Danube River Cruise - Prague Day 2

It's another beautiful day in Prague with a clear sunny sky.  Today the temperature will be a high of 14 degrees, a far cry from the 4 degrees we experienced during our tour of Salzberg. Some of our group members have decided on a walking tour of the historical Jewish district. A short stroll from hotel, located between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. Its torrid history dates back to the 13th century, when the Jewish community in Prague were ordered to vacate their disparate homes and settle in one area.Our guide walks us through the history of the Jewish people. One of the most influential persons was Mordecai Maisel, a powerful banker in the 1500's. He did many great things for his people and their town. With his personal riches he built synagogues, the town hall, public baths and housing and paved the streets with stones. 

The Jewish Quarter, or the Prague Jewish Ghetto as it was later to become known, also endured a lot of structural changes, the latest of which was a vast redevelopment of the area between 1893-1913. Its present appearance dates mainly from this period, although most of the significant buildings from previous eras were saved, a living testimony to the history of Prague Jews, spanning many centuries.
These buildings form the best preserved complex of Jewish historical monuments in the whole of Europe. Six synagogues remain, including the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue plus the Jewish Town Hall.  .

The Old Jewish Cemetery is the most remarkable of its kind in Europe. There are over 12,000 tombstones in the small courtyard dating back to the 14th century and the graves are up to 13 levels deep.

We continue along the charming streets of Prague where people, cars and horse drawn carriage blend together. 

Our guide has recommended Svejk, a local restaurant known for their delicious traditional Czech cuisine.  The prices are very reasonable and the menus has many options to choose from. 

  The food was spectacular.  Some items chosen by our group members were; Grandmas potatoe soup, Grandmas beef in gravy with home made dumplings, goulash and dumplings paired with hot spiced wine or cool pilsner.  Judging by the smiling faces I think everyone enjoyed their meal.

Now it's time for shopping!  We head back to Old Towne Square and separate into smaller groups in search of the perfect treasure.  Some of the popular items available in Prague; garnet and amber jewelry, Bohemian glass and Czech crystal. I must say I love my new BLING!

 After a tiring day of touring and shopping we stopped for a cappuccino at Kavarna Slavia Cafe located in one of Pragues well known historical buildings.

 The Municipal House Hall is an architectural marvel that has been meticulously restored. The high ceilings, large windows, spectacular chandeliers and Art Nouveau decor makes this one of the most beautiful building in Prague.  Upstairs you will find the Kvarna cafe, Francouzska a fine french restaurant and a classical concert hall.  Downstairs is the charming American bar and Plzenska Beer Hall, a traditional dining hall with magnificent tiled murals on the walls, delicious food and local entertainment.  We enjoyed a fabulous dinner here. A couple of the ladies ordered one of the popular items on the menus, duck dinner. They were quite surprised when their meal arrived. Not only was it a site to see, they said it was absolutely delicious.

This evening we chartered our own boat to enjoy a Prague river cruise through the heart of the city. It was an enjoyable and relaxing way to see the sights of many of the well-known attractions that border the river.  As the evening sky turned from dusk to dark the skyline glowed with the dramatically lit historical buildings.  The perfect ending to a wonderful evening and a fabulous tour!

We strolled along the cobbled streets from the rivers edge to the Old Town Squire to take in the beauty of this fabulous city.  Friends enjoyed one last photo opp and said their farewells to Prague. 

Danube River Cruise - Prague Day 1

This morning we board the coaches for a short drive to Hradcany (Castle Hill) to begin our four hour walking tour. We leave form the Hilton Hotel Old Town and drive through new town which dates back to the 14^th century.  This area was built by merchants and regular people with wide streets all leading to Wenceslas Square, originally the horse market. 

 We continue along past Rye and Barley streets which used to be the cattle market area and today is Charles Square, the largest in the country. Down near the river we pass the Dancing House created by the famous architect Frank Ghery, as we cross over the river we enter the area where the high society lived in impressive palaces.

The Prague castle area is quite expansive and very impressive with several palaces, a monastery, gardens and a defense towers.  In the 1600’s when the Habsburgs resided here, Maria Teresa of Vienna changed the facade to a neo classical style.

 In the first courtyard sits Maria Teresa’s own private chapel.  Through a narrow passage we come upon St Vitas Cathedral, an impressive gothic structure. The interior is absolutely stunning and the ancient stained glass windows are just as beautiful today as they were when first created with rich vibrant colours.  Lucky for us the choir is practicing this morning, such a sweet sound.

Our walking tour continues through the colourful town, down the narrow cobbled roadways to the famous Charles Bridge.  There are many beautiful statues along the sides and the view of the castle area is spectacular.  The weather is warm and sunny and many people our out touring today.

We continue through the narrow streets to Old Town Square to end our tour at the impressive Astronomical Clock which dates back to the year 1410.  This is the oldest astronomical clock in the world and is still in perfect working order.  The clock shows the time, day, month and the inside circle also includes the zodiacs. 

After our tour we break for lunch at Staromestske Restaurant which sits on the edge of the square.  It’s a warm sunny afternoon so we dine out doors.  The square area is busy with tourists; we people watch and enjoy a fabulous Czech meal and a cold Pilsner. 

 After lunch it’s up to the top of the clock tower to view the city from above.  The church steeples, river, castle and much more is visible from this great vantage point.  The clock chimes while we are at the top and there is a large crowd below . The bugler sounds his horn to signal the hour.  It’s great fun to be at the top of the tower and be a part of the excitement. 

Shopping is the order today and there are a multitude of shops, malls and outdoor markets to choose from.  Bohemian glass, crystal and garnets are some of the popular items being purchased.  Everyone is enjoying their free time in the fabulous city of Prague. There are many restaurants to choose from, evening entertainment and excellent walking tours of the various regions.

In the evening the city looks magical with the dark sky and dramatically lit buildings.  It’s quite a spectacular sight to see.  It is my opinion that Prague is one of the most beautiful cities in the world.