WTS - World Travel Services
GROUND SERVICES
1.EXCURSIONS AND SIGHTSEEINGS
Please see below for descriptions of some recommended visits and excursions.
The Prague castle and Hradčany
Mala Strana
Charles Bridge
The Old Town
The Jewish Town or Prague Ghetto
The New Town
Karlstein Castle
Konopiste Castle
Česky Sternberg castle
Mělnik castle
Hluboka castle
Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne (Karlsbad and Marienbad)
South Bohemia
PRAGUE
The Prague castle and Hradčany
Founded in 870, the fortress was rebuilt and expanded through out the centuries and is now the historical and political centre of Czech republic.
After passing the gate, one is enchanted by the numeruos architectural monuments starting with the entrance to the presidental palace through the famous Mathias gate.
Going through to the second part of the castle area, one is immediately confronted with the monumentous St. Vitus (Guy) cathedral. Started in 1344, it was only finished in 1929 and encloses the tombs of the Bohemian emperors. On the right hand side of the cathedral continues the presidental palace with some original parts and foundation from the 14th century when it was the seat of the most important Bohemian king ever,
Charles IV. On the left starts the St. Jiří (Georges) monastery, including the St. Jirí Basilic. The back part of the Castle is most famous for it´s Golden alley, miniature houses used in the past by alchemists and artists.
The castle surrounded by various gardens, with the biggest one including the Royal Pavilion, Belvedere. Built by Italians in the 16th century, it is a fine example of renaissance architecture. Going to the square Hradčany in front of the castle, there are 2 main buildings catching the eye. On the left the palace of the archbishop and on the right the building of arms.
Going down Loretto street, one comes at the pilgrim churche of Our Lady of Loretto with it´s treasure including the 600 diamonds counting „Sun Of Prague“. On the same square is situated the 170m long, baroque Cernin Palace.
Still continuing strait on, the tour ends at the Strahov Monastery, founded in the 12th century, with one of the most important medieval libraries around.
Mala Strana
Mala Strana is the area under and around the hill of the Prague castle. Strolling down the stairs from Hradčany, one comes in Nerudova street. Once this street was the artery of Prague, conecting the castle with the rest of the city. Coming to Malostranské square, the first thing to see is the St. Nicolas church, a first class baroque masterpiece. Further to see in Mala Strana are the numerous palaces, gardens and old picturesque houses with each one a history of it´s own. Down to the river there are 2 Bridge towers, the lower one from the 12th and the higher from the 15th century. Following the riverbanks through the isle of Kampa is one of the most romantic strolls of Prague. Going up to Mala Strana again leads one to the little cable train bringing people up the Petrin hill, looking over Prague, with on top gardens and 60m replica of the Eifel tower.
Charles Bridge
One of the most remarkable bridges in the world counting numerous baroque status was built under, again, Charles IV and the first stone was laid in 1357. The bridge has at it´s both ends towers. The Mala Strana double at one end and the majestic Old Town tower at the other, decorated with statues.
The Old Town
The central square, Staroměstské Náměstí, is the midpoint of present Prague. Around the square are the world famous astronomical clock next to the old town City Hall. The main feature however is the beautiful Our Lady of Tyn church in gothic style. The second church on the square is the St. Nicolas church in baroque style. Completing the scenery is the statue by Ladislav Šaloun, dedicated to Jan Hus. It is an interesting feeling also to cross the marking on the square where the exact middle of Europe is situated. Passing the Tyn church one is going direction Republic square with the magnificent Art Nouveau style Municipal House, being renovated at the moment but expected to reopen in a short time. Turning back direction centre there are many other superb monuments. The first is of course the so called Powder tower, a peculiar building catches the eye. The house of the Black Madonna is one of the rare Cubist constructions in Europe. A real relish is situated a little further down the street in the form of the Estates Theatre or Stavovske Divadlo, the classical building was host to the Carolinum, the center of the Charles university founded in 1348. Returning by the Havesky Market and through Karlova Street, one comes at Jan Palach square, the student that burned himself in protest of the ´68 Warshaw Pact invasion. On the square is the Rudolfinum concert building and on the other side of the street the Charles university library.
The Jewish Town or Prague Ghetto
Locatded right in the heart of Prague are the remainings of the old Josefov ghetto. The most well known is certainly the old cemetery, 12000 tombs on a few square meters including the grave of Franz Kafka. Next to the cemetery is a museum showing aspects of the rich Jewish history in Bohemia. Also the Rococo style Town Hall is open for visitors and following synangogues: The Spanish synagogue, The Klaus synagogue (with an exposition about Jewish tradition and culture), The Maisel synagogue, and the oldest and biggest, The Old-New synagogue, built in the 13th centuty.
All monuments are closed on Saturdays.
The New Town
The most recent part of the centre, with Wenceslas square as heart of commercial life in Prague. At the top of the Large square is situated the National museum with in front of it the statue of St. Wenceslas. Going down the square one encounters several shopping centres and luxury hotels. One of the most beautiful buildings is the Grandhotel Europa, another Art Nouveau pearl. Through different streets, like Vodickova street with the interesting Novomestsky brewery-beer house or Jungmannova with the entrance to one of the nicest gardens of Prague, one reaches the Narodni Trida, leading to the river banks. This street is the cultural highlight of Prague, full of theatres, bars, Jazz-cafes, etc. At the river is situated the world famous Laterna Magica, modern theatre, in contrast with the neo-renaissance Natioanl Theatre next to it. Going further down the river, one comes at the second castle of Prague, Vysehrad. On the fortfield hill is for instance situated the basilic of St. Petr and Pavel or the St. Martin Rotunda and cemetery where a lot of Bohemian creme de la creme of culture is resting in piece. From this fortress, one has about the nicest view of Prague.
All tours can be combined or medelled according the wishes of the clint, with or without entrances and arranged on foot or by bus as panoramic tour.
OUTSIDE PRAGUE
Karlstein Castle
This is the most well known of all Bohemian castles. Built by Charles the IV, it was used to house relics and the coordination jewels. Proving that the castle was ut to it´s function, the main tower was never captured and the jewels are still there. The castle counts several chapels with rich art collections. The castle is situated on a hill and it takes about 30 minutes to reach the entrance on foot from the Parking place on the bottom. At this moment the main tower and the chapels are closed for visitors to restore and preserve the many unique artifices.
Konopiste Castle
The original gothic castle in French style surrounded by water and with a real drawbridge, was rebuilt several times through out the centuries. Also the drawbridge has been replaced by a stone bridge and the entrance with various sculptures. In the castle are mainly 2 tours to do. One is around the originaly furnitured and decorated rooms, the other goes to the third floor to have a look at the rich arms and trophy collections. Interesting is that the castle was the residence of prince Ferdinand, who´s assassination was the starting shot that triggered of the first world war.
The castle is open from April till October except Mondays.
Česky Sternberg castle
This gothic castle was from the middle of the 13th century until 1949 the property of it´s founder, the Sternberg family. It was recently, under restitution law returned. The baroque looks date from the 18th century but the fortification has remained unchanged. The interiors contain the original furniture, weapons, art works and trophies. A special exposition is dedicated to a collection of graphic art from the „thirty years“ war.
About 1h15 drive from Prague.
Open whole year round except on Mondays, but here there are also exceptions possible through special reservation.
Mělnik castle
The castle of princesses and queens looks over the confluence of the rivers Labe and Vltava. The present renaissance look dates from the 16th century and the Lobkowitz family are the proud owners after the restitution. They are offering a visit of the castle or a visit a tasting of three famous wine, which is grown on the surrounding valley hills. The castle visit includes a collection of baroque paintings and original interiors. The wine tasting is offered together with an tour in the wine cellars and exposition about wine growing. There is also possibility to eat at the castle itself.
About 40 minutes drive from Prague.
Open from April until October.
Hluboka castle
This fairy tale castlein gothic style is surrounded by beautiful park. The premises includes also a riding school withane exposition from the collections of Ales South Bohemian Galery. The latest reconstruction turned the castle into a Windsor style residence for the Schwarzenberk family, to whom it still belongs today. In July and August there are extra exhibitions to be visited. Recently the castle wasequipped with a feerique night lighting and with the beautiful South Bohemian country side around, it is a must for every solid castle tour.
About 1h30 drive from Prague.
The castle is open from April until October.
Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne (Karlsbad and Marienbad)
Karlovy Vary was founded as a spa resort by king Charles the IV in the 14th century.
The town counts about 60 springs of which several are used for medical purposes.
Because of this and it´s beautiful surroundings, the spa centre grew out into a luxury resort for the rich and saw dozens of famous visitors. A reminder of the glory days of the town is for instance the Grandhotel Pupp, which was recently reconstructed. Today the old high society atmosphere is being slowly restored, now the centre is traffic free and many of historical buildings are being renovated. One can also not forget the national liqueur being produced here, Becherovka.
About half an hour drive from Karlovy Vary is Marianske Lazne. This smaller spa resort has a somewhat comparable history and has mainly 19th century architecture to offer. The beautiful spa colonnade id surrounded by large park and the whole town invites one to superb walks through forests.
Both towns have the best Golf courses of the country to offer.
Full day excursion, about 1h45 drive from Prague, entrances on request.
South Bohemia
With the main attractions, Cesky Budejovice and Cesky Krumlov, the tour takes one to the lake disctrict of the country. The beautiful nature, filled with romantic castles, breweries and picturesque town is must for everyone who wants to really have a good impression about the republic.
The famous Budvar or Budweiser beer doesn´t need an introduction and on request the brewery can be visited. Further on the tour is the Hluboka castle, see above and Cesky Krumlov, a UNESCO protected medieval town, which has preserved it´s original centre and castle. Cesky Budejovice has the largest square of all Czech towns and the gothic, baroque and renaissance blend together in a magnificent way.
Full day excursion, about 2h drive from Prague, entrances on request.
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