The Golden City, City of a Hundred Spires, A Symphony of Stone – Prague is all of them and more. Czech Republic’s capital has seen it all from Bohemian kings, invading Nazis, velvet revolutionaries to a long line-up of avant-gardists, from free-spirit artists to literary legends that called it home. With one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in the continent that was not devoured by wars and a 14th-century “new town”, Prague is truly a grand old dame of Europe. While romantic and ancient, the city still, just like it had always, thrives with an air of laissez-faire and non-conformity in all that it does from music, food, art to trendsetting cultural pursuits. Come experience old and new Prague all at once with a customised Prague and Czech Republic tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours and get ready to be serenaded by this bohemian rhapsody.
Black humour
Prague’s bohemian roots have always spur artists and creatives on in reinventing the wheel, and the unique black light theatre unsurprisingly found a strong headquarter here in the city. Framed by the concept of black light illusion in which the whole setting is pitch black and performers appear and disappear when audiences least expect it, these shows are a sensual treat to all your senses. Prague has adopted this unique form of entertainment and developed it into an avant-garde and intriguing performance art incorporating ballet, mine, acrobatics and music theatre. Dip your toes into such black humour at popular theatres all over the city such as Theatre Broadway, Laterna Magika and Hilt Theatre.
Petrin panorama
Prague skyline of that hundred spires, red-roofed medieval old buildings and dreamy bridges over the unhurried Vltava river draws such a splendid panorama that it is almost a travesty if you didn’t get to sight one, and Petrin Hill is one of the best places for that unobstructed view. Covered entirely with parks and greenery, this hill in the centre of Prague is also a favourite amongst locals enjoying their quiet dates with nature. Ride your way up its slopes on the funicular and head up the lookout tower for the top down view, or pack a picnic and take that unbeatable sunset panorama all in.
Treasure hunt Prague Castle is the undisputed king of the Bohemian castles casting its commanding gaze down the capital but about 30 kilometres southwest of Prague lies another royal treasure, one with a different view of gentle rolling hills instead of sharp handsome spires. The gothic Karlstejn Castle built by Charles IV, Holy Roman Emperor and King of Bohemia, in 1348 served as a hideaway for safekeeping the Imperial Regalia as well as the crown jewels and holy relics of the empire. Best way to take in all its treasures is to go on a guided tour where you will be escorted through the castle’s most significant sites including the exquisite Chapel of the Holy Cross, the star attraction, and the upper levels of the Great Tower providing unsurpassed views over the surrounding countryside.
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Fall head over heels for this truly one-of-a-kind city with a customised Prague and Czech Republic tour package from Chan Brothers Travel Private Tours. Call 6212 9935 or email privatetours@chanbrothers.com.sg for more details.
Highlights
Every itinerary can be fully customised according to needs, special interests, personal preferences and defining style of just about anyone who wants to travel privately and exclusively.
Assemble at Singapore Changi Airport for your flight to Prague. Upon arrival at the airport, meet your driver and enjoy a private airport transfer to your hotel.
Today, embark on a walking tour of the Golden City to learn more about the beautiful historic centre of Prague. Stroll past the Royal Route, originally used for the king's coronation procession. This walk will take you through the centre of Old Town, where you will view the most famous sights and learn about the fascinating history that made Prague a unique destination throughout the ages. While crossing Charles Bridge, your guide will share with you all the historic stories until you reach Lesser Town where the tour will end. After lunch, continue to Strahov Library and embark on a tour which will showcase one of the most beautiful libraries in Central Europe. Learn more about the cultural history of Strahov Monastery, which was established in the 12th century. You may recognise the library from Hollywood blockbusters such as Casino Royale and From Hell.
Strahov Library
This morning, spend your free time at leisure. Your guide will pick you in the evening for a river cruise. Admire Charles Bridge, Prague Castle, Kampa Island and other highlights of Prague from the water on a popular Vltava River boat trip. Enjoy the breathtaking views of the city’s iconic monuments on a 50-minute cruise.
Charles Bridge
Today, hop on a lovely train ride through the Czech countryside from Prague to rapidly gentrifying Brno. Upon arrival, embark on a 2-hour city tour of this provincial city and capital of the South Moravia region. Ever since a tech boom from the year 2000 onwards, it has raised the city’s reputation as one of the coolest places around, with The New York Times naming Brno as an architectural mecca. Next, you will definitely want to reserve tickets to see Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed functionalist villa built for a wealthy industrialist's family in the year 1920s by renowned architect, Mies van der Rohe. Do not forget to visit the wine hills of Southern Moravia and Moravian Karst, where the Punkva Caves reside.
Brno Down Town
After breakfast, embark on a Moravian karst tour of the cave complexes. This 5-hour tour will show you one of the most interesting geological phenomena in the Czech Republic. On this 5-hour VIP tour, you will have the karst all to yourself and a private guide will lead you through the underground labyrinth and finally, at the end of the tour, you will hop aboard a boat to cruise on an underground river.
Moravian karst
Today, head to the idyllic medieval town of Cesky Krumlov. Make a quick stop at Telc, a UNESCO World Heritage Site to marvel at its Renaissance town square. Next, proceed for a Cesky Krumlov private walking tour and monastery visit. Cesky Krumlov Castle is one of the most important monuments in Central Europe and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The castle dates back to the year 1240 and was built by the Witigonen family, the main branch of the powerful Rosenberg family. The castle also houses Cesky Krumlov Baroque Theatre, which is the world’s most preserved Baroque theatre.
Cesky Krumlov Castle
Today, admire the Bohemian landscapes as you travel by coach from Cesky Krumlov to Karlovy Vary and discover the multiple attractions of the town. Visit Moser glass factory, where beautiful crystal wares are made, admire the elegant spa colonnades and fountains and sample some of the reputedly curative waters, light spa wafers and some of Karlovy’s legendary herbal liqueur.
Karlovy Vary
This morning, return to the capital of the Czech Republic and visit the National Museum before you check in to your hotel.
Prague Down Town
Enjoy a private airport transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight home.