Travel agency Sibkraft (Prague, Czech republic)

Gourmand Tour

YOUR ITINERARY:

PragueDay 1

On your arrival at Prague airport, meeting with your individual guide and transfer to your hotel.
"From Strahov Monastery to Prague Castle" — a half day introductory tour around the city
From Strahov Monastery to Prague CastleWe begin our walk at the Strahov Monastery, founded in 1140 by the Premonstratensian order. The frescoes on the ceilings and walls of its two libraries superbly set off an impressive collection of manuscripts dating from the 9th century. After sampling a beer from the monastery’s brewery, it is on to Loretanske Square and the Loreta – home of the Lesser Order of Capuchin Brothers. The edifice offers an extravagantly-detailed 18th century façade, the tower of magical bells tourists all over the world flock to hear, and within the cloister walls, the 17th century Santa Casa, home to one of Europe’s legendary Black Madonnas. Leaving the square, we make our way along the winding street known as Nový Svet (the New World) – a true slice of medieval town life that remains one of Prague’s best-kept secrets. This historic gem captivates the spirit with its quiet, romantic atmosphere. Our final stop brings us to the grand structure known the world over as Prague Castle and the towering Gothic cathedral of Saint Vitus. Situated high above the Vltava River, the resplendent Prague Castle served for centuries as the residence of emperors and Czech kings; today the President of the Czech Republic calls it home. Within the castle’s monumental walls lies legendary Golden Lane, a miniscule alley lined with tiny cottages, where medieval alchemists labored to uncover the ancient secret of the philosopher’s stone…
Lunch in the Czech restaurant "Celnice"
The Czech restaurant CelniceBoasting a bright ground floor dining room with clean tables, high ceilings, and huge plate glass windows drinking in tons of light, “Celnice“ is just about as inauthentically sterile as a Czech pub gets. Plus, this is a Pilsner Urquell pub pouring some of the country's best beer, unpasteurized, from giant tanks. The menu is equally split between Czech hits like smoked pork knuckle, sauerkraut and dumplings, and more feminine dishes like mixed salads with marinated salmon. Somewhat incongruously, one of Prague's most stylish DJ bars is situated downstairs, along with a sushi bar that's a whole lot better than you'd imagine it should be.

Prague — KrivoklatDay 2

Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion to the oldest hunting castle of Czech kings - Krivoklat
The oldest hunting castle of Czech kings - KrivoklatKrivoklat, the oldest hunting castle of Czech kings, dates from the 11th century Premyslid dynasty. It is easily one of the most intriguing Gothic castles in Central Europe, situated west of Prague on the rocky crags of the Beroun River. The future Emperor of the Holy Roman Empire, Charles IV, whiled away his childhood years here. In the 16th century, Krivoklat held some of the royal treasury and, oddly, at the same time also served as a prison for some of Bohemia’s most heinous criminals and disgraced aristocrats. The notorious 16th century charlatan, Edward Kelley, spent time here. He had attempted to swindle the Emperor Rudolf II into believing he had uncovered the secret of the philosopher stone, and got caught out. Krivoklat’s many impressive offerings include fully-equipped torture chambers; outstanding interiors such as the vast 13th century Gothic reception hall, the Silver Room, the Knights Hall; a late Gothic collection of paintings and sculptures; and the Royal Library with more than 53,000 manuscripts and books.
Diner in the Mexican restaurant "Azteca"

The Mexican restaurant Azteca 

 
This nice, cozy, restaurant provides tasty Tex-Mex dining in a pleasant atmosphere that lends itself to relaxed conversation and a nice evening for two. Great foods in the stylish surroundings as well as a large number of cocktails make this place a perfect find!

 


PragueDay 3

Breakfast at the hotel.
Join our included half day excursion "From New Town to the Old Town Square"
From New Town to the Old Town SquareWenceslas Square is a long, huge, bustling boulevard of shops, bars, theatres and passageways. It is the one place in Prague that never seems to sleep. Yet, the square also has a weighty air about it. Here many of the great events in modern Czech history have unfolded. The boots of Nazi soldiers marched along its cobbled avenue in 1939. The caterpillar tracks of Soviet tanks thundered through in 1968. Here in 1918 Tomas Masaryk declared the First Republic and, in 1989, thousands of demonstrators gathered on Wenceslas Square to usher in the “Velvet Revolution” and send Communism packing. This walk takes us along its broad avenue, punctuated with grand buildings in an array of architectural styles – from Empire and Art Nouveau to Cubism and Constructivism. We move on to The Powder Tower, one of the medieval gateways to Old Town. We stop at the Neoclassical Estates Theatre, where Mozart first premiered Don Giovanni, and the venerable Karolinum, the oldest of the many buildings today known as Charles University, founded in 1348 by the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles IV. Finally, we visit the sights of Old Town Square, dominated by the massive Jan Hus Monument at its center…
Lunch in the Irish pub "Molly Malone's"
The Irish pub Molly Malone’sMolly Malone's is a little bit of Ireland in a quiet corner of Prague. It is a traditional Irish pub with a casual atmosphere offering a warm and heartful welcome. Whether you are looking for a decent pint or some wholesome Irish food then Molly's is the place for you. You can sample here a legendary Guinness, and watch as the bartender draws a shamrock in the thick head. Or quaff a heady Cider, whose lightness has deceived many of us. Or go for the ‘water of life’ – whisky, the classic blend of Irish elegance. The combination of the food and drink not to mention the roaring fire in the winter will cast a spell on you and have you returning again and again.

PragueDay 4

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time to further explore at your own pace.
Dinner in the French restaurant "La Perle de Prague"
The French restaurant La Perle de PragueDelicious Parisian cooking awaits you at the top of the curvaceous "Fred and Ginger" building that has been recognized by “Time” magazine as the best design project of 1996. This is the famous “Dancing house”. Its daring, curvy outlines led its architects, Vlado Milunc and the American Frank O. Gehry, to initially name it after the legendary dancing duo. The interior of the main room is washed with soft tones of lilac and sea green. A fantastic view of Prague Castle and a panoramic view of the city can be seen from the restaurant’s windows. Apart of this, the Parisian-style haute cuisine is known as one of the best in Prague. During the summer you can have lunch or just order a cup of coffee in its beautiful terrace.
Opera evening at Prague National Theatre
Prague National TheatreThe monumental National Theatre, on the banks of the Vltava River at the western end of Narodni Street, is the pride of the Czech nation. The entire Czech population funded the original construction of this neo-Renaissance structure, with its massive sculptured horses leaping and rearing over the parapet below its gold-topped dome. Just after completion in 1881, it suffered a disastrous fire and, again, the Czech nation funded its reconstruction, completed in 1883. The declaration, “From the Nation, To the Nation” displayed above the theatre stage, commemorates their pride and generosity. Architect Joseph Zitek designed the impressive edifice, and the interior artwork, sculptures and ornamentation are a veritable roll call of the Czech artists of the National Revival, all of whom donated their work. The standing repertoire includes classic Czech operas such as Bedrich Smetana’s The Bartered Bride, and Rusalka by Antonin Dvorak.

PragueDay 5

Breakfast at the hotel.
Enjoy a half day visit to "The Ancient Fortress of Vyšehrad"
The Ancient Fortress of VyšehradVyšehrad, the ancient fortress high on a bluff above the Vltava River, has a distinct aura of mystery surrounding it. It is the stuff of fairy tales, grand opera and myth, and although its stone foundations are real enough, its historical roots lie shrouded in the mists of time. The oldest chronicles tell us that here on this bluff the legendary Czech princess Libuše founded the city and declared it would be called “Prague” – from the Czech word, prah for “threshold”. Libuše was also a prophetess, and she predicted a great glory for the city that would “reach to the stars…” The ancient chronicles further tell us that early in the 12th century the residence of the Czech kings was transferred from Prague Castle to the ancient citadel of Vyšehrad – but no one really knows why. We will travel back in time along the high bluffs of Vyšehrad, following its thousand year-old ramparts and crumbling red brick walls. As we explore the ruins of its palaces and stone wells and eerie caves, perhaps the stones will reveal to us their secrets…
Lunch in the Italian restaurant "Coliseum"

The Italian restaurant ColoseumOne of the best Prague’s pizzerias, Coliseum knows the secret of the dish: good ingredients prepared simply: pizzas have a wonderfully thin, crisp crust, and the pasta with Gorgonzola sauce will have you blessing Italian cows. You can watch your pizza cook in the timber-heated pizza oven or choose from the steaks, fish, pasta and salads. The professional service and rich menu make this a popular spot for an informal lunch or dinner.


Prague — MelnikDay 6


Breakfast at the hotel.
Full day excursion "The Wine cellars of Melnik"
The Wine cellars of MelnikSituated north of Prague on the Labe River, the small town of Melnik has a history going back over a thousand years, and holds a unique place in Czech history. Originally the site was a possession of Bohemia’s earliest queen, Ludmila, and for many centuries afterwards, it served as a refuge for widowed queens and princesses. Vineyards first appeared in the 14th century. Today the area’s unique climate and the traditional techniques employed by local wine-makers produce the high-quality wines for which Melnik is justly famous. In 1753 Ludmila’s castle passed into the possession of the ancient Lobkovitz family. The family’s 18th century renovations – and the much-needed restoration carried out by the Lobkovitz heir after the fall of Communism – produced the gorgeous Renaissance chateau visitors see today. Its interiors show off a priceless art collection, and its extensive wine cellars boast an impressive wine archive. We will visit the cellars and sample the splendid local wines.
Dinner in the Indian restaurant "Rasoi"

The Indian restaurant Rasoi 

Dinner at the Indian restaurant Rasoi is an amazing journey into the fascinating world of Indian cuisine. Let yourself be tempted by its exotic aromas and tastes. To an ordinary European, these dishes might seem too spicy and extraordinary, but once you tuck in, you will end up a devotee of this provocative cuisine.

 

 

 


PragueDay 7

Breakfast at the hotel. Free to relax.
Lunch in the oldest Prague brewery "U Fleku"
The oldest Prague brewery U FlekuA building which has served a pub to countless generations for more than 400 years, eight spaces, each with its particular charm and character and folk brass bands playing everywhere… You can sit on a timber chair which is 150 years older than you and order a branded old Czech goulash with dumplings, the recipe of which is kept in a secret for long centuries. This was also the watering hole of the world famous Czech writer, Bohumil Hrabal. No wonder – take this opportunity to drink a pint of U Fleku’s exclusive local-brewed dark beer. Then you will know where the author of Closely Watched Trains and Larks on a String got his inspiration! It’s also a great place to strike up a conversation about the history of the brewery business – you’ll find the place full of “experts” on the subject!
Transfer to the airport with your guide, departure.