Prague
Travel Advice for Seniors: Prague
A definite perk from being nice to your tour guide is that besides offering up special insights they sometimes arrange for side trips when you are close by other major attractions that may not necessarily be on the itinerary. Such was the case for our Prague visit!
Mom and I were visiting Germany on a small group tour for a week and a half and on our way to Munich when our guide asked if anyone was interested in a day trip to Prague. YES, PLEASE!
Prague has a lot of the ingredients of a favorite city to visit: It’s economical, good food, good souvenirs and it has a mystical sense about it. I had traveled through Prague once in the 90’s and found it to be a pleasure, this was Mom’s first time, so we already knew the highlights!
Charles Bridge is a famous symbol of Prague. On its surface it is a medieval stone arch bridge that crosses the Vltava River, construction starting in the mid to late1300’s, the oldest stone bridge in Europe. Heavy with statues of saints and patron saints, it is truly an amazing feat of engineering. In reality, its much more. There are several ghost stories that involve the bridge, one of which is the story of the falling priest who got tossed into the river long ago…it is said if you touch the plaque, you will have good luck and return to Prague. Other ghost stories abound in Prague and rumor has it that several ghosts still walk the bridge.
There is so much to see and do in Prague that one day is not long enough, but an unexpected day trip to a fantastic place that Mom hadn’t experienced is fine with me!
The more fascinating tour stops were at the Cathedral of St Vitus, part of the Prague Castle Complex, seat of the Bishop of Prague and coronation site and burial site of many Czech kings and queens. A Gothic masterpiece of a cathedral, the interiors will take your breath away.
Another iconic stop was the Old Town Square and the Clock Tower featuring the Prague Astronomical Clock. The clock, dating back to 1410, is one of the oldest astronomical clocks still operating in the world. A perfect place for a sit down and a coffee.
The UNESCO Heritage Site Jewish Quarter was a more sobering, but important stop. The oldest functioning synagogue in Europe resides here as well as an old Jewish Cemetery with many headstones in a very small area that has been raised to twelve levels and has over 12,000 tombstones.
A word about visiting churches and synagogues…everyone should wear respectful clothing include covering your shoulders if required. Some churches also require that women and men cover their heads. I like to wear a scarf that can also be used for a headscarf when I visit a church just in case. Also, be respectful of those using the church for prayer or meditation by keeping your voice low and take photos only if allowed.
We also had time for a goulash lunch and a bit of shopping around Old Town. All in all a very satisfactory day trip. When someone offers you a gift like that, take it!
Where we stayed: Day trip
How we got there: Bus from Dresden, Germany. This was part of a 12-day small group tour through Germany.
General Accessibility Information: Major tourist sights, newer hotels, transportation in Prague are accessible. See website visitczechia.com. Call in advance to verify and make specialty arrangements. See our sections on specialty apps and accessible travel for more on accessibility assistance.
