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We’ve just added Berlin to the destinations on offer here at JayWay Travel and one of the most common combinations of itinerary is Prague and Berlin (and often Budapest too. Check our Prague to Budapest post).

As the crow flies, the two capitals are 280km apart and you can travel the distance a number of ways:

Plane

There are regular direct flights between Prague and Berlin operated twice daily by Czech Airlines (CSA), all other airlines (German Wings and Lufthansa) require a change somewhere else in Germany. As the only airline operating the route directly CSA are somewhat pricey (even out of peak season, expect to pay at least 0). If you’re travelling in a group, this gets expensive fast, with no discounts for multiple passengers! Flights with changes are cheaper but take at least an hour longer. The flight time is one hour, though you’ll need to factor in the time to get to and from the airports at either end, as well as getting to the airport at least an hour before check-in. Total journey time is close to four hours for a direct flight.

Train

For city-centre to city-centre convenience the train is hard to beat, though if you’ve got lots of luggage, you’ll need to factor in the hassle of getting to and from the train station. Trains start at Berlin’s Hauptbahnhof and arrive at Prague’s Hlavni Nadrazi (main station). Journey time isn’t much worse than taking a plane, all told, at 5 minutes short of 5 hours, and you get to stretch out and watch the scenery. You can buy tickets online or we can take care of buying them for you. Buying in advance is usually cheaper than buying on the day.

Automobile (rental)

You could hire a car and drive yourself, though dropping a rental off in another country usually incurs a fairly hefty fee. If you’re round-tripping and returning the car where you picked it up, you avoid this charge but pay attention to mileage allowances as driving across Europe can eat those up, unless it’s unlimited. Fuel is also a lot more expensive than you might be used to if you’re visiting from the US ( a gallon!). Don’t forget to add in the cost of parking too.

Door-to-door Transfer

Alternatively we can arrange a private transfer service, with an appropriately sized car or minivan, between the two cities. You get the convenience of door-to-door service as well as save money when you’re in a group. As well as being hassle free we can also give you the option of a stop en route in Dresden, a beautiful city in South East Germany, for a bonus bit of sightseeing. On a good run the journey time is around 4 hours.

And back again?

Getting to Berlin from Prague is exactly the same in reverse. Whichever direction or mode you want to travel, we can include it as part of a tailored JayWay Travel tour package.

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We’re ringing in the New Year here at JayWay with the addition of some new destinations, with two new countries on our map and four cities in total. We’ve got a selection of accommodation options as well as some superb excursions and day trips in each city and we’ve worked out all the transfer options to join these new cities up with our existing line-up.

Berlin, Germany

JFK was a Berliner and you can be too, for a few days at least. This renewed, reunited, vibrant capital city is a can’t miss stop on a tour of Central Europe. With plentiful flight connections Berlin is a great place to start or end your trip. A direct train or a private transfer gets you to Prague in four to five hours. There’s plenty to see in Berlin too, from world-class museums, the rebuilt Bundestag building and a plethora of Berlin city tours and day trips. There’s a thriving arts scene too, with galleries, outdoor installations and performances aplenty.

Munich, Germany

The beating heart of German industry, home to BMW and Siemens. Though Munich was largely rebuilt after the destruction of WWII there’s still an old-world charm to the Bavarian capital. If your visit coincides with OktoberFest (book ahead! The dates are September 17th to October 3rd this year.) you’re in for a once-in-a-lifetime party. Even when the world-famous beer festival isn’t taking place there’s no excuse not to sample one of the local brews. As a major aviation hub in Germany, Munich makes a lot of sense as a starting or finishing point for a tour of Central Europe.

Venice, Italy

The quintessential city-museum, Venice has been popular with JayWay guests visiting nearby Croatia for several years and was a shoo-in for this round of additions to our line-up. We had our all-hands meeting there in November and loved it. You can get lost in the maze of streets here, happen across picturesque squares, turn a corner and you’re at the Grand Canal, crossing on a flat-bottomed traghetto. For first time visitors we’ve found the perfect way to get to know Venice with a walking tour designed to show you all the major sites along with the story of Venice’s impressive history.

Salzburg, Austria

Our second destination in Austria (after Vienna), Salzburg is a baroque jewel surrounded by the Alps. Its Old Town was added to the UNESCO world heritage list in 1997. It’s not far from new destination Munich, or an old favorite, Cesky Krumlov in south Bohemia (Czech Republic).

Go West!

This westward expansion of our destinations allows us to offer our renowned level of trip planning and in-destination care to some destinations that many of our guests have been asking for or have previously had to make arrangements in independently. If you’re considering a tour of Central and Eastern Europe in 2012 we’ve covered even more bases for you, get in touch and we’ll prepare a tailor-made itinerary for you.

Related posts:

1. Views of Venice

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New Year’s Eve is an odd holiday, when it almost seems mandatory that you have something “fun” planned, or that you attend a party. But if doing belly shots and listening to techno thumping isn’t exactly your idea of a good time, consider celebrating the end of the year with a special dinner out. Many Prague restaurants are hosting parties of their own for New Year’s, with set course menus that often include drinks, as well — so there’s still plenty of opportunities to get a bit wild, but in style (and on a full, happy stomach).

In the Dec. 21 issue of The Prague Post, I listed several dining options for Dec. 31. There are many more out there, though, than the printed page can allow, so here are a few more ideas to whet your appetite, for a range of budgets. Make sure to book a table as soon as possible, though — places will book up fast.

U Vejvodů

Jilská 1, Prague 1–Old Town. Tel. 224 219 999

One of Prague’s oldest and best-known watering holes, U Vejvodů is a classic Czech beer hall. So it’s fitting that its New Year’s Party features a taste of Czech cuisine and pub life extending into the wee hours, and all for people’s prices. For 890 Kč per person, there’s a welcome drink of Becherovka at 7:30 p.m.; at 7:40, a first course of chicken Galantine with Rollo Rosso salad; at 8 p.m., a main course comprising an “Old Bohemian plate” of a quarter roast duck, grilled pork neck, smoked pork, red and white sauerkraut and potato, bread and Carlsbad dumplings; and at 10 p.m., dessert of a fruit tart. Between 12:30 and 1 a.m., traditional Czech sausage will be served with mustard and horseradish, and live music (as well as a traditional travesty show) will keep the entertainment levels high from 8 p.m. till 5 a.m.

Koliba U Pastýřky

Bělehradská 15, Prague 4–Nusle. Tel. 222 564 335

This vast country-style beer hall is ideal for large groups, and despite being outside of the city center is easily accessible via the No. 11 tram. U Pastýřky’s New Year’s Eve party is bound to be a rowdy, hopsy event, and food and drinks are all included for 2,000 Kč. The special all-inclusive menu for the evening features an aperitif of Becherovka; a mixed starter plate of sausages, spiced pork, ham with horseradish and mustard, peppers and a variety of cheeses; cabbage and sausage soup in a bread bowl; entrees of pork tenderloin stuffed with Parma ham, skewers of grilled beef rumpsteak and chicken breast with sun-dried tomatoes prepared in English-style bacon, with potatoes, steak fries and potato pancakes; dessert of apple strudel, vanilla ice cream and whipped cream; and a midnight toast of Bohemia Sekt. All-you-can-drink beverages include Pilsner Urquell, a selection of wines, and soft drinks. Live music courtesy of a tombola group will keep the action going till late.

Velká Klášterní restaurace

Strahovské nádvoří 302, Prague 1–Strahov. Tel. 233 352 730

If you’re looking to ring in the new year at a closer proximity to beer at its source, Klášterní restaurace might be the place. With an award-winning microbrewery onsite, the restaurant, whose rooms carry much atmosphere from their monastic roots, are an elegant place — not to mention the restaurant is located just steps away from one of the best views over the city, perfect for catching the midnight show of fireworks. For 1,990 Kč, the menu includes a welcome drink of Bohemia Sekt or Becherovka; beef and salmon tartare with toast; roast trout with prawns on rucola with grilled cherry tomatoes; goose Galantine with fois gras, potatoes and cabbage; a selection of cakes; tea and coffee; salty snacks; and, after midnight, roast suckling pig with ham and lentil salad with homemade bread. To include beverages in the menu, it costs 100 Kč per person per hour for unlimited beer, wine or soft drinks.

Il Gattopardo

Vojtěšská 9, Prague 1–Old Town. Tel. 222 512 828

If you’re looking to think warmer thoughts, and a touch of Sicilian flair (and fare) would do just the trick, Il Gattopardo, which recently moved from its Letná outpost to a central location in Old Town, is hosting a New Year’s Eve party. The price of 2,800 Kč includes a welcome drink of Aperol spritzer; starters of tuna tartare alla Salinese, swordfish carpaccio alla Garibaldina, shrimp skewers with avocado sauce, Arancini and veal slices with tuna sauce alla Gattopardiana; black tagliolini with lobster sauce, and Gepard’s baked pasta; Grand Marnier coffee sorbet; Angus beef steak or monkfish alla Tancredi; dessert of warm Panettone with pistachio cream; coffee and a glass of sparkling wine. Recommended arrival time is 7 p.m. for the menu, and the evening will be accompanied by Neapolitan songwriter Edmondo Bucciarelli.

La Finestra

Platnéřská 90/13, Prague 1–Old Town. Tel. 222 325 325

For another taste of Italy, La Finestra in Old Town has a special menu for 2,950 Kč featuring terrine of quail and fois gras with roasted nuts, beetroot carpaccio and green lentils balsamic salad; white fagioli soup with lobster fricassee, smoked Buffalo mozzarella and crispy Pata negra; vermicelli with Pienollo tomatoes reduction and cod tartare; choice of slow-cooked veal cheeks with winter apple-cinnamon puree, creamy horseradish sauce and gratinated butter potatoes; or seared pikeperch with warm vegetables-morrels salad, glazed shallots and milk truffle foam; chestnut mille foglie with warm plum compote and Grappa foam.

Cloud 9

Pobřežní 1, Prague 8–Karlín. Tel. 224 842 999

This sky bar atop the Prague Hilton boasts some of best views over the city, with a sweeping terrace, and its signature cocktails rank among some of Prague’s best. For New Year’s Eve, the bar hosts a gala dinner buffet, unlimited Taittinger Champagne, wine, beer and soft drinks, a welcome drink, a midnight toast, and an after-party into the morning hours. 7,990 Kč per person.

Restaurant My Life

Jankovcova 49, Prague 7–Holešovice. Tel. 774 222 224

Located in the industrial area of Holesovice that’s fast become home to reconstructed office buildings and swank apartment complexes, Restaurant My Life hosts a New Year’s buffet dinner, accompanied by live music, for 550 Kč per person. Call for more details.

La Casa Argentina

Dlouhá 35, Prague 1–Old Town. Tel. 222 313 092

For a Latin-themed evening, La Casa Argentina hosts a Latin night of several options of set menus (featuring the likes of filet Mignon and Iberian pork cheeks) for 1,850–2,350 Kč. Live music will accompany, and midnight fireworks are promised.

Peklo

Strahovské nádvoří 1, Prague 1–Strahov. Tel. 608 503 395

Somewhere named Hell may not sound like an ideal place to celebrate, but this gorgeous, brick-lined cellar space atop Strahov is hot, and its New Year’s menu costs 1,990 Kč. The buffet features homemade duck pate, marinated salmon, Bresaola with honey-dew melon, rucola and goat cheese, Caesar salad, beef burritos, grilled tiger shrimps and pastas, to name a few things. The price includes a welcome drink, the buffet, a midnight toast and unlimited soft drinks. Musical entertainment will be provided by the Peter Kroutil Trio.

Mlýnec

Novotného lávka 9, Prague 1–Old Town. Tel. 277 000 777

Located right next to Charles Bridge, Mlýnec hosts a six-course degustation menu with wines, unlimited drinks, an evening buffet with live music, and other treats, for the price of 6,990 Kč per person. Contact the restaurant for more information.

Artisan

Rošických 4, Prague 5–Malá Strana. Tel. 257 218 277

For an international menu at this consistently good eatery, Artisan has a New Year’s menu that includes a glass of Glosset Excellence Champagne; an amuse bouche; beef tartare with truffle oil and homemade focaccia; veal consommé with homemade ravioli, vegetables and sherry; poached tiger prawns with saffron foam; lemon sorbet with basil; an entrée of either roast John Dorry fillet with salsa verde and French beans or beef steak “Rossini”; and a dessert of coconut panna cotta with passion-fruit sauce. The cost per person is 1,950 Kč.

Na Slamníku

Wolkerova 12, Prague 6–Bubeneč. Tel. 233 322 594

One of Prague’s oldest and most authentic pubs that’s managed to escape the tourist craze, Na Slamníku is a former stable house on the edge of Stromovka Park. Drinking there is definitely a no-frills affair, but the dance hall and the pub warmed by a cozy fireplace make for an atmosphere that’s difficult to leave. For New Year’s, the pub is hosting a set menu of Czech food for 200 Kč, and, best of all, is turning back the clock on its beer prices, selling each pint for only 5 Kč.

2 Pazzi

Donská 11, Prague 10-Vršovice. Tel. 606 633 992

This family-run, small Italian restaurant on the Vinohrady-Vrsovice border hosts a special New Year’s degustation menu, which, for 690  Kč, includes skewer of shrimps and polenta with basil pesto, carrot and ginger soup, Orecchiette Pasta with broccoli and salmon, lemon and champagne sorbet, porchetta with rosemary potatoes, and limoncello tiramisu.

Čau Down

La Republica, the newly opened dining-and-dancehall venue on Na Poříčí, right across from Palladium shopping center, that is run by Gastro Group (who also runs La Casa Argentina and Bodeguito del Medio) held its opening party last night. As the drinks flowed as fast as the skirts twirled on the floor to swing and big band, it became apparent La Republica might just be a good addition to Prague nightlife — and the food wasn’t bad, either, at least that which I sampled from the buffet. It’s fun to imagine getting dressed up in 1920s/1930s garb and feeling a little like Midnight in Paris of an evening, but the Czech version.

The space that La Republica inhabits is a beautifully crafted interior, and it used to house Republika, a similar but less grandiose attempt at a 1930s throwback, which is kind of a necessity as the rooms include a First Republic era ballroom and several bars, as well as Art Nouveau accents that further lend to the charm. Here’s the review of its past incarnation that I wrote back in September 2010.

La Republika claims to have the tallest bar in the country. (All photos courtesy of La Republica)

Gastro Group has upped the ante with the theme, adding a stunningly designed bar that is so tall the bartender must ascend a rolling ladder to reach the top shelf. And the space is vast, so a no-holds-barred opening party was a fitting way to christen the restaurant and really show it at its best and most ideal.

Celebrities mingled, drinks in hands, as photographers trailed after them, and the rest of us bee-lined for the food, which comprised a sampling of dishes from La Republica’s menu. Part of me had been hoping for some tapas or Argentinean steak a la its sister restaurants, but La Republica keeps consistent with its theme and offers classic Czech items, as well as some Austrian, German and international plates, courtesy of chef Jaroslav Zahalka. The Austrian concept of Tafelspitz figures proudly on the menu, a cut of boiled beef. There’s also beef-cheek goulash, which was unfortunately a tad cold from the buffet, as well as Bavarian roast pork knee and some very addictive cheese “špecle,” which I couldn’t find a good translation for but was basically a cross between spätzle and halušky, little noodles of cheese dough with a tart sheep cheese taste, strands of sour cabbage and chunks of ham.

Tafelspitz

It’s not exactly the cuisine though that makes me want to jump up and fling myself onto the dance floor, as it’s quite stodgy. Also, looking at their menu today, I gaped at how pricey their beers are: They have quite an impressive collection of Belgian, German and international beers, but most were upward of 110 Kč for a bottle, a wonder considering some of them, like bottled Guinness, Corona or especially Paulaner, are relatively ubiquitous around town, and for much less. At least the Czech beers on tap at La Republica, Pilsner Urquell and Kozel, are more accessibly priced at 45 Kč per half-liter. There are also some interesting-sounding cocktails, most running at about 140 Kč.

How La Republica stands up as a restaurant remains to be seen, but there’s a chance the appeal of its swinging dancefloor — which will have live bands playing nightly Tuesdays through Saturdays — might set it apart and save it from becoming a relic of the past that it emulates, before it’s even begun.

The main room at La Republica.

Čau Down

As anyone who’s spent a Christmas in Prague before may know, fish plays a big role in the mysticism of the season. Carp has an especially sacrificial part in Czech Christmas dinner, getting a deep-fried place of honor right next to the potato salad and fish soup. It’s this time of year when the streetside vats start appearing, and the sidewalks run with blood as the large fish are either beheaded on the spot or the carp are taken home to take up residence in the bathtub until that fateful day.

Most Czechs I’ve spoken to over the years have mixed feelings about this Dec. 24 tradition: Few people actually admit to “liking” the fish itself, but many like the tradition of it, and so, year after year, they pick through the boney flesh and pile the potato salad extra high. Especially now, though, with an influx of more accessible and more affordable imports of fish reaching the country, carp appears to be losing its scaly grip on the Christmas dinnertime monopoly.

A seemingly nonfried variation doesn't look that much more appetizing.

These days, you can get any number of types of fresh fish (or fish that’s been flash-frozen) from several reliable suppliers around town, and a recent addition has been a stand at the Dejvice farmers’ market, on Vitězné náměstí, which boasts fresh tuna, fresh salmon, cod, mackerel, mussels and a host of other sea critters. They also usually have a pot or two going of something to eat right then and there, like mussels in white wine sauce (55 Kč for a serving) or pan-fried salmon steaks served with a heel of rustic bread. It’s proved a very popular stand at the market, and, luckily for anyone who’s a fan of a) that particular farmers’ market and b) Christmas markets, the Vitězné náměstí market now runs Thursday through Sunday as a Christmas farmers’ market, offering the best of local and organic produce and items as well as Christmas trees, mulled wine, pastries (including some of the most incredible strudel, if you can get there in time) and a covered tent for seating to hide against those biting winds.

Another market that has for quite a while been a go-to place for fish-seeking marketgoers has been the Holešovická tržnice. Just in time for educating the pre-Christmas masses about the benefits and the variety of seafood, the Holešovice market is hosting a Fish Festival tomorrow, Saturday, Dec. 10, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (specifically, at Pražská tržnice, hall No. 36).

It’s being billed as “the largest gastronomic festival specializing in fresh fish” and a “festival for all gourmands that want to enjoy great fish, and those looking for inspiration for Christmas dinner” — a subtle nod to both those people who have taken the leap away from carp and taken to deep-frying salmon or another fish in its place, as well as those curious about making the switch.

The daylong event promises to feature tastings of various preparations of different fish, recipes, cooking demonstrations, fish for sale and menu of ready-to-eat and cooked-on-the-spot items including fish and seafood salads, pickled marinated and smoked fish; Bouillabaise and other fish soups with mussels and prawns; fried sardines, anchovies, mullet, herring hake and squid; grilled seafood such as sea bass, sea bream, mackerel, tuna and salmon; and fish and seafood pastas and risottos. Fish dishes start at 50 Kč a serving, and, as a bonus, Balkan band Goran Bregovic will provide some festive background.

So if there’s a certain someone in your life bent on cooking carp this Christmas much to your chagrin, perhaps a trip to the Holešovice market will broaden their fish horizons just in time for the holidays.

Čau Down