Beer & Baroque: A Highbrow Brew Tour

This tour was great! Private time in the libraries was amazing and the information Matt gave us was very in-depth and captivating. Great food and beer topped off the experience nicely!

My husband and I had the privilege of spending the morning with Vadim. We began our day by visiting the Strahov Library and going behind the ropes (which can only be done with a guide). It was a truly unique experience as we were the only people behind the ropes and were able to see and learn so much about the library's history. Next, we visited Strahov Monastery Brewery for a quick bite to eat and were able to try some of the local beers. After this, we continued to Břevnovský Klášter where we were able to explore the grounds, see the river that had previously been used by the monks to create beer, and then enjoyed a flight of local beers while learning more about the history of Břevnovský Klášter. It was truly an amazing day and we highly recommend Vadim and his company for this and other tours that they have in cities in the future.

Our tour with Vlad was fantastic. Our small tour turned into a private one in which we felt like rock stars being ushered behind the gate and the envious crowds to immerse ourselves into the libraries. This is the first tour I’ve taken notes for as the information was so interesting and relevant to today’s culture. The brewery portion of the tour made me feel like I was in the days of old, debating culture and politics at the pub over some fantastic beer. Was an amazing day. Thank you Vlad for all you shared!!

This was a extremely informative and fun experience. Beginning with behind-the-ropes access to the Strahov library, our guide Vadim delivered a stimulating and informative narrative on the historical context of what we were seeing. He then capped it off with beer tasting sessions at two nearby breweries, with stimulating conversations about a variety of subjects amongst our small group. Wholly enjoyable and worthwhile. Vadim was great—passionate and friendly. Well done.

This was one of the best tours we have ever done. Great value. Vadim was wonderful, took the time to get to know us and what we wanted to experience out of this tour and the city of Prague. It was just us on the tour which really made the experience. We did the library as well which was phenomenal. Vadim was so knowledgeable and personable. We cannot recommend this tour enough. We know we will look into other Insight Cities tours!

Vadim was an excellent guide and we had a great time on our tour! The libraries at Strahov are breathtaking, well worth the trip out there. I felt quite special being able to walk around the room, walk right up to the books and look at them while guests without the special access could only take pictures from either end. Vadim’s commentary made it come alive even more, he really did a wonderful job of explaining the context of the library’s creation. Even my father, who claims to know everything, admitted he learned a few new things - a true miracle. And the beer was excellent! The conversation flowed freely between the three of us and it was overall an enjoyable experience.

Library at the monestary is not worth the price. You can only look into the library from behind a barrier. Beer is good, caution the pub fills up early.

Matous was an amazing guide. The private library tour was incredible! He was so personable and informative we really enjoyed our time with him!

An absolutely wonderful tour! Vadim was a great tour guide. He is very knowledgeable and fun. Highly recommend this tour for lovers of baroque and great beer! We definitely enjoyed the library tour as well as the beer. My wife and I had a fabulous time!! And a big thank you to Vadim for showing us a great little spot for beers and snacks.

This is a great tour. With his tour you get to enter and e library (with an additional entry fee). Everyone else gets to look at the rough an open door. It is amazing that this books were maintained through the years.

Awesome tour, if you want to go inside the library at the monastery, then this is the tour for you. Normal ticket at monastery only let's you peek inside via a doorway. Our guide Vadim was incredible, he explained many details about the monastery and the library that other tours just don't provide. Vadim explained many fine points about baroque architecture. We also had beer at two different monasteries and he provided some good insights into monastery beer and its importance to the monastery and the surrounding towns in the middle ages. Vadim and his wife have unique degrees in history, art, and literature. They have the best tour guides who all have degrees in history or are in graduate programs. This means it isn't just a canned script. They actually interact with you to provide a personal experience based on your desires. Should note they also have tours in many other cities. Finally, Vadim was are really bright and entertaining host. I would give him 6 stars.

Talking with Vad is the kind of experience that reminds you why it is that we need great historians. He was so knowledgable, so effusive in his love of the spaces that we ended up talking to him far after the tour was over (generously he lent us some of his own time). And of course, we got to get a much closer view of perhaps one of the most stunning monuments to the pursuit of knowledge that I have ever been in. Cannot recommend this enough.

Had an amazing experience with Vad exploring some very old breweries and monasteries. The beer and history were amazing and the Strahov Monastery was beautiful. He will tailor the tour to what you want it to be. It was only two of us, so you’re not walking around with a large group of people, which was so nice. I would highly recommend this tour and also Vad’s company InsightCities! We wish we would’ve had more time in Prague to take another one of his tours. We absolutely loved it!

This tour is great! Our guide Vadim was extremely knowledgeable on the history and culture of every location we visited.. The library is very cool and the beer tastings were great. Vadim was very friendly and we really enjoyed our time on this tour. We would highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Prague!

The Tour was great, very informative and Vadim was a very knowledgeable guide through the Monasteries. Also we had a really good time testing and trying different beers brewed at the locations. A great experience!

Vad is an academic who shares his vast knowledge on this tour. Prepare to walk INSIDE the 2 libraries, when everyone else just takes a photo from outside! And in the end there is monastic beer tasting!

Our tour guide Vadim met us promptly at the meeting point. We were very fortunate as we were the only two on this tour. Vadim reviewed our options and his ideas for the tour. We set off on our journey and I can say that I was truly impressed by Vadim's knowledge of the library and the Monasteries. Further his knowledge of beer was super! The library was impressive. We had a private tour and it was an incredible place!! After the library and some beer tasting we walked down the hill to a nice pub for a beer and some snacks. I enjoyed Vadim's ability to keep us out of the over-crowded tourist spots. The tour was one of the bests tours I have taken in Prague.

I took the Strahov monastery tour with Vadim from Insight cities, and thoroughly enjoyed it. What made Vadim's tour special is not just his knowledge of the place and its history but his ability to communicate the feel and flavor of the people who lived then. It was fascinating to see the library with 50,000 volumes of books from a time when books were the only vehicles of learning. Vadim's running narrative also informed us about _why_ the Jesuits would have built it. A lovely morning that enriched my visit. Can't recommend enough!

We had the most amazing tour of Prague with Vadim and InsightCities! We took the Strahov Monastery/Beer Garden tour but it was SO MUCH more! From the time we met Vadim at our hotel until we said our goodbyes hours later -- we were enriched by the sights and the input he provided. Our visit to the Strahov library and the opportunity to spend significant time BEHIND the ropes and IN the library is truly a unique experience that will not be forgotten. To simply call our time with Vadim a "Monastery/Brewery Tour" doesn't do it justice -- We were able to see and learn so much more about the wonderful city of Prague. There are a lot of tours offered on the internet -- do yourself a favor and simply reach out to Vadim and his staff make the smart selection of InsightCities!

We had a great time with Vadim on this tour. We felt like we were with an old friend the entire tour, but we also felt like we were VIP. Vadim kept the tour very interesting and pointed out things we never would have noticed. Best beer we had the entire time we were in Europe. I would recommend Vadim with InsightCities for any tour!

Not a brewery tour, per se, but an incredibly informative tour of historic Prague. Vadim is an exceptionally knowledgeable historian and gained us privileged access to the monastery's ornate library of very old books. The tour focused on what we told him was of interest to us and he was extremely flexible. Highly recommend this tour if in Prague.

Touring with Vadim was wonderful! Engaging, informative, and really fun. Which says a lot for resident expats touring their own city.

What an awesome concept! Vadim was an amazing guide with so much expertise of both the vast history of the monasteries and Prague in general. He was quick to realise our personal interests and it truly felt like the tour would be tailor-made for us specifically. Visiting the most beautiful locations and chatting about history, culture and interests over beer, was an extraordinary experience. I would highly recommend this to anyone who has a passion for art, history and great beer. Thank you Vadim!

My girlfriend and I went on the Beer and Baroque tour early October, we both had an extremely wonderful time learning about Baroque and unique titbits of Czech history. We're both Czech expats and met in the Czech republic. She's an avid reader and I'm an amateur Photographer and I can say confidently we both had a fantastic experience visiting the Strahov library. I would have a hard time describing the beauty of the library, but I can say Vadim (our guide) was a wealth of knowledge throughout our tour of it. I learned a great deal about its unique history; the Fescos, the globes, unique works stored in the library.. Vadim was able to share his knowledge and answer all of our questions. After the library we went to the Břevnov Monastery where we met a very friendly Monk (Joseph). He took us through the chapel and below, where we got the opportunity to see the remnants previous chapels the current one is built upon. Through this part of the tour we got the opportunity to learn about the history of the Joseph's order, some new and exciting news surrounding the current Pope and his direction of the Christian faith, and all about the chapel and Břevnov monastery. That's without even mentioning the different types of beer we had at both Strahov and Břevnov Breweries; all of which were fantastic. I'm really happy I got the opportunity to go on this tour, and have the chance to learn so much about the Strahov library, monks & monastery at Břevnov, and Czech history. If you ever get the opportunity to get on one of the Insight City tours; even one of their online tours, I'd highly recommend it.. you won't be disappointed.

If I could give them more stars, I would! Do this tour, it's worth every penny. Our tour guide, Vadim, customized the tour to our background and interests. (Example: My husband majored in 20th-C. European History, so Vadim incorporated some related facts & sites into our tour.) Vadim is wonderfully knowledgable and a wonderful guy with whom to spend an afternoon. Being able to go "behind the rope" (literally, at the Strahov Monastery) in these monasteries is a special experience. The beer is fantastic. So much fun. We will be sending all of our friends to them.

I had so much fun on this tour. Vadim was excellent and had such in-depth knowledge. I learned a lot but had a lot of fun as well! Thanks again.

It was a rare privilege to stand among the historic books beneath the bright frescoes on the ceiling of the Strahov monastery; rare, because access is strictly controlled in order to protect these priceless treasures from the humidity that humans emit. Somehow, Vadim had arranged an exclusive visit for our small group in, and I could see the people craning to see in from behind the roped-off entrance wished they were in our shoes. As awe-inspiring as the paintings were, I wouldn't have been nearly as moved by them without Vadim's guidance and interpretation. He is knowledgeable, entertaining, and also, a good listener, making sure you see what is most interesting to you. At Brevnov, we were led behind the altar by Brother Joseph, himself a link back to more traditional times, another rare and illuminating experience. And the beers. The beers are fantastic, but more rewarding was the chance to relax and share impressions with the other people on the tour. I think these tours attract interesting people.

I have lived in Prague for almost three years and thought I had uncovered most of its amazing treasures. Absolutely wrong. Taking this tour with Vadim was an absolute gift! Vadim was able to take us to the Strahov Monastery library - understandably closed to the general public but a once-in-a-lifetime chance to be exposed to the beauty, knowledge and history housed within its lined walls and ornately painted ceilings. I am not a history buff, but Vadim provided the context and information that allowed me an understanding and appreciation of the events of the past centuries that surrounded us in the library. Brevnov Monastery was again a fantastic learning experience with a dive into its hidden history. All this knowledge acquisition was thirsty work, so tasting the beers originally made by the monks of both monasteries was a perfect addition to the tour. Excellent experience!!

This is such an amazing tour and our guide was so knowledgeable and fun. I would definitely recommend this to anyone looking to see parts of Prague off the beaten path.

Vadim took us on a private tour inside the Strahov and Brevnov monasteries, including the wonderful library. He did what few tour guides can do -- he not only offered information about the places we visited, but used it to illustrate the cultural history of Prague and the Czech lands. Definitely one of the most informative tours I've been on.

Vadim was a great guide. Very knowledgeable. It is a must tour when in Prague! Going inside the library was incredible!

We could not have imagined what an amazing tour this would be! Matous was a fantastic guide who gave us great information about the history of the area and related topics, and with whom we also enjoyed having a couple of beers! He was so enthusiastic about this topic and happily answered all of our questions. We really enjoyed getting to spend the afternoon with him, and the setting could not have been more amazing! There is no way I would have guessed that we would get to go into those libraries, and it was such a unique and memorable experience! If you do one tour in Prague, I would strongly recommend this one!

Excellent guiding by Vadim, professional yet personal and we had time for a few beers, as well as some anecdotes. Would highly recommend this tour. /Lars

It was a rainy day so we had to adjust a little. Beer was good, and Vad's knowledge was over the top. Ended up spending 5 hours with him learning about Czech history

Vadim gave my husband and I a true learning experience. He shared an incredible amount of knowledge with us, answering all of our questions and giving us background. He is a worldly, fun, good sense of humor. We had a private tour, starting with the governmental gardens. We then went to the first Strahov monastery. We were able to enter the gorgeous library where all the other people had to stay behind the small door. Vadim shared so many interesting details of the library, the books, the hidden doors, the furniture. Breathtaking! A MUST! Next we went to Brevnov monastery and brewery. We got to try some of the delicious beer from both breweries while learning more about Vadim, the culture, the city. I would HIGHLY recommend this tour with Vadim!

The Strahov Klastern brewery has possibly the best beer 🍺 in the world. The Strahov brewery, drinking hall, and restaurant are in the Monastery compound. Not only are the beers excellent, the service is good, the prices are low and the nice selection of food is nicely prepared. We have made this a nearly daily stop during our annual visit to Prague. I was there just a week ago and I already miss it.

This is one of those rare treat experiences that a tourist gets to have from time to time! The tour started right on time at the meeting place where Vadim was expecting for us. He then took us on a slow-paced and leisurely walking tour of the Strahov and Břevnov Monasteries and their micro-breweris, where we stopped for short beer-tasting breaks. Along the way, Vadim explained to us fact and figures about the history and architecture we have passed by followed by detailed and entertaining explanations about the monasteries, Baroque, and beer tradition in Prague/ the Czech Republic. Excellent artisanal beer at the breweries! One of the major highlights of the tour for us was the Strahov Monastery Library - a gem of architecture and culture. The experience was greatly enhanced by Vadim's on-point explanations. Excellent tour with a terrific guide, very passionate about his job; a must do while in Prague!

My tour guide was very personable and engaging, also having a great understanding of Prague's history and very knowledgeable about beer. The tour lets you see some great sights, and the guide himself makes it even better. Would recommend to anyone who likes beer and/or history. Best tour that I have taken in Prague.

We really enjoyed our visit to the Treasury and the libraries which are quite spectacular. Don't not go! Our visit to the brewery restaurant produced the second worst meal of our trip.

<p>Travis did an awesome job. The library was incredible and we had a great time sampling beer and visiting the breweries. Highly recommend this tour!</p>

<p>The libraries and breweries were great and we had a very informative guide. I would have liked to see more of the Churches in these monasteries</p>

<p>5 Star Experience - Star 1: Our guide Vadim is a brilliant historian and global citizen who lent a fun, approachable, intellectual air to our tours of the Strahov and Breznov monasteries and breweries. Star 2: The itinerary allows for a unique perspective on the history of Prague. Politics, War, Intrigue, its a saga worthy Gore Vidal and not the run-of-the-mill 'greatest hits of Prague' tour most visitors will do. Star 4: Great beer at two Prague breweries with their own stories to tell. History AND a tasty beer buzz? YES. Star 5: I'm an architecture/history enthusiast and book collector - going 'behind the velvet ropes' and walking through the Strahov Monastery libraries is one of the highlights of my life - seriously. Bonus Star: I've been around the world and participated in some great tours before, Vadim is at the very top in terms of personality, passion and knowledge. Between Vadim and the tour itself you will have cocktail party stories for months. Just go ahead and book this tour right now.</p>

<p>I simply cannot say enough good about our guide, Vadim. He is an American who know lives in Prague, and he tailored the tour to my husband and mine's interests. The tour began at the gardens of the Wallenstein Palace, just below Prague Castle. Vadim provided context and background for the statues and gardens, which greatly added to our understanding an enjoyment of the location. From there, we went to the grounds of the Strahov Monastery, where we were able to go through the world famous library in a 'behind the lines' tour. There is an additional fee for this, payable to the library, but it is well worth it. The Strahov Library is simply one of the most breathtaking places I have ever witnessed. From there, we went to the Brevnov Monastery, which is now an active brewery. We learned a bit about the brewing process and were able to sample some of the beer made on site. It was absolutely one of our favorite days in Prague, and we highly recommend this tour, especially for bibliophiles!</p>

Very nice city! to visit without hesitation monuments, museums organized as never seen. There is no need for cars as public transport of all kinds goes by the second. For 65-year-old European citizens public transport is free (but make sure with staff)