Sunday, October 3
Today we had a full day excursion into the Bohemian country side and visited a small village called Karlstejn. Here Karlstejn Castle is located ,the second most visited tourist site in the country. It was about a 45 minute drive from our hotel and we were transported up to the castle from the parking lot by horse drawn wagons. It is 2.4 km on all and goes steadily uphill. A tough grind for the horses. The driver told us that his horses were 15 and 20 years old. This castle dates back to 1348 and was originally intended to house the Royal treasures. The location high on a rock outcrop made it a strong hold. During the history it was besieged several times , but it never was totally captured. King Wenceslas often used the castle as a summer home and Royal palace. We had a tour of part of the castle by a young tour guide that carried the keys to each room with her. We would be let into one room at a time wit the doors being locked behind us as we went along. Unfortunately photographs were not allowed in the castle, but I do have several of the exterior and surrounding countryside. The walk down to the parking wandered through the small village with a selection of shops selling souvenirs and snacks . The next stop was the other side of Prague to Konopiste Castle. The bus ride took about one hour . This castle was originally established as a Gothic fortress in 1300. The architecture has changed over the centuries but it is most famous as the hunting lodge of Archduke Franz Ferdinand from 1887 until he was assassinated in 1914 triggering the start of the first world war. Franz had one strong obsession, hunting. The halls are lined with hundreds of his trophies. It is estimated that over his lifetime, that he shot over 300,000 animals. We once again were guided through several of the rooms. A very impressive sight that showed that wealth can indeed provide for ones every wish. We were on the bus once again heading back to the hotel for a short rest before dinner. I must say that this tour has the most imaginative venues picked out for our evening meals. To day was no exception with a stop at a brewery called Klasterni Pivovar. The beer , food and entertainment was great and everyone had a most entertaining evening. Back to the hotel for a much needed rest. Gale and I are enjoying having everything well planned , but it is at times a fast pace and I think that we will be ready to go home on Wednesday. Tomorrow we have a full day planned in visiting the city of Prague.