Imperial Prague and its exceptional palaces: a cruise into the private lives of great aristocratic families (Port to Port)

We'll leave by coach for the castle complex, Lobkowicz Palace, built in the 16th century in the Renaissance style. The castle underwent significant architectural changes after the Thirty Years’ War, moving to a more baroque style. We'll discover the largest and oldest private collection in Europe in the enchanting palace, strolling through its majestic rooms overflowing with impressive works of art. Twenty-two galleries hold the exhibit, illustrating the challenges the Lobkowicz family has faced over the centuries. Objects include personal items and priceless works, such as manuscripts from Beethoven and Mozart and paintings by Canaletto, Diego Velázquez, and Pieter Bruegel the Elder.

PLEASE NOTE

• Wear comfortable, sturdy walking shoes.
• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.

Journey to Strahov Monastery. With its collections of over 200,000 volumes, the library of Strahov Monastery is one of the most valuable and best-preserved libraries in Europe. The oldest part of the current library, the Theology Hall, is Baroque in style and dates from 1671–1674. The main hall, the Philosophy Hall, whose vaulted ceiling is in Neoclassical style, was built in 1794 and rises above the first two floors of the building. The ceilings of the halls are adorned with frescoes by Siardo Nosecký and Anton Maulbertsch.
After the visit, stop at the Strahov Terraces for a spectacular view over Prague, including the red and gold rooftops of the historic center, Prague Castle perched on Opys Hill, and the many towers and spires that give Prague its nickname, the “City of a Hundred Spires.”
Return to the ship.

PLEASE NOTE

• Please wear comfortable walking shoes.
  
• The order of visits may be changed.
  
• Timings are given for guidance only.
  

Join us for a tour of Nelahozeves Castle and the birth house of Antonin Dvorak. We’ll visit one of the most beautiful Renaissance castles in Bohemia that was home to 23 different Bohemian queens and princesses. The castle walls are elaborately adorned with Italian-style stucco and wall paintings depicting scenes from the Old Testament and Greek mythology. It is also home to a rich, private collection of furniture and paintings—including works by Rubens, Velazquez, and many others—all belonging to the Lobkowicz family, the oldest and most eminent Bohemian noble family. We’ll discover the luxurious lifestyle of the Bohemian nobility during the Baroque period. At the end of our tour, you’ll enjoy tasting a selection of wines from the castle’s vineyard.

PLEASE NOTE

• The order of the visits can change.
• Times are approximate.