Buddy Bombards sightseeing by air ballon in Prague

Founded in 1977, Buddy Bombard’s Europe is the world’s only vacation experience of its kind, combining a highly customized luxury tour experience with spectacular, low-level sightseeing by balloon each day throughout his trips.

Each year Buddy Bombard operates 20 departures in 6 European countries; Italy, Austria, Turkey, Switzerland, France, and the Czech Republic, with 27 possible Trip Combinations for those who wish to experience two or more consecutive itineraries. Trips range from 5 to 10 days in length, with Trip Combinations ranging from 12 to 52 days.

A trip with them presents many opportunities to meet and talk with friendly European locals and some of Europe’s most colorful aristocrats. On each departure, travelers check into one luxury hotel for the duration of the trip, exploring the region each day by private car and for about an hour and a half each day, from the gondolas of our beautiful balloons. The group frequently float low enough to speak with greatly amused people in their gardens as we drift just-above-the-rooftops of ancient cobble-stone villages, medieval castles, or through lush, alpine meadows. The generous hospitality we are able to create for our guests by ‘dropping in’ at farmhouses and in picturesque villages is legendary, which makes our spirited landing celebrations shared with the locals, whimsical and full of fun. The days are also packed with exquisite dining, visits to the most attractive features of the area and wonderful, private invitations to the castles and estates of local nobility, vintners and friendly villagers. Each evening a festive dinner party is planned—perhaps by firelight in an 11 th century ruined fortress, at a posh French restaurant or as guests of a Contrada competing in the spectacle of Siena’s Palio.

Sound like fun? It is! Buddy Bombard and his famous balloons have opened doors throughout Europe, allowing their programs to resonate with a cultural authenticity unattainable any other way.

1,000 Years Of Cultural and Architectural Brilliance.
Six Days, Five Nights - Five late afternoon balloon flights scheduled.

Day 1 - Our trip meets and begins at 3:00 p.m. at 5 star Hotel Intercontinental, Prague with check in for 5 nights. Following a welcome reception we’ll depart for our first late afternoon balloon adventure through this magnificent city of castles, gardens, churches, palaces and old town squares on the banks of the Moldau River. Evening dinner party in the penthouse restaurant of our luxury hotel. The many flood-lit Gothic and Baroque towers and spires of the city’s striking skyline will create a marvelous old world backdrop as we dine.

Day 2 - After breakfast our wonderful guide, Dana, takes us to Prague’s ancient, lively “Old Town” (Stare Mesto). A charming district of cobblestone streets full of ancient courtyards, Gothic halls and patrician mansions which developed in the 10th century, its ground plan is the medieval original, with its architecture under UNESCO protection. After a superb lunch we’ll have time for exploring on our own. Magical late afternoon balloon adventure across an interesting part of Prague, followed by dinner in a fine restaurant.

Day 3 - Guided visit through Mala Strana, the Lesser Town, exploring the enormous castle complex which
dominates the city. Starting in Prague Castle, we’ll visit St. Vitus Cathedral, the Royal Palace, and the
interesting maze of medieval streets and lanes that make up Mala Strana. The quarter’s picturesque character
is delightfully different from that of Old Town. After a catastrophic fire in 1541, newly-rich nobility and the
Catholic church built magnificent palaces and ecclesiastical buildings, that were soon surrounded by a very
upscale residential area of attractive Baroque architecture. After a lovely lunch we’ll continue our sightseeing,
crossing the Charles Bridge, dating from 1357 and known for the 30 fine Baroque statues which line both its
sides. Only foot traffic is allowed on this grand structure, one of the great meeting places of the city, and always full
of life. From its center there is a beautiful panoramic view of Prague and its castle. Late afternoon balloon
adventure across a portion of Prague’s 10 centuries of architectural wealth, followed by a festive evening in one
of Prague’s best restaurants.

Day 4 - Morning drive to famous Konopiste castle for a guided visit through one of Bohemia’s most beautiful chateau, full of antique furniture, tapestries, sculptures, paintings, tournament armor and rare firearms from the 15th and 16th centuries. The 14th century castle became the home of Franz Ferdinand d’Este, the successor to the Austrian throne, whose assassination at Sarajevo in 1914 precipitated World War I. Lunch in a charming country setting, and late afternoon balloon adventure through the private parks and gardens of the castle and other countryside landscapes of small rural villages, farmlands and woods. Dinner in one of Prague’s best restaurants.

Day 5 - Morning visit to the appealing walking area where Prague’s best shops are located, including Wenceslas Square and the fascinating Moser crystal exhibit.
Relax on our two hour luncheon cruise on the Moldau River through the historic center of Prague, as our guide explains the many
things of interest as they pass by. After lunch a brief visit to the medieval Jewish Quarter and the oldest surviving Jewish cemetery in all of Europe,
dating from 1478. Late afternoon balloon adventure drifting across another enjoyable part of Prague, followed by farewell dinner party and graduation ceremony at our elegant hotel.

Prague’s 10 Centuries of Cultural & Architectural Brilliance
6 Days, 5 Nights, September 8-13, 2006
$9,793 per person, double occupancy, single supplement $1,083