Prague continues to impress
This morning marked the end of our group press trip with the other travel journalists from around Europe. My girlfriend and colleague Terri and I would be on our own for the next 8-9 days, road tripping around Prague and the wine region of Morovia. After having breakfast and checking out of the Lindner near the Prague Castle, we moved to the other side of town to the Novotel Hotel, near Wenceslaus Square. The last time I was in Prague I stayed not far from this area, on the other side of the National Museum. So many things are within walking distance, or a short walk to a trolley or subway station.
Our first stop of the day would be a tour of the Estate Theatre, one of the oldest and most beautiful theaters in Europe still being used. This theater is quite famous as it is the place where Mozart himself premier his 1787 opera “Don Giovanni,” and his 1791 opera, “La Clemenza di Tito.” It was amazing to be standing in the orchestra pit where Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart actually conducted his famed operas. It’s also interesting to note that many scenes from the eight Academy Award winning movie “Amadeus” (1984) were filmed in part at the Estate Theatre.
Our next stop was a private tour of the Hotel Augustine, one of the premier hotels in Prague, near the Prague Castle and Wallenstein Garden. This extraordinary property has quite an interesting story…it’s part of an old 13th century monastery, where four remaining monks still worship. The hotel is near embassies and major attractions, yet it stands in a quiet area removed from urban activity. The hotel manager was kind enough to give us a glimpse at two of the signature accommodations…one, a 3 level suite with a stunning 360 degree view from the top-floor bedroom. The second, was the massive Presidential suite, both rooms showcase the creme de la creme of hotel lodging.
After a brief tour of the hotel and the adjacent monastery, we sat down for a gastronomic experience at their sophisticated restaurant. We started off with a signature cocktail, each of which are named for the four Archangels, paying homage to the monastery property in which the hotel resides.
The Augustine Restaurant serves some splendid international cuisine. The atmosphere of the restaurant matches its sophisticated food, while retaining the historical significance.
Tomorrow we are gong to tour the Old Town Hall and have dinner at a place with the best view in all of Prague, so please check back for my Road Diary report. If you missed yesterday’s update, click here.