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.