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4* Short breaks to Prague from London Gatwick Apt
4* Short breaks to Prague from London Gatwick Apt
Description
Prague Highlights...
- Lively Nights
- Good for Couples
- Local Markets
- Enjoyable Walks
- Museums
- Cheap to Eat Out
- Local History
- Romantic
- Local Character
- Plenty to do
- Traditional Building
- Bistros & Cafés
- Transfer in 1hr
Pragues story goes back to the distant days of the Celtic tribes, as early as 400BC. The citys real golden age commenced when Charles IV of Bohemia was elected Holy Roman Emperor in 1346. The ambitious Gothic building programme, including St Vitus Cathedral, Charles Bridge, the University, and the New Town (Nové Mĕsto), centred on Wenceslas Square and transformed the city into one of the greatest and most powerful in Europe.
The 20th century brought massive trauma for Czechoslovakia and Prague as the country was occupied by the Germans during World War II and then spent the best part of five decades subjugated under Soviet communist rule, with attempts to win greater democracy in the 1968s Prague Spring brutally crushed under the weight of Russian tanks. The Czech spirit remained undaunted and in 1989, as the Berlin Wall tumbled, the Czechs finally broke free of communism during the Velvet Revolution, which was quickly followed by the Velvet Divorce as the Slovak portion of the old Czechoslovakia chose to go its own way.
With poet/president Vaclav Havel at the helm, Prague, one of the few eastern block capitals to escape physically unscathed from World War II, became the hub of the post-communist eastern European revival with ex-pats flocking to the city in the 1990s, quickly developing a buzz that brought comparisons with Paris in the 1920s. This post Velvet Revolution buzz has faded to some extent and these days there are as many foreign as Czech voices on the streets with the city massively popular as a tourist destination (particularly for weekend breaks) and as a business hub. In May 2004, the Czech Republic joined the European Union, further cementing the citys importance and popularity.
Part of Pragues charm is that it is a rewarding place to visit at any time of year. Winters can be long, harsh and dark, but spring and autumn are often idyllic with summer bringing some very warm central European temperatures. Whether easing under Charles Bridge on a rowing boat on a balmy summer evening, or trudging across the crisp snow of Old Town Square and enjoying a glass of mulled wine at the Christmas Market, the slick, but still deeply characterful Czech capital seldom disappoints.
Departure Airport
London Gatwick Airport
Airport Information
Country
United Kingdom (UK)
Address
London Gatwick Airport, West Sussex, RH6 0NP, UK
Country Code
44
Telephone
(0)870 000 2468
Fax
None
gatwick_feedback@baa.com
Website
www.gatwickairport.com
Location
The airport is located 45km (28 miles) south of London
Time Zone
GMT (GMT + 1 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Number of Terminals
2
Transfer between Terminals
There is a free Transit train, which links the North and South terminals 24 hours a day.
Driving Directions
The airport is linked to the M23 motorway. Turn off at junction 9 and follow signs for the airport. London Gatwick is also accessible from the A23 London-Brighton Road.
Car Parking
Each terminal has a short-term car park with direct access to the terminals via covered walkways; these are operated by NCP (tel: (0)870 600 7050; website: www.ncp.co.uk). Long-term parking is also available in car parks further from the terminals; a free shuttle bus runs between the car parks and the terminals. Passengers can book at least 96 hours in advance; this can be done through BAA Advance (tel: (0)870 000 1 000; website: www.baa.com). Valet parking is available and operated by NCP. Chauffeured parking is also available from CPS (tel: (0)870 411 1118; website: www.parkwithcps.com). Vehicle transfer between airports, car valeting/servicing and personal chauffeuring can also be arranged through CPS.
Car Hire
Companies include Avis, Europcar, Hertz, National and Thrifty. Offices are located in designated car rental buildings on the Lower Forecourt Road at both terminals.
Public Transport
Rail: The Gatwick Express train (tel: (0)845 850 1530; website: www.gatwickexpress.co.uk) runs to London Victoria Station (journey time: 30 minutes). There is also a Thameslink (tel: (0)20 7620 6333) service, which runs to London King’s Cross (journey time: 50 minutes) as well as other London stations. Information on all national rail travel is available through the 24-hour National Rail enquiries line (tel: (0)845 748 4950; website: www.nationalrail.co.uk). Road: Limousine: Chauffeur-driven cars are provided by Checker Cars (tel: (0)800 747 737). Coach: There are more than 400 express coach service operating daily from the coach stations at both terminals. The main coach station is located on the ground floor of the South Terminal, with most services operating from here. Principal routes also stop at the North Terminal station. National Express (tel: (0) 870 575 7747; website: www.nationalexpress.com) operate most of the services. National Express no.700 coaches operate to Heathrow Airport, from both terminals. The National Express Shuttle no.025 runs to London Victoria Station. The Gatwick Flyer (tel: (0)1708 730 555) runs to destinations east of London, and coaches operate from the South Terminal station only. There are coach information and ticket desks located in the Arrivals concourse of both terminals. Information on travel to/from the airport is available thought the Airport Travel Line (tel: (0)8705 747 777).
Information and Help Desks
Each Arrivals concourse has an information desk (tel: (0)870 000 2468) where multi-lingual staff are on hand to deal with enquiries 24 hours a day.
Airport Facilities
Money and communications: Both terminals have bureaux de change and ATMs. There is a post office and a 24-hour Internet café in the South Terminal. Wireless Internet connection is also available in the North Terminal. Eating and drinking: There are many restaurants, bars and cafés located in both terminals. Shopping: There are many shops at the airport, including several duty-free outlets. The airport has also recently introduced a home delivery service and a collection service. More information is available from the BAA Shopping Information Line (tel: (0)800 844 844). Luggage: Left-luggage facilities are available in both terminals. A lost property service is also operated by the Excess Baggage Company (tel: (0)1293 503 162). Other facilities: These include baby changing rooms and showers, a children’s play area, a medical centre offering vaccinations (tel: (0)1293 507 400) and prayer rooms.
Conference and Business Facilities
There are business facilities, including telephone, fax, photocopy and secretarial services and conference and meeting rooms, at London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: (0)1293 518 080) at the South Terminal and Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel (tel: (0)1293 567 070) at the North Terminal. There is one executive lounge in the South Terminal, the Servisair Lounge (tel: (0)870 787 6877), and one in the North Terminal, the Aviance Alexandra Suite (tel: (0)1293 507 203).
Disabled Facilities
Special assistance is available for disabled passengers. There are ramps and/or lifts where necessary. Wheelchair push and provision and help with baggage are also provided on request. Reserved seating is located throughout the airport, and there is also designated parking for badge holders. There is an induction loop installed in the terminals, as well as disabled toilets. Passengers requiring assistance should inform the relevant airline before travelling. Travel-Care (tel: (0)1293 504 283) provides advice to anyone who needs assistance and is located in The Village, in the South Terminal.
Airport Hotels
Airport hotels include the London Gatwick Hilton Hotel (tel: (0)1293 518 080) at the South Terminal, and Le Meridien London Gatwick Hotel (tel: (0)1293 567 070 or (0)870 400 8494) at the North Terminal. The Travel Inn (tel: (0)870 238 3305) is situated a five-minute walk away from the North Terminal. Other nearby hotels include the Gatwick Moat House, Ramada Plaza Gatwick, Holiday Inn Gatwick, Renaissance Gatwick, Gatwick Belmont and Holidan Inn Express. A hotel reservation service is available at the British Hotel Reservation Centre desks (tel: (0)1293 504 605 or (0)800 783 4060) in the Arrivals area.
City
London
Full Airport Name
London Gatwick Airport
State or Province
England
Destination Airport
Prague Ruzyne Airport
Airport Information
Country
Czech Republic
Address
Airport Prague, Prague Ruzyne Airport, 160 08 Prague 6, Czech Republic
Country Code
420
Telephone
(0)2 2011 3314/321
Fax
(0)2 3535 0922
info@prg.aero
Website
www.prg.aero/en/site/klient/klient_index.htm
Location
The airport is located 20km (12 miles) northwest of Prague
Time Zone
GMT + 1 (GMT + 2 from the last Sunday in March to the last Sunday in October)
Number of Terminals
4
Transfer between Terminals
Transfer between the terminals is by bus, minibus or taxi.
Driving Directions
From Prague city centre, follow airport signs towards Kladno or Slan.
Car Parking
Car parking facilities include both short- and long-term parking, located in front of the North Terminal, a multi-storey car park and parking for coaches. There is also short- and long-term parking at the South Terminal.
Car Hire
Alimex CR, Alamo (National), Avis, Budget, CS-Czechocar, Dvorak, Europcar, Hertz and Sixt are all represented, with counters on the ground floor of car park C.
Public Transport
Road: Taxi: Registered taxis operated by FIX (tel: (0)2 2056 1788) are available in front of the Arrivals hall. Minibus: Minibuses operated by CEDAZ (tel: (0)2 2491 9240) serve the airport. Minibus stands are located in front of the Arrivals hall. Both companies have information desks in the Arrivals hall. Bus: Bus no.119 and bus no.254 run from the airport to Dejvická, the nearest metro station. Two night bus services operate after hours. Services are operated by DP Praha (tel: (0)2 2011 5404; website: www.dp-praha.cz), which has an information desk in the Arrivals hall.
Information and Help Desks
Information desks are located at Arrivals and Departures in the North Terminal (tel: (0)2 2011 3314 or (0)2 2011 3321).
Airport Facilities
Money and communications: There are bureaux de change and ATMs in the North Terminal, and a 24-hour bureau de change in the transit section. There is one bank and a post office in the administration building opposite the Arrivals area. Full postal services are available from Post 68. Eating and drinking: There is a restaurant complex situated on the first floor of the North Terminal, and a restaurant in the South Terminal 2. Shopping: Duty-free shopping is available in the transit area of the North Terminal. There is also duty-free shopping in the South Terminal 2. Luggage: Lost property offices are located in the customs Arrival hall. Additional lost property and left-luggage offices are located in the Arrivals area of the North Terminal. An oversized baggage shipping service and a baggage wrapping service are available. Other facilities: A 24-hour health and sanitary service is provided.
Conference and Business Facilities
A conference room (seating 12) and a press room (seating 35) are available at the VIP facilities in the North Terminal. A Representative Lounge is available, equipped with fax, photocopying, a data-projector and free Internet. Fixed and mobile congress counters can be hired through the VIP Service (tel: (0)2 2056 2525 or (0)2 2011 3491). The Bohemia Lounge is situated on Pier B of the North Terminal, with Internet, fax and photocopying services. Lounges and two conference rooms (accommodating 14 and 25 delegates) are available for hire in the South Terminal.
Disabled Facilities
The airport is accessible to disabled passengers and assistance can be requested in advance (tel: (0)2 2011 6076/7). Passengers should also inform their airline of their requirements prior to travel. Parking is free for disabled passengers upon presentation of a valid disabled badge; reserved spaces are available in the multi-storey car park.
Airport Hotels
The Ramada Airport Hotel Prague is situated near the South Terminal (tel: (0)2 2011 1250 or (0)2 7175 0275). Nearby hotels include the Comfort Hotel Prague Airport (tel: (0)2 3532 5007), situated 5km (3 miles) from the airport, and the Avion Hotel (tel: (0)2 2061 0366/7; website: www.hotelavion.cz), Hotel Praha (tel: (0)2 2434 3305), and Hotel Diplomat (tel: (0)2 9655 9111), all situated about 8km (5 miles) from the airport.
City
Prague
Full Airport Name
Prague Ruzyne Airport
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