Prague
Not quite as cheap as it once was, Prague, or Praha as the locals know it, is only gaining in popularity these days. And why wouldn’t half the world want to visit? The capital of the Czech Republic escaped virtually undamaged from World War II and avoided being redeveloped because of its extended era as a communist country.
Don’t miss the Old Town Square and one of Europe’s weirdest clocks – the Orloj, or astronomical clock, which puts on a little show every hour.
Prague Castle – dates from the 9th Century and is seriously massive and stunning.
The Charles Bridge – So beautiful you almost won’t believe it’s real, especially before the 10am tourist rush.
Jewish ghetto – The best-preserved old Jewish ghetto in Europe is a poignant reminder of times past. The Nazis chose not to destroy the ghetto and its six synagogues and cemetery because it was intended to be part of a museum of extinct races.
Cesky Krumlov
Sometimes referred to as a mini Prague, Cesky Krumlov is in southern Bohemia and is absolutely stunning.
Situated on the banks of the Vltava river, the town was built around a 13th-century castle with Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque elements. It is an outstanding example of a small central European medieval town whose architectural heritage has remained intact thanks to its peaceful evolution over more than five centuries.
Adrˇspach-Teplice Rocks
To say these sandstone rocks are unusual is understating the fact somewhat.
Situated up near the Polish border, this stunning area, home to the rocks, was declared a protected national nature reserve in 1933 and the whole adjacent region of Broumovsko has a status of protected landscape area since 1991. Very popular with climbers and hikers, sandy trails lead through lovely forests to the clusters of rocks.
