Tag - prague

Best History and Culture Vacations

01/31/2013
Marc. J
Travel Info|Tips
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Bus for rental

Bus for rental

If you want to go out for a vacation to visit historical places this time then here is a list of top places/cities which are known for their culture and history.

Jerusalem, Israel

Jerusalem city is among the oldest cities of the world and it has culture and history related to Jerusalem’s religious beliefs. This is capital city of Israel and must visits places are Wailing Wall, Dolorosa, Dome of the Rock and Church of the Holy Sepulchre.

 Boston, United States

Boston city is also known as ‘The Athens of America” and it is one of the important places in American history. Other than New York City it is the only place in United States known for history and culture. The most popular places you must visit are Fenway Park, Boston Public Library, USS Constitution, the Kennedy Library and the Faneuil Hall.

Hong Kong, China

At this city in China you will see a combination of old tradition and history with modern traditions. It is a place with this kind of rarest combination. The main attractions in the city are Peak Tower, Man Mo temple, Hong Kong Museum of History and Po Lin Monastery with largest outdoor bronze Buddha.

Amsterdam, The Netherlands

This is one of the best cities in the Netherlands with old rich history. Every visitor visits the Anne Frank House. Other historical places in the city are Royal Palace, Dam Square, the world class Rijksmuseum and the chilling story of Anne Frank House.

Prague, Czech Republic

If you want to visit a place with streets full of historical architecture then Prague is the best place for that. You will find the Gothic and Medieval period history here in the city. The main attractions are Prague Castle, Saint George’s Basilica, Old Town Hall, Prague City Museum and the Wenceslas Square.

Washington DC, United States

If you love the political history and want to visit such place this vacation then Washington DC is the best city to visit. This city is full of debate, democracy, politics, scandals and such history. The main attractions in the city are the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, Washington Monument and the Smithsonian Institution. This is one of the most political cities in the world.

Florence, Italy

Florence has lots of Roman’s history and this city is full of art galleries and historical structures that are still able to survive. You will love the culture of the city and the main attractions in the city are Florentine Church, Renaissance art work and the Duomo. If you are an artist then this is the right place for you.

Montreal, Canada

This place was a village and after the 1535 it has emerged as a big city in the Canada. The history of its development from village to a city is the main attraction to watch. Other attractions are Notre-Dame Basilica, Botanical Gardens and Parisian style streets.

Berlin, Germany

The Berlin city in Germany has been changed a lot in the last 50 years which is now the part of history. This city is among the world’s most interesting cities and the main attractions are Berlin Wall, Potsdamer Platz, Checkpoint Charlie, Brandeburg Gate and the Reichstag.

Useful info:

http://travelgola.com

http://travelblast.co.uk/

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Travel to Czech Republic for a beer

12/13/2012
Della Moris
Czech Rep, Europe, Holidays
   1905 Views  1 Comment
Prague Czech Republic

Prague Czech Republic

Whilst there are many things to do when you are staying in the Czech republic but if you enjoy visiting bars and nightclubs to drink and dance the night away, then you may be interested in learning about the kind of alcohol that you can expect to find within a stone’s throw of your Prague apartment, or indeed anywhere within Czech.

If you will be in the Czech Republic between May12th and May 28th, then you will be able to visit the annual Czech beer festival, which is held in Prague each year.  You can visit the beer festival for free and once inside, you can taste one of the 80 different beer brews that are on offer at the festival.  All the beers on offer are from various areas of the Czech Republic, and you will quickly find that the people in the Czech Republic like their beer to be strong.  In fact, much of the Czech beer is 9.4% proof which is far higher than anywhere else you may find when you are staying across Europe, for example in a Krakow apartment or Venice hostels where the beer that you will find locally will be more around the 6.5% mark at the strongest.

Not only is Czech beer strong, but it is usually drunk in copious amounts too.  At the beer festival, you will notice that the beers are served in half-liter tankards and are priced at around $2 per glass.  You also can only buy 5 or more at a time only.

It is not only in the beer festival where you will experience this strong beer, but you will also find plenty of strong beer in the local bars around Prague.  One particular beer that is 9.4% is called Svatyvaclavske and is actually more like drinking a fine wine.  With beer that is so strong, you should be careful that you do not drink more units than you can usually manage.  In order to control your alcohol intake, you should try to drink a third less than you would of any other strong beer.  This will ensure that you do not get too drunk too quickly on this very strong beer.

There are several places where you can visit in the Czech Republic where you can taste beer and see how it is made.  The Budvar Brewery is one place where you can see how the Czech beer is made and even sample it.  You should be careful however because if you have rented a vehicle you should not drive after having drank any beer.  The laws in the Czech Republic about drinking and driving are very strict so to avoid fines or jail time, you should avoid drinking under the influence.

Useful info:

http://www.apartmentsapart.com/venice_hotels/index.htm

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A Budget Traveler’s Guide to Prague

03/09/2012
cbrzustoski
Travel Info|Tips
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Prague, cr-wilkipedia

Prague, Cr-wilkipedia

Despite its reputation as an inexpensive destination, prices in Prague are not as cheap as they used to be. The collapse of the dollar coupled with the strengthening of the Czech crown has only made things pricier for traveling Americans. In 2002, one US dollar could buy you forty Czech crowns (koruna); today the exchange rate for the dollar is hovering at about half of that rate. The dollar may not get you as far as it used to, but if you plan smartly and carefully, it is still possible to get some bargains in the City of 1,000 Spires.

Let’s start with accommodation. Hotel costs have skyrocketed in the wake of Prague’s tourism boom. There are legends of a time where you could get a bed for $10 a night, but those days are as long gone as Communism. Most standard hotels in the center will set you back at least 100 euros a night in high season. It is possible to hunt around for pensions and hostels that cost a bit less, but these can be a bit of a crap shoot – some are quite lovely and clean, others not so much. For the traveler who wishes to stay for more than a week, the best bet is to rent an apartment. It is less than a hotel and most agencies have discounted prices for longer stays. There’s also more room and amenities (a small kitchen including a stove and fridge, for example) and are often more centrally located. It is quite possible to pay about 60 euros a night for a small apartment that is smack in the middle of Prague’s Old Town.

Once you have the self-catering apartment with a kitchen, this makes it easier to save money on food. Restaurant prices in the center have risen so dramatically that most Czechs now shun them completely. Buying fresh food from a local supermarket is a good way to avoid the 300-500 crown entrée meal at the some of the more touristy restaurants. And while sampling the native food is one of the essential experiences of any trip abroad, you can splurge on some traditional Czech meat and dumplings a few times during your stay without feeling guilty because the previous night you enjoyed a self-catered, cheaper meal on the terrace of your apartment. However, if you don’t want to cook while still eating cheaply, the sausage vendors in Wenceslas Square can be a good way to eat authentic Czech food on a budget. They offer several varieties of klobasa and parek sausages for less than 100 crowns. (But try to pay in exact change if possible. As it is in a big tourist location, sometimes the vendors are less than scrupulous and may try to rip you off by not giving the correct amount of change back.) One final way to eat on the cheap is to always order beer as the beverage. The low price of beer is one reason that Prague’s reputation as a budget city has not completely evaporated yet. Beer is still cheap and plentiful as the Czechs are world-famous for their record per capita beer consumption. It usually costs less than water and the serving size is bigger than any of the soft drinks on offer.

Once you have properly digested the heavy Czech food and Pilsner beer, Prague is a great city for walking. Most of its attractions can be reached on foot if you are located in the center. But if you ate too many dumplings to be able to climb the many steps to its beautiful castle and cathedral, the impressive transport system can get you anywhere you need to go. It is possible to buy a multi-day pass that offers a discount on standard ticket prices, if you know that you will be using the trams, metro and buses often enough. You can also purchase the Prague card for about 1200 crowns (less if you’re a student), which will not only cover transportation costs, but also give you free entry into many of its attractions for 72 hours.

There are some very lovely towns just outside the city as well and you will see tourist agencies offering to take you there for several hundred crowns. What they don’t tell you is that train tickets cost a mere fraction of that. The trains are efficient and you can find timetable information and prices on their website , which is also available in English. The towns of Kutna Hora and its famous bone church and Karlstejn with its Cinderella castle are among the most popular and can be reached in about an hour for less than a hundred crowns round trip.

So while Prague may no longer deserve its fame as the budget capital of Europe, its other attractions do not disappoint. The sights (castles, cathedrals and old Jewish cemeteries) and sounds (Mozart and Dvorak concerts at night) of this Bohemian jewel are well worth any additional expense.

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Top Ten Christmas Getaways

12/03/2011
Della Moris
England, Europe, France, Germany, Holidays, Ireland, Spain, Switzerland
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Paris in Xmas time, Cr-1vacation.com

Paris in Xmas time, Cr-1vacation.com

The Best European Destinations to Visit this Winter

From skiing to Santa, here are some of the most festive places to see and things to do across Europe during December.

Avoriaz

This magical ski resort with its award-winning architecture forms part of the Portes du Soleil and provides access to over 650 km of ski runs across Switzerland and France. Other snow activities include glacier-walking, husky-sledding and heli-skiing. A horse drawn carriage offers transport around this pedestrianised village where Christmas markets, with over 100 stalls, are open on 12th – 13th December. From the 19th December, torch lit processions, shows and events culminate in a spectacular firework display on Christmas Eve.

There are over 20 restaurants in Avoriaz but visitors should head to La Table du Marché at the Hôtel des Dromonts for gourmet cuisine by an award-winning chef.

Berlin

Over 50 Christmas markets run throughout the capital until 28th December; Gedächtniskirche, Unter den Linden and Alexanderplatz are the biggest. Other highlights this year include a toboggan run in the middle of the city, Chinese ice sculptures and a Christmas circus. For relaxation, visit the Badeschiff sauna and heated pool which overlooks on the River Spree.

Dublin

The Twelve Days of Christmas Market runs from 10th-23rd December on George’s Dock. For fashionistas, the Cow’s Lane Market in Temple Bar is the largest designer market in the city.

A traditional nativity scene with live animals can be found outside Mansion House on Dawson Street and the Christmas decorations at Brown Thomas are also worth a look.

Edinburgh

There is no respite in Edinburgh prior to New Year revellers descending on the city for Hogmanay on 29th December. There is also something for everyone over the Christmas break. The Edinburgh Wheel on East Prince Street provides the best views, overlooking the traditional German market, Highland Market, the new Sparkles Snow Globe in Santa’s Gardens and one of Europe’s largest outdoor ice rinks. There is also the Ethical Market and Farmer’s Markets. Adrenaline junkies should head to the Bungy Snowdome while kids can head to the Children’s Christmas Corner and Christmas Fair, complete with a carousel and helter-skelter.

Lapland

If visiting Santa on home turf or meeting his elves isn’t enough to fuel the festive mood, there are plenty of other snow-centered activities such as reindeer or husky sleigh rides, snowmobiling, skiing and skidoo rides.

London

Decorations at the department stores alone are spectacular during December. The Harrods Christmas Grotto is already booked up but Christmas World on the second floor is celebrating the anniversary of the Wizard of Oz this year. For vintage and more unique gifts and decorations, Christmas markets can be found across the city. Festive food markets are open at Borough Market, Covent Garden or the Cologne Christmas Market, which runs from the Southbank Centre to the London Eye. Most markets are open until 23rd December.

Stunning outdoor ice-rinks include Somerset House, Hampton Court, Tower of London and the Natural History Museum. For a real treat, take afternoon tea at one of London’s plushest hotels such as Claridges, The Ritz and or Brown’s. Prices start from £37 per person. For a cheaper alternative, head to the Christmas tree in Trafalgar Square and enjoy one of the free carol concerts which take place between 5pm-9pm until 20th December.

Madrid

Plaza Mayor hosts the main Christmas market every year although Christmas lights can also be enjoyed on the Gran Via, c/Goya and c/Ortega y Gasset. Outdoor ice rinks are located outside the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium or in Retiro Park. The latter transforms into a Children’s Christmas World from 23rd December to 3rd January. Every year, over half a million visitors take to the streets for The Procession of the Three Kings which features thirty carriages, brimming with sweets, making their way from the Park to the Plaza Mayor.

Paris

A walk along the tree-lined Champs-Elysees and a visit to Musee du Louvre is a must. The Christmas tree is outside Notre Dame and an outdoor ice skating rink is open at the City Hall. A number of Christmas markets are scattered across the city. Other than the Eiffel Tower, the department stores Printemps and Galleries Lafayette have some of the best Christmas lights. The Russian Christmas Circus is also in town.

Prague

The main markets in the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square are open until 23rd December. Smaller ones at Havelske Trziste and Namesti Republiky are within a ten minute walk. The Christmas tree is erected in the Old Town Square where choirs and international music provide the entertainment.

Venice

With less tourists and drier weather than autumn, winter is the perfect time to visit Venice. Christmas markets are held in the Campo Santi Apostoli, Campo San Luca, Campo San Salvador and Campo San Polo while Christmas on the Lagoon, which sees the Piazza San Marco transformed into a festive village, is filled with typical Venetian products.

Restaurants may be hard to find on Christmas Day but most hotels are open to the public. Alternatively, the original Harry’s Bar and Locanda Cipriani on the Island of Torcello are expensive but memorable alternatives.

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Beer Trips in Prague: A Major Attraction for Men

06/25/2011
Della Moris
Travel Blogs
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Prague brewery- tour, credit-prague-beer-tour.com

Prague brewery- tour, credit-prague-beer-tour.com

Prague is the capital city and also the largest city in Czech Republic which is also the political and cultural hub of Europe. The city has warm summers attracting millions of tourists from all parts of the world as it is full of places of tourist attractions. However, you may be surprised that thousands of tourists come here every year to have unlimited fun from beer trips that are tours organized to let tourists have some of the best beers made in the world. It is not surprising then that Czech Republic happens to be the country with the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.  It is when you undertake a beer trip in Prague that you understand the reason why tourists are so eager to be in Prague instead of any other European city.

Prague is home to brands like Budwiser, Pilsner Urquell, and some of the brands that are not available anywhere else in the world but so zippy that they seem to better than the best in other countries. There is a local brewery in Prague (Staropramen) that makes lager beer and is a favorite of tourists arriving in Prague.

Even if you are not a beer lover, you must keep a day reserved for the beer trip to know why it is so popular among beer enthusiasts around the world. There are many who say that Czechs make world’s best beer and you know that when you try different beers available in Prague. The most popular among the tourists happens to be Gambrinus though connoisseurs say that Kozel’s Medium is the best tasting beer available in Prague, However, if you ask different enthusiasts, you would get different names depending upon the likes and tastes of different people. Two other popular beer brands in Prague are un pasteurized Pilsner Urquell and Budvar.

There are many companies organizing beer trips in Prague. These trips include taking people to places of tourist attraction and at the same time providing them beers of Prague. So you get the best of the both worlds with fun and relaxation at the same time. You are also taken to local brewery where you are allowed to taste the beer being produced which is a great feeling in itself.

Instead of trying beers available in the super market that could be a south African or Dutch made, it is better to get some tips from a local beer enthusiast or go on a guided tour organized by several companies. Most of these tours start at 5 PM in the evening and continue till about 10 PM in the evening.

Everywhere you go, you are greeted with beer in Prague. But you mostly encounter Budvar, Pilsner, and Kozel. However, these represent only tip of the iceberg and you discover the best for you on your own.

Instead of staying in a hotel, book a Prague apartment just like tourists rent out apartment in Amsterdam or a holiday apartment in Brussels as it proves more comfortable and cheaper than a hotel.

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Planning a Trip to the Czech Republic

06/02/2011
Marc. J
Czech Rep, Holidays
   1812 Views  Add comment
Prague Czech Republic

Prague Czech Republic

Preparation Tips for Visiting Prague

When you visit the Czech Republic you feel the enchantment of the land, gazing at the ancient castles and cathedrals. Here are some preparation tips for you. Located in the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic is a popular tourist destination, with about 6 million tourists visiting the land in 2010. The country is filled with enchanting castles, cathedrals and offers various operas, plays and other activities which present their rich culture and traditions. However, tourists should first know what to expect before leaving home.

Travel Requirements for Visiting the Czech Republic.

American travelers need only a passport if planning to visit for less than 90 days. For longer trips a Visa is needed. Also, for visits extending 30 days, visitors need to register with the local Foreigners Police Authority.

Currency and Tipping in the Czech Republic:

The Czech Republic is included in the European Unions. However the Czech crown( Koruna) CZK is the official currency. Although some restaurants, stores and hotels will accept euro payments, the rate of exchange may not be good. It’s helpful to use a currency converter before making a purchase, so you have a reasonable idea of what an item or service is worth. Foreign visitors are expected to tip at least 10% mainly in Prague and the tourist areas. This is not true when it comes to countryside, where tourists are not expected to do anything more than locals. Locals do not leave substantial tips in pubs or in restaurants but this is changing in recent years where people leave a good tips in fancy restaurants. Czech waiters are at times not friendly, rarely smile at you. They do not ask you weather you enjoyed your meal or not. If you do tip, try to tip them with cash rather than credit card based tips. it is considered undesirable because for the most part the tip goes to the house rather than sharing among the waiters. As of April 2011 the exchange rates are approximately 25 Czech Crowns to the Euro, or 19 Crowns to the USD.

Beware
as of 2006, some restaurants start to put service not included to trick the tourists. but by Czech law, the service has to be included. The tips are not always included compare to France where 15%  is added to the bill.

Czech Republic Weather:

Lying in the temperate climate zone, the Czech Republic has cool summers and cold, cloudy as well as humid winters. That’s why the ideal seasons to visit are in late spring and early fall. The driest weather is usually from mid-July through mid-August.  temperate climate that can deal with highs of up to 85 F in the summer and lows of 40F in the winter. Temperatures can be especially cold in some of the higher elevation areas of the country including the Jizera Mountains. This is a helpful information if you are preparing for a trip to the area.

Safety in the Czech Republic:

Pickpocketing – As in any large city, there’s the caution to be alert for area pickpocketing, especially in crowded public areas. To avoid becoming a victim, wear your backpack in front of you and stay in a group of people to ward off any pickpockets.

Break-ins and auto thefts – Unfortunately, break-ins and auto thefts occur often in the Czech Republic, mostly in major areas. Visitors are urged to park in garages and anti-theft devices, as well as never leave valuables in vehicles. Even when on tours, most tour guides make tourists take their belonging with them even if they stop for a short time period to view scenery.

International Threats – The Czech Republic is relatively a safe country, free of terrorist incidents, although its open borders with neighboring countries may present openings for terrorist activities. As in visiting any foreign country, American tourists should frequently check with the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs website to monitor travel warnings and alerts. Call 1-888-407-4747 for current data on security.

Transportation System in the Czech Republic

The Czech Republic’s public transportation system is one of the best in Europe. Metros, trams and buses are used by most of Prague’s population, making it easy to get across the city quickly. There are also buses and trams you can easily catch at subway stations.

Czech Republic Road Usage Tax Sticker:

If you’re driving into the Czech Republic you’ll need to secure a road usage tax sticker for your vehicle if you plan to drive on a major highway. Although there are signs warning tourists of this requirement near the border, they’re easy to miss. You can get stickers at gasoline stations. If caught without a sticker you’ll be required to pay a fine.

Electricity in Czech Republic:

When bringing along electrical equipment such as computer, hairdryers or other items you plan to use in your Czech hotel, be sure bring an adapter. The electricity AC is 230 volts in the Czech Republic.

Top rated places to visit while you are in Czech Republic:

1. Prague Zoo
2. Prague Extravaganza free tour
3. Lobkowicz palace
4. St. Vitus cathedral

Finally, study the various Czech Republic web sites and decide what cultural sites you want to visit. While a tour in another area, such as the Holy Lands, is more structured, visiting the Czech Republic allows more free time for tourists.

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