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Czech Republic

New Year's Eve in Prague

Program No. 19240RJ
Celebrate New Year’s in one of the world’s most treasured cities, discovering rich cultural history, magnificent art and traditional Czech food both with the experts and on your own.

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Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone? 800-454-5768
Select your type of room
Price will update based on selection
Prices displayed below are based on per person,doubleoccupancy.
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 26 - Jan 3, 2025
Starting at
2,599
Itinerary Note

This departure stays at the K+K Hotel Central Prague, centrally located in Prague's Old Town.

Filling Fast!
Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025
Starting at
2,349
Itinerary Note

This departure stays at Hotel Petr, a family run hotel that is located in a residential neighborhood in the Mala Strana.

Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2026
Starting at
2,599
Dec 28 - Jan 5, 2026
Starting at
2,599
DATES & starting prices
PRICES
Dec 26 - Jan 3, 2025
Starting at
3,149
Itinerary Note

This departure stays at the K+K Hotel Central Prague, centrally located in Prague's Old Town.

Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025
Starting at
2,699
Itinerary Note

This departure stays at Hotel Petr, a family run hotel that is located in a residential neighborhood in the Mala Strana.

Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2026
Starting at
3,149
Dec 28 - Jan 5, 2026
Starting at
3,149
This date is available to book as a private experience for your group!

At a Glance

Ring in the New Year in Bohemian style and explore the amazing city of Prague from every angle. Discover Old Town, the former Jewish Ghetto, and the lively Christmas Markets where the smell and taste of traditional Czech delicacies awaits. Learn about the beautiful buildings of this city known for its breathtakingly diverse architecture and step inside 9th-century Prague Castle and 14th-century Karlstejn Castle. Toast the dawning of 2023 during a celebration at an authentic Prague restaurant.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Periods of standing, walking mostly on city streets with some cobblestones and uneven terrain.
Small Group
Small Group
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.

Best of all, you’ll…

  • Enjoy the Christmas markets in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, where musicians perform and mulled wine, chestnuts, potato pancakes and sausages are among the delicacies you’ll find.
  • Marvel at Prague’s historic sites on expert-led walks that bring you over the Charles Bridge, into picturesque Lesser Town and through the Jewish quarter.
  • Greet the New Year in a traditional Bohemian restaurant with Czech folklore, food, music and dancing.

General Notes

Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
All trip experts
Profile Image
Markéta Hegarová
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.

Please note: This expert may not be available for every date of this program.

Profile Image of Markéta Hegarová
Markéta Hegarová View biography
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.
Profile Image of Dagmar Mikolášková
Dagmar Mikolášková View biography
Dagmar Mikolaskova studied in the travel industry, and has been leading groups since 1988 in English, German and French. She also speaks Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Her other experiences include interpreting and hospitality work.
Visit the Road Scholar Bookshop
You can find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
Program
At a Glance
Duration
9 days
Program Begins
Prague
Program Concludes
Prague
Group Type
Small Group
Meals
15 | 7B | 4L | 4D |
Activity Level
Ring in the New Year in Bohemian style and explore the amazing city of Prague from every angle. Discover Old Town, the former Jewish Ghetto, and the lively Christmas Markets where the smell and taste of traditional Czech delicacies awaits. Learn about the beautiful buildings of this city known for its breathtakingly diverse architecture and step inside 9th-century Prague Castle and 14th-century Karlstejn Castle. Toast the dawning of 2023 during a celebration at an authentic Prague restaurant.)
Best of all, you'll...
  • Enjoy the Christmas markets in the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares, where musicians perform and mulled wine, chestnuts, potato pancakes and sausages are among the delicacies you’ll find.
  • Marvel at Prague’s historic sites on expert-led walks that bring you over the Charles Bridge, into picturesque Lesser Town and through the Jewish quarter.
  • Greet the New Year in a traditional Bohemian restaurant with Czech folklore, food, music and dancing.
General Notes
Program includes independent time to explore the city and several meals on your own. Group Leaders will provide directions for self-directed excursions. Suggestions for free-time activities provided in preparatory materials.
Featured Expert
Profile Image
Markéta Hegarová
After graduating from high school, Marketa worked for a British travel agency, specializing in guest relations, transport and group travel. Following that, she worked for the American company Thermo King in Prague and also began working as a group leader herself. She has passed exams in the special areas of architecture, art and the history of the Czech Republic. When not leading travelers around her home country, Marketa enjoys reading, traveling and listening to music.
Please Note:
This expert may not be available for every date of the program
Profile Image of Dagmar Mikolášková
Dagmar Mikolášková
Dagmar Mikolaskova studied in the travel industry, and has been leading groups since 1988 in English, German and French. She also speaks Russian, Spanish and Chinese. Her other experiences include interpreting and hospitality work.
Activity Level
Keep the Pace
Periods of standing, walking mostly on city streets with some cobblestones and uneven terrain.
Small Group (13 to 24)
Love to learn and explore in a small-group setting? These adventures offer small, personal experiences with groups of 13 to 24 participants.
Suggested Reading List
View Full List (18 Books)
You can also find many of the books we recommend at the Road Scholar store on bookshop.org, a website that supports local bookstores.
HAVE QUESTIONS?
Prefer to enroll or inquire by phone?
We can help. Give us a call, and we can answer all of your questions!
Call 800-454-5768
Year
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Date
Dec 27 - Jan 04
  • Dec 26 - Jan 03
  • Dec 27 - Jan 04
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure stays at Hotel Petr, a family run hotel that is located in a residential neighborhood in the Mala Strana.
Please Note: The program differs on certain dates.
Select trip year and date
2024
  • 2024
  • 2025
Dec 27 - Jan 04
  • Dec 26 - Jan 03
  • Dec 27 - Jan 04
Dec 27 - Jan 4, 2025 Itinerary Differences: This departure stays at Hotel Petr, a family run hotel that is located in a residential neighborhood in the Mala Strana.
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
9 days
8 nights
What's Included
15 meals | 7B | 4L | 4D |
1 expert-led lecture
7 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
7 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
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Activity Note
Hotel check-in from 2:00 p.m. Remember to bring your nametag (sent previously).
Afternoon:
Orientation: 5:00 p.m. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Periods in the schedule designated as “Free time” and “At leisure” offer opportunities to do what you like and make your experience even more meaningful and memorable according to your personal preferences. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions. Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At a local restaurant.
Evening:
At leisure. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Activity Note
Activity Notes New safety rules and regulations for entry into Prague Castle require that we show a copy of your passport before entering. Please bring a copy of your passport with you on your program. Getting on/off motorcoach; riding up to 1 hour, approx. 8 miles. Walking up to 2.5 miles throughout the day, approximately 2-3 hours combined time standing and walking, terrain will include cobblestones (some areas are cracked and not well maintained), uneven ground, and unavoidable stairs.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We'll board a private bus and head on an expert-led drive around the city. We'll stop at Prague Castle, the largest resident complex in the Czech Republic and – according to Guinness World Records – the largest ancient castle in the world. This palace has been a home and a working space for Czech kings, Holy Roman Emperors, and Czech presidents since the 9th century. The Old Royal Palace and the Cathedral of St. Vitus are breathtaking architectural treasures.
Lunch:
We will have lunch at Lobkowicz Palace.
Afternoon:
After lunch, we will enjoy a guided visit of Lobkowicz Palace Museum. The museum houses the oldest and largest privately owned art collection in the Czech Republic. The Lobkowicz Collections are comprised of approximately 1,500 paintings. Next, we will return to the hotel via private motorcoach.
Dinner:
On your own to explore local fare.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Walking about 2 miles, approximately 3 hours. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Our field trip will start in the Old Town, a unique area of Prague with the impressive Old Town Square, the center of all events since the Middle Ages. The stone houses, churches, palaces, and monasteries in combination with twisty narrow streets and alleys create a very special atmosphere. Next, we will enjoy Christmas markets at the Old Town and Wenceslas Squares. Other than traditional Christmas and New Year's handcrafts, we will also find various Czech delicacies here, including sausages, potato pancakes, fresh sweet pie, Trdelnik, roasted chestnuts, gingerbread, hot punch, and mulled wine. These, along with performances by musicians on market stages, help to make our visit unforgettable.
Lunch:
We'll have a light lunch at the Grand Café Orient on the first floor of the House of the Black Madonna. Completed in 1912, this building symbolizes the unique Czech contribution to the cubist movement. Once serving as a department store and office space, it now houses a museum dedicated to cubism.
Afternoon:
Free time. You may wish to visit the Museum of Czech Cubism in the House of the Black Madonna.
Dinner:
On own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private bus. Walking and standing for approximately 2 hours at the museum. Extent and duration of free time activities according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We'll head out by bus on an expert-led trip to the Trade Fair Palace, the largest gallery space in Prague with the city’s finest collection of paintings, objects of art, statues, and other exhibits of the 19th, 20th, and 21st centuries. Here, we will view many works by French artists such as Delacroix, Courbet, Sisley, Pissarro, Monet, Seurat, Renoir, Toulouse-Lautrec, Gauguin, Cezanne, Matisse, Chagall, Rousseau, Picasso, and Rodin. We will also become familiar with Czech Fine Art featuring works by Kuaka, Drtikol, Filla, Zrzavy, Spala, Lada, Trnka, Sudek, Knizak – present director of the gallery, Pistek – bearer of the Oscar for the costumes of the movie Amadeus, and many others.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time. The Group Leader will be happy to offer suggestions.
Dinner:
We'll head via private bus to a traditional Bohemian restaurant. There, we'll celebrate the end of the year with a folklore program, music, and dance.
Evening:
We'll remain at the restaurant to celebrate New Year's Eve, Bohemian style!
Activity Note
Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice. Walking about 1 mile, approximately 1 hour in the afternoon. Getting on/off a private bus for dinner and concert.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
Free time. Relax or enjoy some fresh air in the nearby gardens.
Lunch:
At a local restaurant.
Afternoon:
A traditional New Year's walk of Prague sites will lead us to the Charles Bridge, one of the oldest extant stone bridges in Europe, adorned on both sides with a total of thirty Baroque statues. Our field trip continues in the Lesser Town, a picturesque quarter with monumental noble churches and palaces.
Dinner:
In the restaurant of the Municipal House, decorated by Art Nouveau tiles. Enjoy the pre-war Czechoslovakian atmosphere.
Evening:
Happy New Year! Together, we will enjoy a New Year's concert at the Municipal House, the pearl of Art Nouveau style.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private bus; driving about 40 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. Walking uphill for 30 minutes, approximately 130 steps during visit to Karlstejn Castle. Walking and standing for approximately 3 hours total at the castle.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
We will depart on a field trip to Karlstejn Castle. The Gothic castle, founded in 1348 and completed in 1365, was built by the Czech King and Holy Roman Emperor Charles IV as a place to store royal treasures, especially collections of holy relics and crown jewels. We will explore not only the castle but also the village of Karlstejn and the Museum of Nativity Scenes, highlighting the famous Karlstejn Royal Nativity.
Lunch:
At a restaurant near the castle.
Afternoon:
We'll have some time after lunch to relax and explore Karlstejn independently before reboarding the bus and returning to Prague.
Dinner:
On your own.
Evening:
At leisure.
Activity Note
Getting on/off a private bus; driving about 4 miles, Walking about 2 miles, approximately 2 hours. Getting on/off a boat; riding approximately 2 hours. Extent and duration of walking and other activities during free time according to personal choice.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room.
Morning:
At the hotel, our Group Leader will cover contemporary life in the Czech Republic. We will discuss the political and economic changes after 1989, the new global role of the Czech Republic, and the everyday life of ordinary Czechs. Next, we will take a private motorcoach to the Jewish Quarter for a guided visit. The former Jewish Ghetto is a noteworthy quarter of Prague that boasts worldwide significance. Extensive historical records trace the existence of Prague's Jewish community back to the 11th century. The Old Jewish Cemetery is Europe’s oldest and best-preserved Jewish burial ground, its history dating back to the 15th century. The graves form a chronicle in stone of the history of the Prague ghetto.
Lunch:
On your own.
Afternoon:
Free time.
Dinner:
Aboard a Vltava riverboat. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At leisure. Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Activity Note
Hotel check-out by 11:00 a.m. See your program’s “Transportation Information” regarding transfers.
Breakfast:
In the hotel dining room. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on rewarding programs in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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MEALS
15 Meals
7 Breakfasts
4 Lunches
4 Dinners
The following choices may be available when requested in advance: Vegetarian, Low Fat, Low Salt, Gluten Free
LODGING
Lodgings may differ by date. Select a date to see the lodgings specific to that date.
Showing Lodging For:
Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
  • Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
  • Dec 26, 2024 - Jan 03, 2025
  • Dec 27, 2024 - Jan 04, 2025
  • Dec 27, 2025 - Jan 04, 2026
  • Dec 28, 2025 - Jan 05, 2026
7 nights
Location: Prague 1
Centrally located in Prague's Old Town, the four-star superior K+K Hotel Central is characterized by its unique Art Nouveau architecture. It is sophisticated and modern; elegant and simple; and is only a few steps away from the Powder Tower, one of the original city gates that divides the Old and New Towns.
7 nights
Location: Prague 5
Hotel Petr is located in a quiet part of Prague only 15 minutes walking distance or two tram stops from the city center and famous historical sites such as the Charles Bridge and the National Theater. The hotel was built in 1910 and was beautifully restored in 1995. It was newly furnished in 2009, welcoming you for a peaceful night's rest.
7 nights
Location: Prague 5
Hotel Petr is located in a quiet part of Prague only 15 minutes walking distance or two tram stops from the city center and famous historical sites such as the Charles Bridge and the National Theater. The hotel was built in 1910 and was beautifully restored in 1995. It was newly furnished in 2009, welcoming you for a peaceful night's rest.
7 nights
Location: Prague 5
Hotel Petr is located in a quiet part of Prague only 15 minutes walking distance or two tram stops from the city center and famous historical sites such as the Charles Bridge and the National Theater. The hotel was built in 1910 and was beautifully restored in 1995. It was newly furnished in 2009, welcoming you for a peaceful night's rest.
Participant Reviews
4.75
Based on 9 Reviews
Sort By:
Maxine | Roanoke, VA
Very beautiful and fascinating city! And winter is a good time to be there as the Christmas markets are great fun and there are (slightly) fewer crowds though Prague is justifiably popular any time of year. We were fortunate to have good and not too cold weather in the 40s, but do pack your long johns, down jacket and solid walking shoes or boots for walking on cobblestones! You may be cold in sneakers. And this is a walking city with tons to see.
— Review left January 5, 2024
Peter – Class of 2003 | Brookline, MA
VERY enjoyable trip to a beautiful city - 100% modern & functional but with luck & urban planning leaving it largely "picture perfect." You probably can't even find out in advance, but if you get Lucie as a group leader, you will have a WONDERFUL trip - I can just about guarantee.
— Review left January 4, 2024
Ilona – Class of 2018 | Redford, MI
So much to see and do in Prague! Loved the place! How can you not love a place where seniors ride free on public transit? And it is a wonderful system, I was hopping trams all over the place, partly to just get out of packed tourist spots. Try to get a tour with Jana, she is so helpful and considerate. Found local populace very helpful. Put the Music Museum on things to do - don’t miss all the videos of people playing the historic instruments. Food great, just wander around but try to avoid tradlniks and the tourist junk. Would stay at Hotel Petr again, easy to catch a tram and go everywhere. And did really enjoy myself at our New Year’s fest!
— Review left June 3, 2023
Jean – Class of 2021 | York, ME
It was an excellent experience!!
— Review left January 15, 2023
Sandra – Class of 2013 | Phoenix, AZ
I Value Road Scholar Very Much!! As A Solo Person, I Will Only Tour And Travel With Road Scholar! I Have Only Experienced Positive Effects! THANK YOU!! THANK YOU!!
— Review left January 11, 2022
Sharon – Class of 2021 | Philadelphia, PA
Kudos to Road Scholar for putting together a fun and educational trip to Prague. I couldn't have asked for a nicer group of people to spend New Year's Eve with! And the program was perfect. There was enough independent time to keep me very happy (I love to explore on my own) and the scheduled events were perfect. The classical concert was a highlight in my book. Marketa and Pavla were excellent guides--they were friendly, approachable, and very knowledgeable. I was so thrilled with the whole program that I immediately signed up for my next one when I arrived home. Back to Europe to do some hiking/trekking in 6 months. Can't wait!
— Review left January 6, 2022
This participant did not give a star rating.
Karen – Class of 2017 | Houston, TX
Great trip - I loved Prague!! Marketa was a sweet and great guide!!!
— Review left January 13, 2020
Marion – Class of 2001 | Fairport, NY
Prague is enchanting! This program is diverse encompassing music, art, history, etc. in a wonderful city. It is truly excellent in all ways.
— Review left January 7, 2019
Sandra – Class of 2017 | Canton, MI
Beautiful city and well worth the trip!
— Review left January 6, 2019





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