From Prague with Love: Cobblestones, Traditions, and Outstanding Architecture
We’ve always fantasized about going on a river cruise. Still, we hesitated for years, worried we’d miss the high-energy nightlife and endless onboard activities of an ocean liner. But opportunity didn’t just knock; it practically kicked the door down when my sister mentioned a family trip down the Danube River and asked if we wanted to tag along.
Our answer? A resounding yes!
We even loop-linked the family tree further by inviting Mitch’s sister to join the crew. By the time our itinerary was set, we had a grand total of 19 family members ready to embark on an epic European adventure together.
Now, as much as we live for travel, we are definitely not fans of the standard modern airport chaos—the packed terminals, the sudden delays, and the grueling transatlantic flights. This trip tested our patience early on. A steep five-hour delay on our flight from Tampa to Munich sent my anxiety into overdrive; it seemed all but guaranteed that we’d miss our connection and lose a precious full day of exploring Prague.
But travel has a funny way of surprising you. The moment we touched down in Munich, the airline staff delivered the best news possible: our connecting flight was waiting for us. The relief was instant, and our matching, ear-to-ear grins said it all. We took a deep collective breath, checked our worries at the gate, and finally let ourselves relax.
I am endlessly captivated by Europe’s magnificent architecture and deep well of heritage, and Prague did not disappoint. One of our first major highlights was a truly memorable dinner at a local bell tower. Because our large group had the space entirely to ourselves, the atmosphere was beautifully intimate. We indulged in delicious native dishes and wonderful conversation, capped off by an unexpected, exclusive invitation to tour the historic tower itself.
Our local guides were phenomenal. Hearing them share personal, raw stories about what life was like when their country was under communist rule was deeply moving—and a poignant reminder that made me incredibly grateful for home.
True to form for any European getaway, we clocked an impressive number of steps each day. We marveled at the intricate mechanics of the Prague Astronomical Clock, were impressed by the Old Bridge Tower, which is the entrance to the famous Charles Bridge, and stood in awe of the sheer grandeur of St. Vitus Cathedral. We also stumbled upon a vibrant street fair lined with charming wooden huts, each offering an array of local treats and savory street food.
Watching the changing of the guard, I couldn’t help but reflect on how deeply rooted these traditions are, surviving centuries with the exact same pomp and circumstance. With America celebrating its 250th year, our country is still in its infancy compared to these time-honored rituals. Yet, Prague beautifully balances the ancient with the cutting-edge—modern technology inevitably weaves its way in, perfectly captured by the fascinating, spinning layers of the giant Franz Kafka kinetic face sculpture in the square. What brilliant ingenuity!
It’s been an unforgettable start, but it’s time to say a fond goodbye to the cobblestones of Prague. Next stop: Passau, Germany, to board the Viking Ship sailing down the Danube.
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