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19240
Czech Republic

New Year's Eve in Prague

Holidays
Small Group
City Discoveries
Wishlist
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Celebrate New Year’s in one of the world’s most treasured cities, discovering rich cultural history, magnificent art and traditional Czech food both with the experts and on your own.
Rating (5)
Activity Level
Program No. 19240RJ
Length
9 days
Starts at
1,999
Flights start at
1,000
Czech Republic

New Year's Eve in Prague

Celebrate New Year’s in one of the world’s most treasured cities, discovering rich cultural history, magnificent art and traditional Czech food both with the experts and on your own.
Holidays
Small Group
City Discoveries
Activity Level
Length
9 days
Starts at
1,999
Flights start at
1,000
Program No. 19240 RJ
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
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DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2022
Starting at
1,999
Limited Space
Dec 26 - Jan 3, 2023
Starting at
2,099
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DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2022
Starting at
2,349
SOLD OUT
Dec 26 - Jan 3, 2023
Starting at
2,429
Select Date
Cancel & Transfer Fees Transfer & Cancellation Fees
Transfer & Cancellation Fees
Deposit at Enrollment: 250
Final payment due: 77 days before departure date

Cancel & Transfer Schedule

Should you transfer or cancel, apart from the fees described below, you will also be responsible for any penalties we would incur for non-refundable transportation arrangements made on your behalf.

Note: These fees apply to at least one date of this program, but may vary by date.

Date

less than 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 100 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 100 % of order total

66 to 30 days prior to program start date

Transfer Fee: 50 % of order total

Cancel Fee: 50 % of order total

up to 67 days prior to program start date

Cancel Fee: $250.00

up to 67 Days Prior to Program Start Date

Transfer Fee: $0.00

Date Transfer Fee Cancel Fee
less than 30 days prior to program start date 100 % of order total 100 % of order total
66 to 30 days prior to program start date 50 % of order total 50 % of order total
up to 67 days prior to program start date $250.00
up to 67 Days Prior to Program Start Date $0.00

If Road Scholar Cancels a Program

Road Scholar reserves the right to cancel programs prior to departure, terminate a program early, and to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action. Additionally, due to low enrollment or other unforeseen circumstances, Road Scholar must occasionally cancel or change the dates of a program. When that occurs we will notify you as far in advance as possible and will assist you in transferring into another program or refunding your full Road Scholar program payment. If you have made transportation arrangements, such as an airline ticket purchase, Road Scholar will give you a credit to help cover the cost of transferring your travel arrangements for use on a replacement program. The maximum value of the credit will be $300 and documentation of your paid fees is required before issuance of the credit.

Travel Health

In addition to maintaining their necessary vaccinations, including seasonal influenza vaccination, Road Scholar recommends that all participants consult with their physician, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Department of State regarding their health condition and any recommendations specific to the destinations they will visit well before departure. Your physician will be able to assess your overall health and fitness, provide information and guidance on health risks you may encounter while traveling, medication you may need to take and other precautions for the prevention of injury and illness during your program.

Program Pricing

As a not-for-profit organization, we are dedicated to providing exceptional educational opportunities at a remarkable value. We do everything in our power to ensure that the published program price is the price you pay. On occasion, costs we can’t anticipate and that are beyond our control arise and may be passed along to you. If this occurs, we will let you know as soon as possible.

About Program Details and Itineraries. We do all we can to finalize all aspects of our programs — including itineraries — well in advance, but logistics occasionally must be altered. Our website reflects the most recent information, and we are committed to providing you with final program details no later than three weeks before the start of programs within the U.S. If you have questions about your program, please contact us and we will be happy to assist you.

Accuracy of Information:

While every effort is made to provide accurate information on our website and in our catalogs, Road Scholar is not responsible for typographical errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may relate to program descriptions, pricing, and availability. Road Scholar reserves the right to correct any errors, inaccuracies or omissions that may appear in our publications, and to change or update information at any time without prior notice. If you discover an error on our website or catalog, please let us know.

Terms & Conditions

Responsibility. These Terms govern the relationship between you and Elderhostel, Inc., d/b/a Road Scholar. By enrolling in a program with us, you agree to be bound by these Terms; please be sure to read them carefully and make sure you understand them.

Road Scholar’s responsibility is limited. Road Scholar organizes, promotes, and sells educational programs consisting of certain travel services, including land, air, and water transportation, excursions, and cruise/barge/hotel accommodations that Road Scholar purchases or reserves from various suppliers (collectively, “Suppliers”). Road Scholar neither owns nor operates any of these Suppliers; they are independent contractors and are not Road Scholar’s agents. Therefore, Road Scholar is not responsible for any negligent or willful act or failure to act of any Supplier or any other third party. You agree that you will look to such Suppliers, and not to Road Scholar or its agents, for any accident, injury, property damage, or personal loss you may suffer.

Without limitation, Road Scholar is not responsible for any injury, loss, or damage to person or property, death, delay, or inconvenience in connection with the provision of, or failure to provide, any goods or services occasioned by or resulting from — but not limited to — acts of God or force majeure, acts of war or civil unrest, insurrection or revolt, strikes or other labor activities, criminal or terrorist activities of any kind, mechanical or other failure of airplanes or other means of transportation, or the failure of any transportation mechanism to arrive or depart on time, or for any other cause beyond the direct control of Road Scholar.

Safety & Risks. Certain risks — from natural disasters to accidents, outbreaks of illness, crime, insect-borne and other infectious diseases, environmental risks to health, terrorism and other unforeseen events — are inherent in travel. While such occurrences are beyond our control, we make substantial efforts to be prepared for such possibilities. Participants are encouraged to review the safety and travel information provided by the U.S. Department of State and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to learn about current security issues, travel advisories and warnings, recent embassy notices, country-specific health information, health risks you may encounter while traveling, precautions for the prevention of illness, disease and general health issues during your program and other helpful destination-specific information. By enrolling in a program, you agree to assume responsibility for your own health, safety and welfare, and acknowledge that Road Scholar cannot guarantee your safety or health at any time.

Medical and Physical needs: Road Scholar is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to enable individuals with disabilities to participate in our programs. If you have any impairments or medical needs requiring accommodation, we ask that you communicate your needs to Road Scholar’s Participant Services team at the time of enrollment. Our Participant Services team will work with you to accommodate your needs and will provide you specific information on such matters as the suitability and functionality of requested modifications, the physical demands of the program and the availability of dietary options.

Admission & Participation Policy: The granting or denial of admission to a program is within the sole discretion of Road Scholar. Road Scholar may revoke admission or limit or terminate participation at any time if, in the opinion of Road Scholar, a participant’s condition, behavior or actions are problematic, inappropriate or disruptive. Road Scholar reserves the right to take action as needed on an individual or group basis when, in Road Scholar’s sole opinion, the health, safety or well-being of participants requires such action.

Photography: Road Scholar reserves the right to take photographs or videos during the operation of any program or part thereof and to use them, whether taken by a representative of Road Scholar or by other participants, for promotional purposes. By enrolling in a Road Scholar program, participants agree to allow their images to be used in such photography; participants who prefer that their images not be used are asked to identify themselves to program staff and the photographer at the commencement of their program.

Optional Trip Protection Plan
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
9 days
8 nights
14 meals
7B 3L 4D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
2
Arrive Prague, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Prague
3
Prague Castle, Free Time
Prague
4
Old Town, Jewish Ghetto, A Bohemian New Year's Eve
Prague
5
New Year's Walk, Charles Bridge, Lesser Town, Concert
Prague
6
Trade Fair Palace, Free Time
Prague
7
Karlstejn Castle
Prague
8
Contemporary Life in the Czech Republic, Free Time
Prague
9
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Prague
View Full Itinerary

At a Glance

Ring in the New Year in Bohemian style and explore the amazing city of Prague from every angle. Discover Old Town, the former Jewish Ghetto, and the lively Christmas Markets where the smell and taste of traditional Czech delicacies awaits. Learn about the beautiful buildings of this city known for its breathtakingly diverse architecture and step inside 9th-century Prague Castle and 14th-century Karlstejn Castle. Toast the dawning of 2021 during a celebration at an authentic Prague restaurant.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Periods of standing, walking mostly on city streets with some cobblestones and uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 10 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy the Christmas markets in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, where musicians perform and mulled wine, chestnuts, potato pancakes and sausages are among the delicacies you’ll find.
  • Marvel at Prague’s historic sites on expert-led walks that bring you over the Charles Bridge, into picturesque Lesser Town and through the Jewish quarter.
  • Greet the New Year in a traditional Bohemian restaurant with a discussion of Czech folklore, food, music, dancing and laughter.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
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Dagmar Mikolášková
Dagmar Mikolaskova studied in the travel industry, and has been leading groups since 1988 in English, German and French. She also speaks Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Her other experiences include interpreting and hospitality work.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Dagmar Mikolášková
Dagmar Mikolášková View biography
Dagmar Mikolaskova studied in the travel industry, and has been leading groups since 1988 in English, German and French. She also speaks Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Her other experiences include interpreting and hospitality work.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
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The Czech Reader, History, Culture, Politics
by Jan Bazant (Editor)
A fascinating survey of Czech history, culture and politics, part of the World Readers series, and composed of the writings and impressions of luminaries, leaders and ordinary Czechs. Among the highlights are Joan of Arc’s letter to the Hussites, the composer Antonin Dvorak’s letter from the New World and literary selections from Kafka, Kundera and Vaclav Havel.
Baroque and Rococo Art
by Germain Bazin
An excellent illustrated survey of Baroque and Rococo art and architecture, this volume in the acclaimed "World of Art" series is a good companion to the golden age of Middle Europe.
A Traveller's Companion to Prague
by Jan Kaplan (Editor)
A portrait of the city, its neighborhoods, architecture, society and culture as seen through the eyes of writers over the centuries, including Petrarch, Hans Christian Anderson, Graham Greene and Patrick Leigh Fermor.
Prague in Black and Gold, Scenes from Life in a European City
by Peter Demetz
Both a history and an accessible guide to the neighborhoods and architecture of the city.
Dvorak and His World
by Michael Beckerman
A fascinating view of the Czech composer's personal life and his influence on the world around him.
The Coasts of Bohemia, A Czech History
by Derek Sayer
A sensitively written and lively portrait of the highs and lows of Czech history over the past century with special attention to the fate of Prague in war and peace.
Beyond the Chestnut Trees
by Maria Bauer
Bauer interweaves recollections of her youth in Prague with an account of a return visit 40 years later in this affectionate, classic memoir.
I Served the King of England
by Bohumil Hrabal
A rollicking trip through the history of 20th century Czechoslovakia, Hrabal's comic masterpiece follows the misadventures of a simple but hugely ambitious waiter in pre-World War II Prague, who rises to wealth only to lose everything with the onset of Communism,
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
by Milan Kundera
Kundera's intriguing novel, praised for its meditations on the nature of men and women, and on the fearful emptiness of life in Prague under Communist rule. We also carry Kundera’s collection of short stories The Book of Laughter and Forgetting.
The Magic Lantern, The Revolution of '89 Witnessed in Warsaw, Budapest, Berlin, and Prague
by Timothy Garton Ash
With a chapter each on Warsaw, Budapest, Berlin and Prague, this eyewitness account by an astute journalist and historian shows these vibrant cities during a time of great change.
Prague Tales
by Jan Neruda, Michael Heim (Translator), Ivan Klima (Introduction)
A collection of stories set in the Little Quarter of 19th-century Prague. Neruda has been referred to as the Charles Dickens of Czechoslovakia.
Prague, A Traveler's Literary Companion
by Paul Wilson (Editor)
This anthology of 24 vivid stories by Czech writers, both contemporary and well-known, brings the city, history, spirit and people to life.
Prague Map
by Berndtson & Berndtson
A laminated, detailed map of the center of Prague at a scale of 1:10,000.
Lonely Planet Czech Phrasebook
by Lonely Planet
A palm-sized guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary.
The Complete Stories
by Franz Kafka
All of Kafka's stories, including The Metamorphosis, A Hunger Artist and In The Penal Colony.
Eyewitness Guide Prague
by Eyewitness Guides
This superb guide features color photography, dozens of excellent maps and a district-by-district synopsis of the celebrated city's attractions. Handsome, convenient and up-to-date, this is the guide to carry.
Open Letters, Selected Writings: 1965 - 1990
by Vaclav Havel, Paul Wilson (Editor)
This inspired anthology of writings by the Czech poet-president Vaclav Havel collects 25 essays, letters and speeches written between 1965 and 1990, including those that directly influenced the Polish Solidarity movement.
Frommer's Prague Day by Day
by Mark Baker
This handy, compact guide includes a separate fold-out map of the city center and detailed itineraries for experiencing the best of Prague.
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Recommended Adventures

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9 days
8 nights
14 meals
7 B 3 L 4 D
DAY
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
DAY
2
Arrive Prague, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Prague
D
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m.

Afternoon: Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. On this program, breakfasts will offer a typical European-style breakfast buffet with breads, cheeses, cold cuts, yogurt, fruit, cereals, juice, milk, coffee, tea, and water. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.

Dinner: In the hotel dining room, we'll have a buffet-style meal with beverage choices of wine, beer, coffee, tea, water.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
3
Prague Castle, Free Time
Prague
B
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Getting on/off a private bus. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll board a private bus and head on an expert-led drive around the city. We'll stop at Prague Castle, the largest resident complex in the Czech Republic and – according to Guinness World Records – the largest ancient castle in the world. This palace has been a home and a working space for Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents since the 9th century. The Old Royal Palace and the Cathedral of St. Vitus are breathtaking architectural treasures.

Lunch: This meal has been excluded from the program cost and is on your own to enjoy what you like. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Afternoon: Free time. This period of time has been set aside for your personal independent exploration to see and do what interests you most. Please refer to the list of Free Time Opportunities. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
4
Old Town, Jewish Ghetto, A Bohemian New Year's Eve
Prague
B,D
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Getting on/off a private bus; driving about 9 miles, approximately 40 minutes throughout the day. Walking about 2 miles, approximately 3.5 hours.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: Our field trip will start in the Old Town, a unique area of Prague with the impressive Old Town Square, the center of all events since the Middle Ages. The stone houses, churches, palaces, and monasteries in combination with twisty narrow streets and alleys create a very special atmosphere. We will also explore the Jewish Town. The former Jewish Ghetto is a noteworthy quarter of Prague that boasts worldwide significance. Extensive historical records trace the existence of Prague's Jewish community back to the 11th century. The Old Jewish Cemetery is Europe’s oldest and best-preserved Jewish burial ground, its history dating back to the 15th century. The graves form a chronicle in stone of the history of the Prague ghetto. Next, we will enjoy Christmas markets at the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. Other than traditional Christmas and New Year's handcrafts, we will also find various Czech delicacies here, including sausages, potato pancakes, fresh sweet pie, Trdelnik, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, hot punch, and mulled wine. These, along with performances by musicians on market stages, help to make our visit unforgettable.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: We'll head via private bus to a traditional Bohemian restaurant for dinner. There, we'll celebrate the end of the year with a folklore program, music, and dance.

Evening: We'll remain at the restaurant to celebrate New Year's Eve Bohemian style!

DAY
5
New Year's Walk, Charles Bridge, Lesser Town, Concert
Prague
B,L,D
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 1 hour in the afternoon. Getting on/off a private bus for dinner and concert.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: Free time. Relax or enjoy some fresh air in the nearby gardens.

Lunch: We'll enjoy a festive gourmet lunch in the Three Centuries Restaurant.

Afternoon: A traditional New Year's walk of Prague sites will lead us to the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest extant stone bridges in Europe, adorned on both sides with a total of thirty Baroque statues. Our field trip continues in the Lesser Town, a picturesque quarter with monumental noble churches and palaces.

Dinner: In the cellar pub of the Municipal House, decorated by Art Nouveau tiles. Beverages include coffee, tea, water, and an alcoholic drink. Enjoy the pre-war Czechoslovakian atmosphere.

Evening: Happy New Year! Together, we will enjoy a New Year's concert at the Municipal House, the pearl of Art Nouveau style. After the concert, there will be refreshments including choice of wine/beer and traditional snacks.

DAY
6
Trade Fair Palace, Free Time
Prague
B,L
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Getting on/off a private bus. Walking and standing for approximately 2.5 hours at the museum. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We'll head out on an expert-led trip to the Trade Fair Palace, the largest gallery space in Prague with the city’s finest collection of paintings, objects of art, statues and other exhibits of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Here, we will view many works by French artists such as Delacroix, Courbet, Sisley, Pissarro, Monet, Seurat, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, Cezanne, Matisse, Chagall, Rousseau, Picasso and Rodin. We will also become familiar with Czech Fine Art featuring works by Kuaka, Drtikol, Filla, Zrzavy, Spala, Lada, Trnka, Sudek, Knizak – present director of the gallery, Pistek – bearer of the Oscar for the costumes of the movie Amadeus, and many others.

Lunch: We'll have a light lunch at the Grand Café Orient on the first floor of the House of the Black Madonna. Completed in 1912, this building symbolizes the unique Czech contribution to the cubist movement. Once serving as a department store and office space, it now houses a museum dedicated to cubism.

Afternoon: Free time. You may wish to visit the Museum of Czech Cubism in the House of the Black Madonna.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
7
Karlstejn Castle
Prague
B,L
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Getting on/off a private bus, driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.5 hours. Walking uphill for 30 minutes, approximately 130 steps during visit to Karlstejn Castle. Walking and standing for approximately 3 hours total at the castle.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: We will depart on a field trip to Karlstejn Castle. The Gothic castle, founded in 1348 and completed in 1365, was built by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV as a place to store royal treasures, especially collections of holy relics and crown jewels. We will explore not only the castle but also the village of Karlstejn and the Museum of Nativity Scenes, highlighting the famous Karlstejn Royal Nativity.

Lunch: At a restaurant near the castle.

Afternoon: We'll have some time after lunch to relax and explore Karlstejn independently before reboarding the bus and returning to Prague.

Dinner: Explore local fare on your own.

Evening: At leisure.

DAY
8
Contemporary Life in the Czech Republic, Free Time
Prague
B,D
Hotel Petr

Activity note: Getting on/off a boat; riding approximately 2 hours. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Getting on/off a private bus for dinner.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: Our morning lecture at the hotel will speak about contemporary life in the Czech Republic. We will discuss the political and economic changes after 1989, the new global role of the Czech Republic, and the everyday life of ordinary Czechs.

Lunch: Explore local fare on your own.

Afternoon: Free time.

Dinner: We'll board a Vltava riverboat and select from a buffet; beverage choices of coffee, tea, water, and one alcoholic drink. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.

Evening: At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.

DAY
9
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Prague
B

Activity note: Hotel check-out 11:00 a.m. See your program’s Transportation Information regarding transfers.

Breakfast: Dining room buffet.

Morning: If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!






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