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Czech Republic: Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Telc and Karlovy Vary

Czech Republic: Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Telc and Karlovy Vary

Old Aug 17th, 2009, 08:07 AM
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Kwoo..

I'm not one to take and not give back.

I always post a travel report.

I might utilize your "consulting services" while I am there, if you allow me!

A guy who frequents my workplace informed me his son works for the government in Prague. He is arranging a little tour for us. In the least, it will be nice to have an interpreter.
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Old Aug 18th, 2009, 10:16 AM
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Sorry...rereading my response...it reads a little terse!

Sometimes words without the facial expressions and tones, take on different meanings. My response is made with a smile and a snicker...
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Old Aug 18th, 2009, 10:29 AM
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tt
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Old Aug 18th, 2009, 02:03 PM
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ttt for tomorrow
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Old Aug 18th, 2009, 07:28 PM
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Hi Masterphil,
No need to apologize. The only reason I asked if you were planning on writing a trip report is because it seems that not everyone does. I really enjoy hearing about other people's vacations and their impression, etc.

What day do you leave for Prague? I usually check Fodor's every day so if I can be of any help, let me know.
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Old Aug 19th, 2009, 04:37 AM
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Kwoo...

No need to apologize. Just when I read my response to you, it came off a little terse. If you know me, I'm always smiling and joking. Sometimes that doesn't translate well in written word.

But really, I get so much great info from this forum...

I will definitely write a trip report.

I will arrive in Prague next Friday.

Once again, thanks for all of your great info. I will be using your trip report as a reference while there.

All the best!!!!
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Old Aug 20th, 2009, 05:39 AM
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Kwoo, thank you for your wonderful report! We leave in a mere 19 days. I always print these trip reports out and read aloud to my hubby. Many X's alongside various items in your report, some to look in to and some to reconfirm some things we had a "maybe" next to. Thank you too for the food info! Masterphil, will look for your report-Halstatt is magnificent as well. I too have vowed to post a report shortly after we return. Prague, Melnick & Chesky Krumlov-cumbersome flights that have changed several times which will give us an overnight in the Frankfurt area, we simply can't wait.
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Old Aug 20th, 2009, 07:09 AM
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Thank you heaps Kwoo!!! Will be in CR in November - 4 days in Prague, 2 in Brno, 2 in Telc (sounds gorgeous!!) and 2 in Cesky Krumlov - still playing with itinerary a bit.
Traveling on my own in trains/buses - Telc will be a bit tricky to get to, but worth it, I'm sure.
Wrote down quite a few pointers from your report : )
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Old Aug 20th, 2009, 05:38 PM
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Hi LuvToRoam and Northgld,
Thank you for your compliment and I'm happy to know that you enjoyed reading my report and that you find it helpful.

What hotels are you staying in?

Northqld, You will love Telc. It is so pretty! If there is public transportation or tours, you should try to visit Znojmo and/or the castles/chateaus just outside of Telc. There are several in the area. We passed many signs but didn't have the time to stop since we only spent one night in Telc.
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Old Aug 21st, 2009, 05:46 AM
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Kwoo, you deserve all the kudos’s you are getting. We are staying at the Pension Platan in Prague, the Pension V Raji in the Melnik area and Pension Pod Skalkou in Cesky Krumlov. We have to drive back to Prague from there to catch the flight to Frankfurt, where we will stay overnight in Wiesbaden Nordost, Hotel Klemm. Flying Air India, they have changed our flights and the planes several times (the price one pays for cheaper flights I guess). We had Tabor, Trebon or Telc on our radar screen to pick from; you have sold us on Telc. We also are going to go to the Chateau Hluboka nad Vltavou (wow-the pictures are spectacular of that place-truly a fairytale castle) based on your report. You mentioned a guided tour, that was in English, wasn't it? My hubby could not find evidence of an English guide on the web site. We are going to try to catch a few breweries and of course Melnik is on the list because the wine festival is happening while we are there. And Katakomby was also on our itinerary, based upon Maitaitom's recommendation. 18 days and counting!
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Old Aug 21st, 2009, 06:01 AM
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As a little footnote: Many, many movies are made in the Czech Republic and we have spent much time watching those, which has been fun. Catch "Last Holiday" for an entertaining fluff movie (almost a chic flick but hubby found it entertaining) and fantastic shots of Karlovy Vary's Grand Hotel Pupp and the surrounding area. We have a great list (quite eclectic) if anyone is interested we would be happy to share it.
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Old Aug 21st, 2009, 06:21 AM
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LuvToRoam,
Yes, we had an English-speaking guide for our tour of Hluboka. He was a nice, friendly young Czech man who speaks good English. All the castles we toured offered an English speaking tour; however, they are not as frequent as other languages.

I would love a list of the movies filmed in the Czech Republic, when you have a chance. thank you!
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Old Aug 21st, 2009, 10:00 AM
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Would love to see that list of movies too.

Thanks Kwoo, will not forget to take my swimming attire with me. That and my running gear always travel with me.

I'm also in the process of selecting/arranging for guides in St.P and Prague right now. None planned for KV.
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Old Aug 21st, 2009, 03:21 PM
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Following is the list; hopefully you will be able to make sense of it. Some were not available at our library (and library share program). Kudos to our son-in-law Jack for getting us the really obscure of the list, some of which we really enjoyed. Some I'm afraid to say were awful. We really did enjoy the foreign language films. I will mark a * alongside those we saw. I have to say, I did watch some of these and was stunned that I enjoyed them as much as I did, as they really weren't from the genre I typically enjoy (which would mean an open mind is probably a good thing....). My hubby has a much greater eclectic taste than I do. Some were simply haunting and definitely worth the time. Happy Viewing. Thanks for all the useful info-I think we are going to toss those suits in our bags as well.
Last Holiday (2006)*
Filming locations include Karlovy Vary and the Grand hotel Pupp
The Brothers Grimm (2005)*
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Barrandov Studios, Ledec nad Sázavou, Kutná Hora, Krivoklát Castle, Kacina Castle, Kost Castle
Notes: The fictional plot revolves around the legendary German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm Grimm who travel from
village to village pretending to protect townsfolk from enchanted creatures and pulling off exorcisms. They are put to the test when they encounter a real magical curse.
The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe* (2005) Czech Republic: planned filming location
Everything is Illuminated (2005)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
A Sound of Thunder (2005)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague, Barrandov Studios
Tristan & Isolde (2005)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
AVP: Alien Vs. Predator (2004)
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague
Chasing Liberty (2004)
Czech Republic filming locations: Charles Bridge, National Museum, and other Prague locations
Euro Trip (2004)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Hellboy (2004*)
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague
The Prince and Me (2004)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague and some castles
Van Helsing (2004)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen (2003)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Shanghai Knights (2003)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague, Karlovy Vary, Kutná Hora, Hluboká Castle
Notes: Read Jackie Chan's insightful diary about the filming and his time in the Czech Republic
Underworld (2003)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Bad Company (2002)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Blade II (2002)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
The Bourne Identity (2002)*
Notes: Prague is passed off as Zurich in scenes at the beginning of the movie.
Hart's War (2002)*
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague, Milovice, Zvoloneves
Notes: Until 1991, the town of Milovice was used as a training camp for the Soviet Army during the Soviet occupation of Czechoslovakia, and served the same purpose for a good part of the 20th century (a training camp for the Austrian Army was set up there as early as 1904). The train attack was filmed in Zvoloneves.
XXX (2002)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Notes: This film is one of the few foreign movies in which Prague is really supposed to be Prague and not another European city. Many scenes were filmed at various locations around the city, such as the Old Town Square, Hradcanské námestí, and Prague bridges.
The Affair of the Necklace (2001)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague, Dobría, Lednice, Valtice, Kutná Hora (St. Barbara's Cathedral)
From Hell (2001)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
A Knight's Tale (2001)*
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic
Spy Game (2001)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Canone inverso - Making Love (2000)
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague, Mariánské Lázne
Notes: Locations used in this film include the Tyl Theatre, Charles Bridge, the Main Train Station in Prague, and the Mariánské Lázne collonade.
Dungeons & Dragons (2000)
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague, Kutná Hora
The Messenger: The Story of Joan of Arc (1999)
Czech Republic filming locations: Bruntál, Rázová
Die Hard Dracula (1998)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague, Ústí nad Labem
Les Misérables (1998)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Kutná Hora, Vrbno, ®atec, Prague
Notes: This movie was filmed mostly in the towns of Kutná Hora, Vrbno, and ®atec. Prague locations include the Trója Chateau and Hradcanské námestí.
Mission: Impossible (1996)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Notes: The first part of the movie takes place in Prague and has some great scenes on Charles Bridge, off of which one of the main characters falls, and on Kampa Island. The National Museum on Wencelas Square passes for the U.S Embassy and is where the party took place. Max's headquarters is in the Grand Hotel Europa.
Underground (1995)
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Immortal Beloved (1994)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague, Kromeríl
The Trial (1993)
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague
Kafka (1991)
Filmed entirely in the Czech Republic: Prague
The Unbearable Lightness of Being (1988)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague
Amadeus (1984)*
Czech Republic filming locations: Prague, Kromeríl
Foreign Lanuage
Autumn Spring (2002)* - Vladimír Michálek director
A bittersweet comedy starring the great Vlastimil Brodský as Fanda, an old man who refuses to grow up. Despite pleas from his exasperated wife who wants him to make serious decisions about the future, Fanda ignores the nagging and spends his days seeking amusement and adventure
Kolya (1997)* -Jan Svěrák director
Winner of the 1997 Academy Award for Best Foreign Language Film, this charming Czech drama uses the backdrop of the Russian military occupation in Prague for its funny, sad, and ultimately delightful story of a 55-year-old man's friendship with a 5-year-old boy.
Dark Blue World* -Jan Svěrák director
Director Jan Sverák's Dark Blue World embraces sentimentality with such brio it is hard to resist. The film relays the little-known WWII story of Czech fighter pilots who escaped the Nazi occupation of their country to fight in Britain's Royal Air Force. Those who survived the battles were placed in work camps upon their return home by a then-entrenched, paranoid Communist regime.
Alice -Jan Svěrák director
Closely Watched Trains (Ostre sledovane vlaky) (1967)
Fighter (2001)* Amir Bar-lev director
Documentry
Zelary* -Ondrej Trojan director
Loves of a Blonde (Lasky jedne plavovlasky) (1965)
Up and Down (Horem Padem) (2004)
Czech Dream (Cesky sen) (2004)
The Shop on Main Street Dir.: Jan Kadar, Elmar Klos, 1966
Closely Watched Trains Dir.: Jiri Menzel, 1966
Divided We Fall Dir.: Jan Hrebejk, 2000
The Elementary School Dir.: Jan Sverak, 1991
My Sweet Little Village Dir.: Jiri Menzel, 1985
The Firemen's Ball Dir.: Milos Forman, 1967
Loves of a Blonde Dir.: Milos Forman, 1965
Faust directed by Ernst Gossner and Jan Svankmajer
I served the king of England written and directed by Jiri Menzel
Something like happiness* written and directed by Bohdan Slama
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Old Aug 21st, 2009, 03:52 PM
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Wow, I am impressed with this list of movies. We have seen Bourne Identitiy and Mission Impossible, of course, & we had dinner on Kampa Island at the location where it was filmed.

My daughter brought home several Czech movies after studying there - Firemen's Ball might be one, & I think we saw Kolya & possibly Closely Watched Trains.
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Old Aug 22nd, 2009, 04:39 AM
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It made researching this trip just a bit more fun! I didn't put a star by Divided We Fall, which was also pretty good. Zelary was also a good one. The Brothers Grimm was entertaining; Les Misérables just wonderful and my hubby gave Hellboys 4 stars. Amadeus is wonderful, Autumn Spring entertaining and rather poignant and The Unbearable Lightness of Being simply haunting. The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe a good movie to share with the grand kids. I will say we realized there was simply no hope for us ever mastering some of the Czech language after watching several of the foreign language films!
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Old Aug 22nd, 2009, 11:35 AM
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LuvToRoam (and, later, others):
Re Chateau Hluboka nad Vltavou, we went on the English tour there several years ago, and one of the other couples on the tour (who seemed younger and more [visibly] affluent than we) privately asked the guice whether, for a few extra bucks (read: bribe/tip) it was possible to see areas of the castle NOT on the tour. That turned out to be possible. The other tourist asked us if we'd like to join them, so we did. Saw the kitchen, and some other back-office type areas. A worthy addition to the tour. I vaguely recall his "tip" to be in the $25 range.
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Old Aug 23rd, 2009, 03:49 AM
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Tomboy, great "tip", thanks! 17 days........
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Old Aug 27th, 2009, 01:01 AM
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Dear Karen: I have only had time to read bits of your report but I am so very pleased for you that your trip was obviously so fun and good family time. We arrived in Prague yesterday. We were not able to find safe internet access in Berlin, where we've been for the past 12 days, so I haven't been able to check email, Fodors or anything. Last night we did a river cruise and they let us off somewhat far from Old Town Square / near our hotel. While walking along the narrow dock with uneven pavers I took a header and messed up my knee and foot rather badly, not to mention my camera case. Al is going sightseeing alone today so I can rest up for our trek to CK tomorrow. Thanks so much for the loads of data in your trip report. More later and best regards, Kathleen
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Old Aug 27th, 2009, 02:38 AM
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Oh KJSTUMP, that is terrible! Hope nothing is broken. One of our travel partners last year broke her foot coming out of the van backwards as we were cleaning it before drop-off, but at least it was at the end of the trip (and she didn't find out it was actually broken until a day or two after we got home). Hopefully you are able to soak or ice as needed and enjoy the rest of your vacation. Did you at least enjoy the river cruise? We leave in 12 days....
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