" How to Take the IC BUS from Nürnberg to Prague "

There are no direct train stops from Nürnberg to Prague.
The IC train or D-BAHN would have been our first choice otherwise.

It was an easy and smooth ride, as there were no delays and stopovers and
a double decker bus with large windows and enough space for seating.
It took us about 3-1/2 hours to get to Prague,
but the ride wasn't boring because you get a nice picturesque view.

The Nürnberg Hauptbahnhof station was a bit far from where we were staying.
So we had an early check out and instead of taking the metro, we opted to slowly wheeled our luggage while taking fotos.
We arrived half an hour earlier than we expected.
But we do not mind the wait, because the train station was already busy and not sketchy at all.




The IC BUS was easy to locate and a large placard was placed up front which i'm sure you couldn't miss it.



Be sure to check this chart before you embark.
We took the 09:40 am time slot.



Then when the bus finally arrived right in front of the train station,
the queue already looked like this.



This very pompous Bus DRIVER was just one of the things that could almost ruin your day.
Maybe, you would expect just a little help from him, like at least, help you lift your luggage and put it inside.
But NO, he even muttered some un-friendly German phrases which gladly I don't understand.
Mind you, we are just petite gals and the height of the bus trunk was just too high for us!
See how this lady cradled her luggage so she can put it inside.



Once inside, everything looks clean and new.
and also, it doesn't have that musky old smell.

There are no specified seating plans, I think you can't book ahead to reserve for a good seat.
But if you book earlier, you could get a better one.

We were on the 2nd deck, just behind the front seat.



This is what the PRINT OUT looks like.
I think there is a Free Wifi, but only in selected areas as well.



Here's another interior shot.
Also enough space to put your extras * Jackets/ hand carry *



A view like these don't come often so I savored it like there's no tomorrow.














From German adverts to Czech signs.
We were a few miles away from Charles Bridge.
Look at how the architectural details differ.



The bridge along the Vlatva river.


When we arrived at the Prague's train station. * hlavní nádraží *
Our driver from the Hotel * Domus Balthasar *
thankfully carried all of our baggage. ^-^




For ticket reservations: CLICK here

A city called : Prague

Winter Twilight in Prague

" Prague’s oldest bridge was built to replace the Judith Bridge that had been badly damaged by floods in 1342. The Stone, or Prague, Bridge, called Charles Bridge since 1870, was begun in 1357 by Charles IV and was completed in 1402. The bridge is built of sandstone blocks, flanked at each end by fortified towers (Lesser Town Bridge Towers, Old Town Bridge Tower). From 1683 to 1928, 30 statues of saints were carved to decorate the bridge, the most famous of which is the statue of St John of Nepomuk. credit: Prague City Tourism

[ Karlův most ]
Charles Bridge
Praha 1 - Staré Město / Malá Strana

The weekend in Black and White

" HOTEL REVIEW : DOMUS BALTHASAR Design Hotel in PRAGUE "

Our stay in Prague was one of the most memorable to date.
We chose an accommodation that is location wise and near to every must-see sights that we needed to see.

Hotel Domus Balthasar is right at the heart of Charles Bridge *Karluv Most*.
Having been to this city almost a decade ago,
walking the bridge, overlooking the the Vltava River was riveting and something I'd never forget.
It's like the Pont des Arts of Paris.
Actually, the only good thing I remember about this city then.
So, choosing our stay wasn't as difficult as I wish it would be.
We booked our reservations, 2 months in advance.
Before the details though, Let me walk you through what happened the day we arrived in Prague.

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That early morning from Nürnberg,
we took the IC shuttle Bus all the way to Prague's main railway station, called Hvlani Nadrazi.
The ticket costs 19 euros.
** If you booked earlier, you can get it cheaper. **



this is the { Bus Stop } Nürnberg train station, the assigned bus comes on time and is best if you arrive 30 minutes earlier.

We were concerned with our luggage and commuting the Metro was a bit of a hassle.
So we hired a local taxi service instead, * provided by the hotel * for a fee of 15 euros.
The driver was helpful and courteous, best of all, he did arrive on time.
He held out a card with our name on it, and i think it was quite obvious that it was us, as we were the only Asians on that bus. ^-^


Here's our very helpful driver who lugged two of our heavy luggage all the way up to our room.


the cobbled street right outside the hotel


The hotel is at the corner, the one with the Salmon-Peach trimmings, there's a money exchange station beside it and Antique souvenir store.

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The main door has an automated key card but also comes with a set of keys, provided by the hotel.
The reception is not 24 hours, it is only until 12 midnight, but they leave you these emergency numbers just in case...



We were greeted by a cheery and hospitable receptionist,
who instantly welcomed us with a smile and a chirpy, upbeat voice.
She gave us a handful of details * maps, restos nearby, holiday what nots* and a quick history of the building,
a tour of the place up to the attic room.


Prepare... to climb...
less than a hundred steps before you reach the top floor.





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The stairs are clearly not for the faint-hearted , especially those suffering from vertigo.
But once we were inside the room, it was all worth it.


The attic room was Immaculate.
In a word, it was just "picture-perfect."
We couldn't ask for anything more. ^-^


I love the attention to detail...
two mini chocos for us. ~how sweet! ~ ^0^





There are *I think* 10 rooms for you to choose.
I initially wanted the mid-range room, large windows, bigger space and directly overlooking the Karluv Most *Charles Bridge* view.
But sister Pepperoni thought we should try the attic room instead, just for the fun of it.
I was adamant at first, but since the the price was less expensive compared to the other rooms, I caved in.



It was actually quite spacious inside, we chose our side of niche and immediately fell on the bed. ^-^






I like the handy A/C but I'm not a fan of heating ventilation.
Coming from a hot and humid country, I always felt suffocated when the heater is turned on.

While most of the hotels and B&B's don't offer air conditioning during winter, this one does and it was just what we need.

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Unfortunately, I couldn't say the same thing about the bathroom.
The photo speaks for itself.
For 4 days, we endured this bathroom fixture, It was badly placed.





but with a nicely decorated tree, you forgot you had that bathtub dilemma.


On Christmas eve, we received a pack of cookies with a matching note. It was such a nice gesture.


A few remarks -*

1 - The room has a good ambiance, but during summer, because of the heat and humidity,
I think it might be a bit claustrophobic, thankfully though, they have a portable air conditioning.

2- The height of the room might be a problem for some.
The bathroom where the bathtub is located was the most disappointing of all.
But one can't complain because this is an old house that has been recently refurbished for modern use.

3- The attic rooms are not for everyone, esp. when you're afraid of heights,
the flight of stairs are going to murder your otherwise tired feet from all the walking and sightseeing,
and the last thing you need to do is to climb a hundred to get into your room.

4- Prepare your things in order before you leave the room.

e.g I have a bad habit of not checking my things before I leave. *I know, I know* , I tend to be forgetful sometimes.
So, Just as we were about to leave the front door, I forgot to bring the camera with me, the next thing I know, it was the coat.
Yup, I climbed all the way back up, panting and regretting badly why I chose a room in the attic.

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* BALCONY *

With a view overlooking the shingled roofs, the small domes and spires, the bridge and the tower.
It was beautiful and it's not an ordinary view I wake up to.


me, peering through the window.




somebody else's roof


sunrise


partial view from the bathroom




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* FOOD *

Breakfast was included, so, every morning, we would go to the reception desk and gave us these laminated voucher cards.



The breakfast area is just next door to the Hotel called Bagels.



Breakfast treats were abundant, Hot and Cold were available.
Aside from this, you have a daily choice between : Pancakes and Jam OR Eggs and Bacon.



Of course, I chose the latter, I have a soft spot for Bacons. ^-^



Yes, a hearty meal goes a long way.



And a cup of Cappuccino makes all the stress go away. ^-^



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Overall, our 4 days-3 nights was a remarkable stay.
The service, safety, location and valur for money was great.
I would love to stay again in a heartbeat.


FOR MORE INFO:

DOMUS BALTHASAR Official site

Mostecká 282/5, 118 00 Praha 1 -
Malá Strana, Czech Republic.

Car service: From Hvlani Nadrazi train station - To Hotel = 15 EUROS.
Car service: From Hotel- To the airport = 20 EUROS.


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