EUROPE 2013 - Part 2 (Prague, Cesky Krumlov)

Day 3

Arrived Praha Hlavni Nadrazi at 1126hrs and straight away checked-in at Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag (EUR109/night with breakfast)  which is only 100 meters from the train station. Would recommend this hotel as it is near the train station and the service is very good. The room is clean and the bed is comfortable. Free Wi-Fi is fast. Immediately after checking-in went out and changed the currency to Czech Koruna (CZK). CZK10 = RM1.71. Then straight away went to Wenceslas Square.

Praha Hlavni Nadrazi

Falkensteiner Hotel Maria Prag

Wenceslas Square

Had lunch at Hallal Fast Food which was very near the hotel. Turn right from the hotel entrance and walk about 50 meters on the cobblestone street. Food was delicious especially the Chicken Biryani and Chicken Curry.

Hallam Fast Food Restaurant

Deliciously chicken biryani

The tasty chicken curry

After lunch headed back to the hotel for rest and forty winks. In the evening walked to Wenceslas Square again to witness the night activity there.

Wencelas Square at night

Day 4

Joined the Great Sightseeing Tour + Prague Castel + Charles Bridge on my second day in Prague. Booked this tour online from Premiant City Tour (CZK675). Was picked up on time at 9.00 am from the hotel and transferred to the meeting point before proceeding for the tour. This package also includes a walking tour. The tour guide was knowledgeable and funny at times. Overall it's entertaining and quite exhaustive as you have to walk back from Prague Castle and Charles Bridge to the original meeting point. 

Crowds watching the changing of the guards

Day 5
Today I went to Český Krumlov. It's a small city in the South Bohemian Region of the Czech Republic where Český Krumlov Castle is located. Old Český Krumlov is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tour was also booked online from Premiant City Tour for CZK1,890. Was picked up from the hotel and traveled by van to Český Krumlov. Price includes lunch and entrance fees to Český Krumlov Castle. Took some photos along the way.

Some pictures of Český Krumlov.

Day 6

On my last day in Prague, I went to the Fashion Arena Outlet by train. Took the Metro green line A from Praha Hlavni Nadrazi to Depo Hostivar. Then took the complimentary bus to the outlet.

Fashion Arena Outlet

Day 7

The next day checked-out from the hotel and took a taxi to Ruzyne Airport for flight SK768 to Copenhagen Airport (Kastrup). Departed at  1200hrs and arrived CPH 1315hrs.

EUROPE 2013 - Part 1 (Amsterdam - Prague)

In 2013, I visited several cities in Europe, namely Prague, Cesky Krumlov, Copenhagen, Malmo, Cologne, and Amsterdam. Before the trip unfolded, preparations were made well in advance (one year before departure). Bookings for airline and train tickets, accommodations, tours were done online much earlier. Accommodations were booked near the respective city central train station for ease of mobility.

Day 1
Departed KLIA to  Amsterdam Schiphol Airport (AMS) by MH16 at 2355hrs and arrived at 0700hrs (+1 day). After clearing immigration took the train to Amsterdam Centraal Station. Tickets can be bought at the ticket vending machine or at the ticket office.

Ticket Vending Machine

Ticket Office

Day 2
Since my train to Prague was at 1901hrs, I had ample time to take a short tour of Amsterdam. Left my luggage at Amsterdam Centraal Station for a fee. Beware, the luggage lockers only accept credit cards with pin numbers.

Amsterdam Centraal Station

Signage to luggage locker

Luggage lockers

After storing my luggage at the station, headed towards Damrak and Dam Square which was really crowded all the time. Then I took the Hop-on Hop-off Tour Bus. The stop is in front of Amsterdam Central Station.

Dam Square

The busy and crowded Damrak

Hop-on Hop-off Tour

Amsterdam Central Station from a distance

GVB Tram

City of bicycles

Had late lunch at Halal Food, Damrak, just beside Delta Hotel City Centre Amsterdam.

Halal Food Damrak

Then entered the Sex Museum, Damrak, the world's first and oldest sex museum to kill time while waiting for my train to Prague. The entrance ticket is €4.00 for those above 16 years old.

For adults only!!!

At 1901hrs departed Amsterdam Centraal Station to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi by City Night Line train (CNL 50447). The fare was EUR251. I had always wanted to experience taking the night train. Booked a sleeper berth with the attached shower online. Breakfast was included in the ticket price. The journey was 16 hours.

City Night Line Train

Deluxe sleeper berth

Sleeper shower

Day 3
Some photos taken along the route from Amsterdam Centraal to Praha Hlavni Nadrazi.

The scenery along the journey was beautiful and tranquil. It was an unforgettable experience taking the overnight train ride. Definitely a must.