Danube River Cruise - Vilshoven to Prague

Today we begin a new part of our journey as we travel from Bavaria to the Czech Republic.   Our coach departs the ship at 830am and heads to Regensburg for a walking tour of this quaint medieval village.

The old city of Regensburg dates back to 1155 and the medieval city is now a UNESCO World Heritage site.  Since it was spared from the bombing of WWII, it is the largest medieval city in all of Germany and has retained the medieval wall.  We walked through the new town and crossed the Romanesque Old Stone Bridge; dating back to 1146. The bridge was of great importance as it allowed all trade routes to cross the river with their treasures.   

This was a great trading centre and in 1809 was conquered by Napoleon.  In the old town you will find many large Patrician houses and towers influenced by Italian architecture, churches and narrow lanes lined by merchant and craftsmen’s houses.  Today these shops are filled with top quality unique items from the local area; handmade jewelry, knit wear, embroidered clothing and fabulous hats for men.  There are many historical buildings of significance; the  meeting hall were kings or their delegates gathered to discuss politics and set laws and the impressive Gothic Cathedral of St Stephens which took 300 years to build.  The spires of the Cathedral are 100 metres high.

After our tour we had free time to browse the shops or go for a quick lunch before getting back on the bus.  Some of us wound our way through the narrow streets back to the river’s edge to Wurst Kuche, a 500 year old dining establishment known for is sausage, sauerkraut and sweet spicy mustard.  The traditional Bavarian food combined with a nice cold beer is a delicious treat. 

We board the bus for our drive to the Prague.  Many of us have a nice nap and others enjoy the scenery of the Czech countryside.  After a few hours’ drive we arrive at the Hilton Old Town Hotel, our home for the next three nights.  Once checked in and bags stowed we embark on a one hour guided orientation tour to familiarize ourselves with the immediate area.  The weather is warmer, the sun is shining and the streets are bustling with activity.  I can see by the smiling faces that everyone is looking forward to their stay in this fabulous city. Lida, our experienced guide has timed our arrival to the main square perfectly.  We stop in front of the astronomical clock just in time for the bells to ring and the clock springs to life with activity.  Figures dance on the sides and some move through an opening up above the large clock face.  What a site to see.  The man in the tower blows his bugle to signal the hour and once he stops large crowd disperses.  What a way to end the tour and right in the heart of the old city. 

Our large group separates into smaller groups and move on to search out the perfect restaurant.  Our choice is Staromestske, a great little restaurant on the edge of the square. The menu offers a wide variety of traditional Czech cuisine.  I’ve chosen a tasty cabbage salad, chicken schnitzel and potato salad.  It was delicious!  A fabulous meal and a great way to end a wonderful day, then off to bed early to rest up for tomorrow’s busy day of touring Prague.

 Prague at night is spectacular.  The buildings are just as beautiful or even better.  I love this city.