The fairy-tale city of Prague is without doubt one of Europe's most beautiful capitals. Known as the city of a hundred spires, its buildings tell the story of six hundred years of architecture undamaged by natural disaster or war.

This guided sightseeing and walking holiday explores the medieval centre of the city, which is a web of cobbled alleyways and courtyards guarded by Prague Castle, the largest ancient castle in the world. Prague's glory, its architecture and wealth, is not hidden away in museums, but is displayed throughout the city waiting to be discovered with one of our HF Holidays' leaders.

Romanesque, Gothic, Baroque and Art Nouveau buildings line the streets and squares, the most famous of which is Wenceslas Square, scene to some of the most dramatic events in Czech history.

Detailed information

	Detailed itinerary
	Dates and prices
	Travel to resort
	Average temperatures
	What the holiday includes

Detailed itinerary

The following is a suggested programme, but your HF Holidays' leader may adjust it at their discretion, according to the wishes of the group. There is clearly no obligation to join in any activity, and you should feel free to spend the time as you wish.

Day 1: Arrival day

Day 2: The Old Town, Charles Bridge and the Little Quarter
Prague's central landmark, Wenceslas Square was named after the country's patron saint, King Wenceslas (of the 'Christmas' carol). He decreed Christianity as Bohemia's state religion in the 930s. The square is in fact a wide busy thoroughfare 825yds long and 65yds wide, with the huge equestrian statue of St Wenceslas looking down its length.

Free of traffic and ringed with historic buildings, Prague's Old Town Square is one of the most colourful areas of the city. One of the most striking buildings is the Old Town Hall, dating from 1338 with its unique astronomical clock. Every time the clock strikes the hour, Death pulls on a rope, two windows open and 12 clockwork Apostles move slowly round led by St Peter. The large colourful dial below shows the earth in the centre surrounded by signs of the zodiac. The centre of the square is also full of small market stalls.

Charles Bridge is perhaps Prague's most famous monument. It connects the Old Town to the Little Quarter - a pedestrianised thoroughfare flanked on each side by 30 sandstone saints and numerous trinket and picture stalls.

Hardly any new buildings have been added in the Little Quarter since the 18th century and there are splendid Baroque palaces and many old houses. It is a quiet backwater away from the bustle of the Charles Bridge.

Separated from the rest of the Little Quarter by the Devil's stream, Kampa Island is a quiet place to reflect and admire the views down to Charles Bridge from the former palace gardens. There are also some enchanting 17th century buildings around the Na Kampe Square, dating back to the island's former prominence as a pottery.

Lebedour Gardens: Designed in the 16th century, the Lebedour Gardens are a testament to the wealth and style of Prague's nobility. The grand, terraced gardens sweep upwards with ornate staircases, archways and balustrades in the Renaissance style and are only enhanced by the splendid views over Prague.

The Rudolfinum is a grand concert hall, built in the Neo-Renaissance style. Now home to the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra, it was once the seat of the Czechoslovak parliament between the two World Wars. At the entrance, the imposing figure of Music, designed by Antonín Wagner, sits looking out across the Vlatava.

Day 3: Prague Castle and the Royal Palace
Built in the 9th century, high above the River Vltava, Prague Castle's walls once enclosed three churches, a monastery and a small town called Hradcany. Today the complex is dominated by St Vitus Cathedral, built on the orders of Charles IV in 1344. The cathedral houses the crown jewels and the sepulchre of St Wenceslas, the patron saint of the land, protector of the castle and the whole Czech kingdom

At the heart of the grand Loretto is a replica of the Santa Casa. According to legend, the Santa Casa was where the Archangel Gabriel told Mary that she would give birth to Jesus. Angels transported the house from Nazareth to Loreto in Italy in 1278, where it reputedly continues to stand. The Catholic church heavily promoted the legend in the 17th century, building over 50 replicas of the Santa Casa. The house was later enclosed in cloisters and the grand façade seen today.

Founded in 1143, Strahov continues to be a working monastery as well as a museum and theological library. Considering the monastery's turbulent history (rebuilt in 1258 following a fire, ransacked by the Swedish army in the 16th century and badly damaged during the Wars of the Austrian Succession in 18th century), Strahov is still one of the finest examples of monastic architecture in Bohemia.

Day 4: The Jewish Quarter
Although the old ghetto has disappeared much of the area's history is preserved in the synagogues around the Old Jewish Cemetery; for over 300 years the only burial ground permitted to Jews. Explore the Pinkas Synagogue, the Maisel Synagogue, the Old New Synagogue and the Obradni.

In the afternoon, visit some of Prague's museums and galleries including the National Museum, the Dvorák Museum and the Sternberg Palace, which houses an outstanding collection of European art from the 17th and 18th centuries.

Housed in an elegant, ornate building, the Dvorák Museum displays some of the great composer's original scores, personal instruments and memorabilia.

Day 5: The Royal Enclosure and Prague's famous museums
The Troja Palace is one of the most striking summer palaces in Prague. Modelled on a classical Italian villa it has gardens laid out in the formal French style. The inside is noted for its frescoes and Chinese rooms. Stroll through the Royal Enclosure, one of the largest parks in Prague and enjoy views of its hunting chateau, lapidarium and varied statuary.

Alternatively, visit some of Prague's museums and galleries including the National Museum, the Dvorák Museum and the Trades Fair Palace, which houses an outstanding collection of modern art.

Day 6: The New Town and the Vltava
According to ancient legend, Vysehrad was the first seat of Czech royalty. Originally a fortress, today it is a peaceful park from where we can enjoy superb views across the River Vltava Valley and Prague. Enjoy a pleasant walk along the river through the grounds and visit the adjoining cemetery; the burial place for some of the country's most famous figures such as Smetna and Dvorák.

In the afternoon, we visit the Church of St Cyril and St Methodius and take a boat trip on the River Vltava.

In 1942, the parachutists who had assassinated Reinhard Heydrick, the Nazi governor of Czechoslovakia, hid in the crypt of the Church of St Cyril and Methodius as the German troops surrounded them. As testament to the lives of the Czech resistance, the crypt now houses a small exhibition telling the story of events leading up to the assassination of Heydrick, and the aftermath.

Day 7: Departure day
Depending on your flight times, there may be an opportunity to visit St James Church and the Bethlehem Chapel.

Further Information: Further information about Prague can be found at: www.goprague.org. Alternatively, you could email the Prague Information Office at: tourinfo@pis.cz.

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Dates and prices

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Travel to resort

Guests who have booked their holiday 'with flight' will arrive at Prague Airport. The journey direct to the hotel by coach or minibus takes around 45mins.

Latest HF Holidays Flight Information - updated 20/08/07 (provisional)

Czech Airlines
Heathrow - Prague
Out 14:50 - 17:40
Return 12:50 - 13:50

Czech Airlines
Manchester - Prague
Out 14:40 - 17:50
Return 12:40 - 14:00
Manchester flight supplement: £15

Airport Parking: To book secure airport parking throughout the UK visit Purple Parking or Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Airport Hotels: To book airport hotels throughout the UK visit Holiday Extras to book on-line.

Making Your Own Travel Arrangements
By air to Prague: Prague's Ruzynê airport is located 11 miles northwest of the city and is served by a number of direct scheduled, charter and 'low-cost' flights from the UK. If you are booking your own flights you may wish to consider one of the following options:

www.czechairlines.com flights from Birmingham, Edinburgh, Gatwick, Glasgow, Heathrow, Manchester and Stansted.

www.bmibaby.com flights from Birmingham, Cardiff, Durham Tees Valley, East Midlands and Manchester.

www.easyjet.com flights from Bristol, East Midlands, Gatwick, Newcastle and Stansted.

www.flyglobespan.com flights from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

www.jet2.com flights from Leeds/Bradford and Manchester.

www.britishairways.com flights from Gatwick.

www.thomsonfly.com flights from Doncaster.

To reach the hotel: From Prague airport join the HF Holidays' transfer for £20 return. Please contact our Reservations Team to find out the latest times and book your place.

By public transport, airport buses leave for the city centre every 20mins and take approximately 45mins. En route to the centre the buses call at 'Dejvická' metro station. If going direct to the hotel it is convenient to change here onto the metro. Take line 'A' (green) to 'Muzeum' station where you should change onto line 'C' (red) to 'Pavlova' metro station. The hotel Beranek situated about 200m from 'Pavlova' metro station.

An HF Holidays coach transfer costs £20 return per person. Another easy way of transferring to the hotel is by using one of the airport shuttle minibus. This will take you direct to the hotel and can be pre booked at www.prague-airport-shuttle.com. For 1-3 people this cost around £32 return. Alternatively a taxi for upto three people costs about £40 return at www.cityhoppa.com.

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Temperatures

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What the holiday includes

• Return economy class air travel (with flight).
• 6 nights' accommodation in double or twin-bedded en-suite rooms.
• Bed & Breakfast.
• Services HF of Holidays' Leaders.
• Detailed itineraries.

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