Praha is a city of stunning physical beauty, the city of a thousand spires, simply one of the most resplendent cities in the world. Built by Europe’s finest architects and artists over the course of more than 1,000 years, its spired buildings, famed bridges, flowing river, and cobbled streets are at once breathtaking and charming. Evidence of that graceful turn-of-the-century vogue - Art Nouveau - are everywhere. While the capitals of other Eastern European nations were flattened or heavily damaged during World War II, Praha survived intact.

     Within the walls of Prazský Hrad - Prague Castle - is the Toy Museum of the Ivan Steiger Family. Their little museum in München, which we have already seen, was just an appetizer for the feast of toys in their Praha collection. Most outstanding - in sheer number as well as in variety and quality - are the tin toys.

     What our old-style hotel lacks in character, it more than makes up for in its ideal, central location in Old Town. Old Town Square is surrounded by baroque buildings, packed with colorful craftsmen, cafes and entertainers. It looks like an old European square is supposed to look. You’ll find a wide contrast of expensive shops like Versace and Mapin & Webb jewelers, and bizarre nooks offering wood carvings, garnets, handmade toys, and typical Czech glass and porcelain. From Old Town, it’s a short walk to Wenceslas Square, the site of the demonstrations that led to the Velvet Revolution.

     Puppetry has a long tradition in Praha and is still strongly represented here. The purpose-built National Marionette Theater is the best of Praha’s small handful of puppet theaters. The company’s mainstay is Mozart’s "Don Giovanni." This evening’s slapstick performance will forever change your perspective on the opera!

May 29

     The center of Praha is one big landmark, monument, and historic site. We will tour it on foot because most of it is zoned for pedestrians only. The highlights of our tour are the Old Town Square, including the Astronomical Clock; the magnificent Charles Bridge; and Prague Castle, which encompasses dozens of houses, towers, churches, courtyards and monuments.

     Following the transition to a market economy and the breaking down of barriers between the West and East, the range and quality of goods manufactured in the Czech Republic has improved considerably. Most of Praha’s best shops are conveniently located in the city center. The best buys are blood-red garnets, the official Czech gem. The ones that you can buy here are among the world’s finest. Fine crystal has been produced in the Bohemian countryside since the 14th century. In the 17th and 18th centuries, it became the preferred glass of the world’s elite. The quality remains high and you can still purchase contemporary glass for prices that are much lower than those in the West. Antiques and antiquarian books and prints are widely available and are distinctive souvenirs sold by specialist Antikvariáts. These antique shops are located throughout the city, but you’ll find many in Old Town and Malá Strana. Take home a bottle of Becherovka, the nation’s favorite herbal liquor from Karlovy Vary. You’ll find the distinctive green decanter in shops around the city.