Prague
15th-19th March 2027
Prague in March offers a perfect opportunity to embrace the city’s unique atmosphere without the crowds. Wrapped up warm, crossing Charles Bridge over the misty Vltava on the way for a coffee, or something stronger, in one of Prague’s lively cafes is the stuff of novels. En route you pass twisty narrow streets, gothic spires and baroque wonders. A city remarkably preserved, oozing history and yet still vibrant and colourful.
We will look at the wonderful Gothic Prague at the time of Charles IV and discuss the Counter Reformation, sparked in Prague by the infamous Defenestration. The city lived on to have a fantastic fin de siècle. Prague produced notable figures such as Alfons Mucha, and their decorative arts are still hugely influential. Beyond art, the city is a place for ideas, music and literature, so even if you have been before, this city is worth a second, closer look.
Itinerary
Monday 15th March
Our flight arrives in Prague in the early afternoon, and we will take a private coach to our hotel. Once we have settled in, we will set off to explore the city with an introduction to Prague’s fascinating history. We will cross the iconic Charles Bridge lined with saints and wander through the maze of cobbled streets towards the centre of the Old Town. We will arrive in one of the most beautiful squares in Europe, Staromestske Namesti in time for a pre-dinner drink. There will be an early evening private tour of the wonderful art deco interiors of Obecni Dum before supper at Cerny Jelen.
Tuesday 16th March
Perched high above the Vltava River, overlooking the labyrinth of tiny streets below, Prague Castle dominates the skyline. The castle’s turbulent history of royal rulers, Holy Roman Emperors, war, politics and religion explains the eclectic collection of buildings within the walls. We will follow the story as we move from the elegant palaces to the romanesque Basilica of St. George and then the gothic Cathedral of St. Vitus. Harriet has managed to arrange special access to the Wenceslas Chapel, which will be a real treat. The rest of the morning will be spent looking at marvellous buildings, from great halls to a row of tiny, colorful almost dolls house-like cottages, known as Golden Lane.
After a good lunch in the Lobkowicz Palace we will spend the afternoon seeing the paintings there and in the National Gallery. We will choose the highlights of the collection which will include Cranach, Durer, Titian, Rubens and Rembrandt. We will also spend time looking at the fascinating works by Czech artists in the collection. Supper will be at the delightfully cosy restaurant, Modra Kachnicka.
Wednesday 17th March
We will start the day with a visit to the beautiful library housed in the Theological Hall at the Strahov Monastery. We will then continue on to Loreta, an important pilgrimage site. The Baroque complex consists of the Church of the Nativity, a replica of the Casa Santa and cloisters.
After a good warming lunch, we will visit Prague’s evocative Jewish Quarter tucked between the Old Town Square and the Vltava River. The turbulent history of the area starts in the 13th century when Jews were first driven here. The population increased over the centuries until the Jewish community became the largest in Europe. A local expert will give us a greater insight into the life and history of the extraordinary buildings of the ghetto. We will visit the oldest working Synagogue in Europe, the Old-New Synagogue and the Spanish Synagogue. We will also have the opportunity to see the Old Jewish Cemetery – a very gothic experience indeed.
Thursday 18th March
In the morning we will explore the streets with a church crawl looking at the dramatic Prague baroque, including the churches St. Nicholas and St. Thomas. Crossing over the bridge we will see the church of St. James and visit the churches within the Klementinum. Will also visit the Colloredo Mansfeld Palace.
After lunch there will be the option of visiting the superb collection of Bohemian art in the Old Town branch of the National Gallery; the greatest school of Medieval art after Siena was here or the excellent Decorative Arts Museum. Alternatively, you may wish to explore the streets, browse the shops and make the most of Prague’s lively café culture. In the evening we hope to see a performance at the one of the opera or concert halls.
Friday 19th March
In the morning we will drive to Nelahozeves, the birthplace of Dvorak. We will first visit the composer’s past home which houses an excellent exhibition on his life. We will then have a tour of Nelahozeves castle, an impressive renaissance ‘castello fortezza’ still owned by the Lobkowicz family. It is full of wonderful treasures. After one final lunch our coach will take us on to the airport for our flight home.
Further Details
Tutors
The trip will be led by Ed Aspinall and Cat Manson, who have led many very popular AHA tours. They will be joined by Harriet Landseer, who lives in Prague and specializes in the heritage and art of the Czech Republic and Central Europe.
Hotels
We will stay in the converted 14th century monastery which is now the Mandarin Oriental. The hotel combines historic character with contemporary warmth. The excellent location within the cobbled streets of Malà Strana is within easy walking distance of the Charles Bridge and the Old Town.
www.mandarinoriental.com/prague/
Transport
There will be coach to meet the recommended flights. We may catch trams within the city.
Ability
There is quite a lot of walking on this trip, as well as slopes and uneven cobbles. As many of the streets are small you will need to walk from the coach to the churches and museums. As is the case for all our courses, there is a lot of standing while we discuss the works we are looking at.
Lunches and Dinners
Lunches are a set menu of two courses to include drinks. Dinner is by no means compulsory, but we book a table for the group each night at different restaurants and divide the bill equally between everyone. Sometimes these may also need to be a set menu but we try our best to avoid this. We will adjust the bill for those not drinking alcohol.
Cost
The price is £2400 which includes all lunches, accommodation and breakfast, all transport within Prague and all entry fees and private visits. Single occupancy hotel supplement £280. Flights and insurance are not included. Dinners are not included and are by no means compulsory for those who wish to have a quiet evening. Numbers will be limited to 16.
Flights
We do not book the flights thus allowing you to travel to suit your budget, use airmiles, travel between different airports or on different dates. We recommend buying the following flights with British Airways:
15th March London Heathrow 10:35-13:35 Prague BA0854
19th March Prague 19:00-20:10 London Heathrow BA0859
To register – Please complete the online registration form, having read our terms and conditions and pay a deposit of £600 per person via bank transfer once you have received the confirmation email. Please note your place is not confirmed until we have received your deposit.
If you have any queries, please email [email protected] or call 01379 871800 (302)
NB you must buy your own flights.
