A Unique Travel Guide to Prague

Travelers often overlook Prague, and they’re missing a beautiful city with a fascinating history. This post will highlight just a few of the sights, food, and shopping Prague has to offer.

The Sights

Courtesy of pragueexperience.com

The Dancing House is one of the most unusual buildings you’ll ever see. This 1990s building is made of glass, but its curvy lines make it look like it’s about to collapse on the building next to it.

In the past, the Prague Castle housed offices of Kings of Bohemia, Holy Roman Emperors, and presidents of Czechoslovakia. Today, it serves as the seat of the Head of State of the Czech Republic, and contains several art and history museums. Don’t miss the fascinating ceremonial changing of the guards every hour. A flag ceremony takes place at 12 noon.

Prague’s Old Town Square is a popular meeting place and a showplace of various architectural styles expressed in churches from Tyn Cathedral to St. Nicholas Church. At the center of the square sits a statue of Jan Hus, the religious reformer of the 1400s.  

Novy Svet, or New World, is a section of Prague founded in the mid-14^th Century. Famous residents such as Tycho de Brahe and Johannes Kepler occupied these charming, simple houses. Novy Svet boasts the smallest house in Prague: the interior is said to have barely enough room for a somersault. 

The Theological Library at Strahov Monastery was completed in 1679, and features stucco decoration and paintings from the 1720s on its curved ceiling. The library’s thousands of books include ancient manuscripts such as the Strahov Gospel Book, dating to the 10^th Century.

The Arts

Built in the late 1800s, the National Theatre features opera, ballet, and drama and carries a rich artistic tradition. The Theatre preserves the Czech language and culture in its performances, and serves as a national landmark. The Theatre also presents performances in Italian, German, and French. 

Mozart Mecca was the first opera house in Prague and a favorite of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.  

The Estates Theatre is one of the most breathtaking buildings in Prague. Mozart fans flock to the theatre, as the Mozart opera Don Giovanni debuted there, with Mozart playing piano and conducting the orchestra.

Street artists and performers abound on the 600-year-old Charles Bridge, which connects the Old Town with the Lesser Quarter. The bridge is for pedestrians only, and 30 statues of saints line the walkways.

The Food

The restaurant Svata Klara is in a wine cave next to the castle Troja. Full of antique furniture, Persian carpets, and baroque statues, walking into Svata Klara is just like stepping into the distant past.  The food ranges from cold hors d’oeuvres such as fresh oysters and Beluga caviar to main courses such as deer chops and old Bohemian goose. Wines from around the world complement the meal.  

Located right next to Charles Bridge, Kampa Park Restaurant offers spectacular river views and fresh international cuisine including wild game and grilled octopus. The menu features a variety of vegetables, seafood, and luscious desserts.

The Shopping

Shoppers in Prague often follow a centuries-old tradition and purchase a hand carved king or clown marionette at one of the shops. Czech artisans often create replicas of historic glassware or craft unusual crystal or handpainted artworks such as Easter eggs. For the children, wooden toys include puzzles, mobiles, and pull toys.  

If you don’t have Prague on your travel radar, I encourage you to consider it. Contact me if you’d like more information on traveling to the Czech Republic.  

Why Hiring a Private Jet Is the Best and Fastest Way to Travel

Oh private jets, how we love thee. Let us count the ways.

It’s fun.

Who hasn’t seen a private jet on TV and thought about how much fun it would be? You could make noise, run around, or simply sit and sip champagne. And you’d always have a window seat.

It’s exclusive.

How many people do you know who have chartered a jet?

It allows you to control your departure time or arrival time.

Commercial flights, especially overseas, tend to depart and arrive at the same times each day. If you need more flexibility in your flight times, a private jet flies according to your time frame.

Less traffic and hassle when you take off—avoid the crowded airport.

You won’t have to find parking and then rush through the airport to your flight. You drive up to the hangar or the runway, get out, and board. It’s that easy.

No-hassle security lines.

Although you still have to go through a security check, traveling via private jet ensures that you receive VIP security checks. This means no hassle from TSA, no waiting in long lines, no stranger going through your luggage, and no worries that you accidentally left your nail file in your bag.

No lost luggage.

You know your bags are with you at all times, and you won’t worry about finding your luggage—or someone else taking it. Plus, you don’t have to carefully plan what you carry on.

Depending on your destination, flying by private jet could save you time and connection hassles.

You won’t have to scramble through the airport, hoping you and your luggage don’t miss your connecting flight. You’ll have less stress because you decide how and when you arrive at your destination. Also, your connection flights have flexibility to fly around areas with bad weather, unlike commercial airliners that would be delayed or canceled due to bad weather in their designated path.

Most private jets are more luxurious than the first-class section of commercial jets.

Known for their comfort, luxury, and amenities, on a private jet you’ll feel pampered and special.

Sometimes you can travel for less.

It doesn’t get much classier than a private jet. If you’re planning to travel first class anyway, why not go that extra step and travel in style the way millionaires do?

Flying commercially is like being on a bus, and taking a private jet is like using a luxury car service.

When you board your private jet, you relax immediately, and it sets the tone for your vacation. Flying commercially can be extremely stressful, and it’s not a relaxing way to start the trip you’ve been looking forward to.

Flying by private jet is romantic, so if you were a honeymooner going somewhere, this could make it even more special.

Your honeymoon will get off to a great start on a private jet. Your new spouse will love it, and you can talk, laugh, and make some romantic memories without worrying about other people.

You can conduct business in private.

A private jet not only impresses clients, but also gives you seclusion to freely discuss sensitive or proprietary information.

What’s the first thing that comes to your mind when you think of traveling by private jet? 

All images courtesy of my preferred partner Sentient Jet

Discover Istanbul, Turkey’s Culinary Sensations—Your Way

Next to accompanying clients on trips, the most magical and exciting aspect of working in travel is planning customized trips. For example, if you’d like to take a culinary trip to Istanbul, Turkey, I can literally plan anything you can think of—thanks to contacts I have there. Don’t be shy in asking for what you want, as I want to design a trip you’ll never forget.

Turkey is a land of exotic beauty, and it’s full of unique architecture and beauty. In addition to visiting popular attractions such as the Hippodrome and Topkapi Palace, you’ll find plenty to do. Browse the 4,000-shop Grand Bazaar, travel by private yacht on the Bosphorus Strait, or go hot air ballooning over Cappadocia. You’ll visit historic villages such as Tire and Zelve, and the white marble city of Ephesus is always a fascinating excursion. Your imagination is your only limit.

Your accommodations will be lavish, and you’ll travel in style in a luxury vehicle with a professional driver. Turkish cuisine is delicious and made from seasonal ingredients. You’ll enjoy delicious meals at Ottoman restaurants as well as fresh-caught seafood complemented by wine from famous vineyards such as Doluca and Gulor.

Culinary and wine experiences you can have on a tour of Turkey include . . .

•  Learning Turkish and Ottoman cuisine in a private cooking class.
• Visiting Turkey’s finest vineyards and sampling a variety of wines such as Montepulciano, Papazkarasi, and Gewurtztraminer.
• Enjoying the sights and seafood of Kumkapi Fish Market.
• Discovering exotic ingredients, herbs, and spices with an in-depth tasting tour through the Egyptian Spice Bazaar and the Beyoglu Market.
• Tasting regional cuisine and experiencing the warmth of Turkish hospitality with an invitation into a traditional village home.
• Following the path of the humble olive from the September harvest to premium Aegean olive oil.

Setting up entry to Turkey couldn’t be simpler. An expediter service will pick you up at the gate in Turkey, take care of your visa, escort you through immigration, and then take you to your luggage. No stress, no fuss. 

Contact me today to get started planning your customized trip to Turkey

A Unique Tasting of Wine in Argentina

Known as Los Caminos del Vino—the Wine Roads—the Mendoza area of Argentina boasts over 600 wineries, or bodegas, that produce some of the world’s finest wines. Whether you love Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Semillon, Lambec, or Merlot, you’ll be enchanted by the spectacular views of the Andes Mountains as you tour the wine country.  

Where to taste . . .

Andeluna Cellars

Set against a majestic backdrop of the Andes, Andeluna Cellars has perfected the art of making wine. Italians founded the winery in the 19^th Century, and these wine pioneers brought a passion and romance that you can still taste in their wines today. Melding traditional French grape varieties such as malbec and merlot with state-of-the-art techniques, Andeluna Cellars creates delicious, robust wines you won’t find anywhere else.

 

Courtesy Andeluna Cellars

Bodega Salentein

Much more than just a fine winery, Bodega Salentein is practically its own self-contained village. The Posada Inn and the Killka art gallery sit near the cross-shaped bodega, which is reminiscent of a Jesuit temple. Enjoy Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, and Sauvignon Blanc in the tasting room, which features a beautiful hand-painted ceiling. The Primus Room is a self-contained winery that produces the Bodega’s exclusive Primus wines, created from only the finest grapes.

Ruca Malén

The legend behind the name Ruca Malén goes back to the Mapuche, whose women used to walk looking down at the ground to avoid the piercing look of one particular god. One day, a woman dared to look up, and she fell in love with him. When he left, he gave her a home, Ruca Malén, and nectar that she could drink and re-experience the joy they shared. This wine pays homage to that legend.

Ruca Malén creates Champagne, Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, and its tasting room features a unique wine blending game: each person creates a different blend of wine to share with the group, who blind tastes the wines and votes for the best one.

Where to stay . . .

Cavas Wine Lodge

Just a few minutes south of Mendoza, this lovely estate sits in a 35-acre vineyard and provides elegant service with lavish comfort. Its spa features wine treatments, a gym with a breathtaking view of the Andes, and a relaxing Jacuzzi. Its restaurant changes the menu every three months to take advantage of the fresh seasonal ingredients. Private wine tasting can be arranged, and you’ll have over 250 wines to choose from. 

Park Hyatt Mendoza

With luxurious, spacious rooms with stunning views the city, the Park Hyatt is the perfect place to relax after a day in the vineyards. You’ll have several restaurants to choose from, and whether you prefer a rejuvenating spa treatment or the excitement of the casino, you’ll love the variety of activities and amenities.

 

Courtesy of MacAllenBrothers

Experience the magic of Salta

For an alternative wine tasting experience comparable to the Mendoza region, try Salta’s Wine Route. It has more diversity in landscapes than Mendoza, and its high-altitude wine is a special treat. Salta’s traditional pubs and picturesque villages are charming, and vineyards like Estancia Colome produce specialty wines like Torrontés that please the most exacting wine connoisseur.  

For a truly luxurious stay in the Salta region, try the House of Jasmines, formerly an elegant estate home with all the amenities you would expect—terraces, horses, and a spa—amid a magnificent view of the Andes and the fragrance of jasmine, of course. 

Which Argentinian wines would you like to try?