| The Crystal Gallery Prague Tour |
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The "Golden City", the "City of a hundred spires", the "Rome north of the
Alps": Prague has inspired any number of flattering and romantic
descriptions including most recently," The Paris of the 21st. century". It
wears such laurels lightly, since its mixture of beauty and an atmosphere
soaked in history speaks for itself!
Prague, it is often said, lies at the heart of Europe, dating back to the
9th century, the breathtaking beauty of this city and it's historical
relevance make this a personal discovery few in the west have beheld. During
the world wars, unlike it's neigboring capitals and other major cities of
Europe, Prague was never bombed, so it's all original architecture. On one
of my first trips to Prague, I stood in the center of Old Town Square, and
turning 360 degrees, I remember thinking, " Someone over a thousand years
ago stood where I am now standing and was seeing virtually the same view I
am now seeing", what a humbling and exhilarating experience! This is Prague.
In late 1989, the then Czechoslovakia, broke away from the Soviet Union and
gained it's independance which was dubbed, "The Velvet Revolution". On
January 1, 1993 Czechoslovakia separates into two countries, forming the
Czech Republic of which Prague becomes the capital and Slovakia in which
Bratislava becomes the captial.
Prague's rich heritage of architecture begins with the Romanesque buildings
below street level and churches from the 11th and 12th centuries. Gothic
architecture dominated from the mid 13th century as well as the Renaissance
style imported from Italy under the first Habsburgs rule is represented
throughout old Prague. After a period of historicism, when architecture
replicated earlier styles, Prague was swept over by the sensuous lines of
art nouveau at the end of the 19th century.
Like Rome, Prague is built on seven hills. The Vltava River, which runs
through Prague, made it an important trade route crossing from Germany,
Poland, Russia and more exotic parts of central Europe such as Vienna and
Krakow. Thus Prague has always had a strategic importance in this part of
the world.
After my many trips to Prague and the Czech Republic for business and my
telling of these experiences to customers and friends, it was suggested that
I should give tours to this beautiful city and country, thus the beginning
of "The Crystal Gallery Tours". I have been going to this beautiful place
since 1997, so my history to what the average person would like to
experience has been tuned over the years. I have selected a beautiful hotel
centrally located in Prague as well as personally handcrafted tours for
every taste, so for a trip of a life time, please contact us below for
upcoming dates and itineraries to Prague and the Czech Republic.
Private tours of up to four people are available as well to not only Prague
and the surrounding area but also to other cities such as Vienna, Budapest,
and Berlin.
Thank you for your business and support and hope to see you on our next
trip.
Rod Boyd
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