Prague

A historic jewel hidden away at the heart of Europe, the Czech Republic packs a lot of punch for such a small country. No bigger than Scotland or South Carolina, it’s crammed with fairytale castles, medieval towns, elegant spa resorts and scenic national parks. And on top of all that, it’s the birthplace of the world’s finest beer.
For a country that’s only been around since 1993, the Czech Republic does a fine job of showcasing an exciting history. Here the past becomes real. Unravel the history of Bohemia and Moravia, the two ancient lands that now make up the modern Czech Republic and you’re unearthing the history of Europe itself.
And when you’ve had your fill of the past, return to Prague, one of the world’s most beautiful and cultured cities, and one of the most exciting with a dynamic music and arts scene. Down the world’s best beer in the brewery towns of Plzen and Ceske Budejovice, and discover the laid-back backpacker scenes in Cesky Krumlov and Telc. Everywhere you go, you’ll meet a forthright people, proud of their heritage, but now confidently taking their place in a modern, united Europe.

1. The Lednice-Valtice area

The complex consists of various chateau buildings, garden structures and decorative sculpture of various styles, set amidst ponds and woods. The Valtice chateau is surrounded by a beautiful natural park dotted with many Romantic structures (“follies”), rare trees and greenhouses with tropical plants.
The area is crisscrossed with a dense network of hiking and biking trails and is perfect for exploring in combination with the surrounding wine country.

2. Prague

For centuries it has been known as Zlata Praha or Golden Prague - a glittering jewel of art and architecture nestling snugly at the heart of Europe. Home to emperors and kings, artists and astronomers, this beautiful and fascinating city has worked its subtle magic on generations of visitors, and lent inspiration to musicians and writers from Mozart to Dvorak and Kafka to Klima. Prague is the capital and largest city of the Czech Republic. Its population is about 1.2 million people. The city is situated along both banks of the Vltava River. The city has traditionally been one of the principal intellectual and artistic centers of central Europe. Its brilliant cultural life declined during the period of Communist rule (1948-89) but experienced a revival with the restoration of democratic government in December 1989. Prague is the political, administrative, financial, and commercial heart of the Czech Republic.
Dating from medieval times, the old center of Prague consists of five sectors. The Old Town, the New Town, and the Josefov (once a Jewish ghetto) are on the eastern bank of the river. Located on the western bank are the Lesser Quarter and the Hradcany, which surround the majestic complex of Hradcany Castle–former residence of the Czech kings and since 1918 the seat of Czechoslovakia’s presidents. The oldest of the bridges spanning the Vltava is the Charles Bridge, begun in 1347. Other noteworthy sights of Prague: Jewish Cemetery, Parisian Street, Wencels Square.
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