered and has its own curative powers-the porcelain tasting cups that you will buy (trust me, you will buy one) make a great souvenir.

Prague is the “Jewel in the Crown” of Central Europe and should not be missed.

Call me to arrange your own customized tour of Prague and the Czech Republic!

About Christine

Christine Arnold is the Sales Manager at Classic Travel and has been with the agency since 1993. She has a degree in Travel and Tourism from the College of DuPage in Illinois, is an International Travel Institute Certified Travel Consultant and has been voted "Travel Agent of the Year" for the Greater Lansing Area since 1998 and has a very loyal client following. A native of Chicago, Christine has traveled extensively in Europe, the United States, Canada, Mexico, Russia and South America. Utilizing her backround in hotel management and her contacts around the world, Christine's travel experience, her passion for travel and personalized attention for her clients result in exciting trips and incredible travel values.