We are ending a musical performance tour in Prague on July 17, 2011, and will stay one more week in Europe, but don't know how to plan that week. Two choices: Prague to Paris or simply staying in the Czech Republic for a week of day trips. So many considerations! Would the Paris choice be twice as expensive as remaining in Prague and area? If Paris, an overnight train, versus eurail, versus a flight to Paris and day trips from there?
Posted by
Paradise
6663 posts
Not clear how long you'll be in Prague at the end of your tour, but it's certainly worth 3 days or so. An native you might not have considered is Nuremberg - much closer than Paris, obviously. There's an enchanting old town, some fine churches, a permanent craftsman's market, and several museums. It's not so large that you can't enjoy it on foot, and there are plenty of pedestrians-only zones for that purpose. http://www.nuernberg.de/internet/portal_e/reiseziel/sightseeing.html Advance-sale tickets from Prague are possible at the German railways site for around 20 Euros: http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en Daytrips to the astoundingly well-preserved towns of Rothenburg and Bamberg are easily accomplished by train from Nuremberg. A Bayern ("Bavaria") Ticket daypass gets you there and back for 21 Euros single, 29 Euros for 2-5 people. http://www.bahn.de/i/view/DEU/en/prices/germany/laender-ticket.shtml
Posted by
Lawrenceville, Georgia
693 posts
Have you considered visiting Dresden, the capital of Saxony? It's less than 100 miles from Prague. I think the Eurolines bus will take you from main railway station to main railway station, as will, of course, the train. This could easily be an overnight trip. A few years ago I requested tourist info via their website (comes in several languages, as does the info) and it was sent to me via air mail, arriving within a week. Once you're in Dresden, you could day trip to Leipzig via train and attend an organ concert at the Thomas Church, resting place of J.S. Bach on Saturday, July 23 at 3p.m. (if you're into that kind of music.)
Posted by
Ann Arbor, Mi
3696 posts
Consider Poland..., close and much less expensive. I am going in a few weeks from Prague and trusting that I will love it from everything I have heard. I have been to Prague but not the Czech countryside so I will also explore that area. Have a great trip.
Posted by
Ojai, CA
591 posts
Need some more information to give better suggestions: Does 'we' mean you and one other person, or are you part of a large group? Are you the performers? Where will you have been before getting to Prague? This will help as far as recommending a flight (for instance, there are some cheaps flights from Prague to Paris, but if you have lots of luggage, band instruments, etc, you'll be charged a lot extra). Do you really want to see Paris or is being someplace that's inexpensive the priority? Prague isn't the best location for day trips.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
If you have just one week stay in the Czech Republic. It will be significantly cheaper and there is so much to see. Consult the Rick Steves book: Prague and the Czech Republic. If you want something which is not in the book then you can consider historic town Tabor about 80 km south of Prague or spa towns Karlovy Vary and Marianske Lazne. Close to Karlovy Vary is a small town Loket somewhat resembling Cesky Krumlov (not disneyfied yet).