Now that Delta has a non stop flight to Prague from Atlanta, I am thinking of finally visiting that city, with a day tour to Cesky Krumlov.

Two questions:

Right now I can chose between an arrival on Monday or Sunday. Would one day be better than the other?
(I was thinking traffic might be less on Sunday.)

Second, would the 21st or 22nd of June beat the summer mob or would retreating a week to June 14 be better? Or is the difference miniscule?

bob - we thought traffic was noticeably less on Sun. As to the crowds, I can't totally answer that except to say that we were there during the second week in June and it was fairly crowded, but certainly not overwhelming. I'm not sure it makes that much difference, but hopefully someone who has been there in late June can chime in.

I would go for Monday to avoid the weekend party-goers. Does your question about traffic mean you're thinking of driving? No reason to do that in Prague. Can't imagine one week will make much difference WRT crowds - you need to go months not weeks earlier.

Thanks all for responding. I know those questions were like the hair which could not be split, but for some reason I am having trouble pulling the trigger by clicking the mouse on the airline reservations.

I fear as I have gotten older, my desire to see totally new places has diminished. I feel somewhat handicapped in that I speak well no language except English, although I can mumble a little in German and read most signs and maps in that language.

So perhaps I need a new round of answers to one major question:
Given my language restrictions, how well will we be able to navigate on our own with the exception of a planned tour to Cesky Krumlov.

There is a secondary question regarding the number of days devoted to Prague. Would 4 days be enough to see the major sights and sites of the city itself and squeeze in a tour to Cesky Krumlov?

I think there is an underlying assumption here that Cesky is worth the time and effort.

Prague is extremely easy to visit and navigate for English speakers. Surprisingly so.

Everyone really does seem to speak English there, at least the people you will likely encounter as a tourist.

arrive as early as possible in June, don't forget Europe schools let out early...

First of all, I would agree that you will have little problem only speaking English and a little german while visiting Prague.

The several times I have been i have had no trouble, particularly in the so-called "main tourist areas" of the city.

Second, I would second the notion of using the excellent public transport system to get around.

Third, depending on how fast you move and how much you want to explore I think three full days in the city would be adequate with your daytrip out on the fourth.

Thanks all. For a couple of people who used to hike up 14,000 foot peaks in Colorado (no tech stuff) we now move like your average 75 year old with arthritic joints and diminished stamina.

We prefer to do it on our own as far as possible. For places like Cesky Krumlov, however, a planned, guided tour minimizes the stress and usually provides good transportation.

We do have some time constraints for the rest of the trip. I have not made a reservation yet, but I should before the prices go up. Last year, had I temporized a week longer, the price of the airplane would have increased drastically.

bob - agree that we encountered little language problem. When we did, it was in smaller, off the beaten path shops, etc and found that some French, Italian or sign language worked fine in those situations [we did encouter some real frowns a couple of times when I tried German, but those were few and far between and our city guide told me later that usually only happens with some of the "older" folks].

3 days should probably do it depending as Dukey says on how fast you want to move and how much you want to see.

I would validate any assumption that CK is worth seeing. It absolutely is, and will take a full day. Our only regret is that we didn't plan on two days and a night. It's a thoroughly enjoyable and fasinating town.

Prague is a favorite city of ours, so the longer the stay the better for us. We don't travel in summer to avoid the crowds most everywhere. Used to travel in spring, but that season seems to be becoming more crowded as well. Of course, I can appreciate your time of year, as well as time in Prague constraints. Stay as long as you can would be my advice.

Thought you might enjoy the following website for Cesky Krumlov.

http://www.ckrumlov.cz/uk/atlas/i_cmm.htm