The next time you take your private jet to Europe, be sure to visit Prague. Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, has been one of the major economic, historic and cultural hubs of central Europe for over 1,000 years. Before achieving its status as a global destination, the bohemian city was mostly visited by architecture aficionados and scholars. With its narrow cobbled streets and gothic spires, Prague is a city that seems like it was placed in a time capsule a century ago and was left untouched.
Sleep
Alchymist Grand Hotel & Spa
Located just steps away from Prague Castle, between the river and Petrin Hill, the Alchymist Grand Hotel is in a 16th century palace. Everything about the accommodation screams Habsburg baroque, like its vaulted ceilings, antique furniture and red velvet. Book the Imperial Suite for its views of Tržiště Street, Prague Castle and the inner courtyard. (http://www.alchymisthotel.com/en/)
Aria Hotel
Located in the Prague Lesser Town of Malá Strana, the Alchymist Grand Hotel is the city’s first concept hotel. Inspired by music, the 51-room accommodation underwent a renovation that included the soundproofing of all the rooms and designing the rooms according to different styles of music and artists, from Bach to Billie Holiday. Book the Billie Holiday Suite for its ceiling windows, 1,248-square-foot size and view of the baroque Vrtbovska Garden. (http://www.ariahotel.net/default-en.html)
The Augustine
Part of the Rocco Forte Collection, the Augustine is the conversion of seven historic buildings that surround a series of gardens. The property was a former Augustinian monastery and the adjacent cloister continues to house monks of the Order of St. Augustine. Book the three-story Tower Suite for its panoramic views of the city. (http://www.lhw.com/hotel/The-Augustine-Prague-Czech-Republic)
Eat
Bellevue
The flagship restaurant of restaurateur Sanjiv Suri, you can find the Bellevue on the bank opposite of Vltava. At this establishment, the soup is the artful prelude to interpretations of Bohemian classics like fillets of beef with sinus-busting horseradish and duck in plum brandy. (http://www.bellevuerestaurant.cz/)
U Malířů
When you charter a private jet to Prague, be sure to check out the U Malířů. Established in 1543, the U Malířů (The Painter) restaurant was a favorite of King Rudolf II. Among the fresco painting and Bohemian wait staff, you’ll find a collection of haut-bourgeois French cuisine items and traditional Czech dishes like grilled pike-perch and strawberry dumplings. If money is no object, check out the selection of Moravian wines, Burgundy and vintage Champagne. (http://www.umaliru.cz/en/)
U Zlaté Hrušky
In a traditional wood-paneled, gothic building, you can find the U Zlaté Hrušky (The Golden Pear) across the road from the Czech President’s villa. With dishes served in the grand Habsburg manner, your meal starts with Iranian caviar and a game ragout for about £100 a pop. Enjoy plates like duck with pears or beef fillet with duck livers, and dine on chocolate soufflé or curd cheese dumplings for dessert. (http://www.restaurantuzlatehrusky.cz/index.php?lng=ru)
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Architecture Tour
Prague is eye candy for even those who aren’t into architecture. One of the most familiar and famous sites is the 13th century Charles Bridge in Old Town, where you’ll find a spectacular astronomical clock and the Týn Church. One of the most artistic contemporary architectural expressions is Vlado Milunic and Frank Gehry’s “Dancing House” (also known as the “Fred and Ginger Building”). When you have some time to spare, visit Prague Castle and its art gallery, palace, monastery, three churches and Kafka’s house.
Enjoy History
Prague immortalized its history in its buildings and sculptures. Head to one of the oldest streets in the city, Celetna Ulice, and check out the Powder Tower and the surrounding historic houses that have names like the Three Kings, Black Sun, Vulture and White Lion. Visit Josefov, a historic Jewish ghetto that has the Old Jewish Cemetery, the Moorish-style Spanish Synagogue and other well-preserved places of worship.
Shop
Find some unexpected treasures the Charles Bridge area, off the popular tourist paths. For a luxury shopping experience, make your way to Na Prikope, one of the most expensive streets in the world and home to Palac Myslbek, Cerna Ruze and other opulent shops. Another street worth checking out for its shopping opportunities is Pařížská, which has some of the most expensive luxury boutiques in the city.
About Solairus Aviation:
Solairus is a US-based private aviation services company whose core business is assisting aircraft owners with the safe, reliable, and efficient management and operation of their aircraft. Our services are customized to meet the client’s individual travel and financial requirements, and to support their flight operation with the highest standards of safety and personalized service, regardless of the location of the aircraft.
Solairus was founded in 2009 and is headquartered in the San Francisco Bay Area. Solairus has over twenty-five base locations across the United States, Europe and Asia, employing more than two hundred flight crew and support personnel to operate a fleet currently numbering over fifty aircraft. Solairus is an Aviation Research Group/US Platinum-Rated and Wyvern Wingman certified charter operator. Solairus has also received the NBAA Commercial Business Flying Safety Award and is an IS-BAO stage two certified company. Solairus offers a full range of services in addition to aircraft management, which includes aircraft charter sales, aviation support services, and consulting. For more information about Solairus Aviation, visit www.solairus.aero or call 800-359-7861.