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Czech Republic: Short Road Trip In Bohemia And Prague

  


Disclosure: this article was first published in late 2019, 
following a trip made a few months earlier. 

Before this trip, for me, the Czech Republic and especially Prague were exclusively linked to Milan Kundera and Kafka, two of my favorite writers. I am happy to have discovered a bit of Bohemia: the extremely green landscapes, forests and castles. And of course Prague, the architecture, rhythm, small and large streets.

Our short road trip begins with the Brussels Airlines flight which lands in Prague at 11 a.m. Then we collect the rental and take the road to Pilsen and its surroundings.


Text and images below of our exciting itinerary.

Day 1: Pilsen And Surroundings

On Our Way To Pivovarsky Dvur Plzen (Near Pilsen)

Where I experience my very first beer spa at the Purkmistr Beer Spa   (photo above 1). In fact, I’m immersed in a warm beer. Nice! We continue to Pilsen, where we join the Pilsner Urquell Brewery Tour, in order to discover the huge Pilsner Urquell brewery (photo below 3). The tour is interesting, but a bit long if like me, you don’t drink beer (2).    

On the road again, we cross beautiful super green landscapes and arrive in the early evening at Kašperské Hory (4), a picturesque village. We dine at the restaurant of Nebespan, Boutique Hotel, whose chef is French. I really enjoy the cool setting, atmosphere, food and team. 

Day 2: Kašperské Hory & Sušice

On The Program: Castles And Bikes

We spend the day with our very friendly guide, Veronika who takes us to the emblematic Kašperk castle (photo above 1 and the two first photos of the article) built in the 14th century on the Ždánov mountain. Near the castle, hiking trails in the Bohemian forest allow you to have different panoramas of the castle.

In the afternoon, from Sušice we take a superb (and sporty) 46 km bike ride in the countryside. Thanks to Veronika, we visit small villages and a romantic castle transformed into a luxury hotel, the Zámek Hrádek (photo above), where we stop for a drink.

Day 3: From Dobříš To Prague

Dobříš & Slapy

We leave Kašperské Hory, where we slept the first two nights. After 1 hour 40 minutes, we arrive in Dobříš, to visit the Dobříš chateau dating from the 18th century (1 & 2). We have lunch on the terrace at Zámecká restaurace Dobříš, the castle restaurant. Then back on the road, we head to the Slapy Water Reservoir on the Vltava, in the Prague-West district, a famous resort for Prague people. 

Lively and colorful surroundings: many small sailing boats come and go (3). While the shores are filled with people in bikini sunbathing on grass. Family and summer atmosphere. We do a nice ride on the water which allows us to better enjoy the landscape sourrounded the lake. And then, we are off to Prague. We leave our luggage at Mama Shelter Prague (6). I cool off and we go to the historic center.

I am super excited: Prague! I’ve been wanting to see Prague for so long! In the historic center, there are too many tourists! We step on each other and lots of drunk young tourists (from 7 p.m.). The monuments are superb, but we decide to return to the Mama Shelter’s area with a quiet hype neighborhood. We dine in the very trendy Cobra Bar (4). I liked everything, the cool atmosphere, music, my hamburger with coconut sauce (5) and the proximity to the Mama Shelter: I said, e-ve-r-y-t-h-i-n-g! 

Day 4: Prague

The Last Day Of Our Breakaway

And my real first day in Prague! We walked for a long time in the center much quieter and more pleasant than the day before. Finally, I enjoy the beauty of the city. Long dreamy break in a terrace bar overlooking the Vltava. I would love to explore more and visit the museums, but we must return to the hotel to collect the car and go to the airport, our return flight is at 6 p.m.

Prague, I will come back!

Where To Sleep? The Mama Shelter Prague

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

Czech Tourism 

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thanks to Czech Tourism for this beautiful invitation. As always, these are my opinions. 

Switzerland, Graubünden: From Davos To Valposchiavo

On My Way To Davos

First Stop In Chur

After a short flight from Brussels to Zurich, I’m on the train to Davos, via Chur, the oldest city in Switzerland (over 5000 years old) and capital of Graubünden. My second trip to this awesome Swiss canton: the first time, I was in Lenzerheide and Arosa

I only stop a few hours in Chur to discover the old town. It is snowing a lot! I won’t complain, cause I also came for the snow! My basic city tour is promising. I guess in spring and summer, it should be very nice to visit the old town with its small medieval streets and monuments.   

Hello Davos!

A Sport Walk In The Schatzalp Strela Ski Resort

Hello Davos! What a light and spectacular view this morning! I arrived the previous evening in Davos, where I took a small (shuttle) train to go up to the Hotel Schatzalp. This old sanatorium was made famous by Thomas Mann (the author of “Death in Venice” novel adapted to the screen by Visconti). 

Hotel departure around 9:45 am for a quite physical walk of 2 hours on the Wässerfall Rundgang route. We walk in fresh powder snow, because the narrow path has not yet been groomed. Last night a lot of snow fell!

I am euphoric. Lunch at the Restaurant Strela Alp, enjoying the terrace overlooking ski slopes and for dessert a pie selection. 

A Spa Afternoon

Long spa session at the really cool Hard Rock Hotel Davos (photo on the left below): the rooms, trendy young clientele and general atmosphere suit me more than the Hotel Schatzalp. The hotel is located in the center of Davos, so we stayed in town the evening too. We had a Thai fusion dinner at the very good Monta Grill Restaurant of the Grischa hotel (photo on the right below).  

The Old Sanatorium

If you consider that a hotel is an experience that allows above all to test different universes, then welcome to the Hotel Schatzalp. Ideally located in the middle of majestic mountains covered with fir trees. The panorama is superb. The view, THE VIEW! But I found the facilities and furnitures dated. The hotel was originally a luxurious sanatorium, built between 1898 and 1900, in Art Deco style. A past greatness. 

From Davos To Alp Grüm

On The Panoramic Bernina Express Train

After two nights in Davos, I take a first Rhaetian Railway train from Davos Platz to Filisur, then the famous Bernina Express with panoramic windows from Filisur to Alp Grüm. Breathtaking landscapes! Glaciers, frozen lake, an ocean of snow covers the summits, under an azure sky and a blazing sun. I am amazed and stop at the terminus: the Albergo Ristorante Alp Grüm

My “Must” Stay

L’Albergo Ristorante Alp Grüm

Suffice to say that I liked everything of this old train station nestled at 2091m and transformed into a restaurant, terrace and hotel, with a very comfortable modern simple interior design. Far from any village and with a 360 degree view of Val Poschiavo, the Alps and the Vadret da Palü glacier.

This place is just magical! Getting lost in contemplation … Below, photos from my bedroom window, at different times of the noght and day. I recommend you to make the reservation of your room well in advance, because there are few rooms.  

Intense Snowshoeing

Arrived at the Albergo Ristorante Alp Grüm in the middle of the day, we took an aperitif on the terrace, then had lunch. In the afternoon, supervised by our guide Romeo Lardi, we go snowshoeing near the Lago Bianco.

I have snowshoeed several times, but this outing is really intense. Our guide is indestructible! It goes up, it goes down, the fast constant pace. I focus on my breathing and the white ocean of snow. I feel good, happiness …

On My Way Back

Albula

This morning, I take the train to Zurich airport. Leaving Alp Grüm, I stop at the picturesque village of Albula. While walking, I look at the pretty facades and an old palace very well renovated. Beautiful village! 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

www.MySwitzerland.com, www.graubuenden.ch, www.churtourismus.ch, www.davos.ch, www.klosters.chwww.valposchiavo.ch, www.swiss.com, www.rhb.ch

Related articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Many thnaks to My Switzerland, the different tourism boards, the Raethian Railway and Swiss for this beautiful invitation. As always these are my opinions.

Suisse, Les Grisons : de Davos au Valposchiavo

En route pour Davos

Premier arrêt à Chur

Après un court vol de Bruxelles à Zurich, je suis dans le train pour Davos, via Chur (ou Coire), la plus vielle ville de Suisse (plus de 5000 ans) et chef-lieu des Grisons. Mon deuxième voyage dans ce superbe canton suisse : la première fois, j’étais à Lenzerheide et à Arosa.

Je ne fais qu’un court arrêt de quelques heures à Chur. J’en profite pour découvrir la vielle ville. Il neige fort : je ne vais pas me plaindre, car il paraît que cette année la neige s’est faite attendre! Ma promenade bien qu’assez sommaire est prometteuse. Je pense qu’au printemps et en été, la vieille ville, avec ses petites rues médiévales et ses différents monuments, doit être très agréable à visiter. 

Bonjour Davos!

Une marche sportive dans la station de ski Schatzalp Strela

Bonjour Davos! Quelle luminosité! Quelle vue spectaculaire ce matin! Je suis arrivée la veille au soir à Davos, d’où j’ai pris un petit train (navette) pour monter à l’Hotel Schatzalp, l’ancien sanatorium rendu célèbre par Thomas Mann (l’auteur de “Mort à Venise”, adapté à l’écran par Visconti).

Départ de l’hôtel vers 9h45 pour une marche assez physique de 2 heures sur le parcours Wässerfall Rundgang. Nous nous enfonçons dans de la poudreuse fraîche, car l’étroit chemin n’a pas encore été damé. Cette nuit il est tombé beaucoup de neige!

Je suis euphorique. Déjeuner en terrasse avec vue sur les pistes de ski et un festival de tartes en dessert au Restaurant Strela Alp

Une après-midi au spa

Longue séance spa au très agréable Hard Rock Hotel Davos (photo de gauche ci-dessous), dont les chambres, la clientèle jeune et branchée et l’ambiance générale me correspondent plus. L’hôtel est situé dans Davos centre, aussi le soir, nous sommes restés en ville et avons dîné fusion thaï au très bon Monta Grill Restaurant de l’hôtel Grischa (photo de droite ci-dessous).  

L’ancien sanatorium

Si vous considérez qu’un hôtel, c’est avant tout, expérimenter des univers différents : alors, bienvenu à l’Hotel Schatzalp, idéalement situé au milieu de majestueuses montagnes recouvertes de sapins. Le panorama est superbe. La vue, la vue! Mais j’ai trouvé les installations vieillotes. L’hôtel était à l’origine un luxueux sanatorium, construit entre 1898 et 1900, de style Art Déco. Une grandeur passée.

De Davos vers Alp Grüm

Dans le train panoramique Bernina Express

Après deux nuits à Davos, je prends un premier train (de Rhaetian Railway) de Davos Platz à Filisur, puis le fameux Bernina Express aux vitres panoramiques de Filisur à Alp Grüm. Des paysages à couper le souffle! Glaciers, lac gelé, un océan de neige recouvre les sommets, sous un ciel bleu azur et un soleil de plomb. Je suis émerveillée. Je m’arrête au terminus : l’Albergo Ristorante Alp Grüm

Mon coup de coeur

L’Albergo Ristorante Alp Grüm

Autant dire que tout m’a plu dans cette ancienne station de train perchée à 2091m, reconvertie en un restaurant, terrasse et hôtel, à la déco très simple, mais moderne et confortable. Loin de tout, avec une vue à 360 degré sur  Val Poschiavo, les Alpes et le glacier Vadret da Palü.

Cet endroit est juste magique! Se perdre en contemplation… Ci-dessous, des photos depuis la fenêtre de ma chambre, à différents moments. D’un point de vue pratique, je vous recommande de faire la réservation de votre chambre longtemps à l’avance, car il y a peu de chambres.  

Raquettes sportives

Arrivés à l’Albergo Ristorante Alp Grüm en milieu de journée, nous prenons un apéritif en terrasse, puis déjeunons. L’après-midi, encadré par notre guide Romeo Lardi, nous partons faire des raquettes près du Lago Bianco.

J’ai fait plusieurs fois de la raquette, mais cette sortie est vraiment intense. Notre guide est increvable! Ca monte, ça descend, le ryhtme constant rapide. Je me concentre sur ma respiration et l’immensité blanche. Comme un sentiment de bonheur. 

Sur le chemin du retour

Albula

Ce matin, je reprends le train pour l’aéroport de Zurich. En quittant Alp Grüm, je fais une halte au pittoresque village d’Albula. En me promenant, je découvre de jolies façades et un vieux palace très bien rénové. 

Photos : © Mademoiselle Le K – Tous droits réservés

Informations  

www.MySwitzerland.com, www.graubuenden.ch, www.churtourismus.ch, www.davos.ch, www.klosters.ch, www.valposchiavo.ch, www.swiss.com, www.rhb.ch

Autres articles : Destinations & Hotel Review

Un grand merci à My Switzerland et aux différents offices du tourisme, Raethian Railway et Swiss pour cette superbe invitation. Comme toujours, ce sont mes opinions.