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Czech Republic

Independent Prague: Architecture and the Arts

Program No. 9952RJ
Discover an insider’s appreciation for Prague, gaining a comprehensive understanding of art, architecture and history as you explore this city with local scholars and resident experts.

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At a Glance

The sun glows pale orange on the hazy silhouettes of the Charles Bridge statues, casting humble light on the centuries-old emblem of this medieval city. Marked by the marriage of old and new, a position enhanced over the past decade by the ongoing influx of ideas and innovations brought on by the fall of Communism, Prague is a living archive of architectural styles and artistic inspirations. Expert-led and independent explorations, as well as intriguing lectures, introduce the heart of Central Europe.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Walking up to 3 miles and 3 hours per day with periods of standing, many times in crowded areas. One day you may walk up to 4 hours throughout the day. Getting on and off public transportation/motorcoach. Terrain includes cobblestones, and it is partly hilly. Some stairs to negotiate.
Independent City Discoveries
Independent City Discoveries
Learn with a Group Leader and enjoy educational programming while also getting substantial independent time to explore on your own. Most Independent City Discoveries include lectures, self-guided excursions and passes for public transit and museums.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Explore independently with detailed advice from local scholars, resident experts and personalized guides.
  • Enjoy a classical music concert in one of the many beautiful churches near the Charles Bridge.
  • Learn about Czech Art Nouveau, composers such as Antonin Dvorak and the transition of the Czech Republic after World War II and the fall of the Iron Curtain.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
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Markéta Hegarová
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Markéta Hegarová
Markéta Hegarová View biography
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.
Profile Image of Ourania Menelaou
Ourania Menelaou View biography
Pianist and musicologist Ourania Menelaou was born in Nicosia, Cyprus. She graduated from the Prague Conservatory in 1996, and continued her studies at the Charles University of Prague, receiving her master’s degree in musicology. Menelaou has been invited to participate in music festivals in the United States and performed in recitals around the world. As a musicologist, Ourania has been researching and studying piano music of the 19th and 20th centuries. Currently, she is working in a research program on solo piano music.
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Michaela Janecková View biography
Michaela studied architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague and theory and history of architecture, arts and design at the University of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague. She now teaches Czech architecture and design at Charles University to U.S. students as well as a contemporary architecture course at the Architectural Institute in Prague, a school for international students. Michaela plans to finish her PhD theses at the Academy of Arts, Architecture and Design in Prague in 2020, focusing on Czech postwar architecture.
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Dagmar Mikolášková View biography
Dagmar Mikolaskova studied in the travel industry, and has been leading groups since 1988 in English, German and French. She also speaks Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Her other experiences include interpreting and hospitality work.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.