My friend and I try to travel each winter/spring together. This year was Prague and Copenhagen. Odd combo to be sure, it was based on available flights and timing as we were leaving directly after attending a wedding.
We departed IAD to CPH on a Monday night. We were already tired upon arriving at the airport as we had driven from NJ where the wedding had taken place the night before. IAD was chosen because we live in VA. Flight was on SAS and due to depart around 6:30pm. That's where the fun started . Our flight ended up being 3 hours delayed; another traveler advised this was due from the plane being delayed coming across the ocean to begin with, it was not related to the storms that were occuring. Finally get on the packed flight. Not sure what plane we were on, only that economy was extremely cramped with the seats ahead of you in your lap when reclined. Bumpy flight, only one meal service which I declined. Unhelpful flight attendants. Upon arrival, our Ryanair flight to PRG had already left (we had allowed a 2.5 hour layover). Since we weren't on one itinerary SAS would not help us at all, and were pretty rude about it. We ended up having to shell out $267 for a last minute flight on KLM. That was a wonderful flight--attentive flight crew, short flight yet we still had beverage service, comfy and relatively spacious seats. By the time we arrived to our hotel, we had been up over 36 hours. Needless to say, we crashed, hard.
Day 1: We woke up fairly refreshed. Stayed at Hotel Leon in Old Town. Huge, I mean huge, breakfast included. Met our guide, Filip, that we found from a guest on Rick's podcast (Prague Walker). Filip took us on a 3 hour tour of the Old Town and hit the highlights; Jewish Quarter, Main Square, Astronomical clock, a couple of historic churches, and exterior walk at Prague Castle, Charles Bridge. We saw them setting up Easter markets (that was a first for me) but unfortunately opening was the day we were leaving. Looked so cute though. Filip gave recommendations on where to eat, and when he dropped us off at a local cafeteria style restaurant, gave us great instruction on how the line and payment system would work there. That night we did a ghost tour that I found threw Viator. While entertaining, it wasn't scary enough for our taste. It was also a big group. Got to see some of the sites from earlier in the day but at twilight and night which is charming. Always worth paying a little extra for a personal guide IMHO. Weather was partly cloudy and low 50's.
Day 2: We braved train travel and took a regional train to Decin, Encountered some language barriers there but had a lovely stroll in their square and ate a pastry while we waited for the bus to Hrensko. Our end goal was hiking at Bohemian Switzerland, which we did up to Pravcicka Gate. Beautiful hike, beautiful views. It was clear blue skies and around 65F. Walked back to Hrensko from there to catch bus then train. So interesting to me that Hrensko was so German, but it is directly across from Germany at Elbe. Did some shopping when we got back to Prague at a cute 2nd hand store. Cleaned up, realized we were starving but too tired to walk anywhere so ate at the Italian restaurant next to the hotel, Kogo. Food was very good but at that point I'd probably have enjoyed a cardboard box.