I leave for my vacation in Prague on Wednesday night. Just went through my last cliffhanger last week. I intended to fly on Sabena, but it filed bankruptcy on Tuesday. The most recent news and business reports say that Sabena will not fly again, at least not as Sabena. None of the airlines were offering reaccommodation, however Swiss Air was offering discounted tickets at $495.13 including tax. Not much of a discount being that I had only paid $384 including tax for my Sabena ticket. Ended up buying another ticket through Orbitz on the Swiss Air flight for $389 including tax. Other than having to buy a new ticket, the only change in plans is that I will be in Prague for 9 nights instead of 8. Also, Orbitz is issuing me a 100% refund on the Sabena ticket, which I sent off via the USPS certified mail, return receipt requested. The refund is to be credited to my credit card within 2-3 billing cycles. At least I'm luckier than anyone that bought a ticket directly from Sabena.<BR><BR>I've arranged for a private guide to give me a tour of Prague, I will buy the Prague card for transportation and entry to different venues. And, I have planned trips to Terezin, Cesky Krumlov and Kutna Hora. I also bought a ticket to the Queen/Czech Philharmonic Orchestra benefit concert on the 20th. Won't get to see "Carmen" as the only performance is also on the 20th. I plan on seeing the evening performance of "Laterna Magica" concert and will probably see "The Magic Flute". I'll probably go to other performances, but I need to recheck the schedules when I arrive.<BR><BR>Coincidentally, "Mission Impossible" was on television last night, and at least part of it was filmed in Prague. <BR><BR>Other than everything that I have read in tour books, brochures, and web sites, is there any place in particular that I should add to my itinerary?<BR><BR>And if anyone asks, yes, I just packed a few wash cloths. I even bought a lead bag for my film and camera.<BR><BR>I don't know if I will check in at Fodors while I am away, but I wish all of you that celebrate Thanksgiving, a happy one. Lastly, thanks again to all of you that have helped me with my itinerary -- especially Bob, Marc, Lee, and Chris. I apologize if there is anyone that I have forgotten.<BR><BR>Best regards,<BR><BR>Leslie

Leslie-- looks like you done your research, so now it's showtime!!! Don't forget to leave some space open in your luggage for the beautiful crystal you can buy in Prague, also garnets and linen (Christmas shopping!!)! Have a great time in Prague, a truly magical city!!

Leslie, sounds like you are well prepared.<BR><BR>Have a wonderful trip and a good Thanksgiving, also.

Leslie, <BR><BR>Sounds like you're well prepared. How about a trip report when you return? Prague is on my list and moving up fast, so I'd enjoy hearing about it from you. I bet others would too. Happy travels!!!

Have just returned from a week in Prague. It is a beautiful city, however our first impression was not a good one. We arrived around 9 pm Friday evening of the All Saints Day weekend. The main street, Karlova, and Charles Bridge, were unbelievably crowded with disco music blaring from the clubs at the foot of the bridge and strip bars being hawked on the street. <BR><BR>Although I have heard that Prague has become 'the party town', this was not the atmosphere I expected. Thankfully, after the week-end the crowds thined and the music was cut so we were able to enjoy the city and the wonderful view from Charles Bridge of the Castle at night.

Loved Prague. The resturants were inexpensive and the food wonderful. We did a lot of walking and shopping. Took a river cruise at night and even though the food was just good the cruise at night was beautiful. They light up so many buildings at night. Your lucky your not on Sabena. We took a flight in Aug and it was the worst one ever. No room for legs smaller than most and not much service. Food okay, but not the usual liquids during the flight.

If at all possible eat at the myslivna. The restaurant specializes in game and is absolutely incredible. It's a ten minute subway ride from the city center and about a ten minite walk from there. If you drive to cesky krumlov consider spending the night there. It's a lovely town but when we drove there from prague last november we ran into lots of thick fog which made the going rather slow. Hope that you enjoy your visit.

I thought Swiss Air stopped their flights also.You need to check.

It does sound like a well-planned trip with lots of interest. I just wanted to add a couple of the things that I most enjoyed in Prague which aren't the most obvious (like the Castle, etc): the City of Prague museum (simply outstanding on the history of the city and art/artifacts, a wonderful room-size miniature replica of medieval Prague, similar to the one in the City of London museum), the Alphonse Mucha museum (one of the best Art Nouveau museums in the world, near Wenceslaus Sq, if you don't care about that type of art, obviously not a must-see, they have a very good gift shop). They had sort of a party atmosphere one day when I was there, but I found that stimulating; apparently CR was in some big world hockey finals and they had a huge screen up on Old Town Sq with the game displayed, live rock musicians on stage, etc, I thought it was fun. If you can find one, I would recommend a chamber music performance at the Hall of Mirrors near the river (they do a lot).

Sounds like a great trip. I don't have anything major to add, except try to get out sometime and walk the Charles Bridge and Mala Strana/Castle areas early in the morning to avoid the crowds and see them in a wholly different light. Hope you enjoy one of my favorite places.

Hi Leslie,<BR>I hope that you have a wonderful trip. If you find the time, I would suggest the following:<BR>**See the Charles Bridge at sunrise<BR>**Visit the Mucha Museum<BR>**Relax at Na Kampa island, in the little streets or in the park<BR>**Spend time at St. Vitus and in the palace gardens<BR>**Have some ice cream while you look down at the red roofs<BR>**Catch some live jazz at Zelesna (near the square)<BR>**Take the incline train up to the look-out tower on the hill<BR>**Buy glass, marionettes, or whatever you like<BR>**Drink czech beer, coffee, and absinthe (not all at once)<BR>**Relax and enjoy yourslef, just wander around

Thanks for all of your input. I happen to be staying at a hotel on Na Kampe Island -- it's 50 meters from the Charles Bridge, and I requested and was granted a room with a view of the bridge. The hotel was built in the 1500s and was originally a brewery, and has been designated as a landmark in Prague. You can bet that I will rise early at least one morning to see it. I had intended on going to the Mucha Museum and taking a ride up the funicular, and many other things that all of you have mentioned. I will take all of your advise and do most if not all of the things you have suggested, including going to Sabbath services at one of the synagogues on Friday evening. <BR><BR>Keep the ideas coming, I leave tomorrow night, and will check Fodors up until about 2pm before I depart for the airport. And yes, Swiss Air is flying. <BR><BR>Thanks again, looks like I will gladly reprint this thread again.<BR><BR>Happy Thanksgiving to all of you that celebrate it.<BR><BR>Regards,<BR><BR>Leslie<BR>

We are going to Prague next weekend 1st December for 5 days to visit the Christmas markets and see around. I would be keen to hear how you got on in Prague - what you would recommend at this time of year and some good resturants. We are staying on Wencelas Square. Thanks