Hi all,

This may come across as one of those "Tell me where to go on my vacation" questions, but humor me...

A gracious friend has offered to host us in a villa outside Venice in August of 2005. We'll be spending 10 days in the Veneto this May, but we're not dummies, so we've accepted this generous offer. We would like to, however, combine this relaxing, romantic vacation with something new. We have spent time in parts of Italy, Germany, and Austria, and loved it all. I have a burning desire to see Prague, but DH and I have skipped over the traditional newbie London-Paris route. My question is: will we fully appreciate Prague, having never seen these other great destinations? We're young and hope to go to Europe annually, so surely we'll see all these places at some point. I understand that all cities change over time, but it seems Prague is evolving at a faster rate than most...can you look in your crystal balls (or is that light bulbs?) and tell me if it will be THAT different 2-3 years down the road? Also, by the time we get to London and Paris, will they seem ho-hum after having experienced a more exotic location like Prague?

I know we have plenty of time to mull this over and I'm sure I'll change my mind several times before the plane tickets are purchased. All opinions are appreciated, though!

get to prague at once. sadly, you will be there after the currencly change I think. otherwise, it can be very inexpesive. this city kicks ass and you will proably want to go back at some point.

Prague certainly will be "THAT different" 2-3 years from now. What with the fast-moving economy, rapidly increasing tourism, recent disastrous flooding, it seems a different city every time I visit. It will feel more exotic than London and Paris - I remember the first time I visited, with the AK-toting customs police on the train and then the strange-sounding Czech blaring over the Prague station loudspeakers; I felt like I'd fallen into an old James Bond movie. You may have to search hard to find authentic Czech restaurants off the beaten path and there will be plenty of touristic klotchkes to wade through as you see the amazing sights. But the city is well worth it - and a natural place to visit combined with a Venice trip. And don't worry about it being so exotic that you don't appreciate London or Paris sometime down the road, because it is like comparing apples and oranges. Prague is unique and wonderful but due to geography and political economy it is a backwater compared to what you will find in those two cultural metropolises. Have fun - and let us know how the trip went.

Thanks for the input--Prague it is!

By the way, what's the best way to get from Prague to Venice? Unless I missed it, it looks like neither RyanAir or EasyJet have direct flights. Czech Air and Alitalia do, but they're outrageously expensive. For that route, the train doesn't seem very efficient, either. Has anyone driven that route?

Jocelyn-

Volare flies Prague-Venice. But since you won't be traveling till Aug 2005, things can change a lot by then.

Volare--I knew I was forgetting one. Thanks, yk.

Yes, I know it's a ways off, but I like to plan way ahead so I can daydream about it longer.

Chris 1234 is mistaken about the currency change. Just because Czech Rep is joining the EU, that does not mean it will change currency yet. It will start using Euros a few years down the road, so plan on using Czech crowns for the next few years. I have been to Prague 7 times in the past 6 years, and it has changed drastically over those years. It is a very dynamic city that, to me, kicks the butt of any Western European city that I've seen (as well as American cities! ) Go wherever you want to, but I choose to go to Prague every summer (especially while it is still reasonably affordable), rather than waste time & money in less enchanting/interesting places.

Thanks amp. I bought the Eyewitness Prague guidebook yesterday--what a fantastic place! I can't wait to see it for myself.

By the way, Jocelyn, going to Prague before Paris, London, etc, will just probably make you want to see more of Europe. I do prefer Prague over Western Europe, but, as someone else said, it's like comparing apples & oranges. Plus, you will realize just how special the city is, after you've visited several places.. Enjoy!