Lexma90

Melissa -

I've been out of town, and just saw your post. We (me, DH and DS)visited Prague this Spring, and had a 2-hour guided tour with Andrea Reznickova, of Prague Guides. We usually do things on our own, but did enjoy our time with her. We visited the rest of the city on our own.

We had a particular interest in "Revolutionary Prague," so that's what our tour focused on. We would have liked to tour with Milan, too, but that wasn't possible. Andrea was quite young during the Velvet Revolution, but was still able to share some personal stories of that time period, in addition to information about nationalism and revolutions throughout history. Later in our trip, on our own, we visited the Museum of Communism. Very interesting and moving.

Make sure Jana shows you the Velvet Revolution memorial - also very moving (and quite small and not noticeable).

On our own, on the day we visited Mala Strana, we viewed the Monument to Those Who Survived Communism, which is near the funicular up Petrin Hill. Also very meaningful.

We also enjoyed the Museum of Czech Cubism, in Stare Mesto (it's in the House of the Black Madonna, which is a Cubist building). Not for everyone, but if you like architecture, and that sort of thing, go. The cafe there is fun, with a tiny balcony on the first floor (European) overhanging the street - we got a kick out of having coffee and watching people take pictures of us at the cafe.

We visited Olomouc, as well, so I'd be happy to provide any info on that wonderful little city (I started a trip report, but never finished it - I'll get to it at some point).

I share the feeling of being overwhelmed - we visited 3 countries, as well (Czech Republic, Slovakia, Hungary), none of which we'd visited before. My knowledge of this part of the world increased HUGELY as a result of our trip there!

Melissa5

Lexma90: Thank you for sharing your info on visiting Prague, both on your own and with a guide! I also appreciate your understanding about feeling overwhelmed at the planning involved in visiting 3 separate countries. YES I'd LOVE your advice on Olomouc!

One of my concerns about Olomouc is how to get there from Prague...I was counting on getting there by train...but I know there was sadly a train wreck between Krakow and Prague. (but we're going the other way...from Prague to Krakow, with an overnight in Olomouc.) I haven't had a chance to inquire about whether this tragic event will still be causing delays for train travellers in early September... (Our alternative would be to hire a driver...)

Where did you stay in Olomouc and were you glad about your choice? Did you happen to do any laundry in Olomouc?

Lexma90

From Prague, we rented a car (at the airport) and spent 9 days touring the countryside. So we drove to Oloumouc (from Telc). Sounds like, in the context of your trip, that may not make as much sense.

We stayed at the lovely and charming Pension Na Hrade (which means, by the way, "under the castle&quot, http://www.penzionnahrade.cz. It was probably the best hotel we stayed at on the entire trip; see my reviews on tripadvisor. I would definitely recommend the place. The breakfast was not wonderful, but on a par with all of the hotels we stayed at outside of Prague and Budapest. No, we didn't do laundry in Olomouc, so I can't help you there.

We very much enjoyed our time (two nights; one full day) in Olomouc; it's a beautiful university town with few tourists. Spend lots of time in the main square (horni namesti), and be sure to admire the modern turtle fountain/sculpture.

SAnParis2

We don't use guides. If it were someplace like China or Cambodia, perhaps. But someplace in the Western world, not likely. I think it takes away from discovering things yourself + allows you to form your own opinion about things w/out being held by the hand & led down a path.

DougWeller

My wife and I are going to Prague in December and would also like to get a private guide. My wife is pretty deaf and we will need someone who speaks distinctly and without a heavy accent. Can anyone say if any of the guides mention would either be suitable or definitely not suitable?
thanks
Doug

peggionthego

We were very, very pleased with Dana Chaloupkova ([email protected]) and her English is very good and she is very patient; you could just ask her if she's worked with any hard of hearing clients before.

jngrant28

Thanks for all the helpful info! We will be in Prague in early October.

Elizabeth31

Hello all,

We are heading off to Prague in a few days and I am quickly trying to do last-minute planning!

My husband and I love walking tours. Several posters had mentioned walking tours which leave from under the clock in Old Town. When do these tours meet/leave, and is there a website, or is it more independent guides who gather there?

Also, the Kafka walking tours - there seem to be quite a few offered. Any advice on which to take?

Thank you!