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Prague · Czech Republic
Private or Group Tour: Plague Doctor of Prague Tour
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From $28.46 per person
Current Project Expedition rate
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The Experience
What your day looks like
In 1713, the plague returned to Prague. Most of the city's doctors suddenly discovered they had urgent business elsewhere. Alexandr Schamsky, 28 years old and apparently lacking that survival instinct, stayed - treated patients, documented the outbreak and somehow lived to tell the tale. The Plague Doctor of Prague is a 90-minute walking tour through Prague's Old Town, led by a professional guide in full 17th-century plague doctor costume: beaked mask, hooded cloak and leather medical bag. The tour follows Schamsky's exact footsteps from the House of the Golden Well near Klementinum to St Agnes Convent, covering approximately 1.5–2 km of flat, accessible cobblestone streets. Over 90 minutes, guests will: - Discover five competing 18th-century theories on what caused the plague - Learn how quarantine was enforced in 1713 Prague - at sword point, if necessary - Smell the lavender oil plague doctors used as protection - Taste an anti-plague pill (modern, sugar-based, vegan-friendly) - Pass one of Europe's oldest continuously operating hospitals - Hear the story of Celestine Opitz, the surgeon who performed the first successful surgery under full anaesthesia in 1847 - Receive a Plague Doctor Diploma at the end of the tour The tour is built on genuine historical research - not generic facts recycled from a guidebook. Guests consistently describe it as the most memorable experience of their Prague visit. Light in the Dark has been running this tour since 2016, has welcomed guests from over 50 countries and has been featured by major international media including the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes. Practical details: Duration: 90 minutes Distance: approximately 1.5–2 km Start: House of the Golden Well, Seminářská 2, Prague 1 (near Klementinum) End: St Agnes Convent, Prague 1 Group size: maximum 15 people Suitable for: all ages Accessibility: flat route, no stairs, suitable for pushchairs and wheelchairs
At a Glance
The experience, in brief
- A 90minute costumed historical walking tour through Prague's Old Town, following the true story of Alexandr Schamsky — the plague doctor who stayed in Prague when the Black Death arrived in 1713 and everyone else left. One of Prague's most distinctive and highly rated experiences, featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes.
Detailed Itinerary
The journey, in full
Stop 1 — House of the Golden Well (Meeting Point) Meet your plague doctor and be introduced to Alexandr Schamsky - the real 28-year-old physician who stayed in Prague during the 1713 outbreak. Learn why this beautiful baroque building was constructed in 1715 to celebrate the end of the plague. Stop 2 — Klementinum One of Prague's most atmospheric courtyards, just 20 metres from the tourist crowds. Discover how the wealthy escaped the plague, how ordinary families were locked inside their homes by armed nightwatchmen and how Schamsky became a doctor against considerable odds. Stop 3 - New Town Hall & Virgin Mary Square An introduction to two types of plague - bubonic and pneumonic - including symptoms, survival rates and the surprising texture of a bubo. Not for the faint-hearted. Entirely worth it. Stop 4 - Old Town Square Learn about the Thirty Years' War, the role of merchants during plague times and how French perfume was accidentally invented as a public health measure. Guests also receive their first practical demonstration of lavender oil. Stop 5 - Franz Kafka Statue & Jewish Quarter Discover why certain communities of Prague fared very differently during the outbreak - and have a brief encounter with Franz Kafka, who like the plague, appears everywhere in Prague no matter what happens. Stop 6 - Hospital Na Františku Pass one of Europe's oldest continuously operating hospitals. Meet Celestine Opitz - the surgeon who performed the first successful anaesthesia surgery in 1847 - and receive the anti-plague pill. Stop 7 - St Agnes Convent (Finishing Point) Where Prague's very first plague cases were reported in the 13th century. Learn what happened to Alexandr Schamsky. Group photo with your plague doctor. Plague Doctor Diploma issued to all participants.
Your Itinerary
Your day, step by step
Day 1
Prague
Sightseeing at Clementinum.
Continued
Prague
Sightseeing at New Town Hall (Prague).
Continued
Prague
City/Town Tour at Old Town (Prague).
Continued
Prague
Sightseeing at Old Town Square.
Continued
Prague
Sightseeing at Statue of Franz Kafka.
Continued
Prague
Sightseeing at Jewish quarter.
Continued
Prague
Sightseeing at Convent of Saint Agnes (Prague).
Continued
Prague
Sightseeing at National Gallery Prague.
Before You Go
What to know before booking
Included
- Professional guide in full historical plague doctor costume - Anti-plague pill tasting (sugar-based, vegan, much safer than the 1713 recipe) - Lavender oil demonstration - Group photo at St Agnes Convent - A story about avocados you didn't ask for but won't forget
Not Included
Food & drinks
What to Bring
Works for all ages and all types of traveller - but especially memorable for history lovers, families and anyone who's ever wondered what a plague doctor actually kept in that bag. We recommend comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing, as our tours take place rain or shine. We will walk approximately 1.5km. Children must be accompanied by a parent - no exceptions, not even in a plague. Well-behaved dogs welcome on a leash. Bring water and waste bags. Fleas are strictly not welcome.
Meeting & Pickup
We will await you at the meeting point Seminářská 2, 110 00, Prague 1, directly next to the entrance of Hotel Aurus. You should be able to find us — we have a big bag, a lantern during evening tours, and are dressed a bit differently than others :-) Please arrive 5 minutes before the tour at the starting point to ensure a timely start.
Languages Offered
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Planning Notes
Hotel pickup offered: No Confirmation: Automatic
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