ZIWA Activities and Interest Groups
Travel Group
4-day trip to Prague, by plane, 08.12.2011 - 11.12.2011
Dates: 08 December to 11 December 2011
To reserve: Registration form in the ZIWA News
Registration deadline: 30 September 2011
Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic . Situated in the north-west of the country on the river Vltava , the city is home to about 1.3 million people, while its metropolitan area is estimated to have a population of over 2.3 million. Prague has been a political, cultural and economic centre of Europe and particularly central Europe during its 1,100 year existence. For centuries, during the Gothic and Renaissance eras, Prague was the permanent seat of two Holy Roman Emperors and thus was also the capital of the Holy Roman Empire. Later it was an important city in the Habsburg Monarchy and the Austro-Hungarian Empire, and after World War I became capital of Czechoslovakia . The city played roles in the Protestant Reformation , the Thirty Years'War , and in 20th-century history, during both World Wars and the post-war Communist era.
Prague is also called "The Golden City" and it is especially attractive at Christmas time. Christmas markets are a key ingredient of the Czech festive magic. They light up the city centre at this time of year, bringing tourists and locals together to enjoy the holiday spirit in a true "winter wonderland" setting. The Prague Christmas markets all lie within 10 minutes walk of each other at the Old Town Square and Wenceslas Square. They consist of brightly decorated wooden huts selling traditional Czech products from handicrafts and hot food to cool Czech beers and warm drinks.
Day 1, Thursday, 8th December 2011
Departure by SWISS at 08h15 from Zürich. Arrival in Prague at 09h35 (non-stop). We will be met at the airport by our local guide. Our first tour will take us to Prague Castle and the old town including the famous "golden lane". Later in the day transfer to our centrally located hotel Ramada Symphony 3*** sup which will be our home for the next 3 nights.
www.ohp.cz/ramadasymphony/index.en.html
Free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner will be served at the Restaurant "Sarah Bernhard".
Day 2, Friday 9th December 2011
After breakfast, we leave for our full day tour, to become acquainted with the city's historical districts, particularly the Old Town and its impressive landmarks. Lunch will be at a local restaurant.
The evening will be free.
Day 3, Saturday 10th December 2011
After breakfast, we leave for a half day sightseeing tour. We will visit the convent in Brevnov, the oldest one in the Czech republic whichwas founded in the year 993 and the church of St. Margaretha, a masterpiece by Ch. Dienzenhofer. We continue to the "white mountain" where the decisive fight of the 30 year war took place.
At noon we return to Prague. The afternoon will be free and dinner will be at a local restaurant.
Day 4, Sunday 11th September 2011
Breakfast will be at the hotel. You will have free time to explore the city on your own. In the late afternoon, we will be transferred to the airport. Our SWISS flight will leave at 19h15, arrival in Zürich at 20h30.
The CHF 1'295.00 per person (sharing a double room) price for this trip includes: direct return flight with SWISS, 3 nights at the Hotel Ramada Symphony 3***sup with breakfast, 1 lunch and 2 dinners at local restaurants, sightseeing tours as mentioned in the programme, transfers to and from the airport in Prague, tips for the guides and drivers.
Single rooms are available at an extra cost of CHF 150.00.
Not included in the price: All other meals, drinks, airport taxes, and cancellation insurance. I strongly recommend you take out a "Reiserücktrittsversicherung" if you don't have one yet!
Deadline for registration: 30th September 2011.
We need a minimum of 16 participants for this trip. Husbands, partners and friends are welcome!
Please send Travel Group Registration Form at back of Ziwa News by post to:
Chip Efthymiades, Florastrasse 41, 8620 Wetzikon
or by email to: chip.efthymiades@me.com.