TomTraveler
Don't "bite off" too much in a relatively short time
GoRealEurope delivered on our requests - but, given the four days which were available, we realized that we requested too much! We are nearly 70 years old, and I underestimated to amount of walking that there was to be done (as well as my body's reaction to it!). The full "print at home" Itinerary and "narrative" provided by GRE was excellent. (You COULD get lost, temporarily, but you'd have to try to do that!) First, the hotels in Prague (Savic Hotel - there ARE 66 steps to the third floor - thankfully, there IS an elevator)) and Cesky Krumlov (Hotel Bellevue) were fine. Breakfast buffets did not leave us hungry, and the Savic' was particularly complete. (Despite the info about "tipping" included in the itinerary, we remained very uncomfortable when trying to determine a "fair" gratuity.) All the guides were prompt, courteous, and informative. Our guide in Prague was a bit peremptory and grousing at times, but full of information. Our guide for Kutna Hora was entertainingly"human", yet informative and helpful, leading us to a delightful lunch place after the "tour". (Nevertheless, we probably wouldn't return to the town, despite its well-known sites.) Cesky Krumlov was fun, with an excellent, personable guide there. The "Two Marys" was our favorite restaurant. When we ate at the restaurant right next to and below the bridge, on the left, we got the feeling that the owner was "having a bad day". The driver from Cesky Krumlov back to Prague (via Trebon) was taciturn and of little help or information. Prague, especially the "side street" restaurants and taverns, was fun to experience. We were mildly disappointed in the "full-ticket" experience in the Jewish Quarter. We first visited the Old New Synagogue (at which site we were VERY fortunate to "accidentally" meet a docent who gave us a very informative tour AND explanation of the site and its ceremonies). After THAT, though, the Spanish Synagogue was the only other site which held our interest. We felt that the displays in the remainder of the sites were somewhat repetitive The train trip to Kutna Hora DID allow us to see some of the "countryside" (which we had requested). In all, we saw much and (due to time and personal constraints) left much to be seen. We'd certainly re-visit Prague and Cesky Krumov, but woud consider alternates to Kutna Hora and Trebon.