The Plague Doctor of Prague
Overview
In 1713, the plague returned to Prague. Most doctors suddenly remembered urgent business elsewhere. Alexandr Schamsky, 28 and apparently missing that survival instinct, stayed — treated patients, documented the chaos, somehow lived to tell the tale.
Three centuries later, follow his exact footsteps with a guide in full plague doctor costume: beaked mask, hooded cloak, leather bag and all. In 90 minutes you'll hear five competing theories on what caused the plague, taste a (modern, harmless) anti-plague pill, smell historic lavender oil and pass one of Europe's oldest hospitals - emerging with nothing worse than a newfound suspicion of avocados.
Real history. Real character. Zero actual plague.
Featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes. Suitable for all ages.
What's Included
- The knowledge that you survived. Alexandr Schamsky was not so lucky.
- A sniff of lavender oil - used by nobles to prevent plague and mask a year of not bathing.
- A group photo with your plague doctor at the end of the tour
- A tour featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes.
- Five root causes of the plague, explained with props, pictures and questionable medical advice
- 90 minutes of time travel with your personal plague doctor in full authentic historical costume
- A tasting of the legendary anti-plague pill - sugar-based, vegan, much safer than the original.
- A professional, licensed guide who is genuinely enthusiastic about medieval medical disasters
Meeting Location
Karlova 3
110 00 Praha 1-Staré Město, Czechia
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
What To Expect
Book Online
Safe & secure Easy breezy Hassle‑free
Aurus Hotel by Adrez
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Klementinum
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Marianske Namesti
10 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Old Town Square
5 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Church of Saint Simon and Jude
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
National Gallery Prague - Convent of St. Agnes
15 minutes Admission Ticket Free
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
Frequently Asked Questions (8)
Q: What is the cancellation policy for the The Plague Doctor of Prague?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
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Activity code: C-62337P3
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.92 out of 5 stars based on 150 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (8)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
Filter by:
- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CET).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- The knowledge that you survived. Alexandr Schamsky was not so lucky.
- A sniff of lavender oil - used by nobles to prevent plague and mask a year of not bathing.
- A group photo with your plague doctor at the end of the tour.
- A tour featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes.
- Five root causes of the plague, explained with props, pictures and questionable medical advice.
- 90 minutes of time travel with your personal plague doctor in full authentic historical costume.
- A tasting of the legendary anti-plague pill - sugar-based, vegan, much safer than the original.
- A professional, licensed guide who is genuinely enthusiastic about medieval medical disasters.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the The Plague Doctor of Prague is as follows:
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for The Plague Doctor of Prague will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What's Included
- The knowledge that you survived. Alexandr Schamsky was not so lucky.
- A sniff of lavender oil - used by nobles to prevent plague and mask a year of not bathing.
- A group photo with your plague doctor at the end of the tour
- A tour featured in the New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Vogue and Forbes.
- Five root causes of the plague, explained with props, pictures and questionable medical advice
- 90 minutes of time travel with your personal plague doctor in full authentic historical costume
- A tasting of the legendary anti-plague pill - sugar-based, vegan, much safer than the original.
- A professional, licensed guide who is genuinely enthusiastic about medieval medical disasters
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 20 travelers
