I am planning a trip to Europe for next year. I have very clear in my mind that I will visit Praga, but would appreciate tips on side trips (I could have 1 week in the Czech Republic).

Hi! We got back about a month ago from visiting the Czech Rep. We did not visit Prague as we had been there before. I can highly recommend Csesky Krumlov, a wonderful medieval city with wonderful narrow streets, a good castle that can be visited. We had a good meal in a gypsy restaurant while there also. It is a UNESCO protected site, very easy to spend 2-3 days there just wandering about the streets. We also went to Kutna Hora wghich is just east of Prague and spent two days there also. The visit to the 13th cent. silver mine is remarkable. In addition we visited Telc which has the best town square we saw in Czech Rep. We also stayed in Beroun to visit the castle as Kriklevit. Which was something to see. This is just what we had done last month, but we traveled by car. I don't know how you will be going however. Czech Rep. outside of Prague was very reasonable in cost, the most expensive meal we had was a complete Chinese meal in Kutna Hora. The food was as good as any in the US. The price for 2 was about USD $11. Hotels averaged in the $20-35 range. Escept in Kutna Hora where we stayed in a 4 star hotel for about $45 a night inc breakfast as in the other hotels. Feel free to e-mail me if you have any other questions. alan

I suggest doing the three grand cities of the old Hapsburg Empire, in this order: Budapest, Vienna, Prague. You'd be working up the chain in gloriousness, IMHO. All three were cultural centers of note in the 1800s, sitting there in the midst of Mitteleuropa. I've seen all three, and a very wise Austrian friend warned me to see Budapest before Vienna because the former pales in comparison to the latter. That was true, for me, at least. And then a whole decade later I saw Prague, glorious Prague. Of course, if you're not keen on big cities, then there are the smaller places that are so charming, like Csesky Krumlov. If you have more time and like my big cities idea, you could also throw in Dresden, which is not too far from Prague and is getting beautifully restored now. I envy you your trip. Enjoy your planning!

I suggest doing the three grand cities of the old Hapsburg Empire, in this order: Budapest, Vienna, Prague. You'd be working up the chain in gloriousness, IMHO. All three were cultural centers of note in the 1800s, sitting there in the midst of Mitteleuropa. I've seen all three, and a very wise Austrian friend warned me to see Budapest before Vienna because the former pales in comparison to the latter. That was true, for me, at least. And then a whole decade later I saw Prague, glorious Prague. Of course, if you're not keen on big cities, then there are the smaller places that are so charming, like Csesky Krumlov. If you have more time and like my big cities idea, you could also throw in Dresden, which is not too far from Prague and is getting beautifully restored now. I envy you your trip. Enjoy your planning!

Thanks for the advise. <BR> <BR>Some questions come to mind: Do you think the suggestions made can be covered by train? Is 1 week enough? <BR> <BR>Kay: Do you think Dresden is worth it? I ask this since I am planning on leaving the Czech Republic either via Dresden or via Frankfurt.

My wife and I are going to Prague on November 29th. We also are looking for advise as to flea markets and shopping. Will let you know what we learn while over there. Just going for one week.

I'm not sure that there's enough in Cesky Krumlov to fill three days, glorious though it is. Also, prices are a little higher there than elsewhere in South Bohemia. What I did a year ago was to stay for twenty dollars a night at bthe Hotel Grand, beside the rail and bus stations in Cesky Budejovice, and make trips of forty or sixty minutes each way by bus train to Cesky Krumlov and to a number of fine old monasteries, castles, villages, and towns, an art gallery, and even a carp lake. The tourist office on the Budejovice main square has all the details. <BR> <BR>I'd save Vienna and Budapest for another trip, as each has masses to see and enjoy, and Vienna is expensive. <BR> <BR>Please write if I can help further. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR>

Dear McH, if you like enormous and imposing bank towers, fly out of Frankfurt. If not, go to Dresden, which has fabulous art collections and a rebuilt historic center that I found very charming. The city is nicely situated on the river Napoleon made famous by ___ battle, that right at the moment I can't recall. Anyway, I loved Frankfurt. One day there was not enough for me, but then I like to do things in depth. I've flown in and out of Frankfurt for three trips to Germany and only spent two hours there. That was OK. I am sure there is more but I didn't find it compelling.

Great advice guys! <BR> <BR>Maybe I should ask this in a whole new posting, but what have been your experiences regarding trains in East European countries?

I'm afraid I've not used trains in east European coiyuntries. But in central Europe they vary according speed an counrry. Top quality are EuroCity trains anywhere and InterCity in Hungary, followed closely by InterCity in Poland, the Czech Republic, and Slovakia. Next are the other expresses, but in Romania and Bulgaria first class is worth the difference, as fares are low, and second class can be crowded. <BR> <BR>Local trains vary from good enough in Hungary and north of there to rickety in the Balkans. Throughout central Europe little two-car trains rattle among tiny villages, woodlands, and wild flowers, and are fine if you're not in a hurry. <BR> <BR>Sleepers and couchettes, too, are cheap, especially in the Balkans, and a sleeper lets you go for hundreds of miles while asleep. <BR> <BR>Restaurant or buffet car meals are always worth having, especially breakfast, though in Romania they can be a bit simple. The beer is plentiful and cheap (though not as cheap as in a grocery shop in town). <BR> <BR>There are some problems of pickpoockets at big stations and of thieves on international trains, but these are easily overcome by vigilance and by using the locks and chains that are fitted to the cabin door. <BR> <BR>I have on disc a note on night trains in Europe genally and in the Balkans, and have sent you copies with the e-mail copy f this note. POlease write if I can help further. <BR> <BR>Ben Haines, London <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>