Czech Republic
Independent Prague: Architecture and the Arts
Program No. 9952RJ
Discover an insider’s appreciation for Prague, gaining a comprehensive understanding of art, architecture and history as you explore this city with local scholars and resident experts.
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Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 8 - Mar 16, 2025
Starting at
1,899Apr 19 - Apr 27, 2025
Starting at
1,899May 10 - May 18, 2025
Starting at
1,899Sep 13 - Sep 21, 2025
Starting at
1,899DATES
& starting prices
PRICES
Mar 8 - Mar 16, 2025
Starting at
1,899Apr 19 - Apr 27, 2025
Starting at
2,159May 10 - May 18, 2025
Starting at
2,159Jun 7 - Jun 15, 2025
Starting at
2,159Sep 13 - Sep 21, 2025
Starting at
2,159Sep 20 - Sep 28, 2025
Starting at
2,159Oct 11 - Oct 19, 2025
Starting at
2,159Nov 8 - Nov 16, 2025
Starting at
1,899Dec 6 - Dec 14, 2025
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9 days
8 nights
11 meals
7B 2L 2D
1
In Transit to Program
In Flight
6
Free Time
Prague
At a Glance
The sun glows pale orange on the hazy silhouettes of the Charles Bridge statues, casting humble light on the centuries-old emblem of this medieval city. Marked by the marriage of old and new, a position enhanced over the past decade by the ongoing influx of ideas and innovations brought on by the fall of Communism, Prague is a living archive of architectural styles and artistic inspirations. Expert-led and independent explorations, as well as intriguing lectures, introduce the heart of Central Europe.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles and 3 hours per day with periods of standing, many times in crowded areas. One day you may walk up to 4 hours throughout the day. Getting on and off public transportation/motorcoach. Terrain includes cobblestones, and it is partly hilly. Some stairs to negotiate.
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.
Best of all, you’ll…
- Explore independently with detailed advice from local scholars, resident experts and personalized guides.
- Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the many beautiful churches near the Charles Bridge.
- Learn about Czech Art Nouveau, composers such as Antonin Dvorak and the transition of the Czech Republic after World War II and the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Suggested Reading List
(22 books)
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.
Independent Prague: Architecture and the Arts
Program Number: 9952
Prague Tales
A collection of stories set in the Little Quarter of 19th-century Prague. Neruda has been referred to as the Charles Dickens of Czechoslovakia.
The Good Soldier Svejk and His Fortunes in the World War
The deeply funny story of a hapless Czech soldier in the Austro-Hungarian army, dismissed for incompetence only to be pressed into service by the Russians in World War I, then captured by his own troops.
Lonely Planet Czech Phrasebook
A palm-sized guide to pronunciation, basic grammar and essential vocabulary.
Life with a Star
A fictional account of the Holocaust told through the story of a young Czech Jew.
Prague Map
A laminated, detailed map of the center of Prague at a scale of 1:10,000.
Open Letters, Selected Writings: 1965 - 1990
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.
Dvorak and His World
A fascinating view of the Czech composer's personal life and his influence on the world around him.
The Wall, Growing Up Behind the Iron Curtain
With his usual flair and attention to detail, illustrator Peter Sis deftly sketches the events, experiences and history of his youth in Prague.
I Served the King of England
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,
A Traveller's Companion to Prague
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.
The Czech Reader, History, Culture, Politics
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.
The Coasts of Bohemia, A Czech History
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.
The Magic Lantern, The Revolution of '89 Witnessed in Warsaw, Budapest, Berlin, and Prague
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, A Traveler's Literary Companion
This anthology of 24 vivid stories by Czech writers, both contemporary and well-known, brings the city, history, spirit and people to life.
Gottland, Mostly True Stories from Half of Czechoslovakia
A cultural history told through a collection of stories about human survival during Czechoslovakia’s 80-year existence. Szcygiel focuses on artists, writers and performers who responded with craftiness when confronted with the absurdity and pressures of their eras.
Conversations With Kafka
The young poet sketches his friend Kafka and his world in this revelatory brief portrait, now with an appreciative preface by Francine Prose.
Danubia, A Personal History of Habsburg Europe
Winder, author of Germania (GER270), considers the legacy of the Habsburg Europe in this charmingly digressive history and travelogue.
Border Crossings: Coming of Age in the Czech Resistance
Novacek recounts his life from his birth in Czechoslovakia in 1928 through his time fighting the Nazis and communists as a member of the Czech Resistance up to his immigration to the United States in 1956.
Prague in Black and Gold, Scenes from Life in a European City
Both a history and an accessible guide to the neighborhoods and architecture of the city.
Danube
Mixing history, personalities and literature, Magris traces the course of the Danube from its source in the heart of the Austro-Hungarian Empire through the Balkans to the Black Sea in this anything but conventional travelogue, first published in 1986.
Eyewitness Guide Prague
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.
The Unbearable Lightness of Being
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.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
11 meals (
7B, 2L, 2D
)
2 expert-led lectures
6 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
In Transit to Program
Location:
In Flight
Day
2
Arrive Prague, Check-in, Orientation, Welcome Dinner
Location:
Prague
Meals:
D
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Hotel check-in available from 2:00 p.m. Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 11 miles, over 1/2 hour riding time (depending on traffic).
Afternoon:
After checking in to the hotel and getting your room, take some time to freshen up and relax before our Orientation session. 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. 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. We will learn from the Group Leader and a series of local experts, who will give lectures and lead field trips. Program-related travel and transfers will be via bus and public transport unless noted otherwise. Breakfasts are served in the hotel dining room; other meals are in local restaurants or on your own.. Time is set aside for a significant amount of personal independent exploration. Be sure to bring a copy of your passport with you on the program. 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:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
We will board a motorcoach with our Group Leader who will provide commentary during an introductory ride around the city. Returning to the hotel, the remainder of the evening is at leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
3
Lesser Town, Charles Bridge, Old Town
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach and public transportation; driving about 6 miles, under 1 hour riding time (depending on traffic). Walking up to 3 miles and standing, approximately 3 hours; city streets, cobblestones, some stairs to negotiate.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert for an illustrated lecture about some of the oldest styles of architecture in Prague. We’ll see visual examples of everything from Romanesque, Gothic, and Baroque architecture up to the present day. We’ll also hear the stories that surround Prague’s incredible monuments. The detailed information we receive will prepare us for our expert-led and independent explorations of Prague and its built environment.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We’ll set out to witness the historical center of Prague for the first time on a field trip by bus through its city streets. We will pass the elegant Paris Street (Parizska Street) with its Art Nouveau houses, see the fascinating Jewish Ghetto, and even enjoy a short break in front of the astronomical clock. We will also see the historic Charles Bridge, which was once the only way to cross the Vltava River and connect the Old Town to Prague Castle. For independent exploration later in our program, we will learn how to use local public transportation.
Dinner:
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.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
4
Czech Republic 20th Century to Present, Prague Castle
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,L
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 4 miles approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile and standing, approximately 3 hours; uphill/downhill, uneven stone, stairs. NOTE: New safety rules and regulations for entry into Prague Castle require that we show a copy of our passports before entering.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will be joined by a local expert whose personal understanding of the topics of our lecture will deepen our understanding about the impact of communist rule, changes following the fall of the Iron Curtain, and the challenges of European integration.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
We will set out by motorcoach for a field trip to explore Prague Castle, home of Bohemian kings and a textbook of Prague architecture itself. Standing tall amidst the magnificent Hradcany (Castle District) is Prague Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site which – at about 110 acres – is reputed to be the largest ancient castle in the world. Generations of Prague’s architecture will unfold before us as we explore the complex with a local expert, including the Saint Vitus Cathedral and the Old Royal Palace.
Dinner:
On your own to enjoy the cuisine of your choice. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
5
Trade Fair Palace, Free Time
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 4 miles, under 1 hour riding time (depending on traffic). Walking up to 1 mile and standing, approximately 2.5 hours; stairs at gallery. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to the Trade Fair Palace, a gallery of magnificent art from the 20th and 21st centuries. A local expert will lead our walking exploration.
Lunch:
On your own to have 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. Please note that the period scheduled for free time is subject to change depending on local circumstances and opportunities for independent exploration. We will have a detailed handout with suggestions for independent exploration such as the Old Jewish Cemetery – Europe’s oldest Jewish burial ground – or the Old-New Synagogue, a surviving monument of Prague’s Jewish Town and one of Prague’s first Gothic buildings.
Dinner:
On your own to have what you like.
Evening:
At leisure. For tomorrow’s day of independent exploration, the Group Leader will assist in planning according to individual interests so that we get the most out of our day.
Day
6
Free Time
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
Today is free to explore Prague independently, to see and do what interests each of us most.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
We will continue our self-directed explorations.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
7
Municipal House, Smetana Concert Hall, Free Time
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; driving about 3 miles, approximately 1/2 hour riding time. Walking about 1 mile; standing approximately 2.5 hours; some stairs. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
We will board a motorcoach and ride to Municipal House where a local expert will lead our exploration. This masterpiece of Art Nouveau design was constructed from 1905 to 1911. We will see Smetana Concert Hall and private reception rooms that are outstanding examples of Art Nouveau interiors.
Lunch:
On your own to try restaurants in the area.
Afternoon:
Free time. One of the appealing possibilities for independent exploration is Kampa Island, located near the Charles Bridge in the center of Prague. Separated from the Lesser Town by a channel called Devil’s Stream, Kampa is the perfect place to spend a relaxing afternoon amid old mills that are preserved here and charming houses that border the water’s edge.
Dinner:
Explore area restaurants on your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Day
8
Czech Composers, Antonin Dvorak Museum, Classical Concert
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B,D
Stay:
Hotel Petr
Activity Note
Getting on/off a motorcoach; walking/standing up to 4 hours throughout the day.
Breakfast:
At the hotel.
Morning:
At the hotel, we will take in a short introduction to Czech composers, such as Smetana and Dvorak, from our Group Leader. We will also learn about Mozart’s stay in Prague. We will then set out on a visit to the Antonin Dvorak Museum by motorcoach. An expert will lead us through this Baroque villa with its permanent exhibition on Dvorak’s life and work.
Lunch:
On your own to have what you like.
Afternoon:
We will have some time for further independent exploration on our last afternoon in Prague. In the late afternoon, we will regroup and ride to the Clementinum Church near Charles Bridge, for a concert of classical music.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant. Share favorite experiences with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
Returning to the hotel, we will gather for a reception and say farewell to Prague. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
9
Program Concludes, In Transit From Program
Location:
Prague
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Getting There” information regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
At the hotel. This concludes our program.
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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MEALS
11 Meals
7 Breakfasts
2 Lunches
2 Dinners
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
- Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
- Mar 08, 2025 - Mar 16, 2025
- Apr 19, 2025 - Apr 27, 2025
- May 10, 2025 - May 18, 2025
- Jun 07, 2025 - Jun 15, 2025
- Sep 13, 2025 - Sep 21, 2025
- Sep 20, 2025 - Sep 28, 2025
- Oct 11, 2025 - Oct 19, 2025
- Nov 08, 2025 - Nov 16, 2025
- Dec 06, 2025 - Dec 14, 2025
Participant Reviews
Based on 38 Reviews
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This was an exceptional trip. The city of Prague is a place of historical, architectural and musical riches. We had an excellent balance of scheduled tour time as well as time to explore on our own. The hotel was in a perfect location, a quiet residential street, rooms are spacious and clean. It was a lovely group, easygoing and curious, and we had a really exceptional leader in Daña. She not only showed us the sights but also made connections for us in terms of history and culture. She went above and beyond, offering a rich overview of major palaces, museums and some of Prague’s varied neighborhoods. Throughout the trip, she was impeccably organized and generóus with hér time and with what she shared, always open to questions, always patient. And she is brilliant as well, with a vast and deep knowledge of Prague’s past and present. I have to say that Road Scholar’s itinerary and hotel choices were excellent and the guide really sets the tone. Our group was fortunate to have Daña as the lead.
— Review left November 4, 2024
Independent Prague is an affordable way to experience one of Europe's most fascinating cities. It combines good structured programming with lots of free time for individual exploration.
— Review left October 26, 2024
This was my second Road Scholar program and I can’t say enough good things about it! Prague is a magical and amazing place and our guide Dana Ertelova shared all kinds of interesting info with us. When she discovered some of us were interested in Alphonse Mucha she went out of her way to show us his many influences on this fascinating city. I found the other travelers to be warm and friendly also, making this a double win for me as I was solo. Booking my next trip today ;)
— Review left October 23, 2024
Prague is a graceful city. I would say that between the cobblestone streets and steps everywhere, it would be difficult for folks with serious mobility limitations. The city is a lesson in the use of color, art, music and architecture to make a place a pleasure to visit.
— Review left October 21, 2024
Our trip to Prague—in one word fantastic! I learned so much about the city, its history and the people. I will recall this trip with great fondness. New friends and experiences.
— Review left October 14, 2024
I took my first road scholar trip to Prague for the arts and architecture program. I couldn’t be more happy with the trip. My group and our group leader were amazing. I learned so much and I can’t wait to take my next road scholar trip.
— Review left September 28, 2024
This was a great mix of lectures, tours, and free time to explore. Prague is beautiful and Marketa was a wonderful guide and "den mother" for all of us. Note that the hotel, though near the tram stop, is not easy walking distance to the sights, and has an elevator but it stops between floors, so you will have to walk up or down a half flight. On the up side, the hotel breakfast buffet is excellent and the coffee machine that makes lattes and cappacinos is a great way to start the day. Lots of music in Prague and the tour took us to a concert and gave us info on other concerts available all over the city.
— Review left June 29, 2024
My trip to Prague was my first experience. I'll be a repeat participant.
— Review left May 23, 2024
Our guide, Misa was very kind and patient with us and very knowledgeable about Czech history. She went above and beyond her duties to help me arrange a heartfelt visit to my Grandmother's home village in the Czech Republic.
— Review left May 23, 2024
Independent Prague was one of the best vacations I have had. I very much enjoyed the culture and history lectures to prep us for our touring of Prague's beautiful buildings, art galleries, musical concerts, etc. There was enough free time to wander around to explore on your own. Certainly the small group made for easy friendly connections. Our program guide, Dagmar, is the best. She took such good care of us and has a terrific sense of humour.
— Review left March 28, 2024
Great Trip, great guide!
— Review left October 7, 2023
I could not have enjoyed my first Road Scholar experience more. The program was flexible and our group leader was kind, knowledgeable, and funny. Prague is a city worth learning about -- it has been a witness to, and sometimes in the crosshairs of, the most momentous history of the past century and more. The people remain charming and upbeat and proud of their country despite all they have lived through. Prague used to be another vague place name on a changing map of Europe. It is much more than that to me now.
— Review left October 4, 2023
Road Scholar knows what they are doing. Professional, clear and concise, flexible, and they communicate well. Our guide was excellent. We are already planning our next adventure!
— Review left September 26, 2023
This program was, for me, the perfect balance of planned activities and free time. The planned activities were well chosen because they gave me a more enhanced experience than I would have gotten on my own. Equally terrific was the amount of free time, which allowed me to pursue my own interests. Public transportation in Prague is comprehensive, safe, easy to use, and free for persons 65 and over - perfect for free time exploration. I thought the program was an incredible value for the money and hope to take more “Independent City” excursions in the future. Well done, Road Scholar.
— Review left June 28, 2023
This was a wonderful eight days, with a superb guide in Dagmar. The balance of presentations and organized outings with free time was perfect and the Hotel Petr was an ideal base, with a wonderful breakfast and helpful staff. I will treasure my memories of this trip in a beautiful historic city.
— Review left June 28, 2023
Our experience in Prague was extraordinary, even better than I expected. I had heard good things about Road Scholar before, and it really lived up to its reputation.
— Review left June 20, 2023
Excellent balance of guided tours, lectures, and free time! Wonderful experience!
— Review left June 20, 2023
This program is outstanding. I spent 10 days with delightful, easy-going people, learning fascinating new knowledge, with a balance of exertion and rest. I recommend Road Scholar wholeheartedly!
— Review left June 19, 2023
Excellent program - fantastic guide, expert and passionate speakers and great accommodations. It couldn't be better!
— Review left June 19, 2023
I learned so much on this tour of Prague. The expertise of our guide, Hana, and the wide range of locations we visited gave an in-depth look at a beautiful and very historic city!
— Review left May 21, 2023
I highly encourage you to take this trip! You will NOT regret it! An excellent value and wonderful experience!
— Review left April 29, 2023
Excellent trip! I learned so much about the history of the area as well as the music. Loved all of the concerts and especially the art deco Municipal House. Excellent group of travelers; very friendly and interesting. The mix of planned tours and free time was perfect for me!
— Review left April 27, 2023
Independent Prague: Architecture and the Arts was a wonderful, educational experience. It was my first tour with Road Scholar and my first group travel experience. The tour was well-structured so what we learned made our free time to explore much more meaningful. Our tour guide was phenomenal and our lectures were given by knowledge experts. The hotel was very nice with a lovely breakfast each morning and they offered us late-afternoon coffee selections. It was in a very good location which was quiet and near town. In my opinion, this tour was an all-around success. I look forward to planning my next one!
— Review left April 24, 2023
Outstanding trip, perfect balance of planned and unplanned time. I think the success of the trip had a lot to do with the efforts of our guide, Jana, who was indefatigable in doing her best to ensure that we all had a good time. This was my first Road Scholar trip but it definitely won't be my last.
— Review left November 25, 2022
I was lucky enough to recently take the Independent Prague: Architecture and the Arts tour of Prague. It was a wonderful experience. Our tour leader, Jana, was fabulous. It was a great experience and a memorable introduction to a beautiful city.
— Review left October 25, 2022
One of the most enchanting and beautiful of European capitals. Don't miss!
— Review left October 24, 2022
This was a great trip, beautiful city filled with art, architecture, and history. Our guide, Dagmar, was so knowledgeable. Local guides were also excellent. Don't miss the Lobcowicz Palace (we saw on our free time), optional tours of Kutna Hora and the Jewish Ghetto. Fellow travelers were wonderful, too! Lindy
— Review left October 10, 2022
An incredible city, a wonderful guide, an amazing trip!
— Review left October 6, 2022
The Prague program is a valuable help in learning more the history, art, architecture, religious history, and culture of this segment of Eastern Europe.
— Review left October 4, 2022
What a wonderful trip to Prague and our group leader Jana was excellent. As there were only 9 of us on this tour, we became fast friends and enjoyed our time together. On our free day Jana made reservations for 2 people to go to a concentration camp and six of us went with Jana to Kunta Hora which was a wonderful day out. All the tours and lectures were very interesting as we got to know Prague. Even though the Christmas Markets were not technically open, the feeling of the Christmas season and the decorations got us in the mood. Overall, a great value for money and I would say do it. While it states it is independent there were many included tours and enough free time to do what you wanted.
— Review left January 21, 2022
This is a well-planned program in a beautiful city!
— Review left December 18, 2021
This program was exceptional. Prague is a beautiful city. The program leader was delightful and knowledgeable. The lecturers were passionate and compelling. I highly recommend it.
— Review left September 27, 2021
Independent Prague is a great program, even in the December cold and damp. Our group was only nine quite compatible people, making the program even more special. The Hotel Petr is perfect, and the staff made all free time arrangements for us. I loved the independent nature of the program and plan to do more of this type of program: the lectures were excellent and provided us with the background we needed in art, music, and the 40 years Prague experienced under communism. The lecturers were indeed experts in their fields. The lecture on our last full day on Czech Music by Ouriana Menelaou culminated in a private concert at the Villa America--this was the highlight of the trip for me. I spent our "free" day in Terezin, with about 6 others of our group. Although I have read many books on the holocaust, actually visiting a concentration camp was very emotional and impactful. A great, great trip (and no single supplement!).
— Review left January 1, 2020
The independent Prague program was perfect. The tour guide gave you exact directions to get to places using the trams and subway. The hotel was perfect to get to the center of town and was in a quiet area. The lectures added to the appreciation of the city and I went to four concerts. Perfect
— Review left December 20, 2019
very informative and helpful.
— Review left December 17, 2019
This tour is the perfect mixture of seeing the city with a group and having enough free time to see sites that are of special interest to you.
— Review left June 5, 2019
Perfect blend of education and independent time
— Review left March 18, 2019
Excellent basic hotel.
Owner frequently on site and approachable. He is life long resident of Prague and presents one or more of the lectures.
Hotel is older structure renovated/remodeled after political situation changed. Basic but very clean and well maintained. Did not need a/c due to season so not sure of that option. Large stairway accesses upper floors and elevator stops at landing area between floors so access to a floor is either by walking down one floor or walking up. Hotel did bring luggage up or down, I believe, for those who requested that option.
Multiple options for classical performances in Prague - city center.
Prague’s bus and tram system located nearby and many locations can be accessed easily.
A hotel affiliated travel rep is on site many days and will recommend options for travel, restaurants or classical performances during free time. I tried a “taste of Prague “ tour that he had referred some other guests to previously and was very satisfied. Went back to two of the restaurants we visited again during my stay using tram service. Would never have found these restaurants as they were not in the normal “tourist” paths but were in completely safe areas.
— Review left February 17, 2019