Czech Rebublic
Prague - Brno - Pilsen - Budweis - Karlbad
Proven Czech Republic & Prague Destination Management Company: DMC and
Planner
for Specialist Incentive, Conference, Event and Convention Travel Organisers Worldwide
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AIMS INTERNATIONAL
(IAPCO / IATA / EVENTIA / MPI / SITE)
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COUNTRY MAP
(Map by kind permission of the CIA Official Website)
General Information
Company
Founded in January 1979 as part of AHR Travel, AIMS International has a long and
successful tradition of service to the conference and incentive travel industry.
Their skilled staff have vast experience, having planned, set up and operated superb
conference, event and incentive programmes for a host of major worldwide corporations.
AIMS International is one of the few Destination Management Companies purely handling
business group travel that deals with the whole of Austria, as well as many of the
neighbouring countries, including Hungary and the Czech and Slovakian Republics.
AIMS International has an office in Prague to ensure that they remain at the forefront
of conference, event and incentive travel in central Europe to ensure that both
the standard and the timing of the response you receive is comparable to the service
level you have grown to expect from AIMS we would request that you initially contact
the Vienna office.
Prague has shown that it is one of the fastest growing European city destinations
for both incentive and conference groups alike and AIMS have been responsible for
operating many groups there especially from the UK market. AIMS are now able to
enhance their service level even more by having their own staff available on-site
during your visit.
Destination
YOUR SUCCESS IN PRAGUE
Situated at the heart of Europe the capital of the Czech Republic, is often
called the "City of a Hundred Spires" or the "Golden City". The styles of all historical
periods are revealed in its architecture including Baroque, Gothic and Art Nouveau.
The very setting of Prague adds to its uniqueness. The city grew up in the basin
of the longest Bohemian river, the Vltava and gradually came to cover the surrounding
hill-slopes and plateaux. A walk through the narrow streets of the historic centre,
along the embankments, across the bridges and in the lively pedestrian zones offer
delightful views to add to your impression of this magnificent city.
In the sphere of culture Prague is home to many well-known theatres, orchestras,
large museums and art galleries. Many major sports events also take place in Prague,
including European and World Championships.
Prague has become an important tourist centre with its abundance of good sightseeing,
restaurants, shopping and a varied nightlife making it a perfect incentive destination,
within a reasonably short flying time of the UK.
Example Programme
DAY ONE
Early afternoon arrival with meet and greet service and luggage assistance.
Transfer to the hotel. Welcome basket in room with fruit, snacks and drinks.
Walking tour in the late afternoon passing the Old Town Square, admiring the unique
astronomical clock, the outstanding Tyn Cathedral, the Powder Tower, the famous
business street "Na prikope" and the Wenceslas Square.
Dinner at the brewery "U Fleku" dating back to 1499.
At "Knight's room" enjoy a sumptuous dinner and sing-along entertainment, including
folklore dance presentation.
Alternative:
Private concert performance at the Chapel of Mirrors for the entire group is possible
and afterwards the group could dine together at the nearby new restaurant "Bellevue".
DAY TWO
Morning departure for a visit to Prague Castle (Hradcany) by coach or,
even more adventurous, by an old-timer tram ride up to the castle, with jazz music
and refreshments on board. The journey would take approx. 30 minutes.
Upon arrival, the party would split into various smaller groups, exploring the many
sights, such as the Strahov monastery with the famous National Library where some
130,000 books are deposited.
From there enjoy the outstanding view over Prague before continuing to Loreto church,
the exact copy of the original Santa Casa in Italy. Walking through the narrow streets
you will pass many medieval palaces before reaching the Hradcany castle, the largest
castle complex in Europe which is more than 1,000 years old. Visit of St. Vitus
Cathedral and the Royal Palace before enjoying some time at leisure at the romantic
"Golden Lane", famous for the little houses and their shops. The opportunity exists
to buy some souvenirs.
Afterwards, bus transfer to the pier. Board a privately chartered boat for a 45
minutes journey to "Castle Troja", with refreshments aboard.
On arrival walk through the gardens to the "Stables" where lunch will be served.
After lunch guided tour through the art gallery before returning back to Prague
by deluxe coach.
Tonight enjoy a performance of "The Laterna Magika", the best show in town, featuring
multi-media techniques of a high standard which embrace music, mime, ballet film,
humour, surrealism and philosophy.
DAY THREE
Late morning departure by coach for the 30 minutes drive to the south-east
of Prague (35km) to "Castle Pruhonice" where you enjoy a picnic lunch in the grounds
of the castle. Possible theme, such as "The Twenties", etc.
The botanical garden is worth visiting, comprising an abundance of trees, flowers,
lakes, waterfalls etc. and it serves the Czechs as a recreation area. Picnic lunch
on the lawn, tent as back up for bad weather.
Instead of using a coach, the transfer could be arranged by chauffeur-driven old-timer
cars.
In the evening leave the hotel by deluxe coach for a gala dinner in one of the private
rooms at the Municipal House.
Fanfare blowers announce the guests arrival before cocktails, followed by gala dinner
accompanied by either classical or folklore programme. Possible show block of the
"Black Theatre".
DAY FOUR
At leisure until departure for the airport.
Theme Party Ideas for Incentives
U FLEKU EVENING
Deluxe coach transfer or even more special, transfer by old timer tram
to the pub "U Fleku".
Upon arrival a guided tour through the brewery tasting the delicious Porter beer
and watching a video presentation of the beer production. A small souvenir is given
to each guest in remembrance of the evening. Afterwards proceed into one of the
cosy and rustic rooms for a typical Czech dinner, such as Goulash and bread dumplings
with plenty of beer and a "Schwejk" music duo to guarantee a most enjoyable evening.
CITADEL MEDIEVAL EVENING
An approx. 20-30 minutes drive from Prague in the village Drevcice lies
the Citadel with the same name, dating back to 1051. It consists of 3 floors and
a vaulted gothic basement with a total capacity for 600 pax (220 pax on each floor).
Inside the citadel, there are wooden beam ceilings propped by original period columns.
A wooden staircase interconnects the individual floors. The whole area is lightened
by impressive combinations of candles and resinous kindling sticks. Enjoy a medieval
feast and an abundant program with justing of brave knights, performance of a fire
spitter and medieval games.
BOAT TRIP
Enjoy panoramic views of Prague whilst you are being served refreshments
and snacks. Wide choice of musical entertainment.
HOT- AIR BALLOON FLIGHTS
Admire Prague and the countryside from a spectacular birds eye view. Afterwards
the party is rewarded with a certificate and champagne.
HISTORICAL FENCING
Fencers dressed in historical costumes dating back to the 14th -17th century
re-enact duels. During the presentation both different styles and progression of
fighting over the centuries are shown.
MEDIEVAL MUSIC
Enjoy medieval or renaissance music played on original instruments. Perfect
background for all sorts of events.
PANTOMIME COURSE
With the famous pantomime Boris Hübner in his "Studio Gag".
A Few Extra Touches
HISTORICAL FENCING
Fencers dressed in historical costumes dating back to the 14th-17th century
re-enact duels. During the presentation different styles and the progression of
fighting over the centuries are shown.
MEDIEVAL MUSIC
Enjoy medieval or renaissance music played on original instruments. Perfect
background for all sorts of events.
PANTOMIME COURSE
With the famous pantomime Boris Hybner in his "Studio Gag".
Suggested Sightseeing
HALF DAY TOURS
Prague Castle (Hradcany)
Morning departure for a visit to Prague Castle (Hradcany) by coach. The possibility
exists to enjoy an old-timer tram ride up to the castle, with music and refreshments
on board. First stop at the Strahov monastery with the famous National library where
some 130,000 books are deposited. From there enjoy the outstanding view over Prague
before continuing to Loreto church, the exact copy of the original Santa Casa in
Italy. Walking through the narrow streets you will pass many medieval palaces, before
reaching Hradcany castle, the largest castle complex in Europe, more than 1,000
years old. Visit of St. Vitus Cathedral and the Royal Palace before enjoying some
time at leisure at the romantic "Golden Lane", famous for the little houses and
their shops. The opportunity exists to buy some souvenirs.
Old Town
Starting from Wenceslas Square you will come to the "Golden Cross" - the cross-roads
located at the very centre of Prague and being also the beginning of the pedestrian
mall of the city. Through the famous business street "Na prikope", dominated by
the Powder Tower, you will proceed to the Celetna street, the medieval thoroughfare
of the town, nowadays a romantic lane with plenty of beautiful Baroque and Rococo
buildings. You will see the Old Town Square and admire the Old Town with its unique
astronomical clock and the outstanding Tyn Cathedral. Through the romantic lanes
of the former Jewish Quarter and the Old Town you will come to the famous Charles
Bridge, crossing the river to the Lesser Town Square and the visit the Baroque church
of St. Nicholas where the tour could end.
Additional:
Throughout this walking tour, again in smaller groups with different
"routings", several "surprises" are awaiting the participants at certain check-points.
- 4-5 "Marionettes" are performing excerpts out of Emperor Rudolph's II. life. -
1-2 couples dressed up in Renaissance costumes are performing music out of this
period.
- 2-3 couples dancing a "Mozart" minuet.
- "Schwejk" duo is playing traditional soldier and marching songs.
The Jewish Prague
From the original Jewish Quarter, only six out of nine synagogues, the
Town Hall and a part of the Jewish Cemetery were preserved. While numerous excellent
writers and artists were inspired by narrow lanes, the mystical and romantic atmosphere
and by suggestive local legends to creative deeds, the rationally thinking Prague
city fathers seized the occasion to create building sites for new and presentable
building projects directly in the city centre. Visit the Old New Synagogue (the
oldest part dates back to the 13th century, making the it the oldest preserved synagogue
in Europe) and the Old Jewish Cemetery. Among more than 12,000 tombstones are those
of important personalities such as Rabbi Löw, Davis Gans, etc. In addition, you
are looking out for the "Golem". The clay man, created by Rabbi Löw, had prophetic
faculties. It is said that the lifeless Golem has been lying in the loft of the
Old New Synagogue.
The Prague of Franz Kafka (and other literary men)
Hardly any other town in the world has produced so many poets and artists
in such a small area and in such a short time. Prague catered to every culture -
German, Jewish and Czech - the humus of familiarity. A walk will show how the geniuses
lived and worked. Friedrich Torberg was one of them. He learnt how to write the
"Prager Tagblatt"- or Egon Erwin Kisch - the only "raging reporter" of the twenties
and thirties who is read even today. But hardly any other name is more connected
with Prague than the name of Franz Kafka. "This mummy has claws", he said about
his native town, which did not release its hold on him for his entire life. Visit
his birthplace, his school and his preferred bars, e.g. "U Golema".
Mozart in Prague
"If one city has the right to call itself 'the city of Mozart'- it is neither
Salzburg, which Mozart hated, nor Vienna, which let him starve and forget in a common
grave, but only his 'Golden Prague'." These words from Mozart's biography (by A.
Schurig, 1913) are maybe a little rude, but it is without doubt that Mozart spent
a prosperous time in Prague. After the great success of "The Marriage of Figaro"
he visited Prague several times. He preferred to stay at the Dusek' summerhouse
at Bertramka were he finished the score to Don Giovanni, just before its premiere
at the Estate Theatre which was just the place for a Mozartean premiere. Trace Mozart's
steps on the Old Town, before boarding an old-timer tram which takes you to the
Villa Bertramka, originally a suburban homestead, where Mozart stayed during his
visits to Prague between 1787 and 1791 upon invitation of Frantisek Xaver Dusek
and his wife Josefine. Today a museum, take the chance for a short concert, refreshments
to be served.
Cookery Classes
Could be arranged at the hotel premises, or a visit to an appropriate restaurant
such as the "Vikarka", or the "U Modre Ruze", could be incorporated in the sightseeing
tour.
Konopiste
Konopiste Chateau on the edge of the district town of Benesov, 45 km south
of Prague. Originally a French type castle with four towers dating from c.1300,
many times rebuilt. The present chateau was given its form in 1889 - 1894 when it
belonged to the successor to the Austro-Hungarian throne Ferdinand d'Este. In 1914
a secret meeting with the German Emperor Wilhelm was held here. Valuable collections,
e.g. armour, statues and pictures of St. George, etc. English park with a rose garden
and sculptures brought from Italy.
Guided tour through the chateau, before returning back to Prague.
FULL DAY TOURS
Melnik
The castle of Czech princesses and queens, located on the confluence of
the Labe and Vlatava rivers. It was rebuilt into a Renaissance chateau in the second
half of the 16th century. The complex was recently returned to the Lobkovic family
to whom it had belonged since 1739.
During this excursion you will enjoy the lovely country side, the famous centre
of Bohemian wine production. Guided tour through the castle and afterwards enjoy
a wine tasting in the royal wine cellar. Return transfer back to Prague.
Carlsbad (Karlovy Vary)
Departure from Prague for an approx. 2 hours bus drive to the spa village
Carlsbad, also famous for the "Moser" crystal and for the "Becherovka" factory.
Throughout the bus drive a video on Carlsbad can be shown to pass the time and some
refreshments and snacks are handed out to the participants. Upon arrival enjoy a
guided tour through the "Becherovka" factory, which was founded by Jan Becher in
1807, who dubbed the product (herbals based Schnapps) based on an Englishman's recipe.
The tour gives you an excellent insight into the Schnapps production and in the
end you are invited to taste the products (various kinds of Becherovka), followed
by shopping at the adjacent store.
After the tour enjoy some lunch at the famous "Grandhotel Pupp",.
In the afternoon shopping at leisure or possible visit to the "Moser" crystal factory.
Zvikov and Orlik
Morning departure by coach to the ruins "Zvikov" and the castle "Orlik",
both of these impressive buildings are owned by the famous Schwarzenberg family.
During the bus ride of approx. 1 1/2 hours to the ruin "Zvikov" the tourguide would
keep everybody interested, listening to Prague's history and the Czech life style
in general. Upon arrival in "Zvikov", brief walk to the ruin for a sightseeing tour,
with boat trip afterwards (weather depending , otherwise transfer by coach) to the
castle "Orlik". Luncheon at the original Czech restaurant "U Toryka", which is part
of the castle. Afterwards guided tour through the magnificent castle admiring the
hunt exhibits of the Princes of Schwarzenberg.
Welcome Gifts
- Bohemian Crystal (Moser)
- Prague book
- Bottle of "Becherovka" (herb liqueur)
- Wooden puppets
- Art and Craft Items
Convention Centres
INDUSTRIAL PALACE (Vystaviste)
Space - 28.330 sq. metres
No. of rooms: 7.
Capacity of largest 7.670 sq. metres
HOTEL HILTON
Space - 1.616 sq. metres
No. of rooms: 17
Capacity of largest 611 sq. Metres.
PRAGUE CONGRESS CENTRE
Main halls: 20
Meeting rooms: 60
Capacity of break out rooms from 10 to 2 766 pax
Plenary Hall Capacity: 2766 pax (incl. balcony)
Total Capacity: 9000 pax
Multipurpose: Exhibitions, Concerts, Seminars, Meetings, Social
and Business Activities, Training Courses and Presentations
Specialist Groups
- All types of Special Interest