A Grand Finale in Prague
Text: Car Rouge
The end-of-season trip is a Car Rouge tradition. This time four coaches travelled from Windisch to Prague, where from 5 to 8 November guests stayed in one of the city's most luxurious hotels and enjoyed an outstanding musical programme. Throughout the trip, the group was looked after and accompanied by the Car Rouge team.
Exclusive dinner and Old Town charm
The first stop on the journey is the Fugger city of Augsburg, where the group is expected for lunch at the Zeughausstuben restaurant. There is no shortage of refreshments during the drive either, with coffee, croissants and Aperol Spritz. The driver and tour escort tell guests about the route, while they browse the Prague city map and the travel schedule. Towards evening, the group arrives at the stately 5-star hotel «Kings Court», on Republic Square and thus in the very heart of Prague. The covered ballroom on the third floor has been reserved exclusively for Car Rouge guests for dinner.
In the freshness of the morning, everyone looks forward to finally exploring the magnificent city. Prague is wonderful to discover on foot: the pointed towers of the Church of Our Lady before Týn can already be seen from the hotel. Local guides introduce our guests to the Old Town Square, the astronomical clock and of course the iconic Charles Bridge: all part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The city is unmistakable, with its golden roofs and winding lanes, and its long history seems branded like a stamp onto its heavy walls and uneven cobblestones.
Charles Bridge and golden views
In the afternoon, guests stroll as they please, either shopping and enjoying a spa, or making an excursion to Petřín Tower, one of the best viewpoints around the city. Prague Castle is on the programme for the next day – for now, it is off to dinner at the Mlynec restaurant, right by Charles Bridge.
Prague shows its autumn side: even more gold and even more romance than usual. When the weather is right and you catch the right moment in the evening, the view over the Vltava and Charles Bridge with the castle in the background is hard to beat for visual drama.
Prague Castle, black light theatre and concert
On the second day, the group is driven by coach to Hradčany, which towers high above the city. At the centre of the castle, whose foundations date back to the 9th century, and the largest church building in the Czech Republic, stands the impressive St Vitus Cathedral. Accompanied by a guide, the group also visits St George's Basilica and Golden Lane. In the afternoon follows a visit to the black light theatre: 4D effects, magnificent music and glowing neon colours make for an unforgettable performance. At the atmospheric farewell evening at the hotel, guests are treated to a gala dinner, a prize draw and a concert: Jana Sibera, Martin Bárta and Ahmad Hedar perform pieces by Mozart, Dvořák, Strauss and Verdi, among others. The much sought-after concert singer Martina Bárta has taught solo singing at the University of Music in Prague since 2006. Jana Sibera is a soloist at the National Theatre in Prague and works with all the major orchestras in the Czech Republic – her tours have already taken her to Japan, Korea and China. The two are accompanied by Ahmad Hedar, who as a pianist and singer devotes himself not only to classical but also to popular genres.
On the journey back to Switzerland, everyone indulges in memories. It is time to raise a glass over an aperitif to a successful trip and the lovely weather. The guests are delighted: «Everything was organised down to the smallest detail» and «We will be dreaming of this trip for a long time!» are among the comments received. Many have already signed up for the next end-of-season trip to Turin.