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| Prague, Czech Republic |
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic with a metropolitan population of approximately 2.3 million residents. It is a beautiful and magical city, a city of bridges that stretch over the Vltava River, a city of cathedrals, gold tipped towers, church spires and home to a maze of un-navigable cobblestone streets and alleyways. Prague is a major cultural centre and one of Europe’s most popular tourist destinations attracting many of the 6.6 million visitors who journey to the Czech Republic. The majority of tourists travel to Prague for the inspiring architectural delights of this historic and romantic city which feels like a ‘living medieval museum’ and has been listed as a U.N.E.S.C.O. World Heritage Site. Prague has been the capital of the Czech Republic for over 1,100 years and is more than just old buildings; it is a busy and bustling, cosmopolitan city with many places of interest that attract people from all around the world and from all walks of life. These include not only great sight-seeing but good shopping, exciting bars and nightclubs, cinema, theatre, art galleries and numerous museums. For the more active amongst us there is also the chance to wander around the Prague Zoo which is considered to be one of the best in Europe, to enjoy a boat trip along the Vltava, to ride on a historic tram or appreciate a unique experience by visiting the Marionette Theatre. Boasting a rich and diverse cultural heritage, Prague’s many appealing and intriguing attractions make any visit an exciting and fascinating experience.
Located at the very centre of Europe and at the very heart of the country, Prague contains a huge historic centre known as the Prague Conservation Area which covers 866 hectares. The historic city is comprised of four districts being the Castle District which dominates the hilltop area, the Lesser Town that is located at the foot of castle hill, the Old Town which lies adjacent to the Vltava River and the New Town which surrounds the Old Town. There is also Vysehrad that is located to the south, and the old Jewish Quarter which dates from the 10th century. The historic centre of Prague contains 1,440 protected buildings and was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1992 as a supreme manifestation of medieval urbanism. It is thought that originally the nucleus of Prague was founded in the late 9th century around the castle known as Vysehrad which was built on the right bank of the Vltava River, shortly after which Prague Castle was built on the opposite bank. The city developed and grew around these two centres with many of the historic buildings that can be seen today dating from the 14th century and the reign of the Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV.
Constructed over a period of eleven centuries Prague has become an architect’s delight with buildings reflecting Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque, Neo-Classic, Cubist and Art Nouveau styles. Major architectural attractions include Prague Castle which is reputably the largest castle complex in the world and is effectively a ‘town within a town’ with its many palaces, chapels and towers, and contains the 11th century St Vitus Cathedral which stands within and dominates the castle complex. Then there is the picturesque and photogenic Charles Bridge which is recognised as Europe’s longest medieval bridge at over 500 metres and has been gracefully constructed with 16 arches and decorated with 36 Baroque statues. Perhaps of course it could be the modern architecture which offers more interest and here Prague provides the Dancing House and the controversial Zizkov TV Tower with its climbing figures. Surprisingly the city suffered little during all of the conflicts of the 20th century which has left the majority of its historic monuments is near perfect condition making Prague a delight to visit.
The city is absolutely full of places to walk around with countless shops to peruse, cafes and restaurants to satisfy your needs and beautiful buildings to see; so many in fact that it is almost impossible for the short term visitor to be able to achieve more than a cursory look. However if time permits it is a great idea to explore the city by strolling across the Charles Bridge; walk along the Royal Way which links many of the famous historic sites and runs from the Municipal House to Prague Castle; and wander around the maze of narrow streets of the Old Town which is dominated by the Church of Our Lady before Tyn with its spectacular turrets and spires. The Old Town Square is the original bustling marketplace and remains the heart of Prague and where visitors can admire the Old Town Hall and the 600 year old Astronomical Clock. On the other hand of course visitors may wander around the renowned Jewish Quarter which dates from the 10th century and is home to the Old New Synagogue that was established in the 13th century and is therefore considered to be one of the oldest synagogues in Europe.
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| Accommodation | Activities | Tours |  |
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Diplomat Hotel
Prague
 |  The hotel is situated on the edge of the historic city centre and less than 2 kilometres to Prague Castle. It is a modern hotel and offers a wide range of services. The metro is very close and very easy to use to get around Prague. The staff are friendly and efficient. This hotel is a good choic... |
Hotel Imperial Prague
Prague
 |  A gem of genuine Art Deco architecture, Prague Imperial Hotel provides five-star accommodation and superior services to business and leisure travellers who prefer intimacy and individual approach of a boutique hotel to busy big brand places.
Combining latest technology and modern comfort with fabulo... |
Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel Prague
Prague
|  Originally opened as the Alcron Hotel in 1932, the luxurious and elegant Radisson SAS Alcron Hotel commands the same enviable reputation as its predecessor of being the most sought-after hotel in Prague. The hotel is located near the Wenceslas Square, the commercial and social centre of Prague, and... |
Hotel U Medvidku
Prague
 | The Pension U Medvidku is a nice little place to stay in Prague. The rooms all have hardwood floors and exposed wooden beams and rafters. The staff are courteous and helpful. The hotel is about a two minute walk from the old town square, so it is a good value for the location. The hotel has a resta... |
Hotel Harmony
Prague
|  Hotel Harmony is in an excellent location in the heart of Prague and only a few minutes walk to the lively Wenceslas Square, the Powder Tower and Old Town square. It has cosy well prepared rooms. There is a restaurant and bar and they serve national Czech cuisine as well as International dishes. ... |
Crowne Plaza Hotel Prague Castle
Prague
 |  Crowne Plaza Prague Castle is situated in an ancient building dating from XVI century. It is right next to the Strahov Monastery and within walking distance to Prague Castle and Petrin Park. It is a beautiful hotel and the amenities and service are exactly what you would expect from a Crowne Plaza... |
Four Seasons Hotel Prague
Prague
| Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Prague. On the banks of the celebrated Vltava River, Four Seasons interweaves centuries of architecture with highly personalised service and tomorrow's technology. All within the exceptional historic, cultural and economic heart of this most elegant of cities.
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Holiday Inn Prague Congress Centre Hotel
Prague
|  The modern, four-star Holiday Inn Prague Congress Centre Hotel is located in the peaceful surroundings of historic Vyšehrad and its national cultural monuments and offers easy access to the commercial heart of the City of Prague. This is a good choice for those wanting the modern comforts you would ... |
Movenpick Hotel Prague
Prague
|  Two modern hillside properties, connected by cable car, offering superb views and prime city centre location. 136 Executive rooms are situated in the hilltop Moevenpick Executive Wing, surrounded by woodland. At the foot of the Smichov Hill is the Moevenpick Hotel with 300 standard and superior room... |
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Prague Bike Tour
Biking
Prague | Experience Prague's exceptional architecture and famous land marks by the seat of your bike on this guided bike tour. You'll ride through quaint side streets before enjoying a 30 minute break at a river side pub on the Vltava's water ways. What better way to rest, relax and sample some world famous ... |
Prague Castle Walking Tour
Sightseeing
Prague | This informative tour takes you inside the castle walls to visit the Royal Palace, St. Vitus Cathedral, St. George's Basilica and Golden Lane. All the important historical details are highlighted, from the castle's origins in 850 A.D. to its continuing role today as the seat of government.
For more... |
Prague Night tour and River Vltava Dinner Cruise
Sightseeing
Prague | Tour the magical city of Prague at night by coach and boat, and dine in comfort while cruising along the River Vltava. It's the perfect way to see Prague at night, and a relaxing way to end a busy day of sightseeing!
Your evening begins with a coach ride from the Powder Tower to the River Vltava, w... |
Cesky Krumlov Day Trip from Prague
Sightseeing
Prague | If you love castles, you won't want to miss Cesky Krumlov's World Heritage-listed castle! Known as 'the Pearl of the Renaissance', the State Castle of Cesky Krumlov is one of the most important historic sites in Central Europe. You'll travel by coach from Prague through the beatuiful south Bohemian ... |
Prague in One Day Sightseeing Tour
Sightseeing
Prague | Discover the magic of Prague on this introductory tour of the Czech capital. Perfect for first-time visitors, this 3.5-hour city tour combines coach travel and easy walking for a well-rounded exploration of Prague's famous sights. As you tour, you'll learn interesting background into the historical ... |
Terezin Concentration Camp day Tour from Prague
Sightseeing
Prague | Embark on an educational and moving experience at Terezin Concentration Camp on this coach tour from Prague. Your professional guide will escort you around the entire complex of the former concentration camp, complete with narration and authentic personal memories, chilling experiences and episodes ... |
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European Vista
21 days |  If you're looking for a leisurely yet adventurous holiday around Europe then the European Vista fits the bill. 10 countries in three weeks means time to really get acquainted with each city while fantastic destinations like Lucerne, Vienna and Prague, as well as the essential Paris, Rome and Amsterd... |
The Bohemian
9 days |  This tour has been planned to run at a leisurely pace, with two night stays in Vienna and Budapest and three nights in Prague. There are no long travelling days on this compact tour and it is perfect for those wanting an introduction to Central and Eastern Europe. After arriving in Vienna and spe... |
Prague, Vienna & Budapest
9 days | The rediscovered jewels of Imperial Europe are the focus of this popular holiday starting and ending in Munich. Since the reunion of Western and Eastern Europe, Prague and Budapest are among the most-visited cities on the ‘Old Continent’. In Prague visit the Jewish Quarter; Charles Bridge; and the B... |
Cosmopolitan Europe
15 days |  This tour will suit those travellers who want to see mainstream Europe and with Prague thrown in as a bonus. With five two night stays the tour gives you time to relax and have some free time as well.
Begin in London before crossing to Brussels and through Germany. Highlights include a Rhine Rive... |
European Inspiration
19 days |  Be inpired with Contiki's European Inspiration tour, travel through the Netherlands by bicycle to the cheese village of Edam. Drive through the northern most regions of Germany to see the 'Checkpoint Charlie' Museum before jumping straight into the Czech Republic and the medieval capital Prague. Dri... |
Imperial Europe
10 days |  Enjoy the regal air of Munich, Prague, Budapest, Vienna and Salzburg on this majestic tour of Europe. Here, you'll find 1000 year old castles, medieval cities and fantastic gilded statues. Listen closely for the sound of music in Vienna and relax on a serene cruise on the inspiring Danube River.
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Romantic European
20 days | This is a leisurely and varied tour of Europe, which includes two wonderful cities of Eastern Europe, Prague and Budapest. Whether you are first time travellers to Europe or repeat visitors, you will all enjoy this great tour and with plenty of two night stays it has a more relaxed pace. After cros... |
Berlin to Budapest
11 days |  This tour encompasses the big 4 of eastern Europe - Berlin, Prague, Vienna and Budapest. Having two or three nights in each city will mean you have a chance to really discover the cities in depth. You'll also pop in to Bratislava, the capital of Slovakia, for lunch!
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Winter Wanderer
24 days | It’s the perfect excursion for a winter dream holiday! Winter in Europe is packed with activities to try and places to explore. This tour visits 11 countries, each with its own unique flavour and attractions. Some of the highlights of the tour include driving along the French Riviera, exploring the ... |
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