Explore the Czech Republic

“The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it from the magnificent Old Town Square with its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, evident on every street, especially in the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.

Don't listen to the Praguers when they tell you Brno is dull. They probably haven't been in a while. This provincial city and capital of the South Moravia region has plenty to keep you occupied. A tech boom in the 2000s and onwards has raised salaries and expectations all round and the city center is alive with cool places. The NY Times called Brno an architectural mecca, and you'll definitely want to reserve tickets to see Villa Tugendhat, a UNESCO-listed functionalist villa built for a wealthy industrialist's family in the 1920s by renowned architect Mies van der Rohe. Brno is also a great base for trips to the wine hills of Southern Moravia and to the Moravian Karst, where the Punkva Cave is the most popular attraction.

UNESCO-listed Cesky Krumlov (pronounced CHES-kee KROOM-lohv) is the second most visited place in the Czech Republic and for good reason. A 2.5 hour drive south of Prague, it is a prime example of Bohemian village life. The town is highlighted by a castle which houses more than 300 rooms and is the second largest in the Czech Republic. The Vltava river flows through the old town, which is a labyrinth of cobblestone alleyways with delightful shops. No matter where you are, all the town's highlights are no more than five minute walk away. Cesky Krumlov is surrounded by verdant hills, making it an ideal place for outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, horseback riding, or even golfing. A canoe or rafting trip on the Vltava should not be missed. It is also a city of culture and art, with seven museums and four galleries as well as medieval, music and theater festivals taking place year round. The castle gardens even have a unique rotating stage. For beer lovers, the city has its own brewery. The local brew is served around town in traditional taverns and restaurants where you can enjoy typical hearty Czech dishes in a unique classic setting.

Karlovy Vary is not just the most famous spa town in the Czech Republic, it's also a beautiful place with its own atmosphere. Whether you're coming to enjoy the spas and luxury hotels, or just to have a look around, Karlovy Vary's special atmosphere shines through. The most interesting parts of the town are centered around a gorgeous promenade lined with fountains offering the town's famous different mineral waters, drunk from special porcelain cups on sale nearby.The city has more to offer than medicinal water, as it's also home to Moser, the famous glassmaker, and the beloved Becherovka herbal liquor. Karlovy Vary is also famous in the film industry, as it hosts one of Europe's largest and oldest film festivals, which still attracts Hollywood's big names.

“The Golden City,” “The City of 100 Spires,” “The Mother of Cities,” Prague has no shortage of nicknames paying homage to its charm and beauty. Prague’s winding cobblestone streets, gorgeous architecture and atmospheric bridges are fabled. Get up early and stroll across the statue-lined Charles Bridge. Soak it from the magnificent Old Town Square with its 600-year old astronomical clock. From exploring history and modern culture on foot, to traveling farther afield to take in the picturesque countryside and fairytale villages, you’ll have an itinerary full of adventure and relaxation. Besides the city’s history, evident on every street, especially in the beautifully preserved former Jewish Quarter, you can delve into the city’s gastronomy. You can literally dive into some of Europe’s best beers by visiting a beer spa, or explore its beloved breweries with walking tours, or enjoy a dinner cruise. Day-trip destinations include scenic castles, the perfect spa town, and Kutna Hora with its “bone church” and gothic cathedral. Prague is a city of history that comes to life for every visitor, no matter their interests.