Spotlight on… Prague

By Diana Hechler,

Prague: The Enchanting City of Architecture, Music & Art

If you saw the movie Amadeus, you?ve already sampled a bit of this enchanting old-world capital. One of the few European cities undamaged by WWII, Prague often represents 18th c. Europe in movies.

But there?s a lot of new Europe going on here, as well. In the past 20 years, Prague has picked itself up, brushed itself off, and started all over again!

The city is sparkling, and waiting for us visitors from afar. Practically every street features new, small shops run by young entrepreneurs embodying the American dream. Whether they’re selling decorative dolls or computers, their energy is palpable and wonderful to see.

The stars of yesterday (carved statues of saints) grace the city’s emblematic Charles Bridge. At the end of the bridge, don?t overlook the tiny 3 Ostriches bar and hotel. Yes, you can stay in one of the small rooms above the restaurant, or just stop in for a quick nosh or a Pilsener.

Prague boasts gorgeous Art Nouveau architecture and the city has renovated old buildings and restaurants in this captivating style. Strollers along Na Prikope street should duck into the Merchant’s Bank building at #20 and gawk at the ravishing interior. Afterwards, stop in for tea and pastries at the Municipal Building, a Belle Epoque charmer.

Music lovers can enjoy a concert practically every day of the week ? many of them free. Invoke Mozart’s spirit at a performance at the historic Estates Theater?site of the 1787 world premiere of Don Giovanni. If your taste runs to the academic, visit intimate Villa Bertramka where Mozart composed the opera and where many mementos and one of his pianos reside.

Croatia

“Diana and her Croatia partner suggested Sibenik as an alternative to crowded Split and it was an excellent choice. We loved the hotel and the authentic location. We had great private boating excursions along the way, and everything ran like a charm.” – Amy C.

Portugal

Diana offers a high level of personal attention to detail, as well as the advantage of having partners “on the ground” in many countries. This gives you access to knowledgeable residents of the country who can help with any needs while you’re in country. (We benefitted from their ability to completely rebook the last four days of our Portugal trip after a medical issue.) The icing on the cake when working with Diana is the fact that she has traveled extensively and continues to do so, thereby offering you first-hand insight into your destination that proves invaluable in the planning process. – Bob G.

Vietnam and Cambodia

My time is precious; I want a curated experience without the hard work. Diana translated my dream vacation into reality.She customized for us a vital, engaging, delightful, singular experience. She detailed the most minute logistics, and activated her worldwide network of local providers on our behalf. Her applied knowledge gave me the confidence to spare myself all the trouble and simply enjoy the moments we created. – Robbie K

Spain

Diana was a huge help planning our month-long Itinerary in Spain. We wouldn’t have had a clue about where to stay or what to see in off-the-beaten-track Galicia, for example, and we ended up spending an absolutely amazing week there. We had fantastic experiences everywhere we went, often enhanced by the wonderful guides she found for us – visiting prehistoric caves with an expert in archaeology and touring the Prado with an art historian, for just two examples. She also really “got” what kinds of places we like to stay in and found perfect hotels everywhere we went. – Bob R.

Danube River Cruise

The trip was so well thought out. I knew this would be an opportunity of a life time for me and I am most grateful. – Kathy R.

The trip was marvelous and went off without a hitch. We tried some of your dining suggestions in both cities and were pleased and came up with a few more we could share with you. The staff help at both hotels was above and beyond, especially the one in Prague. And the locations were convenient to our exploring. – Janet T.

Switzerland

…great trip! I was so relaxed and enjoyed it all. Thank you so much for helping us plan a wonderful trip.

Where is our next one?? – Peggy M