Former Czechoslovakia Round Trip

“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.

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.

Mikulov is a delightful small town in Moravian wine country. On the edge of the Palava hills and surrounded by vineyards, there's no mistaking the drink of choice in this part of the Czech Republic. The prevalence of wine owes much to the area's relatively sunny weather. The focal point of daily life in the town is the main square, where you'll find a good variety of cafes and wine bars. Gastronomy is a focus in Mikulov and there are several excellent restaurants where you can taste local seasonal dishes. An educational path of the Jewish Quarter runs through the town, highlighting 14 remaining buildings and monuments such as Jewish houses, the synagogue, Jewish cemetery and a medieval Jewish bath.

The capital of Slovakia and the largest city in the country, Bratislava is the political and cultural epicenter of the region. It has quickly joined the ranks of modern EU capitals, sitting at the crossroads of German, Slovak, Hungarian, and Jewish influences. You’ll see this reflected in the architecture and design of the city, as well as in its cuisine. A true city of culture, Bratislava boasts numerous theaters, museums, galleries, and concert halls. In the past, giants of classical music including Mozart, Haydn, Beethoven, Rubinstein, and Hummel have composed and performed here. Step through a gateway into the walled-in Old Town and you’ll find cobblestone streets, pedestrian alleys and plazas, 18th-century rococo buildings, and lively bars, restaurants, and cafes, from the traditional to the hip and modern. There is deep Jewish history here to explore. The most prominent site in the city is Bratislava castle, which sits stately on a hill overlooking the city on the Danube. Memorable excursions to wine country outside of Bratislava are available, where you can sample some of the region's finest wines. Bratislava’s compact size, combined with its variety of local activities and excursions, and its proximity to Vienna and the beautiful High Tatra mountains, make it a perfectly inviting destination.

Slovakia's second largest city, Kosice (pronounced "Kosh-eet-sa") features a well-preserved Old Town, rich with Art Nouveau, Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic exemplars. Literally standing above it all is the Gothic St. Elisabeth Cathedral, the country's largest church, which reflects 15th century Kosice's brief but glorious time as one of Europe's largest cities. Fought over by a confusing array of armies and kings, cosmopolitan Kosice's many inhabitants are reflected in its architecture and culture, with traces of the Jews, Germans, Turks, and Hungarians who have called this "City of Peace" home, helped make the place a European Capital of Culture, and given it more protected historical monuments than anywhere else in the country. Spend a day strolling the Old Town, then an evening indulging in its lively arts scene, and you won't leave disappointed.

Also known as the Slovakian Alps, the High Tatras are gorgeous at any time of year. Whether you’re skiing, hiking, or just relaxing, this is the perfect way to escape the bustle of the city to revel in the breathtaking nature of Central Europe. You’ll find numerous trails for all modes of transportation, from hiking to biking and skiing, whether downhill or cross-country. The mountain air is crisp and clean, the locals are friendly, and everywhere you look you’ll see a picture-perfect view. There are numerous ski resorts in the area, several of which have spas that offer massages and other wellness treatments. The High Tatras central location near the must-see cities of Budapest and Krakow also make it perfect for a stop-over, or the home-base for a series of day trips in the region. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventure or the ultimate in relaxation, you’ll find it nestled in the rolling hills and rocky crags of these incredible mountains and their unique, inviting atmosphere.

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.

“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.