hopscotch

I just looked at your photos. Very nice work. What model camera do you use?

pat

Amy, really enjoyed your report, as I am trying for Prague/Croatia this spring. I picked those destinations, mostly by the reports of both, on this forum. We are going to do the Paul Laifer airfare only, as it seems to be cheaper than what we can do on our own. We would be there for the international music festival, so your report on music really made it come alive for me. We plan on staying below the castle. Do you think that is a good location? I know it`s uphill, but we would walk down, and come back up via tram.

amyb

The camera's a Nikon 3100 (3.1 megapixel, I believe, and I have it set at the highest setting). Really idiot-proof. There are setting for night, dusk, museum, etc. and I just use those! I love it.

amyb

Pat, just about everything is below the castle. The walk isn't terrible but I wouldn't do it every day. The trams run frequently and seemed easy to use, so you shouldn't have a problem.

I am also toying with Croatia for next year, so I'll have to look and see what Laifer has on offer for that!

pat

Amy, loved the pictures, especially the one under the Charles bridge. Was that taken from Na Kampa Island?

amyb

Pat, yes, that was taken from Kampa Island. That was quite a kodak moment!

cheryllj

Amy - I loved reading your trip report! And your photos are gorgeous, esp. the one under the Charles Bridge.

I'm sorry it turned out to be so cold when you were there. I guess the weather in Prague is unpredictable because I was there just weeks before you and it was much warmer than we expected.

. . . and I will also just chime in about how great the Maximilian is, especially the breakfast. We took full advantage of the buffet and usually ended up skipping lunch b/c we weren't hungry at all until dinner. And the location is ideal.

ladybug98

Amyb,

Thanks for the report. It will come in handy for my upcoming trip. Just wanted to answer your request for do it yourself Spain... I did it last winter. 2 key pieces of info:
1) go to forum Spain and read any and everything from Maribel and get her "files" - truely invaluable advice

2) Domestic air rates from Iberia changes almost daily and can be gotten for very cheap (29 euro) if theydon't have it at first, keep checking back

Good luck - Spain is wonderful

shep

amyb--When were you in Prague? Maybe you said, but I didn't see it. Also, $1750 sounds extremely low. What did that include, and where did you find this Laifer?

Renee

Shep,

I know the question was aimed at Amy...but I wanted to let you know that I booked a trip to Prague (only) for March 2005 for TWO people for a grand total of $1740.00!! I booked it via www.nordiquetours.com....departing ATL. It covers six nights hotel at Hotel Waldstein Annex, all taxes, r/t on Lufthansa and daily breakfast.

Hope that helps! We are considering taking a daytrip to Vienna or Budapest.

Renee

Amy,
Perhaps, I missed it...but could you give the link to the Prague webcam that you mentioned?

amyb

Looks like my post surfaced again, so I'll answer the questions all at once.

Shep -- I was in Prague in mid-October. Laifer tours was mentioned here a few times and on another travel board I read. Usually with great reviews. My $1750 package was with very high quality hotels and a single supplement, airfare between Vienna and Prague (rather than train), breakfast every day, private transfer to and from airports/hotels. Again, I'll say, I could not top that price on my own, and I am quite a good independent planner. You can do much cheaper through Laifer, but I wanted excellent hotels in excellent locations. I got them. Doing just Prague through Laifer is significantly cheaper.

Ladybug, I'm just now thinking hard about Spain...thank you for your suggestions. Look for me to go sometime before spring, I think!

Renee, my favorite webcam site is http://www.hejda.cz/webcams.htm That's where I found all the Prague ones I frequented from work.

Royboy

I enjoyed your well written report on Prague. But it just proves that you can never be sure of the weather.
We arrived in Prague on Oct. 21 and were in CR for two weeks with wonderful weather. Took our topcoats but they never left the hotel closet.
Happy travels, Roy

adoptionisfab

I think it is great that you traveled alone, I do most of the time. I am glad you had a good report.

Kristinelaine

Thanks for your wonderful reports. I love Prague. I think it is my favorite city in Europe with Paris also in the running. It was great to relive it through your eyes!