Cover photo: India posing along romantic cobble stone pathway. Prague is known for its magical and romantic atmosphere at night, with the illumination of historic landmarks casting a soft glow on the cobblestone streets, enhancing the feel of walking through a fairy tale. The enchanting sound of music wafts through the air from nearby cafes and street performers. The soft street light providing a perfect backdrop for unforgettable memories with my family.

A brief history

Czechoslovakia was a dynamic Central European country established in 1918, which confidently transitioned into the Czech Republic and Slovakia in 1993. Born from the disintegration of the Austro-Hungarian Empire, it united Czechs and Slovaks in a defiant stand against their neighbors. The nation witnessed notable phases of democracy, endured Nazi occupation, and navigated the complexities of communist rule, culminating in the transformative Velvet Revolution in 1989, which led to its peaceful dissolution, showcasing its resilience and determination.

The adventure begins. The flight to Copenhagen, Part 1

Day 1: Los Angeles to London, a ten hour flight with Virgin Atlantic airlines and a short lay over from London Heathrow to Copenhagen via Scandanavian airlines.

This is our two weeks adventure to Europe, catching a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Copenhagen where we fly the next day to Prague. We explore the city for a day and catch a transfer company called sidetrip tours to Budapest, a transport and sight seeing combined, where we explore the cities and quaint towns between the neighboring Czech, Slovenia and eventually in Budapest, Hungary.

In Budapest we stay and explore for a couple of days before we catch a train to Vienna and fly back to Copenhagen to catch a seven-day Northern European cruise. All this with an adventure in mind as we explore the reliable and friendly public transportation in Europe. Learn on the next series of this blog posts how we managed to travel and navigate the beautiful and intricate cities in between transit with our suitcases ever gaining traction. As we pack enthusiasm into our reclaimed energy, we learned new phrases as a family, immersed in culture, tuned in to magical attractions, indulged in once in a lifetime authentic and local food- and of course the historical importance and significance of the cities visited along the way.

The flight to Copenhagen with a mixture of nervous and high-spirited smiles that exaggerated the eclectic energy rolled into hopeful and fun core memories in the making.

How we managed multiple luggages on this trip

We’ve extensively researched various ways and alternatives in storing our luggage, exploring options such as lockers at train stations, luggage storage services, and even local businesses that offer short-term rental spaces. The unending trail of searches online equipped us with valuable insights as we learned and researched how to navigate Europe efficiently, ensuring that our travel experience is as smooth and enjoyable as possible while minimizing baggage handling.

The luggage storage services we’ve chosen in Copenhagen airport are conveniently located in Terminal 3, right by the train station, which made it perfect for us to explore inter city and country without dragging extra bags along. We found that there are variety of storage options to choose from, whether we needed to store just a small carry-on or the larger suitcases. The prices were quite reasonable and depended on how long we wanted to keep our luggage stored. I appreciated that the baggage depot facility was secure and monitored, giving my family and I peace of mind while we enjoyed this short transit in Copenhagen and the different countries we explored.

Overnight accommodation

We stayed overnight at the Scandic CPH Strandpark to prepare for our early flight the next morning to Prague. The short seven to ten minutes of train ride was incredibly convenient, and with a little more research we were able to leave an extra luggage at the hotel until the flight back in a few days to catch our Northern Europe MSC cruise in Copenhagen port.

Early flight to Prague with Eurowings

Day 2: Early call and a sprint to the coffee shop as the sun began to rise, casting a warm glow over the sleepy airport hub. The hotel was incredibly hospitable, not only accommodating our early departure but also going the extra mile to pack breakfast for us. As we rushed through the un familiar streets, the aroma of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air, tempting myself to savor every moment before the days transition and adventure.

India and Joel were invited inside the Eurowings airline cockpit by the very friendly crew, who greeted them with warm smiles and an enthusiastic welcome. They were thrilled to sit next to the captain, whose extensive experience and passion for aviation were evident in the way he explained the various instruments and functions of the cockpit. Before the short flight to Prague from Copenhagen, the crew shared fascinating stories about their journeys and the challenges of flying such routes, making India and Joel’s pre-flight experience truly memorable.

Navigating the intricate web of Public transportation,

As soon as we landed in Prague, we looked for a money exchanger and ticketing booth to buy a one day worth of transportation via bus and train. I opened my well researched list from my google drive and opened the links to the maps.

Top photos: Making unique and unforgettable memories using the metro, immersing in the busy hours and the elegant flow of traffic as the locals navigate their destination. Above: snapshot of our first true family Europe public transportation adventure all laid out in my google drive (using the most reliable google maps) and how easy it was to access on my phone.

Welcome to Beautiful Czech Republic

Traveling from Václav Havel Airport to Andaz Prague was a fun and exciting experience for our family. We took the Airport Express bus, which conveniently connected the airport to the city center. Once we arrived at the main train station in Nádraží Veleslavín, we easily transferred to the metro, tagging along two children and a suitcase following the confident flow of foot traffic liken one to a river rafting experience as we headed Line A towards Depo Hostivař. This journey allowed us to enjoy the streets and scenic views of Prague, immersing ourselves in the vibrant atmosphere of the capital and the friendly people with their strong Czech tone. After a few stops, we disembarked at the Můstek station, where a short walk led us directly to the exquisite Andaz hotel, offering us a seamless transition from air travel to relaxation in one of Prague’s most luxurious accommodations, a wonderful place for a well deserved pampered stay.

Andaz Prague – a Concept by Hyatt

We stayed in Andaz Prague, a beautifully designed hotel that perfectly blends modern luxury with historic charm. Nestled in the heart of the city, it offered breathtaking views of the surrounding architecture and easy access to the vibrant local culture. From the moment we arrived, the attentive staff together with the playful casted shadow lights greeted us with lingering smiles and bold colors. The spacious rooms were elegantly furnished, providing a cozy submission to a relic time one soaking in the romantic streets of Prague, bringing its rich history and stunning landmarks within the vicinities and four walls.

A view from our luxury lifestyle hotel, Andaz Prague is a captivating gem nestled in the heart of the historical centre of Prague, just a leisurely stroll from the main train station and a mere 30-minute drive from Václav Airport. This exquisite property ensures effortless access for buses and boasts a generous parking space right in front, making it the perfect haven for wanderers. At its core lies the iconic Sugar Palace, an architectural marvel that celebrates the city’s rich artistic heritage.

Hop on Hop off tour of Prague

Just a few minutes to recollect and a quick bite of snack, we quickly made our way out the door and headed to explore the city. We found a booth just a few yards from the hotel to buy a tour bus ticket and decided to start the journey exploring this beautiful historical- intricate city of Prague and its cinematic cobbled pathway that lead to an enigma and a sense of expedition boiling inside.

Multiple Prague bus tours provides the perfect introduction to the city, allowing travelers to immerse themselves in the rich history and vibrant culture of Prague. As you sit comfortably on the top deck, you are treated to the best photo opportunities of iconic Prague landmarks, including the stunning Charles Bridge and the majestic Prague Castle. Along the route, informative audio guides offer fascinating insights and stories, enhancing your experience as you pass through picturesque streets lined with charming cafes and shops. This convenient and enjoyable way to explore the city ensures that you won’t miss a single highlight, getting off at any point on your own pace, making your visit truly unforgettable.

People touch the St. John of Nepomuk statue on the Charles Bridge in Prague for wishes, returns to the city, or good luck, a tradition likely started in the 1990s. This practice has become popular among tourists, resulting in a polished bronze surface, with touching the panel beneath the cross believed to grant a wish within a year and a day.

We used the bus company City Sightseeing: Prague Hop-on Hop-off Bus Tour with Optional River Cruise. It provides an unbounded bus tour experience, enabling you to discover Prague at your leisure for a duration of 24 or 48 hours. Featuring 15 stops across two distinct routes, you can savor 360º views from the open-top deck while listening to an audio guide available in 25 languages. Enhance your experience by opting for a 60-minute cruise along the Vltava River, which offers picturesque views of the city’s landmarks, including St. Nicholas Church and Prague Castle, while also allowing you to explore adjacent restaurants and shops for a comprehensive city experience.

The Old Town Square: Prague, capital city of the Czech Republic, is bisected by the Vltava River, which gracefully winds through its picturesque landscapes and connects various historical and cultural landmarks. Nicknamed “the City of a Hundred Spires,” it’s renowned for its stunning architecture, including the iconic Old Town Square, the vibrant heart of its historic core, where visitors can marvel at the striking colorful Baroque buildings, towering Gothic churches, and the remarkable medieval Astronomical Clock, which delights onlookers with its animated hourly show. As one strolls through the cobblestone streets of the Old Town, they are often captivated by the blend of history and modernity, with charming cafés and artisanal shops nestled alongside centuries-old monuments, making Prague a truly enchanting destination full of timeless allure and cultural richness.

End of day one, where the many steps and long walk into the vibrant street corners of this beautiful city deserved an authentic treat of Svíčková na smetaně (roast sirloin in a sour cream sauce with dumplings), a national dish of the Czech Republic. That very same dish and its savoury flavors (finger kiss) made me a nationalist of this pulsating city of food and culture.

Sidetrip transit adventure

Day 3: Prague to Budapest One-Way Transfer Tour with Sidetrip. While that same meal continued to marinate in my hearts belly we forged a quick rise and a sprint of espresso shot for me. The transfer company turned this transit from Prague to Budapest into a highlight of adventure with stops at the UNESCO-listed Lednice Palace, Bratislava the capital of Slovakia and Györ on the journey from Prague to Budapest.

We met up at the Hilton Prague Old Town a 6-8 min walk from our hotel. We looked for a minivan with sidetrip logo which was very easy to find. Meeting time at 0800.

Sidetrip is a Transport and Sightseeing combined traveling between two cities. On this journey, we traveled from our previous city Prague to Budapest. It was the perfect way to visit smaller towns, villages, and countryside highlights during our transit, allowing us to experience the charm and beauty of less-traveled paths together. By choosing this alternative route, we immersed ourselves in the local culture, savored traditional cuisine, and explored quaint shops that showcased handmade crafts as a family. Each stop offered a unique glimpse into the history and lifestyle of the region, enhancing our journey with unforgettable memories and picturesque landscapes that we might otherwise have missed on the highways. This approach not only enriched our travels but also provided a much-needed respite from the hustle and bustle of urban life, making our entire trip more rewarding (and also gave me a chance to siesta myself from driving, a win-win situation for me). Here are the beautiful and quaint towns we visited.

Lednice Palace

A magnificent example of neo-Gothic architecture, this landmark confidently invites visitors to admire its stunning exterior and the meticulously manicured landscapes that envelop it. As a UNESCO-listed treasure, its breathtaking gardens boast a variety of rare plants and intricate floral designs that enthrall both nature lovers and history enthusiasts. Once the grand summer residence of the Liechtenstein nobility, the palace provides an exclusive glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of its former inhabitants, featuring lavish interiors adorned with exquisite artwork and antique furnishings. As we stroll through this enchanting estate, we fully appreciate not only the beauty of the architecture and gardens but also the rich tapestry of history that has shaped Lednice into a revered cultural landmark.

Bratislava

The capital of Slovakia delivered an enchanting experience as we strolled through the stunning medieval Old Town, where cobblestone streets meandered through vibrant squares embellished with colorful baroque buildings. The iconic St. Martin’s Cathedral, with its striking spire, dominated the skyline, while the bustling atmosphere in the Main Square pulsed with energy. Every corner held a piece of history poised to be uncovered. We took a moment to unwind at a cozy café, savored traditional Slovak pastries, or immersed ourselves in the dynamic street performances that frequently animated this captivating area, ensuring that our visit was nothing short of unforgettable.

Gyor

A Benedictine high school teacher, Ányos Jedlik was also an inventor, natural scientist, and is said to have been the first to dilute wine with soda water and invented the spritz. The statue serves as a drinking fountain commemorating the innovative and youthful spirit of of the picturesque town. Welcome to the quaint and lovely Gyor.

Clockwise: cappuccino and gelato in the beautiful town of Gyor. What else can one ask for? A stroll in the beautiful afternoon sun meeting locals, and a quick pose with our amazing and talented tour guide.

We strolled through the fairytale-like Baroque Old Town of Győr, discovering its rich religious heritage, charming narrow streets, and stunning views. As we wandered the cobblestone paths, we were captivated by the intricate architecture of historic buildings, each telling a story from centuries past. The vibrant atmosphere was further enhanced by local artisans displaying their crafts, cozy cafes inviting me to relax, and the delectable aroma of traditional Hungarian cuisine wafting through the air. We didn’t miss the opportunity to visit the majestic Cathedrals and ornate churches, which stood as testaments to the city’s spiritual past, while panoramic vistas over the picturesque rooftops and the Rába River added to the enchanting experience.

Outro

The tour ended with a few hours to rest during the transfer. The arrival to Budapest later in the afternoon painted a much warm sentiment to this first part of the trip after learning so much from just the few hours of travel. This idea would only substitute an inter-connection of the grand picture of this historic and neighboring countries. We stay three days and two nights in Budapest before we take a train to Vienna, Austria.

The transfer tour dropped us off at the beautiful and iconic Erzsebet square opposite Ritz Carlton Stay. We took a Bolt taxi service from here to our hotel for the next two nights in the elegant Párisi Udvar Hotel Budapest. A short five minute ride from the sqaure. Here we stay in and explore Budapest for two days before taking a train to Vienna. Catch our post next time for a continued adventure in the beautiful city of Budapest.

Our first SideTripTour was important, filled with historical pretext and discoveries that made for a rewarding adventure as a family. The carefree pickup and drop-off allowed us to enjoy the journey worry-free. Our knowledgeable tour guide shared stories only a local and a passionate national can amplify, enhancing each spectacular location. The stops offered activities and breathtaking sights, showcasing the local culture and history. From beautiful viewpoints to hidden gems, every moment was blissful. I highly recommend the transfer from Budapest to Prague and this tour company for an unforgettable experience.

This is a five part series, two weeks travel adventure to central Europe using local transportation and ending the journey on a seven day excursion with the MSC Euribia cruises exploring Northeastern Europe | Part I

Thank you for the coffee!