Day 4 – Discovering the ‘City of a Hundred Spires’
This morning you get to see many cultural and architectural
highlights of Prague on a guided tour of the 'City of a Hundred
Spires'.
The exploration takes you to Prague Castle, which is the largest
medieval complex in Europe, dating from the 9th century. Bursting
with history, the most eye-catching building is the huge Gothic St
Vitus Cathedral, the south entrance of which is adorned with golden
mosaics. Behind a 17th-century red Baroque façade is one of
Prague's oldest buildings, St George's Basilica, reputedly dating
from 920 AD. At the north-eastern edge of the complex is the
charmingly quaint Golden Lane, lined with diminutive and colourful
medieval houses.
Crossing the medieval Charles Bridge, an arched stone bridge
that spans the curving Vltava River, you follow the ornately
decorated façades of grand buildings to the Old Town Square, the
focal point of Prague life since the 12th century. One of the most
fascinating features of the square is the renowned astronomical
clock. Installed in 1410, it's one of the oldest working pieces of
its type.
You have the afternoon free to continue exploring Prague at your
leisure, and you may like to purchase a Prague Visitor Pass which
allows you entry into most of the city's attractions, as well as
giving you unlimited travel on public transport. Wandering through
the winding lanes, wonderfully picturesque buildings greet you
round corners, often containing interesting and curious museums -
such as the Czech Beer Museum, the Museum of Fantastic Illusions,
and Speculum Alchemiae, set in an old alchemist's workshop.
You dine independently tonight, so might want to visit one of
the city's many fine eateries for some hearty and delicious Czech
food, maybe with a portion of the almost ubiquitous and welcome
potato dumplings (bramborové knedlíky) and a glass of frothy
beer.
Includes