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Day breaks in Prague
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Within this small country in the heart of Europe, created in 1993 when the former Czechoslovakia peacefully divided into the Czech Republic and Slovak Republic, the visitor will find a fascinating mix of destinations that are rich both culturally and historically, from the beautiful and well-preserved capital city Prague, to a countryside dotted with castles and spa resorts, and great facilities from thermal baths to skiing, hiking and cycling trails for all to enjoy. For many, though, their trip begins in Prague, which is a significant centre for culture, education and transportation, featuring many theatres, museums, galleries and exhibition spaces within easy reach by air or road from anywhere in Europe. Having escaped the ravages of the Second World War, it is also displays some of Europe's most impressive architectural heritage, not only in terms of its individual monuments in its stunning Old Town such as the Castle, Cathedral and Charles Bridge, but moreover in the way that it can tell a complete story of the development of the city over time, as borne out by the historical buildings from all eras that exist together in such a harmonious arrangement near the banks of the Vltava.
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Czeský Krumlov
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Beyond Prague, the country offers the regions of Bohemia and Moravia for further exploration. In central Bohemia, the castles of Karlstejn and Krivoklat are both set within important natural parks of undulating, hilly terrain to the north, plains to the east and the Krivoklat Highlands in the west. All of these areas form a region ideally suited to outdoor recreation, and great facilities are available for hikers and watersports enthusiasts. This is the area that many city dwellers withdraw to for stays in cosy wooden weekend chalets. Further south, the historic town of Cesky Krumlov lies within an untouched countryside of lakes and forests, and the Holasovice Village features a wonderful collection of authentic folk buildings. West Bohemia however became famous through its unique range of mineral springs whose healing effects led to the establishment of world-famous spa towns. It is possible to enjoy curative stays within luxury facilities which are well placed also for tours of the local sights: this is a region of parks and chateaux as well as being near to the ski resorts of Bozi Dar, Klinovec and Potucky in the Ore Mountains. In Bohemia, the national parks of Sumava and Krkonose, and the UNESCO reserve of Krivoklatsko offer further natural beauty, while the city of Plzensko (Pilsen) is a mecca for beer-drinkers as well as being worth a visit for its historic monuments which date back to King Wenceslas II. The monumental sandstone 'rock town' Prachovske scaly is located in the region of Cesky raj, an area of bizarre and unique geology as well as historic ruins, which has been the focus for many Czech poetry and writing.
On the border between Bohemia and Moravia, the attractions are the amazing town of Trebic, with its old Jewish quarter, the renaissance town of Telc, and the pilgrimage church of St.John of Nepomuk at Zelena Hora. In the south of Moravia, it is the production of wine that have had most impact on its landscape, while the towns of Brno and Mikulov have interesting sights, many of them featured within the area's rich folklore. In central Moravia, tourists flock to the impressive chateau and gardens of Kromericz, while its countryside can be explored easily by bicycle or on foot via the well-marked trails that form a network throughout the region.
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